This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Why can't I work in the classroom right away?
Your presence is so important in our school and in our classroom. However, it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for us to get to know each other and bond as a class. There will be plenty that you can do to support us in the program during those first weeks but it will not be working with our kids in the classroom. Once we know each other and the way things work in our class, you will be a welcome partner whenever you can be with us.Back to Top
Why does my child say s/he hates school?
First grade is the only time that we double our expectations of our children. Moving from 1/2 day at school to a full day and a meal eaten with 100 other people is difficult at best. Your children will be working so hard to do what they need to do & behave according to our class agreements that they will have used up all their "good" during the school day. Remember that it's good that home is a safe place to let down. Expect that the first couple of months will have afternoons and evenings of tears and tantrums. Trust that they don't hate school but are tired, cranky and unsure of what's expected of them. It will get better.Back to Top
My goal for homework in primary grades is to establish good study habits early on. The homework should be relatively easy and fun and should take no more than 1/2 hour. Now is the time to help your student establish a consistent time and place to do homework with your supervision and a minimum of assistance. By putting homework habits in place now, we provide a foundation for future years.Back to Top
When can I be most useful in the classroom?
Please check the parent information board in our classroom and in the APPLE Core area. Our class schedule will be posted there so that you can see the times when you are most needed and the times when the children will be out of the room. I will always have something for you to do whenever you are here so feel free to drop in whenever you can.Back to Top
How is second grade different from first?
Second graders are much more independent learners from the very beginning. Because we "loop" with our children, we are able to hit the ground running in the fall. We all know each other and how things work in the classroom so we can start the year out ready to work. Students are expected to be able to sustain independent work for a longer amount of time and with better work habits.Back to Top
Why homework back and forth every night in second grade?
As we build good homework habits, we increase student responsibility for their own learning. Each step builds on the previous one. We are working on having a plan for completing homework each night in anticipation of having to plan for long term assignments in coming grades.Back to Top