1. Second Grade Parent Orientation

2. Second Grade Second Grade is an exciting time for children. More in-depth than kindergarten or first grade, students are able to start applying the skills that they have been learning to complete more challenging tasks.

3. Curriculum You can access our curriculum by visiting: www.GeorgiaStandards.org www.GeorgiaStandards.org Standards-Based Report Card/ Grading: 1 - does not meet standard 2 - progressing toward standard 3 - meets the standard (consistently demonstrating 100% mastery or close to it) 4 - exceeds the standard (consistently demonstrating excellent achievement of the standard & extension) ** Please note that the numbers (4,3,2,1) on the report card are NOT equivalent to A, B, C, D.**

4. Reading Reading is part of your child’s daily homework Reading skills will be assessed using selected stories, cold reads, and other classroom activities No longer a “story a week” May spend longer on selected stories, bring other literature into the curriculum

5. Reading The second grade reading curriculum focuses on the basic reading skills: Main Idea Author’s Purpose Comparing/Contrasting Inferring Characterization Predicting Sequencing Summarizing Second grade is a pivotal year in reading. This year students are challenged to become more fluent readers, and hopefully will become more confident readers with a desire to read more challenging books independently.

6. Math Some of the skills that will be covered this year: Addition and Subtraction Venn Diagrams, Charts, and Graphs Place Value up to Thousands Numeration with Computation (Regrouping) Length and Time Plane and Solid Figures Multiplication and Division (introduction to concepts)

7. Absences A written excuse from a parent or doctor should be sent in within 5 days or it will be unexcused. Please remember that tardies and early checkouts are considered to be the same. They are only excused with medical documentation. Tardies and early checkouts DO IMPACT perfect attendance. Medical excuses – up to 5 absences for illness per semester will be allowed with written parent notes. Following 5 absences with parent notes, additional absences will be excused only with a doctor’s note. Special Events Absences Permission to be excused for an absence due to a special event must be submitted in writing to Mrs. Bridges prior to the event. (form in the office)

8. Tardies/Early Check-outs Tardies: The tardy bell rings at 8:40 a.m. Any student arriving after that time must report to the office with their parent before going to the classroom. Leaving school before 12:10 is considered an absence.

9. Birthdays Invitations: Please do NOT send birthday party invitations to school to be distributed. *this is a school policy, we are not allowed to send invitations in the folders * Birthday Treats: Due to food allergies, we are asking for treat bags. Please check with your child’s teacher for specific info. * All food items must be purchased and have label of ingredients on the package

10. Discipline Discipline: We use a proactive discipline plan, in which we try to stop problems before they start. We set a positive tone in the classroom and make every attempt to guide children to make appropriate choices and take responsibility for their actions. If necessary, students will be given time to reflect on their behavior. If this happens, a note will be sent home. If needed, we will schedule a conference to find a way to help your child be more successful. No news is GOOD news!

11. Conferences Scheduling a Conference: Let us know if you would like to schedule a conference. The best time is during planning time. (9:45 – 10:05) We will have early release for conferences later this year.

12. Guidance Our counselors, Mrs. Bessman and Mrs. Cordas, are available for group or individual counseling as needed. They also visit the classrooms as a part of our specials rotation.

13. Homework/Signed Papers Homework – Listed on the Newsletter Tests – Check newsletter for test dates Homework Folder – Newsletter, notes and money (please put any money in an envelope or baggie, in Notes/Money section with child’s name & reason) ex. Mary B. lunch money Signed Papers - Will typically go home weekly, please review with your child, sign top paper & RETURN all papers to school

14. Transportation Cars in carline MUST have a tag that was provided by school Transportation Changes: Send in a note in the homework folder Emails or voicemails to the teacher cannot be accepted for changes due to circumstances beyond our control (subs, emergencies, etc) Any transportation changes must be faxed to the office with a picture ID before 3:00. No phone calls to the office will be accepted for this. **Teachers cannot take your child’s word about a transportation change.**

15. Contact Email is the preferred method Teacher emails are found on the weekly newsletter We will repond within 24 hours. Our days are busy and many days we don’t have “planning” time to read or answer emails, notes, or make phone calls.

16. Room Temperature Please send in a light jacket or sweater.

17. P.E./ Specials Schedule Please wear tennis shoes on P.E. days. Students attend PE every other day

18. Tips for a Successful Year! Consistent bedtime Healthy breakfast Read every night Practice math facts daily Working together – positive home/school connection

19. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR CHILD WITH US!!!!!

20. We will now dismiss to our classrooms for any questions.