Dear
Parents,
September 3, 2013
Another school season is starting as well
as other events such as Sunday school, Bible studies, and various meetings that
keep families busy. I hope that you enjoyed your summer full of rest, holidays,
and visiting with friends and family. I am looking forward to having your child
in Grade 2, and consider it a privilege to be their teacher this year.
A blog has been
created to ensure that at all times spelling lists and important notes can be
accessed. Please do not comment on the
blog site as there is no privacy there.
No last names or school name will be posted there. To access, type nevennewsfortwos.blogspot.ca
in your browser. I hope
this will be helpful to us all.
As well, I have been made aware that
we have a student with a serious fish
allergy. Please assist us in this
matter by teaching your child to wash their hands after eating and refrain from
sharing their snacks. (eg. Tuna salad sandwich)
Listed
are some of the routines for the up coming year.
1. Library: Our library day this year is
Friday. Please help your child remember their library books so that they can
borrow new ones.
2.
Phys-ed: Gym will be on
Wednesday’s & Thursday's. Students do not need a change of clothes, but
they do need non-scuff inside shoes (running shoes, please) for this.
3. Art: We plan on doing art
a few days/week (Tuesday’s for sure) and as we all know accidents can happen.
Paint shirt’s will be provided and will be worn to cover their uniform.
4.
Spelling: We usually go through one spelling lesson per week. On
Thursday’s students will be asked to copy their words in their agendas under
the column “Words of the Week.” As the
year progresses and more words are added, it will be necessary to “squish” them
in. Our test days are on Friday. Our first test will be on Sept. 13. Each test page will go home in the test
package every Friday. On the back side
of each test will be the list for the next week.
As we progress
through the year, 3 vocabulary words will be included. Additional instructions will be given at that
time. We will be able to access the
spelling word list on nevennewsfortwos.blogspot.ca.
5. Homework: Students will have reading
homework this year. We hope to use a “Guided
Reading” Approach in the classroom, while the reading homework may or may not
coincide with this. These reading assignments are meant to encourage stronger
reading skills. A suggested method of
doing reading homework is to have your child read over the material by
themselves first. Then sit down together and have your child read to you.
Encourage your child to sound out words that are difficult for them versus
giving them the words. Each child will be given a bookmark with reading hints on it to help when struggling through a
story.
I understand families can become very busy
at times. So, please, if your child has a legitimate reason for not
finishing a reading homework assignment just write it in their agenda and
reassure your child that these things happen and their teacher understands.
Make homework a priority with your child
by providing him/her with all the necessary supplies and an appropriate working
environment. Give your child lots of praise and support when homework is
completed responsibly. Contact me by phoning the school or a note in the agenda
if you notice a problem.
Your child may have homework in other
subjects such as math but every attempt will be made to finish at school
without sacrificing recess.
6.
Reading Books: In our
phonics/reading program, we use many books. We ask that special care be given
to these books so that they will last a long time. If any book is damaged or
lost and requires replacement, a fee will be charged to cover the cost of the
new book. To help keep all readers protected, each child will receive a bag to
store their readers in. This will help avoid ripped covers and wet pages.
7.
Agendas: Students are required to write down their homework in their
agenda everyday. If they have no homework, they are to write “No Homework.”
Agendas need to be signed daily (except on weekends) by a parent even on those
days that have no homework. This is also a means of communication between you
as parents and me. Agendas will also
contain changes to assignments listed in the weekly bulletin. We will also
include any events that are occurring such as: library day, pizza day, and so
on. Please feel free to write a question
or a note to me. A small sticker is
given for a signed agenda.
8.
Worksheet Packages: Worksheet
packages will be sent home once a week (Probably on Fridays). Please look them
over so you know how your child is doing. These do not have to be signed or
returned to school unless you have questions or concerns about your child’s
mark. Please send it back with your questions and I’ll get back to you.
9.
Magazine Order: You will receive a
magazine order for Chickadee,
Puzzlemania, and for Highlights.
Please do not fell obligated to order these magazines, but whether you answer
‘yes’ or ‘no’ please return the slip
to school SIGNED! It means a free gift for our class if all slips are
returned SIGNED. Free stickers and goodies! Return all forms by
Wednesday, Sept. 11.
10. Extra Clothes: Sometimes accidents
occur during the day (muddy or wet clothes), and clean clothes are needed.
Pleases send a complete set of inside clothes (school colours, if possible) in
a bag that can be folded, labeled and kept in a cupboard.
10. American Content: As you realize much
of our curriculum in the lower grades comes from USA. We try as much as
possible in the classroom to replace it with Canadian content. Examples of this
would be the American coins on a math page are covered with the Canadian coins,
or in spelling, the spelling of “colour” is taught spelling it the Canadian way
and not the American style which would be “color”. So please remember we are
trying our best to replace what we can with Canadian content. Any American content pages are done at
student initiative only.
11. Discipline Procedures:
There
are a few simple rules, which are expected to be followed:
1. During a lesson, raise your
hand to speak.
2. Be busy with something
constructive at all times.
3. Respect each other’s property
and person.
Students
are given warnings, name on the chalk board,
assigned spelling words, and if necessary, a phone call home will be
used to promote obedience.
I
hope we have a good school year together. Please call or leave a note in the
agenda if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mrs.
S. Neven
