Elmer E. Lyon Elementary School
1615 N. Florida Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
892-0869
August 2009
Dear Parents,
Welcome to second grade. I am very excited about having your child in my
class this year. Each year is a new and exciting journey for me as well as
for your child. I will work very hard to make this a successful and
memorable one for all. This letter is a general overview of what you can
expect your child to be learning. I have also covered basic requirements and
expectations that I have as a teacher. Please keep this letter and all other
information in your child’s homework folder for future reference.
Reading
We are using the McMillan/McGraw-Hill reading series this year. It is a well-
rounded, literacy-based curriculum which includes vocabulary, phonics,
spelling, reading comprehension, reading fluency, grammar, and writing. Our
texts are organized into thematic units. These units include fiction,
nonfiction, plays, and poetry. Assessments in reading will include
vocabulary tests, comprehension and skills tests, assigned book reports, oral
reading, and participation. Students will work in “Literacy Stations” on a
daily basis to strengthen and enrich the skills being taught. Your child
will receive a list of vocabulary words for the year. They should be kept in
the homework folder and studied weekly.
Spelling
On most weeks, spelling tests will be given on Thursdays. Our spelling
lessons will be directly correlated to the phonetic skills covered that week
in reading. Ten of the spelling words each week will be new, phonics based
words. Two of the words will be a review from the previous week, and three of
the words are high-frequency words. Dictation sentences will also be
included on most weeks. These sentences are a combination of spelling and
language skills. Dictation will receive both a spelling grade, as well as a
language grade. Handwriting will also be assessed. A list of spelling words
will also be given to each student to be kept in the homework folder.
Language
Language includes grammar skills, usage, and the application of these skills
in the student’s writing. Students will be expected to write daily in a
journal and will be encouraged to write creatively and express themselves.
Students will also learn to compose well developed paragraphs in a variety of
genres using the writing process. Assessment will be based on tests of skills
and the application of skills in their writing. A rubric will be used for
grading paragraphs. Dictation sentences will also be considered a portion of
the language grades.
Math
The Scott Foresman math series will be used again this year. We will be
learning a variety of mathematical concepts. Among these are basic
computation skills, graphing, geometry, measurement, probability, place
value, and beginning multiplication and division. Students will learn problem
solving skills and use pictures, numbers and words to understand and solve
the problem. Every Day Counts calendar math, Partner Games, and
Investigations will also be used on a daily basis. Assessment in math will
include problem solving activities, cooperative work, journal entries, and
chapter tests. There will also be performance assessments in which students
are required to explain how they solved a particular problem using numbers,
pictures, and words.
Science & Social Studies
The science and social studies curriculum will include many thematic units.
These units of study will often correlate to the reading themes. Your child
will participate in many hands-on activities relating to the unit of study.
Assessment in science and social studies is based on class work, special
projects, participation, and tests. Please note that grades in these two
subjects, as well as in reading, math, spelling, and language will be letter
grades A, B, C, D, and F.
Homework Folder
Your child’s homework folder should be taken home each night and should
return to school each morning. A “Homework Contract” will be given to your
child on Mondays. This contract will list all homework assignments for the
week. Homework contracts should be kept in your child’s folder, as we go over
homework assignments at the end of each day. Homework should be completed on
loose-leaf paper and should be turned in on a daily basis. Please buy
additional pencils and loose-leaf paper to be kept at home for this purpose.
Homework is a reinforcement of work that is being covered in class. Your
child’s homework should take no more than 30 minutes on an average night.
Reading with your child is also encouraged. Your attitude toward reading
will shape your child’s attitude. Please help your child clean out old
papers from the folder each week.
Reading Counts
“Reading Counts” is a reading enrichment program where students read books
and take a test on their comprehension of the book. Throughout the school
year students earn points for passing these computerized tests. At various
point levels students are awarded prizes. “Reading Counts” has proven to
increase children’s reading and comprehension skills as well as getting
children excited about reading. Books can be checked out of the library and
read at home or at school.
Lyon’s Cub Roar
Your child’s “Cub Roar” envelope will be sent home every Wednesday. This
envelope will include all of your child’s graded papers as well as a behavior
grade. Please sign the envelope and return both the envelope and the papers
the following day. Please feel free to comment in the designated column. This
weekly communication is an important part of your child’s academic
achievement.
Lunch Money
Lunch money should be sent in a sealed envelope. Your child’s name,
teacher’s name, and lunch number should be written on the envelope. Loose
money easily gets lost. Lunch money may be paid daily, weekly, or monthly. If
you are paying money for another fee, please use a separate envelope and
label it appropriately.
Supplies
Please try to fill your child’s supply list as soon as possible. We use all
of these supplies during the course of the year. Please label your child’s
scissors, markers, crayons, and all notebooks and folders. Do not label glue,
pencils, and all other supplies. Extra supplies will be stored for future
use. If additional supplies are needed I will include it on my weekly
homework contract or on your child’s “Cub Roar” envelope in the comment
section.
Instructional Fee
A $10 supply fee is needed to help cover the cost of your child’s workbooks,
ditto paper, and other classroom needs. Please send in this money as soon as
possible.
Management Plan
Included in this folder you will find a classroom management plan. Please
review this plan with your child and sign in the designated places. This form
will be kept in your child’s homework folder for the entire year.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. You
may call me at school at 892-0869 or e-mail me at Dianne.Hebert2@stpsb.org.
I will be happy to talk to you over the phone or you may schedule a
conference before or after school. Also check out my teacher web page at :
http://teacherweb.com/LA/LyonElementary/DHebert. I will post homework on the
website weekly, as well as announcements about school and class events. My
website also includes sites where students can practice skills at home.
I am looking forward to working with your child. If we work together, I am
certain that we will all have a successful, fun year.
Sincerely
Ms.Hebert