WELCOME

Mrs. Howard’s

Second Grade Open House

Dallastown Area School DistrictWeb Site

                                            

          http://www.dallastown.net/dallastown/site/default.asp

Leaders Heights Elementary School

Leaders Heights Elementary

49 Indian Rock Dam RoadYork, PA

17403(717) 741-1826

SUBJECTS

• Reading

• Writing

• Spelling

• Math

• Content

• Handwriting

READING

• Students will be provided with many experiences involving reading.

• DRA – Assessments throughout the year• Reading Workshop• Guided Reading• Shared Reading• Read Aloud• Independent Reading

Writing

• Writing experiences are varied and include the Writing Process.

• Writing Workshop

• Shared Writing

• Interactive Writing

• Guided Writing

• Independent Writing

Spelling

• The Spelling Program uses the Sitton method which is based on core words introduced in a sequential order determined by their frequency of use.

• Phonics are incorporated into each lesson.• Pretest - 10 Word List consisting of 4-5 Sitton words

and 5-6 Phonics lesson words• Post Test following practice, study, and homework• Student’s Word Lists are placed in a composition

book which needs to be carried back and forth to home and school each day.

MATH

• Problem Solving is the major focus.• Develops student’s critical-thinking and decision-

making abilities• Time is spent reasoning about math rather than

memorizing rules and procedures.• Math is connected to other subjects and everyday

experiences.• Major Second Grade Math Units:

– Addition and Subtraction with and without regrouping– Time and Money– Place Value, Measurement, Fractions, and Geometry

CONTENT SUBJECT AREAS

• Social Studies– Communities and How They Work– Map and Globe skills

• Science– Life Science– Physical Science– Earth Science

• Health– Field Trips to the Byrnes Health Education Center– Healthy Body, Nutrition, Safety, Cleanliness

HANDWRITING

• Peterson Handwriting Program• Slant Writing Instruction at the beginning of the

year prepares students for Cursive.• Cursive Writing Instruction begins in January.• All Cursive letters are introduced and practiced, but

not used on a daily basis.• Students are graded on:

– Correct Form– Correct Spacing– Application in Daily Work

GRADING SYSTEM

A 91 – 100%

B 81 - 90%

C 71 - 80%

D 60 – 70%

E 59% or less

Unsatisfactory

O Outstanding

S Satisfactory

N Not meeting expectations

Reading, Writing, Spelling,and Math are based on thefollowing:

Handwriting, Social Studies/Science/Health, Skills ofIndependence & Cooperation are graded as follows:

HOMEWORK

• Helps review and practice skills and concepts introduced in the classroom

• Teaches good work habits & responsibility

• Affects grades when not completed correctly or in a timely manner

READING HOMEWORK• Reading good children’s literature not only teaches

vocabulary and comprehension, but also affects children’s use of language in speaking and writing.

• Books are selected on student’s DRA Level from our classroom library.

• Students must orally read 15 minutes or more each weeknight (Mon. – Thurs.).

• Parents must record book title and their initials on the appropriate date in their child’s assignment book.

• Minimum monthly goals are set, and completion affects student’s reading grades.

ASSIGNMENT BOOKS

• Students copy homework assignments directly into their books by the end of each day.

• Parents need to check their child’s book each day to assure completion of work.

TAKE-HOME FOLDERS

• Link between home and school

• Bring Back Pocket– Homework and other things

that must be returned the next day

• Keep Home Pocket– Things that are no longer

needed at school

• Needs to be taken home and returned to school each day

SPECIAL CLASSES

• ART

• LIBRARY

• PHYSICAL EDUCATION

• COMPUTER

• MUSIC

Wear older clothes

Students should put books in their Book Bags so that they’ll

remember them.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Wear Sneakers

Wear comfortable clothes

COMPUTER

MUSIC

MORNING ARRIVALStudents should arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 and have work to do upon entering the classroom.

MORNING WORK:

•Choosing Lunch

•Unpacking Book Bags (Including Take-Home Folder)

•Sharpening Pencils

•Picking Reading Books

•Doing Board or Desk Work

•Sit and Work Quietly

APPONTMENTS AND/OR VACATIONS

• For appointments, please fill out the appropriate form which is available in the office, and send to school in advance.

• An educational trip form needs to be filled out if you are planning a vacation or trip for a day or more.

• Advance notice helps me to get essential materials ready to send with your child.

Absences for Illness

• An excuse card must be returned within 3 days of your child’s illness. Excuse cards are available on the DASD website.

• Request Homework for more than a one day absence.

BIRTHDAYS

• Healthy treats are welcome.

• Make treats easy to pass out in individual servings.

• Send a note in advance.

• Treats are shared in the cafeteria at lunchtime.

BOOK ORDERS

• Various times during the year.

• Variety of orders to accommodate different reading levels.

• Please send all order forms and payments in cash or check (made out to the book club) to school in an envelope.

NEWSLETTER/COMMUNICATION

• Frequent Newsletter to keep parents abreast of classroom happenings– Please read it

• Questions or Comments?– Send a note to school– Call me and leave a message if I’m

not available– E-Mail me at school at:– Jo-Ann.Howard@dallastown.net

• Please don’t hesitate to communicate with me!– I like to take care of concerns before

they turn into major problems.

Working Together!

• I look forward to working closely with you this year.– Parents

– Students

– Teachers

TEAM WORK

Bibliography

http://www.dallastown.net/dallastown/site/default.asp

Dallastown Area School District Web Site

http://www.dallastown.net/leadersheightselem/site/default.aspLeaders Heights Elementary Web Site