Windsor Elementary School
Angela Perry, second grade teacher
(252)- 794- 5221

Dear Parents,

       Welcome to the 2002- 2003 school year.  I am looking forward to working with you and your child. My goal for this year is to make second grade a positive and productive year for everyone
    This letterwill hopefully answer some questions you may have as well as give you some insights to some of the things we will be doing in second grade.  Attached to the letter is our schedule, student information card, supply list, and classroom mangagement plan.  Please sign the neccessary forms and send them back to school as soon as possible.

Supplies:  See separate sheet

Reading:  Reading in my class is very important!  Each day we spend 20 minutes of uninterupted reading time (D.E.A.R.).  I have a wide variety of books available in my classroom that are between first grade and sixth grade reading levels.   For the first few weeks the children will take 1-2 AR tests.  After that, taking AR tests will be their choice.  Students will choose books appropriate for their level and interest.  We use the Scott Foresman Reading Program in Bertie County. Please read their library books with them as much as possible.   Make sure they bring the library books back to school with them on friday so that they can exchange their books.  AR is open in
the morning for students who wish to take a test on their library book.  

Math:  We use the Saxon math program at Windsor Elementary.  I will be sending home Side B of the worksheet Mon- Fri (except on assessment lesson days).    Please go over the math skills with your child nightly.  I also use other math programs such as math essentials and star math to supplement for the standard course of study.  Each child will be given a K-2 NC math assessment at the end of each 9 week to test their application of concepts they have learned.  I will provide a sample test for you and your child to practice a few weeks before the test.  Please use this to practice.

Science, Social Studies, Health, Technology: These subjects are taught through integration.  Everything we teach in second grade revolves around a weekly theme chosen from one of these four subjects.  You will notice this in the weekly letter

Morning Work:  Children must finish morning work between 7:45- 8:25 or they cannot participate in centers.  They will also be required to finish work during recess.    I find that this encourages children to eat their breakfast and return to class in a timely matter.

Weekly Reports:  I will be sending home weekly folders for each child on Thursday.   Please send them back on Friday.   If you spot an assessment or test, please send it back in the folder.  All other papers (unless noted) may be kept at home. If you need to communicate with me you may do so in the folder sign in sheet.   The second grade team also sends home a weekly letter to let you know what we are doing in class.

Bumpy Day Note:  If you child has had a bad night, please feel free to let me know so that I may be aware of the problem and possibly be of some help

Snacks: We will have recess in the afternoon.  If your child would like to bring a snack please send them something each day that will not spoil.  I recommend healthy snacks as it will help them get through the rest of the day.

Book Orders:  I am part of the Scholastic Books Club and will be sending home plenty of book orders throughout the year. This is a great way to encourage your child to enjoy reading. They offer wonderful books at discounted prices.

Buses:  If you child needs to ride a different bus please send a note to school explaining the change, date it and sign it.  Your child must turn this in to me in the morning.  The office will not take any bus notes to after 9am. Children cannot be admitted to a different bus without a note.

Absences:  Attendance in my class is rewarded.  Please make sure your child is in school as much as possible.  If your child misses a day please make sure they make up their work and send a note to school.  Often times the reason for absence is excusable and will not count against your child.

Homework:  Each week your child will have a spelling contract.  To decide what list they will recieve I will be giving them a pretest.  There will be 3 lists.  A grade of 90 or 100 means they will get the advanced list,  30-80 regular list, and 0-20 reduced list.  You child will also have a reading contract. They must read to you each night.  In their reading contract folder you will find several sample questions to ask your child. Your child will usually have 1-2 two simple saxon math sheets.  If your child does not have a math sheet they will have a phonics sheet.  Homework should only take up to 45 minutes.

Conferences: There will be several scheduled conferences throughout the year, but if you would like to see me at anytime please call the school to set up a conference in advance.  

Behavior Management Plan:  See separate sheet. Please review this with your child several times.
   
    Again, I am excited about the new school year and look forward to a year filled with exciting new learning experiences!  I am very pleased to have your child in my class!

                                                                  Sincerely,
                                                                Ms. A. Perry