Weekly Homework/Newsletter Link HERE

2011-2012 Class Procedures

  We are looking forward to working with you and your child.  To make things flow smoothly there are certain routines you need to be familiar with.

FOLDERS-Each child will be given a folder.  The inside pockets are labeled RETURN and HOME. They go home each day and are to be returned the following day.  Please do not remove any papers from the return side of the folder.  Any special papers that we need signed and returned will be marked as such.  This method seems to work well with the little ones.  Papers on the home side may be removed and kept at home.

HOMEWORK-It is your child’s responsibility to complete homework assignments and remember to bring them to school.  If your child forgets their homework, DO NOT DELIVER IT TO THE SCHOOL.  It is important for children to experience the consequences of their actions.  Homework is intended as independent work for students.  Don’t volunteer to help-wait to be asked then go over the directions and do an example together.  If your child still has considerable difficulty with the assignment, jot a note to me on the particular assignment.  Your interest in the finished work is most welcome, but the work itself is not your responsibility.  Homework is given on a DAILY basis and must be returned the following day.  Please make sure you check your child’s homework and sign their planner.  AN UNSIGNED PLANNER WILL RESULT IN A ZERO FOR THAT DAY’S HOMEWORK.

The weekly homework and newsletter will be sent via email.  It will be posted on the SDS website. A HARD COPY WILL NOT BE SENT HOME.

P.E.-THIS WILL BE EVERYDAY.  Girls should wear shorts under their jumpers.  The children are not required to wear uniforms.

LIBRARY-Second graders visit the library each week.  Books are returned on a weekly basis.  If your child fails to return his book he will not be allowed to check out a new one.  Fines will be imposed for lost books.

MEDICATION-All medication will be dispensed through the office.  We may not administer any medication under any circumstances.  Before any medication may be given, the proper forms must be filled out in the office.

 

CELEBRATIONS-If you wish to bring cookies, doughnuts, etc. to the classroom on your child’s birthday you are most welcome to do so.  PLEASE DO NOT SEND DRINKS.

CARPOOL-Please display a sign in the cars’ front window listing the last names only of those children in your carpool.  Please make letters at least 3” HIGH SO NAMES CAN BE READ EASILY.  When your car is loaded, please turn this sign over as an indication to the teachers that you are ready to move.  If you are late picking up your child they will be sent to the office to call.

WALKER POLICY-Please read the policy to decide if your child is a “walker.”  If your child is granted walker status a permission contract must be on file in the school office.  It is THEN and ONLY THEN your child will be dismissed at 2:55 p.m.  Otherwise, they will be dismissed at 3:00 at which time they will go to carpool and remain there until 3:15 p.m.  Children will be dismissed AFTER carpool to dress for any after-school activities.

DISCIPLINE-Many people choose Catholic Schools because of the emphasis on “discipline.” Respect, cooperation, safety and Christian discipleship are found in a school with an effective discipline program.  St. Dominic has such a program in Discipline with Purpose.  The aim of DWP is not to discipline the child but to teach them self-discipline and responsibility.  This method of taking ownership for their actions will teach them acceptable social behavior, help them form a good conscience, and will build their self-esteem.  To help children develop these important skills we will use a system that reinforces positive behavior in many areas.  This system is called “Behavior Bucks.”  The children receive a behavior buck for demonstrating the first 5 DWP skills of good listening, following directions, asking questions in the proper manner, sharing, and correct social skills.  Each time a child receives a behavior buck they sign it and place it in a basket.  At the end of the week I draw 5 tickets .  Those students roll a die and receive a prize.  The number on the die correlates to a particular prize designated on a chart.  Anytime you could help with contributions to the treasure chest it would be greatly appreciated.  The treasure chest consists of inexpensive small toys or books usually purchased at the dollar store.

Also attached to this letter is a discipline action form.  This is sent home when your child needs to improve in one of the areas listed. This is to be signed by the parent and returned the next day.  After 5 discipline notices a parent teacher conference will called and a demerit issued.  The number of demerits and detentions earned will follow the same progression as that of 3rd-8th grades.   This makes you aware and a partner with us in improving the unacceptable behavior.  Teaching children to be responsible is an awesome task but not impossible if we work together.  Remember you are a key source of support.

TESTS-Frequent assessment in the classroom makes it easier for the teacher to identify problems and find remedies for them.  These assessments monitor the child’s knowledge of important skills and concepts currently being taught.  Our Language Arts program provides weekly assessments in Reading, Grammar, Spelling, and Phonics.  Our Math and Science programs are geared to chapter assessment, which may or may not be completed in a week.  Also used as reinforcement in Math is a program called Daily Rainbow Math Drills. It is a five-minute speed drill on the basic math facts.  Its purpose is to teach the facts to the point of instant recall.  We do one at the beginning of math each day.  The point of the drill is to stress individual achievement rather than competitive achievement.  The student will be competing with themselves rather than one another.  In Social Studies the children are evaluated on chapter assessments, activities and projects.  In Religion the children are assessed on their knowledge of their faith, the liturgy, prayers, church behavior, and the weekly chapter.

BOOKCLUBS-When sending payment for book club orders please make checks payable to the club ONLY. You may also pay with cash.  We do require that all orders be in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name.  Sometimes we will send home forms to order various children’s magazines.  You are NEVER OBLIGATED to buy or join a club.  Your signature enables us to qualify for all types of free classroom gifts.  Remember, YOU MUST MARK NO AND SIGN YOUR NAME. It is not necessary to fill out the entire slip.  You only need to complete the entire slip if purchasing something.

LUNCH-Lunch and milk are purchased on a monthly basis.  Order forms will be posted on the SDS webpage.  You must PRINT it out and return it with the money before Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS. Children not ordering will need to bring a bag lunch.  If a child forgets his lunch you will be called to bring one.  Ice cream will only be available on Friday at lunch.  IT IS NOT THE MORNING SNACK.  You are not obligated to order.  Your child may bring a snack from home.  Please DO NOT send ice cream money in the same envelope as lunch or milk money.
The lunch program does not begin until August 29th. Until then, you must provide your child’s lunches.

SNACK-We have a snack each day.  Please send your child with a “non-messy” morning snack, ONE THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A SPOON, as we continue to work while eating. NO CANDY OR DRINKS.

CAPP TRAINING-Any adult attending school or classroom events will be REQUIRED to have had Child Protection Training.  This includes activities such as classroom parties, field trips, retreat day, and any other classroom activity where the children will be present.  If you have been previously certified you may update your certification online.  If you have not been trained the class is offered once a month here at St. Dominic.

 

APPOINTMENTS-When making doctor and dentist appointments be mindful that your children learn best early in the day.  For this very reason a large block of their language arts and math occurs between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.  We know all appointments cannot be avoided at these times but please try to schedule appointments in the late afternoon.

ABSENCES    A CHILD MUST HAVE A NOTE FROM THE PARENT TO BE MARKED
                         EXCUSED. 

Our goal this year is to “GO GREEN.” Therefore, all correspondence will be via email. Each 2nd grade classroom will have a “.com mom.” Her job will be to communicate all information from us to you via email. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO FILL IN THE EMAIL INFORMATION ON THE STUDENT INFORMATION CARD. Anyone that does not have access to a computer may pick up information in the school office.

We are sure you are feeling overwhelmed about now.  Don’t worry things will quickly fall into place and if you forget something we will give you a gentle reminder.  Last, but not least, we ask that more than ever before, you as a parent, make a special gift to your child; the gift of your time.  We know that, busy as you are, it will not be easy, but we also know what a wonderful gift it can be.  Take time to listen.  Take time to share activities.  Take time to show your love and support.  Together with your help this WILL be a great year for your child.

                                       THE SECOND GRADE TEACHERS

 

     PLEASE KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

Don’t forget – check your email daily!!