Welcome!Thank you for coming

toMrs. Schaeffel’s

Second Grade Class

Enjoy the note from your child.Write a note back.

Leave the note on the desk for your child to find in the morning.

Language Arts• Focus on the Common Core Standards• Major Components of our Reading Program are:• Concepts: print concepts, phonemic awareness,

phonics, vocabulary fluency, comprehension• Adopted Reading Series: Harcourt TROPHIES (Visit

their website: www.harcourtschool.com)

• Flexible groupings: whole group, small guided reading groups, partner reading, independent reading

• Ongoing reading assessments• Goal: We strive to increase student vocabulary,

comprehension, and fluency. Daily practice (both at school and at home) is essential for reading success.)

Spelling• Uses the Harcourt Trophies Spelling Program. • Basic skills taught: phonics, spelling rules,

patterns, word origins, spelling.• Spelling is assessed and evaluated on an ongoing

basis through classroom writing samples, daily spelling lessons, dictated sentences, and quizzes.

• The true test of spelling mastery is its transfer to and application in student writing on a daily basis.

Writing• Concepts: writing process, writing elements, and

writing applications• Steps in the writing process: prewriting, drafting,

revising, editing, publishing• Six traits of writing: ideas, organization, voice, word

choice, sentence fluency, conventions• Forms of writing: narrative, story, poetry, expository

(observations, journals, etc.) functional (friendly letters, thank-you notes, experiments, posters, etc.) literary response, research (simple report)

• Adopted Writing/Language program: Units of Study in

• Primary Writing K-2 Series by Lucy Calkins.

• Scott Foresman D’Nealian Handwriting

• Emphasis on correct handwriting in all written work.

• Cursive is not taught in second grade. It is now in the third grade curriculum.

Handwriting

Listening and Speaking Skills

• Students will be taught to effectively use listening and speaking skills in a variety of situations:

For example: oral reports, Reader’s Theatre, Writer’s Workshop

Math• Focus on the Common Core Standards• Numeration: number sense, counting, place value,

money, fractions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division strategies

• Problem solving/higher level thinking strategies• Data Analysis and Probability• Patterns and Algebra• Geometry• Measurement and Time• Adopted Math Programs: Investigations in

Number, Data, and Space by Scott Foresman and Mathematics by Scott Foresman/Addison Wesley

Science

• Major Components of our science program:• Earth and Space: Weather• Life Science: Insects, Human Body, Mammals• Physical Science: Solids, Liquids, Gases• Hands-on encouraging active learning• Units involve cooperative skills and learning the

Scientific Method.

Social Studies• Major components of our social studies

program:• Adopted social studies program: Social

Studies: People We Know by Harcourt • Students will… …explore the human experience through time

and recognize the relationships of events and people;…Learn about ideals, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship…analyze locations, regions, and spatial connections

HealthMajor components of our health program:

– Adopted Health Program: Health and Fitness by Harcourt

– Students will study safety and injury prevention, nutrition, personal health, hygiene, and disease prevention.

Specials• Music is scheduled on Mondays with Mrs. Weissberg.

• P.E. is every Friday with Mr. Colson. Please have your child wear tennis shoes on Fridays.

• Library time is every Tuesday with Ms. Rubocki.

• Art is scheduled every Thursday with Mrs. Pope.

• Computer Lab is every Wednesday.

Library and Technology

• Students will visit the library weekly to check out books and learn library/media skills.

• We visit the Computer Lab every week and use the classroom laptops to create multimedia projects, do research using the Internet, and explore various computer programs.

Classroom Management

• Based on cooperation and respect of all• Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible

(PBIS program)• Praise rewarded for positive behaviors

– Individual/Team Points– PAW-sitive slips

• Private redirection of negative behaviors• Allows students to learn in a positive

environment free from disturbances

Homework Homework Expectations:

– Weekly homework assigned on Monday, due on Friday. Please look in your child’s Communication Folder. (Note: If you need an extension over the weekend, just send a note in on Friday to inform us of the change.)

– Students are to do homework thoroughly. Parents and students sign the contract.

– Students are to do homework neatly.– The Harcourt Trophies reading book must be

brought back to school each day. We do not have extras.

– Math practice on Dreambox will support the same curriculum we are learning at school. Feel free

to use other resources (flashcards, paper/ pencil, computer games, etc) to practice math skills.

» - Homework will start next week!

School Policies• Class Party Treats/Snacks—Wellness Law

- When asked to bring in snacks/party supplies, please do not send in any homemade treats….please send in store bought items only.

• Birthdays- – Please mail all birthday invitations (don’t send them

to school), this helps avoid anyone getting their feelings hurt.

- Please do not send in any treats. - Your child will receive birthday acknowledgement at

school from the teacher and administration.

Miscellaneous•Label items (backpack, lunch box, jackets, etc.)•Always send in $ in an envelope with child’s name•Car Pick-Up- use tagboard name plate in car window…list last names of all students being picked up. (Car pick-up is only for those driving through).•Ramada pickup (formerly “Parent Pick-up”) •Return library books on Tuesdays.•Scholastic Book Orders (online code)•Bus passes will only be issued for

emergencies and parents who call the transportation department at 480-541-1700 . •Volunteers (Don’t forget PTO opportunities, the library & Art Masterpiece!)•Online Wishlist: Amazon under: Mrs. Schaeffel’s Class Wish List

• Stuffed Animal Day this Friday!

Mrs. Schaeffel’s Email

nschaeffel@kyrene.org

Mrs. Schaeffel’s Phone Number480-541-5714

Thanks for Thanks for Coming!!Coming!!

Do not forget to visit the Book Fair in the Do not forget to visit the Book Fair in the library this evening. We’re looking forward library this evening. We’re looking forward

to a great year!!!to a great year!!!