Embedded Files
Mrs. Bickel’s
2nd Grade Prep Guide
Please check Class DoJo often for helpful up-to-date information.
Dear Parents,
First and foremost, thank you for entrusting me with your child this school year!
It is an honor to be your child’s second grade teacher!
Changes during the year will happen, but this information will help us to start out the year. Check our Class Dojo for weekly newsletters on the last day of the school week and any current information. I do not send home a printed newsletter. If you have any questions please feel free to send a note, send a message on Class DoJo, call me at school (692-2535 ext. 222), or send me an email at bickela@meridianhawks.net.
Phonics/Spelling - We will study phonic and spelling skills. A list will not be sent home, rather a note at the beginning of each week detailing sounds/spellings we are studying. Students will take a quiz on the last day of the week over the phonics/spelling skill pattern learned that week. This way, students will show an understanding of the skill learned, rather than memorizing a list of words.
Grammar - We will study grammar and proofreading skills. Students will learn about a grammar skill that will be incorporated into the proofreading process. Students will take a quiz on the last day of the week over the grammar skill learned that week.
Reading/Vocabulary - We study fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills.. Students will use the reading resources provided to learn and practice the skills. Students will take a quiz/answer comprehension questions on the last day of the week over the reading skills learned that week.
Math - Memorization of math facts is beneficial for overall success as we progress through math skills. We use Xtra Math on our Chromebooks for math fact fluency practice. As students pass each operation (addition, subtraction, and even multiplication and division for some students) they will get a certificate.
Students will also learn various math skills using math practice books and completing assignments for the second grade math concepts. Math homework may be assigned throughout the week and is expected to be completed and turned in the next morning. Math quizzes will be given at the end of the modules.
Accelerated Reader - We use AR (Accelerated Reader) to increase comprehension in personal reading choices. Students take a STAR test to determine their reading level and then choose books to read within the range provided. Each book has a basic comprehension quiz. Students can take quizzes when they arrive in the morning or during centers time. Most books appropriate for second graders are worth 0.5 points. Points earned will depend on the number of correct answers. Points will be tracked and rewards will be given for achieving certain goals. You can check the level and point value of a book you have at home on www.arbookfinder.com which can be found on my website.
Classroom Expectations - While our specific expectations are discussed and agreed upon together, they are based on our HAWKS rules: Have Respect, Act Responsibly, Work Hard, Kind Words and Actions, Stay Safe. When a rule is broken or a responsibility is neglected, there will be a reflective process and a note in the planner. If the offense continues, poses a threat to safety, or causes a significant disruption, there will be communication to the parent regarding the consequence.
Student Planner - This is a great communication tool. The folder has a record of the kind of day your child had at school. If your child has a positive stamp, then your child had a great day. Sometimes you may find a short note from me if we hit a rough spot. Please initial this folder nightly so that I know you’ve seen the homework assignments and notes. You may add notes of encouragement for your child or information/questions for me in the folder as well. If there is a home situation that could impact your child at school, please write “Handle with Care” in your child’s planner. No questions will be asked, it will just help me to know if something seems to be bothering your child. I will check each morning to see that it was signed and if there is any communication from you.
Student Folder - One of your child’s folders will be used as a Student Folder for homework or notes that need to go home. In the folder there will be a “keep at home” pocket and a “return to school” pocket. The items in the “keep at home” pocket should be taken out each night for you to review and keep. The items in the “return to school” pocket should be completed and returned the next day.
Homework- Homework is typically only assigned Monday-Thursday, but not everyday. Some students get their homework completed during class time, others need more time and will need to finish at home. Please get into a routine of looking over your child’s graded work and talking about mistakes, practicing math facts, and reading (either to them or with them) each night. I promise it’s worth your time!
There may be times when a student will have late work. Your child will work on late work in the morning if it is not completed. If it continues to go unfinished, it will be completed during Fun Friday. I will inform you when work is missing so that you are aware.
If your child is bringing home more than you would expect we have one or two things happening… 1 - He or she is not using class time wisely, or 2 - He or she is struggling with the content. In either case it needs to be addressed, so please let me know if homework takes more than 15-30 minutes. I know you all have a life outside of school and I want to respect that. Please get into a routine of 15-30 minutes of homework and/or skill practice each night.
Work to Turn In: Homework
Skill Practice: -Read by Myself -Math Facts
or with Someone -Phonics/Spelling Skill
After school transportation changes - Please communicate transportation changes with a written note. If your child rides a bus, please contact the bus barn as well. We ask that last minute changes be made by calling the office by noon when at all possible, then tell me on DoJo about transportation changes as well. Please do not assume I saw your message unless you get a response from me. At Back to School Night there will be a transportation sheet for parents to check that your child’s afternoon bus information is correct.
Class Parties - Parent help is extremely beneficial for class parties. You can sign up in person at Meet the Teacher Night or message me on Class DoJo. Please sign up to help with or donate items to our class parties. The class parties we will have this year include:
Halloween Party
Christmas Party
Valentine Party
Spring Party
Birthdays - Students love celebrating birthdays at school. Summer birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the year. You are welcome to send or bring store bought treats to school. Parents often supply a snack and drink for each student - however please do not feel obligated to do so. Birthdays are typically celebrated on Fridays, and if we have two or more students celebrating during the same week we will combine their parties!
Book Orders - I will send book orders home from time to time. Sometimes in the description the AR level is marked, which is really helpful. Ordering books helps us build our class library as well as your home library; it’s a win, win! You can order by sending in the paper order form and a CHECK made or (even better) - online using our class code YYQQV.
I appreciate your involvement and support in making this a successful year for your child!
I can’t wait to meet all of you!
It’s going to be a great year!
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