Homework
In second grade, students are expected to begin taking responsibility for their learning, and a part of this responsibility includes homework. Our goal in assigning homework is to enhance their experience in school. Students can show off what they are learning in school and get necessary extra practice in the subjects of reading, spelling, and math. It is NOT intended as a lengthy, laborious chore that students dread and struggle to complete. If your child is having problems with homework, please contact me to discuss the issue.

Occasionally, your child will need the following supplies at home to complete his/her homework assignments: math manipulative (anything to count with, i.e. noodles, pennies, paper clips, pebbles, etc.) analog clock (clock with hour, minute and second hand), digital clock, math flash cards (addition and subtraction facts to 18), inch/centimeter ruler, glue, scissors, tape, crayons, markers, pencils with erasers and lined paper notebook paper (wide rule). A ready supply of the above will ensure homework assignments will be done with minimum fuss.

By the way, there is no homework on Fridays!


Incomplete Homework
If there is a good reason why your child was unable to complete homework, please write a short note and send it in our child’s assignment folder.


Assignment Folders
To keep track of homework and other home-school communication, all second graders keep an assignment folder. Homework assignments are written down every day in this folder. In addition to homework, the folder will also contain all completed papers which will be passed back as checked. Each night you are asked to remove any school bulletins and any completed papers, and then go over your child’s homework. If necessary, help your child write down what he or she read that night and for how long. Your signature indicates that your child has completed the work. It is the student’s responsibility to bring you the folder every day. Your cooperation here is essential.


Friday Folders
Every Friday your child will receive a plastic envelope filled with pertinent school information and schedules of upcoming events in the classroom and at school. It is important that you remove all papers, read all announcements, and sign and return the envelope with you child on Monday.


Reading
Students will be required to read a minimum of 15-20 minutes each night. They may be given a specific reading assignment, or they may self-select a book for homework. Please encourage your child to read aloud to you or another family member when possible; you are also encouraged to read to your child.
Spelling
Each week your child will have a spelling list consisting of 10-15 words and a few sentences that contain those spelling words. To learn their spelling the students will engage in hands-on activities to literally “build” words. As they do, they will learn phonics patterns, high frequency words, synonyms, rhyming words, homonyms, and the relationship between letters and sounds, thereby becoming better spellers and readers. There will be a short spelling homework assignment every night which will be written in your child’s assignment folder. In the coming weeks, look for more information about our spelling program and how you can help your child at home.


Math
This year we will again be using the Math series published by Scott Foresman. Most nights there will be a short math assignment which will also be written in your child’s assignment folder. This math assignment should be checked and initialed by you reflecting you that all answers are correct. This homework will be a review of the day’s class work and should not take more than 10-15 minutes. If your child is having trouble completing math assignments in a reasonable amount of time please make a note of it in your child’s folder.


Arrival/Dismissal/Conference
School begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:45p.m. If you have a question or concerns about your child please feel free to call me at school: 267-8340 or email me at averil_burpee@lagovista.txed.net and I will try to get back with you as soon as possible during my conference time (12:50-1:40) or immediately after school. It is very difficult for teachers to conduct a conference and protect confidentially when students are entering or leaving the classroom at the beginning or ending of the day.


Lunch/Snacks
Our lunch is scheduled from 11:35-12:05 everyday. I strongly suggest you send a mid- morning sack with your child every day. Snacks should be nutritious and easy for your child to eat. Examples would include cheese, crackers, fruit, pretzels, chips, cereal, etc. etc. Candy and Cokes will not be allowed.

I am looking forward to a great learning experience with your child!

Averil Burpee