Dear Parents,
I would like to extend to you and your child a warm welcome to Huddleston’s Second Grade! I am very happy and excited to have your child in my class and anticipate a happy, fulfilling year of growth and learning together. Now a little bit about myself … I have been teaching in Fayette County since 1989. I hold BA and MA degrees in Early Childhood Education in addition to an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have a grown daughter, Erin, who resides with her family in Washington D.C. You will be hearing a lot (and seeing lots of pictures!) of my precious grandchildren, Sophie and Alex. Sophie just turned 6 this summer, and Alex is 3 1/2 years old.
I had the opportunity to meet several parents at Huddleston’s August 4th Meet the Teacher. I look forward to seeing you at our first PTO Parent Information Night on Tuesday, August 18th from 7:15 - 7:55 PM. At this time you will learn more about the Second Grade curriculum. There are a few things, however, that I will address so that our year can get off to a good start.
Punctuality:
- School begins promptly at 7:40. Please make every effort to have your child to school on time.
Attendance/Absences:
- Daily attendance is crucial for academic success!
- If your child is going to be absent please notify the school by calling the office as early as possible on the day of the absence. A written excuse is also required on the day your child returns to school.
- After 5 absences (excused or unexcused) parents MAY be required to bring a doctor’s note in order to consider any additional absences “excused.”
- Ten unexcused absences are allowed per semester. Following ten unexcused absences, FCBOE is required to make a referral to juvenile court for possible formal intervention.
- Students are required to make up class work, homework, and tests due to absences.
- I will be happy to collect any missed assignments and either send them home with a designated “friend” or place them on the “homework shelf” in the lobby.
Homework:
- Your child’s agenda will be used to communicate homework and upcoming tests.
- Homework will be given Monday through Thursday.
- Please sign your child’s agenda nightly, indicating you have checked your child’s homework for accuracy. A red folder will accompany the agenda. This folder is for any loose papers, notes, lunch money, etc.
Birthdays:
- FCBOE discourages sweet treats for birthday celebrations due to allergies and the promotion/encouragement of healthy eating habits for our students. If you would like to celebrate your child's special day here are a few possible alternatives: donating a book to the class library in honor of your child (I would love to have you come in and read the book to the class!); sending in non-food type treats ... stickers, pencils, etc. Pinterest is full of ideas also!
www.pinterest.com
- If party invitations are to be given out at school, all children from the class should be invited as to avoid hurt feelings. Otherwise, invitations should be mailed to home addresses. I am not allowed to give out any addresses or phone numbers.
- I have a present enrollment of 21. This number is subject to change.
Daily Work:
- Sent home for review on a weekly basis (usually on Mondays)
- Please sign the “Weekly Work”folder sheet indicating you have reviewed your child’s work.
- Work should be kept at home. Signed folders should be returned on Tuesdays.
Communication:
- Please check your child’s agenda/red folder (M-Th) and “Weekly Work Folder” (Mon.) for daily communication.
- Conferences (both phone and person-to-person) will be scheduled as needed.
- Please read class newsletters and use this website to stay informed. Periodic emails (sent through "Teacher Messenger") will also be sued to “keep in touch.”
- Receive HES newsletters and additional school information by signing up for “Constant Contact” on the HES website www.huddlestonelementary.org
- Parents are able to review your child’s attendance record by signing up for Infinite Campus on the Fayette County website www.fcboe.org
- ***Please feel free to contact me at any time about any concerns you might have regarding your child. I can be reached at 770-631-3255. My email address is [email protected].
Conferences:
- I would like to meet with parents at least once per year to discuss your child’s progress. Of course, you may contact me at any time during the year to request a meeting.
- Contact information: [email protected]
(770) 631-3255
Class Climate/Management:
- I will seek to maintain a positive learning environment for your child. Appropriate behavior and work habits are expected and will be reinforced. During our first week of school, class/school procedures/expectations are reviewed and practiced.
- Students will have opportunities to earn a variety of incentives for displaying appropriate behavior and effort. “CHANCES” are given to reward individuals for good choices and positive behavior. Students also work together in groups to earn “TALLIES.” The group earning the most “tallies” at the end of each 9-week period is awarded a special surprise treat.
- Class meetings are held at least once per week to discuss/remedy class concerns.
- Individual students/classes have opportunities to earn WOW cards throughout the year. WOW cards are distributed by all staff as a means of recognizing appropriate behavior choices. The class in each grade level with the most WOW cards at the end of the year is awarded a pizza party!
Transportation:
- The school must be notified if your child’s usual means of transportation is to be changed. Transportation changes must be made in writing (not email) or by calling the office (770-631-3255) by 2:00 PM.
- The times and locations for dismissal of golf cart and car riders vary. Please specify if your child is going to be a golf cart rider OR car rider.
- Please display your green student ID card in the window when picking your child up.
Lunch/Ice Cream:
- Student lunch with milk - $2.55/day or $12.75/week
- Adult lunch - $3.50/day
- Extra milk - $0.50/day or $2.50/week
- Ice cream - $1.00 (Sold on Wednesday)
- Our lunch time is from 10:52-11:22. You are more than welcome to join us. If ordering a lunch, please jot me a note informing me of your lunch choice so that I can relay the information to the cafeteria.
Field Trips:
- Field trips which support the CCGPS (Common Core Georgia Performance Standards) will be scheduled during the year. A permission form will be sent several weeks prior to the field trip giving specific information.
Curriculum:
- Second graders will be learning many new and interesting concepts in all curriculum areas. Below is each curriculum area and a brief description of the themes/concepts which the students will begin the year with:
Language Arts:
- Students will receive daily Reading/Language Arts instruction which correlates to the CCGPS. Students will be provided with numerous and varied reading/writing opportunities through Guided Reading, Working with Words, Writing Workshop, and Self-Selected Reading activities. Students will also develop reading fluency, decoding, and comprehension skills as they read from selected stories from their basal reader as well as themed literature. Students will be assessed on comprehension/vocabulary/phonics following each basal story.
- There will be an emphasis on reviewing/learning the first 300 Fry Sight Words.
Spelling:
- Lists will consist of 15 words in addition to a dictation sentence containing 2-3 words from the word list. The words will be introduced on Monday. Tests will be given every Friday. Emphasis will be placed on learning principles and patterns found in words. High frequency words, (“No Excuse Words”), that do not follow predictable principles, but that are important for writing, will be included for study as well.
Math:
- Students will begin the year with extending their understanding of place value. They will also learn various strategies used to add/subtract within 20.
- A unit assessment will be given following the completion of each unit to ensure mastery of skills/concepts. You can help your child prepare for these assessments by reviewing homework/class work sent home.
- Students will work throughout the year to learn the basic addition/subtraction facts through 20. A self-paced daily “Mad Minute” will be given in which students attempt to complete 20 math facts in one minute. Each Mad Minute fluency sheet will be sent home so that you are able to see how your child is progressing. Please sign and return the sheet the next morning.
Science/Social Studies:
- The students will receive instruction in these subject areas using a 4 ½ -week rotating schedule (ex: 4 ½ weeks of Social Studies instruction followed by 4 ½ weeks of Science instruction.)
- During the period in which one of the subjects is not the main focus, students will review concepts previously taught through various activities (ex: writing, review games, centers, etc.)
- We will begin the rotation with a science unit in which students will learn and apply science inquiry skills through a variety of hands-on experiments. Following a week of “inquiry” we will begin a unit on Matter - Solids, Liquids, and Gases.
- A unit assessment will be given following the completion of each unit.
Grading:
- Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks. Midterm progress reports will also be used as a means of staying in close contact with you regarding your child’s progress. Students in second grade will receive letter grades. Below is listed the grading scale for Fayette County students in grades 2-5:
A+ 98-100 B+ 88-89 C+ 78-79 D 70
A 93-97 B 83-87 C 73-77 F below 70
A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 71-72
Exploratory Schedule:
- Our exploratory schedule for the first nine-week period is:
Monday – Art
Tuesday – PE (wear tennis shoes)
Wednesday – Music
Thursday – PE (wear tennis shoes)
Friday – Art (1st 9 weeks only); Friday’s exploratory will change each 9-week period.
Library Check-out:
- Media Center orientation will be held on August 14th.
- Our scheduled check-out time will be Wednesdays from 10:00 – 10:15 (beginning August 26th)
- Students may check out 2 books.
I will keep you updated and informed as we progress through the year. Should you have any questions/concerns – please feel free to contact me. Many thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Ms. Long
I would like to extend to you and your child a warm welcome to Huddleston’s Second Grade! I am very happy and excited to have your child in my class and anticipate a happy, fulfilling year of growth and learning together. Now a little bit about myself … I have been teaching in Fayette County since 1989. I hold BA and MA degrees in Early Childhood Education in addition to an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have a grown daughter, Erin, who resides with her family in Washington D.C. You will be hearing a lot (and seeing lots of pictures!) of my precious grandchildren, Sophie and Alex. Sophie just turned 6 this summer, and Alex is 3 1/2 years old.
I had the opportunity to meet several parents at Huddleston’s August 4th Meet the Teacher. I look forward to seeing you at our first PTO Parent Information Night on Tuesday, August 18th from 7:15 - 7:55 PM. At this time you will learn more about the Second Grade curriculum. There are a few things, however, that I will address so that our year can get off to a good start.
Punctuality:
- School begins promptly at 7:40. Please make every effort to have your child to school on time.
Attendance/Absences:
- Daily attendance is crucial for academic success!
- If your child is going to be absent please notify the school by calling the office as early as possible on the day of the absence. A written excuse is also required on the day your child returns to school.
- After 5 absences (excused or unexcused) parents MAY be required to bring a doctor’s note in order to consider any additional absences “excused.”
- Ten unexcused absences are allowed per semester. Following ten unexcused absences, FCBOE is required to make a referral to juvenile court for possible formal intervention.
- Students are required to make up class work, homework, and tests due to absences.
- I will be happy to collect any missed assignments and either send them home with a designated “friend” or place them on the “homework shelf” in the lobby.
Homework:
- Your child’s agenda will be used to communicate homework and upcoming tests.
- Homework will be given Monday through Thursday.
- Please sign your child’s agenda nightly, indicating you have checked your child’s homework for accuracy. A red folder will accompany the agenda. This folder is for any loose papers, notes, lunch money, etc.
Birthdays:
- FCBOE discourages sweet treats for birthday celebrations due to allergies and the promotion/encouragement of healthy eating habits for our students. If you would like to celebrate your child's special day here are a few possible alternatives: donating a book to the class library in honor of your child (I would love to have you come in and read the book to the class!); sending in non-food type treats ... stickers, pencils, etc. Pinterest is full of ideas also!
www.pinterest.com
- If party invitations are to be given out at school, all children from the class should be invited as to avoid hurt feelings. Otherwise, invitations should be mailed to home addresses. I am not allowed to give out any addresses or phone numbers.
- I have a present enrollment of 21. This number is subject to change.
Daily Work:
- Sent home for review on a weekly basis (usually on Mondays)
- Please sign the “Weekly Work”folder sheet indicating you have reviewed your child’s work.
- Work should be kept at home. Signed folders should be returned on Tuesdays.
Communication:
- Please check your child’s agenda/red folder (M-Th) and “Weekly Work Folder” (Mon.) for daily communication.
- Conferences (both phone and person-to-person) will be scheduled as needed.
- Please read class newsletters and use this website to stay informed. Periodic emails (sent through "Teacher Messenger") will also be sued to “keep in touch.”
- Receive HES newsletters and additional school information by signing up for “Constant Contact” on the HES website www.huddlestonelementary.org
- Parents are able to review your child’s attendance record by signing up for Infinite Campus on the Fayette County website www.fcboe.org
- ***Please feel free to contact me at any time about any concerns you might have regarding your child. I can be reached at 770-631-3255. My email address is [email protected].
Conferences:
- I would like to meet with parents at least once per year to discuss your child’s progress. Of course, you may contact me at any time during the year to request a meeting.
- Contact information: [email protected]
(770) 631-3255
Class Climate/Management:
- I will seek to maintain a positive learning environment for your child. Appropriate behavior and work habits are expected and will be reinforced. During our first week of school, class/school procedures/expectations are reviewed and practiced.
- Students will have opportunities to earn a variety of incentives for displaying appropriate behavior and effort. “CHANCES” are given to reward individuals for good choices and positive behavior. Students also work together in groups to earn “TALLIES.” The group earning the most “tallies” at the end of each 9-week period is awarded a special surprise treat.
- Class meetings are held at least once per week to discuss/remedy class concerns.
- Individual students/classes have opportunities to earn WOW cards throughout the year. WOW cards are distributed by all staff as a means of recognizing appropriate behavior choices. The class in each grade level with the most WOW cards at the end of the year is awarded a pizza party!
Transportation:
- The school must be notified if your child’s usual means of transportation is to be changed. Transportation changes must be made in writing (not email) or by calling the office (770-631-3255) by 2:00 PM.
- The times and locations for dismissal of golf cart and car riders vary. Please specify if your child is going to be a golf cart rider OR car rider.
- Please display your green student ID card in the window when picking your child up.
Lunch/Ice Cream:
- Student lunch with milk - $2.55/day or $12.75/week
- Adult lunch - $3.50/day
- Extra milk - $0.50/day or $2.50/week
- Ice cream - $1.00 (Sold on Wednesday)
- Our lunch time is from 10:52-11:22. You are more than welcome to join us. If ordering a lunch, please jot me a note informing me of your lunch choice so that I can relay the information to the cafeteria.
Field Trips:
- Field trips which support the CCGPS (Common Core Georgia Performance Standards) will be scheduled during the year. A permission form will be sent several weeks prior to the field trip giving specific information.
Curriculum:
- Second graders will be learning many new and interesting concepts in all curriculum areas. Below is each curriculum area and a brief description of the themes/concepts which the students will begin the year with:
Language Arts:
- Students will receive daily Reading/Language Arts instruction which correlates to the CCGPS. Students will be provided with numerous and varied reading/writing opportunities through Guided Reading, Working with Words, Writing Workshop, and Self-Selected Reading activities. Students will also develop reading fluency, decoding, and comprehension skills as they read from selected stories from their basal reader as well as themed literature. Students will be assessed on comprehension/vocabulary/phonics following each basal story.
- There will be an emphasis on reviewing/learning the first 300 Fry Sight Words.
Spelling:
- Lists will consist of 15 words in addition to a dictation sentence containing 2-3 words from the word list. The words will be introduced on Monday. Tests will be given every Friday. Emphasis will be placed on learning principles and patterns found in words. High frequency words, (“No Excuse Words”), that do not follow predictable principles, but that are important for writing, will be included for study as well.
Math:
- Students will begin the year with extending their understanding of place value. They will also learn various strategies used to add/subtract within 20.
- A unit assessment will be given following the completion of each unit to ensure mastery of skills/concepts. You can help your child prepare for these assessments by reviewing homework/class work sent home.
- Students will work throughout the year to learn the basic addition/subtraction facts through 20. A self-paced daily “Mad Minute” will be given in which students attempt to complete 20 math facts in one minute. Each Mad Minute fluency sheet will be sent home so that you are able to see how your child is progressing. Please sign and return the sheet the next morning.
Science/Social Studies:
- The students will receive instruction in these subject areas using a 4 ½ -week rotating schedule (ex: 4 ½ weeks of Social Studies instruction followed by 4 ½ weeks of Science instruction.)
- During the period in which one of the subjects is not the main focus, students will review concepts previously taught through various activities (ex: writing, review games, centers, etc.)
- We will begin the rotation with a science unit in which students will learn and apply science inquiry skills through a variety of hands-on experiments. Following a week of “inquiry” we will begin a unit on Matter - Solids, Liquids, and Gases.
- A unit assessment will be given following the completion of each unit.
Grading:
- Report cards will be sent home every nine weeks. Midterm progress reports will also be used as a means of staying in close contact with you regarding your child’s progress. Students in second grade will receive letter grades. Below is listed the grading scale for Fayette County students in grades 2-5:
A+ 98-100 B+ 88-89 C+ 78-79 D 70
A 93-97 B 83-87 C 73-77 F below 70
A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 71-72
Exploratory Schedule:
- Our exploratory schedule for the first nine-week period is:
Monday – Art
Tuesday – PE (wear tennis shoes)
Wednesday – Music
Thursday – PE (wear tennis shoes)
Friday – Art (1st 9 weeks only); Friday’s exploratory will change each 9-week period.
Library Check-out:
- Media Center orientation will be held on August 14th.
- Our scheduled check-out time will be Wednesdays from 10:00 – 10:15 (beginning August 26th)
- Students may check out 2 books.
I will keep you updated and informed as we progress through the year. Should you have any questions/concerns – please feel free to contact me. Many thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Ms. Long