Introduction
     As we begin a new school year, I would like to welcome you as a partner in your child’s education.  After twenty-nine years in the classroom, I truly believe that education is a three-way partnership involving the child, the teacher, and the parents.  I would like to take this opportunity to share my personal goals for this partnership.
     My mission is to help all students become the best that they can be.  By providing a warm, structured environment, I will guide my students to become independent, self-confident decision makers who responsibly accept the consequences for the choices they make.  I will treat my students with compassion and respect and I will maintain high expectations of my students, assuring them that they can achieve their dreams if they believe in themselves.
     Because you are the most important person in your child’s life, your support of my goals means a great deal to me.  Our working together with respect and open communication will assure that your child will enjoy working up to his or her fullest potential.  If you have questions or concerns and wish to speak with me, please call the office (593-5445) to schedule an appointment or to leave a message.  To help facilitate communication, I have outlined polices and procedures that will be followed throughout the year.
 
 

Nightly Routine
     Your child’s “take home” folder will be sent home every night and it should be returned to school each day.  Please look over the items in the folder and return only the papers requested to be returned.  The weekly newsletter usually goes home on Mondays, along with the weekly Spelling list.  Look for Spelling sentences on Wednesdays.  Please encourage your child to pack the “take home” folder in his/her backpack each evening before going to bed.
 
 

Homework Policy
     Students will be responsible for completing approximately thirty
minutes of homework in a Homework Journal.  Besides reinforcing academic skills, the homework journal will help build study skills, encourage student responsibility, and be a form of communication between school and home.  The journal should be completed Monday through Thursday evenings and returned to school each day.  The homework journals will be checked each morning when the students arrive.  Those students completing at least three out of four assignments each week will earn special privileges on Fridays.  Students who do not complete the homework will be given alternative activities during our awards time.  Credit for the homework will only be given on the day it is due, so please make sure your child places the homework journal inside the “take home” folder each evening.
     In addition to the nightly homework, the children will occasionally have a Science or Social Studies related project.  Parent participation is encouraged with these projects.  However, the students are expected to share their understanding of the concepts as they present and explain their projects to the class.
 
 

Schedule of Special Classes
     Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for P.E. on  Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Library books need to be returned on Thursdays.

Monday                    Music
Tuesday                    Music
Wednesday               P.E. and Library
Thursday                  P.E.
Friday                       Art and Computer
 

Character Traits Worth Developing
     Although no set of rules can assure ethical conduct, I believe these basic rules will serve as a strong foundation for positive character development.  These ideas are incorporated daily into my teaching as I want the children to realize they are in charge of their learning and their behavior.  By learning to respect the rights of others, the students will be a credit to themselves, their families, their school, and their community.
1. Be honest.  Tell the truth; be sincere; don’t take things that belong to others.
2. Demonstrate integrity.  Be your best self; resist peer pressure to do wrong.
3. Keep promises.  Keep your word; honor your commitments.
4. Be loyal.  Stand by your friends; don’t talk about others behind their backs.
5. Be responsible.  Think before you act; accept the consequences.
6. Pursue excellent.  Do your personal best; don’t give up.
7. Be kind and caring.  Show compassion; don’t be mean.
8. Treat all people with respect.  Be tolerant of individual differences.
9. Be fair.  Listen to others;  try to understand what they are saying and feeling.
10. Be a good citizen.  Obey rules; volunteer your service to others.
 
 

I am looking forward to an exciting year in 2nd grade
with your child!  Please contact me if you have questions.