Prarie Creek Elementary School

 

Carey Elsbernd

 

 

elsbernc@usd385.org

 

 

654 S. YMCA Avenue

 

Andover, KS  67002 

 

Monthly updates will contain important information about our classroom.  This information will be found on the school web page at www.usd385.org.  My teacher information pages will inform you of all important updates.  Please visit every item on my sidebar. 

 

Take-home/homework folders will normally be sent home Monday through Friday.  Please refer to the Homework Policy for Second Grade for more information.  These folders will contain a short assignment that is to be completed and returned the following school day.  In addition your child needs to have a scheduled read aloud time at home every day.   Please spend 5 to 10 minutes every night practicing math addition and subtraction facts with your child.  This will enhance our math curriculum! 

   

 

Language Arts and Reading—-The Houghton Mifflin textbook series adopted by the district is exciting and very comprehensive.  A minimum of 90 minutes each day will be spent in this subject area.  I will review Pathways to Reading for phonemic awareness and phonics.  Guided Reading is incorporated into the daily schedule with the assistance of the Reading Lab.  Spelling tests will be given in sentence dictation form so students can apply spelling skills to the written word.

 

Math—I am excited to again be teaching the Everyday Math curriculum this year.  It is a research-based program that helps children master mathematical strands over a period of time, through a repeated or spiraling fashion.  Daily routines and games help insure mastery of basic skills.  Differentiating instruction will help your child learn in his/her learning style and meet the individual needs of the students. I will supplement with Rocket Math.  Rocket math consists of drill practice for mastery of addition and subtraction facts.

 

Science-Our science program includes:  balance and motion in physical science;  plants in life science;  and pebbles, sand  and silt in earth science.

 

Social Studies—-Our lessons will be based on culture, geography, economics, history and citizenship.

 

Health will focus on our senses, our body and staying healthy.  We will get to really focus on the eye's many parts and their functions.  We culminate this study with cow’s eye dissections.  Students will also study the parts of the ear and their functions.

 

Computer, Art, Music and Physical Education are based on a four day rotation.

 

Library is scheduled for every week on Mondays.  Your child may visit the library at other times.  I encourage the children to choose books that are on their reading level and to choose one of their books from the selection of AR books.

 

 

 

 

Accelerated Reader  I ask that each child take at least one AR test on the computer each quarter.  I try to make this procedure as user friendly as possible and will be nearby to give assistance as needed.  During September, individual assessments and computerized assessments will help determine your child’s reading levels and goals.   

 

Book Orders will be sent home approximately once a month.  If you would like to order books, please return your order form with a check made out to the book order company in a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name.  The date due will be stamped on the order form.

 

Star of the Week-- All About Me—Each week a child will be chosen to be featured on the bulletin board in our room.  When chosen,  please help your child complete the poster and return it to school as soon as possible with a few pictures, drawings or magazine clippings to display.  The pictures will be returned to you.

 

 

Yellow take-home folders will contain the majority of the work your child has accomplished during the day, as well as homework and special notes from the district and school. 

 

Behavior

 

Class Rule:  I will behave in a manner that does not cause a problem for myself or others.

 

Code of Conduct:  I will be respectful, responsible and ready to learn in all settings.

 

It is important that one’s behavior does not interrupt the learning process or climate in the classroom.  A color chart system will be used to help the children focus on their behavior.  Each day the child will begin on the green card.

 

Green Card----GO!  Awesome job!  Keep up the good work.

 

Yellow Card---Caution!  Are you following the class rule and the code of conduct?

 

Blue Card---Consequence!  The child will be required to walk 5 laps at recess  for misbehavior according to the infraction.

 

Red Card---STOP!  If a student should change the color of his card to red, he/she will write note explaining the misbehavior to the parent, which must sign and return the following school day.  The student may also be referred to Mrs. Jonas or Mrs. Bradford for counseling.

 

 

 

 

Second Grade Success

 

The following are suggestions for helping your child succeed in second grade.

 

*Establish a nightly reading time.  Read to and with your child.

 

*Help your child study spelling words and study guides for upcoming tests.

 

*Remind your child to complete the assigned homework and place it back in the take-home folder to return to school the following day.

 

*Ask your child about the school day.  Review yellow folder work and notes.

 

*Prepare for success by insuring your child receives adequate rest each night and eats breakfast every morning.

 

*Send backpacks daily.  Homework is always due the following day unless otherwise noted. 

 

 

*Practice basic addition and subtraction facts with your child every night for 5-10 minutes.