Ms. Hansen’s Second Grade Classroom Disclosure
Welcome to Ms.Hansen’s class! I am looking forward to working with your child this year! We are going to have a wonderful year packed with fun and learning! Below you will find some important classroom procedures and information.
Goals
I have three main goals as a teacher at Wasatch Peak Academy.
Communication
Effective communication between parents and teachers is essential to ensure your student has a successful year. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please call the school phone number 801-936-3066 or e-mail me at [email protected]. The best time to get in touch with me is before school or during lunch. Please be aware that you will likely have to leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. The best way to ensure we can meet without interruption is to set up an appointment by phone or e-mail.
I will update my website at least once a week. My classroom website can be found at hansensecond.weebly.com. This is a great way for you to keep track of topics your child will learn throughout the school year.
Classroom Management
I strive for a very positive classroom environment. In order to make this possible, our class will establish specific rules and procedures. When your child accepts our classroom expectations, demonstrates understanding, and goes above and beyond, I will take the opportunity to praise him/her openly and frequently. Much of my classroom management strategies are based on recognition of positive communication and interaction.
As a whole school, we will be following 5 happy class rules. I will use these school rules as a guide when the class and I create our classroom-specific set of expectations together.
Additionally, I will be using Classdojo points as a positive and negative behavior management plan. You can download the Classdojo app to see your child’s points. For every 25 points they get, they will earn a prize! The whole class will also work towards a class prize. I realize that each student is unique, and if at any time throughout the year I find that my management system is not working, I will adapt it to meet the needs of individual students or my entire class.
Classroom Expectations
Your student will be expected to come to class each day prepared to do his/her best. This preparation includes getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious breakfast, and having all essential learning materials.
Supplies
A supply and donation list has been added to the school website. Please take a look and donate what you can for the beginning of the year. Supplying a classroom with fun, engaging learning tools is something I love to do, but can be difficult to achieve on my own. Items will be used as community supplies. If you would like to donate extras for those who are unable to bring supplies, please feel free to do so! I have also set up an Amazon Wish List of different items I'd like in class. You can find that link on my class website under the “How can I help” tab. Please take a look throughout the year to see what our classroom needs! THANK YOU!
Additionally, please be sure to take a look at your child’s BEE book each day. The best way to keep track of this is to keep it in the same spot in your home. Also, your child should always have a book to read during class at various times. This book can be a book he/she is reading at home and brings back and forth to school each day, or a book from my classroom library to be kept at school. Students will be given a place in the classroom to keep books they are currently reading.
Literacy
Reading instruction will primarily be taught from the Wonders Reading Program. We will have daily literacy lessons including grammar, reading comprehension, spelling, fluency, and vocabulary. WPA received a technology grant where students will access a website each week called Imagine Learning during center time. Every student is required to use it 45 minutes a week for fidelity. They may access this website at home as well. Each week, I will give points on whether or not your child has completed those 45 minutes of Imagine Learning. Your child will be given enough school time to complete the weekly 45 minute requirement. However, if children are off task, some of these minutes may need to be completed at home. Stay tuned for log-in information.
All second grade students are expected to read 20 minutes every night as homework. Reading at home helps gain a larger vocabulary, understand story structure, and understand that reading is valued. I encourage you to read with your child and have kids read out-loud to practice reading fluency. The reading log will be handed out on Monday and needs to be returned on the following Monday every week.
Math
Math instruction will be taught from the curriculum, Ready Math. I will be integrating many games, technology, group work, and independent problem solving each week to challenge students. The online resource used in centers will be iReady. Students will be required to do this 45 minutes a week in class but can also access it home on the app or website. Similar to literacy, I will also grade students on completion of the weekly 45 minute requirement of iReady. You can find the link on my website under the “Online Resources” tab.
I also use a supplementary activity for learning math facts called Smart Cookie Math. You can download the app to any phone or tablet to practice at home as well. The goal is for all students to pass 28 levels of addition/subtraction. Afterwards, they can do multiplication facts!
Homeroom
Homeroom consists of lessons in social studies, science, and service learning. It takes place in the afternoons and will vary in topic from day to day.
Grading
Grades are earned, not given. All grades in class are based on student participation, classwork/assignments, homework, and performance on quizzes/tests. Grades will be regularly updated in Aspire. Please check your child’s grade often. Citizenship grades will be determined on the basis of your child’s classroom behavior. However, tardiness is also a factor in your child’s citizenship grade. If your child is tardy six or more times in one term, he/she will automatically receive a U (unsatisfactory) in his/her homeroom citizenship grade. If you have any questions about a grade, please contact me so that we can discuss any miscommunications or concerns.
M= Mastery (above)
P= Proficiency (grade level)
R= Review (below)
P= Participation/Passing
I= Incomplete
Assignments 25%
Literacy Tests 35%
Spelling and Vocabulary 20%
Writing 10%
Reading Logs 10%
*Weighted grade percentages are subject to change. Please reach out to me with any concerns.
Homework
Homework is a link between school and home. It is an opportunity for you to see what we are learning and to observe how well your child is grasping new concepts and skills. The children will be exhausted the first few weeks of school! Your student will have a B.E.E. Book (Bring Everything Everyday). This will serve as your child’s homework folder and a record of communication between school and home.
I believe that homework should only be assigned if it truly enhances understanding. Educational research consistently shows homework does not have a very large effect on learning in elementary school settings and rather can become a source of major discord at home. That being said, students will be expected to complete homework as they transition to junior high, etc. Consequently, I assign some homework, but only when necessary and always less than 20 minutes a night.
Homework you may see includes:
Attendance and Tardy Policy
Your child’s daily attendance and punctuality is required and expected. Your child is expected to be at school by 7:55 am every morning. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 am. If your child is sick, please let me know at the beginning of the day and send someone to get his/her missed work for the day. I will send home anything that needs to and can be made up at home. Please help us instill responsible attendance habits early! If your child is more than 5 minutes late, they will need to stop at the office for a tardy slip.
Morning Snack, Recess, and Lunch
Students may eat a morning snack everyday during a brain break. Please make sure that you send only healthy snacks, low in sugar (i.e. no cookies, donuts). Appropriate snacks could be: fruit slices, crackers, cheese, vegetable sticks, cereal bar, or some type of protein. Candy and soda are not allowed. If your child would like second-chance breakfast, they are welcome to get one. If students choose to eat school lunch, there will always be a hot option or salad bar. They will have lunch and afternoon recess.
Parent Volunteers
I am so grateful to work in a school that provides so many parent volunteers! I am very excited to get you involved in our class this year. There is a sign up form for volunteer times on my class website under the "How to Help" tab. There will be opportunities to volunteer in class each week, or I may need odd jobs done at school or at home. If you would like to volunteer on class field trips, you will need to get a background check from the office and get fingerprints taken. Ask the office for more details.
I have a few requests when it comes to in-class volunteers:
Birthdays
We will celebrate birthdays and half birthdays (if they have a summer birthday) in our homeroom class! The class will write your child a card and we will sing to them. We do not allow treats to be shared, but we would all love it if you came to read a special book to the class! You can even donate that book to our library! If you would like to do this, please contact me ahead of time. No child will be allowed to hand out party invitations in class.
I am so excited to begin an awesome year of learning with your child! If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at [email protected]. See you on August 16th!
Thank you!
Ms. Hansen
Goals
I have three main goals as a teacher at Wasatch Peak Academy.
- I will provide a positive learning environment for all students who enter my classroom.
- I will help your child enjoy learning and have the desire to learn more.
- I will challenge all of my students, helping them to reach their full potential.
Communication
Effective communication between parents and teachers is essential to ensure your student has a successful year. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please call the school phone number 801-936-3066 or e-mail me at [email protected]. The best time to get in touch with me is before school or during lunch. Please be aware that you will likely have to leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. The best way to ensure we can meet without interruption is to set up an appointment by phone or e-mail.
I will update my website at least once a week. My classroom website can be found at hansensecond.weebly.com. This is a great way for you to keep track of topics your child will learn throughout the school year.
Classroom Management
I strive for a very positive classroom environment. In order to make this possible, our class will establish specific rules and procedures. When your child accepts our classroom expectations, demonstrates understanding, and goes above and beyond, I will take the opportunity to praise him/her openly and frequently. Much of my classroom management strategies are based on recognition of positive communication and interaction.
As a whole school, we will be following 5 happy class rules. I will use these school rules as a guide when the class and I create our classroom-specific set of expectations together.
- Nice words
- Calm body
- Follow directions
- Nice hands
- Finish work
Additionally, I will be using Classdojo points as a positive and negative behavior management plan. You can download the Classdojo app to see your child’s points. For every 25 points they get, they will earn a prize! The whole class will also work towards a class prize. I realize that each student is unique, and if at any time throughout the year I find that my management system is not working, I will adapt it to meet the needs of individual students or my entire class.
Classroom Expectations
Your student will be expected to come to class each day prepared to do his/her best. This preparation includes getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious breakfast, and having all essential learning materials.
Supplies
A supply and donation list has been added to the school website. Please take a look and donate what you can for the beginning of the year. Supplying a classroom with fun, engaging learning tools is something I love to do, but can be difficult to achieve on my own. Items will be used as community supplies. If you would like to donate extras for those who are unable to bring supplies, please feel free to do so! I have also set up an Amazon Wish List of different items I'd like in class. You can find that link on my class website under the “How can I help” tab. Please take a look throughout the year to see what our classroom needs! THANK YOU!
Additionally, please be sure to take a look at your child’s BEE book each day. The best way to keep track of this is to keep it in the same spot in your home. Also, your child should always have a book to read during class at various times. This book can be a book he/she is reading at home and brings back and forth to school each day, or a book from my classroom library to be kept at school. Students will be given a place in the classroom to keep books they are currently reading.
Literacy
Reading instruction will primarily be taught from the Wonders Reading Program. We will have daily literacy lessons including grammar, reading comprehension, spelling, fluency, and vocabulary. WPA received a technology grant where students will access a website each week called Imagine Learning during center time. Every student is required to use it 45 minutes a week for fidelity. They may access this website at home as well. Each week, I will give points on whether or not your child has completed those 45 minutes of Imagine Learning. Your child will be given enough school time to complete the weekly 45 minute requirement. However, if children are off task, some of these minutes may need to be completed at home. Stay tuned for log-in information.
All second grade students are expected to read 20 minutes every night as homework. Reading at home helps gain a larger vocabulary, understand story structure, and understand that reading is valued. I encourage you to read with your child and have kids read out-loud to practice reading fluency. The reading log will be handed out on Monday and needs to be returned on the following Monday every week.
Math
Math instruction will be taught from the curriculum, Ready Math. I will be integrating many games, technology, group work, and independent problem solving each week to challenge students. The online resource used in centers will be iReady. Students will be required to do this 45 minutes a week in class but can also access it home on the app or website. Similar to literacy, I will also grade students on completion of the weekly 45 minute requirement of iReady. You can find the link on my website under the “Online Resources” tab.
I also use a supplementary activity for learning math facts called Smart Cookie Math. You can download the app to any phone or tablet to practice at home as well. The goal is for all students to pass 28 levels of addition/subtraction. Afterwards, they can do multiplication facts!
Homeroom
Homeroom consists of lessons in social studies, science, and service learning. It takes place in the afternoons and will vary in topic from day to day.
Grading
Grades are earned, not given. All grades in class are based on student participation, classwork/assignments, homework, and performance on quizzes/tests. Grades will be regularly updated in Aspire. Please check your child’s grade often. Citizenship grades will be determined on the basis of your child’s classroom behavior. However, tardiness is also a factor in your child’s citizenship grade. If your child is tardy six or more times in one term, he/she will automatically receive a U (unsatisfactory) in his/her homeroom citizenship grade. If you have any questions about a grade, please contact me so that we can discuss any miscommunications or concerns.
M= Mastery (above)
P= Proficiency (grade level)
R= Review (below)
P= Participation/Passing
I= Incomplete
Assignments 25%
Literacy Tests 35%
Spelling and Vocabulary 20%
Writing 10%
Reading Logs 10%
*Weighted grade percentages are subject to change. Please reach out to me with any concerns.
Homework
Homework is a link between school and home. It is an opportunity for you to see what we are learning and to observe how well your child is grasping new concepts and skills. The children will be exhausted the first few weeks of school! Your student will have a B.E.E. Book (Bring Everything Everyday). This will serve as your child’s homework folder and a record of communication between school and home.
I believe that homework should only be assigned if it truly enhances understanding. Educational research consistently shows homework does not have a very large effect on learning in elementary school settings and rather can become a source of major discord at home. That being said, students will be expected to complete homework as they transition to junior high, etc. Consequently, I assign some homework, but only when necessary and always less than 20 minutes a night.
Homework you may see includes:
- Reading 20 minutes a night is EXPECTED. A reading log will be sent home to fill out and return weekly. Please have your child fill this out.
- Any UNFINISHED work will go home if the student was off task. It will be labeled as “homework” with red ink and will have a due date on top.
- The math book includes a homework page for each lesson. This will NOT be graded; it will simply serve as extra practice and enrichment.
- Spelling tests will be given each Friday. If your child regularly scores lower than 80% I will require nightly spelling practice. Words will come home if they want extra practice, too.
Attendance and Tardy Policy
Your child’s daily attendance and punctuality is required and expected. Your child is expected to be at school by 7:55 am every morning. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 am. If your child is sick, please let me know at the beginning of the day and send someone to get his/her missed work for the day. I will send home anything that needs to and can be made up at home. Please help us instill responsible attendance habits early! If your child is more than 5 minutes late, they will need to stop at the office for a tardy slip.
Morning Snack, Recess, and Lunch
Students may eat a morning snack everyday during a brain break. Please make sure that you send only healthy snacks, low in sugar (i.e. no cookies, donuts). Appropriate snacks could be: fruit slices, crackers, cheese, vegetable sticks, cereal bar, or some type of protein. Candy and soda are not allowed. If your child would like second-chance breakfast, they are welcome to get one. If students choose to eat school lunch, there will always be a hot option or salad bar. They will have lunch and afternoon recess.
Parent Volunteers
I am so grateful to work in a school that provides so many parent volunteers! I am very excited to get you involved in our class this year. There is a sign up form for volunteer times on my class website under the "How to Help" tab. There will be opportunities to volunteer in class each week, or I may need odd jobs done at school or at home. If you would like to volunteer on class field trips, you will need to get a background check from the office and get fingerprints taken. Ask the office for more details.
I have a few requests when it comes to in-class volunteers:
- Unfortunately, sibilings are not allowed to attend.
- Understand that some children do not do well with their parents in the classroom. If this is the case with your student, we will have to make adjustments.
- Please come during your scheduled time and call ahead if you will be unable to come.
Birthdays
We will celebrate birthdays and half birthdays (if they have a summer birthday) in our homeroom class! The class will write your child a card and we will sing to them. We do not allow treats to be shared, but we would all love it if you came to read a special book to the class! You can even donate that book to our library! If you would like to do this, please contact me ahead of time. No child will be allowed to hand out party invitations in class.
I am so excited to begin an awesome year of learning with your child! If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at [email protected]. See you on August 16th!
Thank you!
Ms. Hansen