Dear Second Grade Parents,
This week begins a brand new school year for all of us, and I’d like to extend a BIG
warm welcome to all of my students and their families.
I have put together a handbook of information to help you and your child become
familiar with my expectations for the school year. Take a day or two to read through
this information, and then sign below by Friday (I will return the handbook back to
you after I check to see that it has been signed). You may want to keep the
handbook in a special place so that you may refer to it throughout the year. If you
need to contact me, I prefer email if possible. My email address is [email protected].
I check my email each day and I will respond promptly. If you do not have email, you
may call my classroom 677-4500 ext.23.
Sincerely,
Ms. Holmes
Student Name ______________________________
Parent Signature _____________________________
Dear Second Grade Parents,
Hello and welcome to second grade. I am looking forward to a fun-filled learning
experience and hope you and your child are as well.
Please allow me to share a little about myself with you. I was born and raised in South
Lake Tahoe CA. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary education from Chico State
University. I received my teaching certificate from Sierra Nevada College and have begun
working on my Master’s degree. This will be my ninth year teaching at Sierra Nevada Academy
Charter School. I have several interests and hobbies that I enjoy. Some of these are: Camping,
cooking, going to the gym and a reading a good book. I also enjoy spending time with my
daughter Lexi who is 12 years old and going into the 7th grade-she has been my biggest
supporter over the years.
I believe that education is a very critical part of success. Along with that, I believe that
all children can learn and succeed. With the right support and tools, I plan to help students
not only master this year’s content, but also prepare them for next years as well. In order for
this to happen I encourage you to be involved as much as you can with your child this year.
Parents are the FIRST educator and I believe if we work together it will help your child strive
for success. You can expect open communication and understanding from me. I will also be
willing to assist you and your child with any educational concerns you may have.
I can be contacted in several ways throughout the year. You can reach me via email at
[email protected]. I can also be reached by phone at 677-4500 ext.23-If I miss your call I
will get back to you as soon as I can. You may also send a note in your child’s daily homework
folder which is checked every day.
Again, I am very excited and looking forward to a fantastic school year!!!!
Sincerely,
Ms. Holmes
Materials
Individual Student Supplies
 A water bottle with a pop top.
 1-hard plastic or metal cigar box sized pencil box
 Small pair of Fiskar brand scissors
 Plastic double pocket folder-please make sure the pockets are on the
bottom.
 Double pocket folders-any style is fine just make sure pockets are
on the bottom.
 1” 3-ring binder with hard cover (no bigger please)
 Box of fat Crayola washable markers
 Spiral notebook
 Composition book
Please
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Book bag Info
Please do not send
in large book bags
or rolling book bags.
We just don’t have
the space to store
them. Thanks!
DO NOT label the following items
2 packs of 24 count Crayola
3 packs #2 pencils
8- glue sticks
2-bottles Elmer’s glue
2 highlighters
2 black sharpies
2 boxes Kleenex
Bottle of all purpose cleaner (no bleach)
1 container disinfecting wipes
6 Expo markers
1 pack kid type stickers
1 bottle hand sanitizer
If you are a BOY 1 BOX gallon size slider Ziploc bags. If you are a GIRL 1 box Ziploc
sandwich bags (the ones that pinch shut).
****Some supplies will need to be replenished throughout the year - I will send home a note
when these are needed.
Cooperative Learning
I wholeheartedly believe in cooperative learning in the classroom. I have placed my students in mixed
ability groups so that they may help each other during the learning process. Research has shown that
all students do better when they are allowed to discuss and defend their ideas as they learn. Working
in small groups also helps students learn valuable social skills they will need throughout life. Parents
are often concerned about grades in the cooperative learning classroom. Don’t worry! All grades come
from individual assignments and tests. No student's grade will be raised or lowered based on the
performance of others in the group. I welcome the opportunity to discuss cooperative learning with
anyone who has questions or concerns. I've had great success with this technique in recent years, and
I'd love the chance to convince anyone of the benefits of cooperative learning!
Attendance & Illnesses
Regular school attendance is critical to the learning process. Our school day officially starts at 8:00
a.m. Please make sure your child is in the classroom by this time. We will be starting our morning
routine promptly at 8:00 A.M . When your child is absent or tardy, he or she misses valuable
instructional time. Please send a written note or call the office whenever your child is absent.
Students are required to be at school at least 90% for promotion to the next grade. That means that
a student must be present at least 163 of the 180 school days.
Class Newsletters/ A.R Progress Reports
I send home a Class Newsletter each week. Please read over the information
in the newsletter and return it to school with your child the next day with
your signature.
I will also be sending home A.R progress reports-this is done 4 times each
quarter. Please make sure you go over the information with your child. It will
also need to be signed and returned to school with your child the next day.
Daily Math Drills
In my experience, students cannot move on to higher level reasoning in mathematics until they master
their basic math facts. In addition to regular math assignments, your child will be performing daily
drills until he or she has mastered the basic facts. You can help your child prepare by studying with
flashcards or having them spend 15 minutes a day working with online flashcards at
www.mathfactcafe.com .
Spelling Program
Each Monday your child will receive their spelling words for the week . They will also be given a
pretest on Monday. If your child scores 100% on their pretest they will not have to take their
spelling test on Friday (they are still responsible for doing their spelling homework). Please have your
child pick three different activities from the spelling menu. Your child will have all week to work on
these activities and they will need to be turned in on Friday (please do not turn them in earlier). Your
child MUST label each of their activities. For example if your child does “Rainbow Words as one of
their activities they must write at the top of their paper “Rainbow Words”. Please ensure that your
child has labeled each of the activities before it is turned in on Friday. If your child chooses an
activity that does not have a paper that can be turned in please initial next to the activity on the
spelling menu and have your child turn in their menu on Friday. Spelling tests will be given on Fridays .
Accelerated Reader (AR)
AR stands for Accelerated Reader. Accelerated Reader is a GREAT computer software program that
monitors student reading of certain designated Accelerated Reader books. Students read books of
their choice that are in their ZPD (Zone Proximal Development)-this is their reading comfort level .
After your child reads their book and understand the story they will take a short comprehension quiz
at school. Your child’s AR book can be read to them, they can read it independently or you can read it
together. Books can be read at both home and at school however the test can only be taken at school.
If your child reads their AR book at home and are ready to take an AR test the next day please have
them write their name, title of the book and author on a piece of paper. They will bring the paper to
school and take a AR test that day. After a student takes a quiz and passes the test he/she will
receive points for doing well, these points may be spent in the AR prize store. Each week your child
will be going to the school library to get an AR book. Your child must take an AR test on this book
before they are allowed to get a new library book. Please be on the look- out for the AR packet that
will be coming home in the next couple of weeks, it has valuable information for you to help you and
your child be successful in the AR program.
**To find out if a book is an AR book you can go on www.ARbookfinder.com**
Homework/Classwork
Homework has two major purposes. The first and major purpose is to promote and encourage
responsibility and accountability. The second purpose is to review and practice basic reading, writing,
spelling and math skills. Each evening your child will bring home their folder. There will be math
homework every night. A spelling packet will be sent home on Mondays and will not be due until Friday.
Please make sure your child’s homework is returned the next day in their “Daily Homework Folder”
I try to give ample time in class for the completion of assignments, but some students work more
slowly and must finish at home. It has been my experience that homework can provide a meaningful
interaction between teachers, parents and children. I sincerely feel you will benefit from this time
together. Here are a few suggestions that will make homework time easier.
1. Set a regular place for homework.
2. Set a regular time for homework.
3. Be positive and relaxed. Praise your child for bringing his or her
homework folder home and for trying. Sometimes progress comes
slowly, but it does come!!!!
*Please check your child’s homework each night to ensure that it is done
correctly. Homework that has several mistakes on it will be sent home to be redone and will need to
be returned to school the next day
In order to help students stay organized with their homework assignments and so that you know what
is due each day, students will need to purchase a school agenda for$ 10.00-these will need to be
reviewed and signed every night.
Students are given the opportunity to win homework passes. These are given to students who are
chosen out of the “100% on A.R test” jar. Your child’s homework pass does not have an expiration
date and can only be used for one assignment (this includes the weekly spelling menu). Please make
sure your child’s pass is attached ( stapled or taped) to the assignment they would like to be excused
from.
I expect all homework and classwork to be turned in on time.. Students will not be allowed to call home
if they forget their work. Students should pack their bookbags at night with all the materials needed
for the next day. Organization is the key to success!
***Students will be rewarded with a trip to the treasure box if homework is turned in on time
and correct for the week!!!
Daily Folder
This folder is used as a communication between home and school. I will send home school notes,
homework, etc. in this folder each night. PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILD’S FOLDER EACH NIGHT FOR
IMPORTANT NEWS, CLASSWORK, HOMEWORK ETC. THIS FOLDER IS RETURNED BACK TO
SCHOOL EACH DAY. There are two sides to this folder. One side will say “Keep at Home”, and the
other side will say “Back to School” . Please take out the items from the “Keep at Home” side each
day. Homework that is finished and will be returning to school the next day will be placed in the “Back
to School” side this also includes any notes for me or for the school.
Build a Rainbow Behavior Management System
Our class will be using the ‘Build a Rainbow” as our behavior system. This is a very positive and
motivating behavior system. Every day your child will work on earning colors toward their rainbow.
They can do this by following classroom rules, turning in homework, being a good friend etc. Your child
will work on their rainbow until it is complete-the amount of time it takes your child is up to them.
Once your child’s rainbow is complete they will be rewarded with a gold coin. These coins may be
turned in for different prizes. Once a rainbow is complete and a coin is collected your child’s rainbow
will start all over again. You will be able to track your child’s progress by looking at and signing their
“Build a Rainbow report”. This will need to be signed every day so that I know you have looked over
your child’s report with them.
Mid-morning Snacks & Water Consumption
I have found it beneficial for the class to have a mid-morning healthy snack. Please do not send in
sweet or sticky items like cake, brownies, frosted cookies, or cupcakes. Sodas will not be permitted in
the classroom. I do allow my students to bring a water bottle to school to keep on their desks during
the day and to use at recess. Plain water is the only beverage permitted, and the bottle must have a
secure lid and top that pops in and out. Water bottles should be taken home daily to be cleaned. The
following are examples of healthy snacks that we can enjoy while we continue to work.
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apples
carrot sticks
peanuts
oyster crackers
cheese crackers
small box of
raisins
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Nutrition Services
Breakfast:
Lunch:
$1.75 per meal
$ 3.50 per meal
grapes
pretzels
graham crackers
dried fruit
peanut butter crackers
protein or nutrition bar
peanut butter sandwich
Family Volunteers
Parent volunteers are always welcomed both in the classrooms and at the school. Each family is asked
to volunteer in and out of the classroom for 10 hours per month. In order to protect the safety of
our students we ask that each volunteer complete a Volunteer Application (one per year) for a
background check and submit a set of finger prints. You must have this done to volunteer on field
trips as well. If you are unable to volunteer at the school there are other ways to contribute your
time-please see me if this is something you would like to do. All visitors must sign in at the front
office and receive a visitor’s badge.
If you have any questions regarding any of this handbook
please don’t hesitate to ask. Again I look forward to a
fun-filled and exciting school year!!
SECOND GRADES
CLASS HANDBOOK
MS. Holmes
2014-2015