1. Curriculum Night 2014- 2015 Mrs. Smith & Mrs. Edwards 2 nd Grade Preparing today's learners for tomorrow's world by instilling in every student the 21st century skills, attitudes, and self-confidence for personal success.

2. Vision & Mission For J. Lyndal Hughes Elementary Vision Preparing today's learners for tomorrow's world by instilling in every student the 21st century skills, attitudes, and self- confidence for personal success. Mission The J. Lyndal Hughes Elementary School community is dedicated to providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment to meet the diverse needs of every child. Hughes Elementary is committed to developing excellence in all areas: socially, emotionally and academically.

3. I am Mrs. Smith and I graduated from the University of North Texas. I am certified EC-6 th and have my ELL certificate. I have taught grades K, 1 and 2 in a self contained classroom, and this is my first year in 2 nd grade departmentalized. I have been in NISD for 7 years. My husband, Steve, and I have 2 children. Easton is a senior and Cooper is a freshman at Byron Nelson High School. About the Teachers

4. I am Mrs. Edwards and I graduated from Abilene Christian University. I am certified EC-4 th and have my ELL and GATES certificate. I have taught grades 1 and 3 in a self contained classroom, and this is my first year in 2 nd grade departmentalized. I have been in NISD for 7 years. My husband, David, and I have 2 children. Kate is a sophomore at University of Arkansas and Kallie is a junior at Byron Nelson High School. About the Teachers

5. Attendanc e  Goal 98% - Last year was 96.8%  Students can not learn if they are not in school. Making up work at home does not make up for the teacher’s instruction.  School districts get money when students are in school. If NISD could improve attendance by 1% it would save the district 1 million dollars.  Our school day is from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The building opens at 7:20 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m. We do a lot of hands on activities, discussion and learning every day! So, if your child has to be absent, the best thing that they can do is read! We will get them back on track once they return.

6. Tardies  School hours – 7:45-2:45  The doors to the school open at 7:20  Breakfast is served from 7:20-7:40  Instruction begins promptly at 7:45

7. Classroom Management  We are a Love and Logic campus  We will give children warnings before writing on a calendar unless it is something they should know. (i.e. – no writing on walls)  Children can earn tickets that can be redeemed on Fridays for various “rewards”.

8. Pushing Students to Excel  Our aim is for all instruction to be at the student’s academic level.  Workshop Model of Instruction Reading Writing Math Science

9. Writer’s & Reader’s Workshop In Writer’s and Reader’s workshop students will engage in activities that build on their prior knowledge and skills in order to strengthen their reading, writing, and oral language. Students should come to 2 nd grade reading on or near a J level and leave reading on a M level.

10. Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop  Personal Goal Sheets  Small group instruction based on needs  Students practice concepts using books at their reading level.  Students perfect writing based on their specific needs, levels, and goals.  Students share out their thinking at the end of each work period.

11. Million Word Challenge  This is our 3rd Year for the Challenge  Students should read 20 book each six weeks. Picture books are worth one credit and chapter books are considered two  To earn credit for a book, the book must at the student’s reading level!  Read at home and school  Use Reading Logs – They must be filled out to earn credit  Awards will be given at the 6 Weeks Awards Assemblies to students that have met their goal for the grading period

12. Principal’s Book of the Month  Each six weeks a new book is introduced to the entire school.  The book centers around the Six Week’s character trait.  Mrs. Briggs, the school counselor, does character building lessons for that character trait.  Students respond to the books using a Reader’s Response format

13. Math Workshop  Concepts are introduced  Students explore a variety of ways to solve problems through games and practice within small groups, partners, or as individuals.  Students share out their thinking showing a variety of complexity

14. Origo - Stepping Stones Kathy Richardson &Van de Walle  Addition and Subtraction  Money and Time  Geometry, Measurement & Fractions  Number Sense  Graphing  Problem Solving (30 Minute Block everyday) Math

15. Science Workshop  Workshop model that mimics Language Arts and Math  Inquiry-based  5 E Model

16. Science  Process & Inquiry  Physical Systems (matter)  Earth Systems (plants/rocks)  Life Systems (life cycle)

17. Social Studies  We will be focusing on the many ways to show leadership.  Social Studies will be integrated into Language Arts.

18. Recess  Recess time is 12:10-12:40  We like to take the kids outside, weather permitting, so please make sure your child is dressed accordingly.

19. Dress Code Reminders  No backless shoes - (flip-flops included)  No halters or spaghetti straps (students must have shirts that cover the shoulder with at least a three finger width)  Shorts cannot be higher than three finger widths above the knee.  Please refer to the Student Handbook

20. Lunch Our lunch time is from 12:40-1:10 We do love having visitors, but we ask that you sit with only your child at our reserved parent tables. This will allow you to enjoy your lunch with your child!

21. Conference/Speci als Specials are from 11:15 - 12:10 We have no instructional time to waste on changing clothes/shoes, so please make sure your child is dressed accordingly. Students will only be allowed to change shoes for Specials on their way to that class. The specials schedule can be found on our website.

22. Graded Work We will be using a lot of notebooks this year to record our thoughts and to complete activities. We will also be doing a lot of hands on activities, therefore there will not be a lot of graded work coming home. You are more than welcome to come to school and take a look at your child’s notebook.

23. Internet Grade Viewing  Students daily and 6-week grades can be viewed online at any time.  Attendance is also available online.  You can set up notifications  Please pick up directions from us to the office.  Letter with login information was sent home last week. The office can reprint it for you if needed.

24. STAR Folder  Organization  Communication  Reading Log - This is due at the end of the six weeks and must initialed by a parent. Students can get a new log once it is full.  It is your child’s job to check their STAR Folder and give any notes to the teacher each morning.  Since we are teaching children to be responsible, the class will agree upon a consequence for missing folders.

25. How You Can Help Your Child  Making sure my child is rested and prepared for school each day.  Make sure your child is at school and on time for school.  Knowing how your child is doing by communicating with the teacher by checking your child’s folder, email, in person or by phone.  Monitor your child’s homework and make sure study time is in a quiet place.  Limit TV viewing/Video Games and read together daily.  Be an active participant in your child’s education.

26. Independe nce As we enter our 3rd week of school, the students are becoming familiar with the procedures and routines of 2 nd grade. This would be a great time to begin letting your child be responsible for their own homework, papers, notes, etc.. This will foster independence that will be very beneficial to them.

27. Homework  100 Minutes of reading each week  Weekly Spelling Homework  Math Homework as needed  READ, READ, READ!!!  Repetition in math and reading is VERY important

28. Extra-curricular Activities  Second Graders are eligible to participate in UIL this year!  Storytelling and Creative Writing  More information will be emailed as the dates get closer.

29. NISD is Paperless  Progress Reports and Report Cards  Principal’s Monthly Newsletter Are available online. If you need a paper copy, you must submit a written request to the office. Please let me know as well.

30. Communica tion  Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in October. More information will be coming home soon.  Email is a good way to contact us with any concerns. Please put your child’s name as the subject. Due to a district filter, I might not receive your email, so if your email is not responded to in 24 hours, please call.  Please make sure I have your correct e-mail address so I can send weekly newsletters as well as other information  You can also check my webpage for information at www.nisdtx.org

31. School Communication  STAR Folder  Teacher and School Web sites  Emails from teachers and principal  Remind 101  School messenger phone system  Internet Grade Viewing  Parent Conferences – these will be held between October 6-17.

32. Transportation Changes  Please send in a note or call the office if your child’s transportation changes. If we don’t receive a note, your child will go home their usual way. This is for the safety of your child.  Remember, emails can get caught in our district filter, so we might not get it in time.

33. ITBS/CoGa t All second graders will be taking these tests in the spring. They are timed tests. The ITBS compares your child to other students across the country. They are tested in Language Arts & Math. The CoGat assesses your child’s ability to think on their feet. Since the ITBS and CoGat are taking during the same time period we can use the data to see if your child is performing to their ability.

34. Parent Volunteers  We always need help with making copies, laminating, organizing books, etc.  We have a group called “Helping Hands” that meets each week. (Watch for a note about training)  Must complete a background check to be able to volunteer or be a chaperone.  If you would like to volunteer, contact the PTA

35. Hughes PTA  We have an active PTA that provides multiple events for our families to attend such as the tailgate party last week, carnivals, talent show, family fun nights, etc.  The PTA purchases a t-shirt for every child on campus.  Membership is $10  If you are interested in helping with PTA, please contact Dana Briscoe - President

36. Thank You! for taking the time to attend Curriculum Night! Thank you for coming this evening to partner with us to ensure your child’s success! We look forward to working with you and your child this year. It is going to be a wonderful year filled with exciting learning activities!