Second Grade Nuts and Bolts

September 2, 2016

  Nuts and Bolts

This newsletter contains some of the nuts and bolts of the classroom. I am hoping that it will answer some of your questions for the start of the school year.  If you have any other questions, please let me know.

         

OUR SCHOOL DAY – Our day begins at 7:50 and ends at 2:35.  Students come into the classroom and prepare for the day by passing in folders, lunch cards, getting pencils and chairs, going book shopping,  and greeting their classmates.  Most of our classes and small groups begin at 8:00.  Children arriving after 7:50 will be marked as Tardy.  It is important for students to be on time in order to be ready for academics.  If your child is going to be late due to appointments, please be sure to email me and our school secretary, Pam Preston, ahead of time, if possible.  If your child is going to be absent, please call or email Pam Preston. 

COMMUNICATION:  I encourage you to call me at school or email me any time if you have any questions or concerns.  I will get back to you as soon as I am able to, usually within 24 hours. The easiest way to communicate with me is via email.

CURRICULUM INFORMATION – I will be sending Parent Letters home at the beginning of new Math and Writing Units.  Be sure to read through them as they often give helpful suggestions and learning expectations. For more information on our District Curriculum, please click on the following link: Curriculum (see my  blog for the link).

BLOG:  Please check out my blog for pictures as an informal way to see what we have done the past week in the class.  I am hoping that my Blog will be used as a means for you and your child to talk about what they have done in class that week.  
I have added a subscribe feature to my Blog that will automatically let you know when my blog has been updated.

SCHEDULE:   Our Specials schedule is on your child’s Home School Folder.  Please take note as to when your child has specials so that they may have the necessary items for that day.   

SNACK:  We take a snack break every day around 9:00.
Our school has snack available to purchase.  If your child does not have a snack, I will  remind them that they may purchase a snack from the lunchroom.
Letters have been sent home regarding our policies regarding snack.  Snacks need to be peanut and tree nut free and packed in a different bag from lunch.  Also, check the ingredient label to be sure your child’s snack was not processed in a facility that produced peanuts/tree nuts.    If your child’s snack is packed with their lunch and/or is not labeled peanut/tree nut safe, your child will eat his/her snack in Mrs. Preston’s office.  We do have children with severe allergies in our school.  Please help me keep them safe. 

BUS NOTES and AFTER SCHOOL PLANS:  If your child is taking a different bus, getting off at a different stop, or going home with a friend or a different adult, we need a note telling us of the details.    You can either phone the school or email me and Pam Preston (preferably before 12:00) or send a note in your child’s Home School Folder.  This saves your child from anxiety and the school from having to make often last minute phone calls to  confirm where your child is going.  If your child is leaving school early, please inform the office and me as well so that we can have your child ready to go.

BOOK ORDERS: You can order books through me ANYTIME online by going to my school webpage and Blog.  I will also be sending home book orders every 4-6 weeks or so.   Directions for ordering online will be sent home with each book order.   Ordering books through Scholastic is easy and an affordable way to add to your child's collection of books and helps your child develop a love of books and reading.   Additionally, buying books through Scholastic gives me points to buy more books for our classroom library!

HOMEWORK usually starts in October.  Homework is sent home on Monday and due on Friday. This allows you and your child to plan around other after school and evening activities.  The general rule is that second graders should spend no more than 20 minutes a night on homework. This includes reading.
I will not be sending homework home on weekends, short weeks, during conferences and/or Report Card time or vacations. (You’re welcome! J)  I may send occasional project home as well

BIRTHDAYS:  Due to our policy regarding no sharing of snacks, we will not be sharing a birthday snack.  I have a special day planned for your child on his or her birthday that includes a singing of “Happy Birthday” and other fun activities!   Please do not send invitations to school to be delivered. 

TOYS:  Children are not allowed to bring toys to school.  Toys should stay at home.

VOLUNTEERS:  If you are interested in helping out there are several ways to help.  We always need a Room Parent to help organize  parties.  UID is always in need PTO and Four Winds helpers.  Volunteers will be needed with field trips and during our Adopt a Family craft making. If you are interested in helping out at Reading or Math, please let me know.  Be sure to note the policies about volunteering in the handbook.  

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:  All school supplies are provided by the school.   If you have bought supplies, they will be very handy to have at home for homework projects.

Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Mia Coulombe