Welcome Back
Posted on Aug 21, 2018
August 21, 2018
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the start of the 2018-2019 school year for your second grader at St. John Fisher School! We are looking forward to a great year of learning with your child. There are a few things we would like to go over with you concerning the curriculum, classroom rules, and homework policy. After reading this letter, please fill out the form at the end and return it as soon as possible.
Religion
Besides our regular religion series, the children will be studying two sacraments this year. The first is Reconciliation and the second is First Holy Communion which is scheduled for May 4, 2019. Both of these sacraments are very important days in the life of your child and we look forward to preparing your child for them. You will be given more information about these two special days as it becomes available. Please encourage your child to attend Mass regularly as part of their preparation for the reception of these two sacraments.
English Language Arts
In addition to our emphasis on English grammar we will be using Common Core Progress for English Language Arts which incorporates the four core standards of Language Arts – reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will be presented with both fiction and nonfiction selections to compare and contrast and to respond orally and in writing using extended response answers.
Reading
The reading series is divided into different themes and the stories are entire selections from popular children’s authors. There are weekly comprehension tests and extended response questions (SLAM) based on that week’s story. Your child will bring the textbook home once a week so that they can review the story several times to prepare for the test. Beginning in October, we will start the Accelerated Reading Program. A monthly grade will be recorded for Accelerated Reading. More details to follow.
Spelling
There will be a weekly spelling test based on that week’s unit as well as an additional 5 challenge words from the reading story. Students will write down their spelling words in their planner each Monday at school. On Monday nights, students will have 4 x each for homework. It would be helpful to give a practice test each week at home. Words will be marked wrong if they are misspelled, if the letter is formed incorrectly, or if capitals letters are used inappropriately.
Science and Social Studies
The science curriculum includes the study of plants and animals, matter, ecosystems, and the earth’s place in the universe. In social studies we will be studying communities, developing map skills, learning about local, state, and federal governments, and discussing early American history.
Math
Our math series is Go Math. The series is based on the common core standards and has many different on-line features for students and parents to access at home. We will be sending home login passwords so that you can access these features at home. One component is a nightly homework assignment. An emphasis will be placed on explaining how student’s got their answer not just the computation.
Handwriting
Manuscript writing will be reviewed during the first trimester. Cursive writing will be taught after Christmas. We will be covering the lower case letters only.
Our lunch is the second lunch period. It is scheduled from 11:00 – 11:20
Our special schedule is:
Monday - Computer (Mrs. Maxwell)
Tuesday - Music (Mrs. Lenz)
Wednesday - Mass
Thursday - Art/Lirbrary (Mrs. Newman / Mrs. Keller)
Friday - Gym (Mr. Pirkle)
Classroom Procedures
The classroom procedures have been explained and are reviewed regularly. If a child misbehaves
or misses a homework assignment they will miss 5 minutes of recess.
Homework
The homework assignments your child brings home each night are an important part of his/her
education. Homework provides students with opportunities to develop good study habits and
practice new skills. If a child does not turn in their homework, they will receive a homework slip and miss 5 minutes of recess that day. Three or more missing assignments per trimester will be noted on the report card. Please see the Parent Student Handbook regarding make up work,
extended absences, etc. We will allow the student time when he/she returns to school to complete the missed assignments, tests, and homework.
Please check the student planner daily. We will check them daily to make sure assignments are written down. Encourage your child to read at least 15 minutes each night. Please make sure your child has adequate supplies at all times. Pencils and crayons wear down, break and get lost. They need to be replaced often.
Finally, if your child is absent please phone the office that morning and send a note explaining the absence when he/she returns to school. Also, if your child would like to bring a treat on his/her birthday feel free to send one.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year of learning with your child. If you have any
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. Thank you for your
cooperation.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Karen Ade Mrs. Meghan Kellam Ms. Mary Broncato
117 214 215
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I HAVE READ THE PARENT WELCOME LETTER.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.
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