BACK TO SCHOOL WITH 2ND GRADE

Falmouth Elementary School

Falmouth Elementary
Address: 1000 Forbes Street; Falmouth, VA 22405 Telephone: 540-373-7458 Fax Number: 540-371-1757 Principal: Mrs. Gayle Thyrring Assistant Principal: Mr. Terry Johnson, Jr. Website: stafford.falmouth.schoolfusion.us School Day: Class begins promptly at 9:00 am, dismissal begins at 3:30.

TEACHERS INFORMATION

Introducing the 2nd grade Teachers

Ms. Dreistadt
entering her 2nd year teaching 2nd grade at Falmouth

Mrs. Green
moved from 5th grade to 2nd grade at Falmouth this year

Mrs. Kerrick
moved from North Carolina to Falmouth this year

Mrs. Repass
looped with her students from 1st grade to 2nd grade

The Falmouth School Pledge

Today is a new day! I will act in a safe and healthy way. I will respect the rights of others. I will take responsibility for my learning. Today I will be the best I can be. I am proud to be a student at Falmouth Elementary!

Our Daily Schedule

Our Daily Schedule

8:35-9:00am 9:00-11:00 11:00-11:40 11:40-11:55 11:55-12:35 12:35-1:25 1:25-2:35 2:35-2:55 2:55-3:30 3:30-4:00 Settling In Language Arts Lunch Storytime/DEAR Specials Core/Extension Math Recess Science/Social Studies Dismissal

Our Expectations-for students and parents

Outstanding Attendance & Citizenship

Maintaining outstanding attendance throughout the school year will help your child succeed. Reinforcing positive behavior at home and at school. Refer to school & classroom rules and guidelines. Child should be prepared for the school day with necessary materials and a positive attitude. Please remember Stafford Countys Dress Code when helping your child get dressed for school.

Effective Work Habits & Academics

Always be fully aware of what your child is learning in the classroom. Homework is to be completed neatly and turned in following teacher directions. Parent Notices are sent home regarding student progress and achievement. Please review all documents and contact your childs teacher if you have questions or concerns.

FES Grading Policy

4 means performs above grade level expectations 3+ means almost performing above grade level 3 means meets grade level expectations 2+ means almost meeting grade level expectations 2 means inconsistently meets grade level standards. Child may be in danger of retention. Your childs teacher will schedule a meeting to discuss possible strategies. 1 means performing below grade level standards. Child is in danger of retention. Your childs teacher will schedule a meeting to discuss possible strategies.

A student who receives a 1 is confused and lost, even after repeated instruction. He/she often become frustrated because the task is difficult.

A student who receives a 2 needs assistance in order to perform or practice the skill.

A student who receives a 2+ is almost there. He/she needs only minimal assistance in order to complete the task.

A student who receives a 3 is able to consistently perform the task without assistance.

A student who receives a 3+ is able to perform the assigned task with exceptional ease, regardless of the difficulty level.

A student who receives a 4 is consistently using higher level thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and integration in order to apply the skill to unfamiliar situations or in novel ways.

Word Study at FES

Second grade teachers are using a method of spelling instruction called word study this year. In traditional spelling programs, students memorize a set of words for each weeks test and then never use them again. With word study, students learn about word patterns by completing sorts, using manipulatives, and playing games. This method requires a shift in our thinking about spelling. If you have questions, please contact your childs teacher.

Everyday Math
Math is another area which requires a shift in our thought process. Stafford County Schools use Everyday Math. This program believes that students learn best when they are actively involved in constructing their math knowledge. To this end, you will hear about games your child plays during math class and you might even be asked to play some games at home. You will not see traditional worksheets with repetitive problems. For more information, visit the Everyday Math website: http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents /index.shtml

Core Extension
To better meet the needs of all the 2nd graders, we will be using something called Core Extension Time. Students will be assigned to different teachers for a 50 minute block of time each day. During that time, students will work on areas of the curriculum their teacher feel are in need of either intervention or enrichment. Ongoing assessments in the classrooms will help the teachers determine in which areas your child would benefit from spending some additional, focused time.

6 + 1 Writing Traits
To help Falmouth Falcons become even better writers, teachers have been trained in an approach entitled: 6 + 1 Writing Traits. It is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as create a common vision of what 'good' writing looks like. Seven components of good writing are taught. These components are: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, fluency, conventions and presentation. Students may bring home work that is only graded for one of these components. If you have any questions, please ask your childs teacher.

Lets work as a team and have a great school year!

Falmouth Elementary School Grade 2 2008-2009