Ms. Ricks’Second Grade

Super Learners!

I graduated from WSU with a dual major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I love being a teacher at Lincoln Elementary. I enjoy spending time with my 3 children and helping out on the family farm. A few of my favorite things are reading, animals, sweets, nature and of course second graders!

Language Arts

Students are immersed in a literature rich environment, filled with classical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction selections, which relate to all areas of learning and interest. Students listen and speak effectively in classroom discussions. They use a combination of strategies for reading and writing. We learn new vocabulary words and spelling words. It is recommended that 2nd graders read at home for 20 minutes each day.

Math

Students will extend their study of number and spatial sense to include three-digit numbers and three dimensional figures. They will make measurements and collect, organize, and display data. They use graphs to answer questions, make summary statements, and predictions based on their experiences. While learning mathematics, students will be actively engaged in using concrete materials and appropriate technologies such as ipads and computers.

P.E. – Our P.E. day is on Tuesday. Students need to wear or bring tennis shoes to school on that day and wear appropriate clothing.

Library – We go to the Library once a week and your student is able to check out books. They are responsible for keeping the books clean and safe. Our Library day this year is on Wednesday. They may also exchange books throughout the week.

Our curriculum also includes: social studies, science, music, fine arts and technology.

Establishing good classroom management is essential to each child's success, confidence and well-being. Every child should feel that the classroom environment is safe and secure. In addition, it is important that each child learn to develop self-discipline and good work habits, to resolve conflicts peacefully and to think independently. For these reasons, the discipline plan I have chosen has several components and is designed to promote learning.

Our Class RulesBe Kind Be RespectfulOurselves OurselvesEach other Each otherTeachers and Adults Teachers and Adults School

SchoolBe Responsible Be SafeFollow directions 1st time Hands to selfBest work Feet to selfClean up Quiet mouthHomework Objects to self

Behavior Management ContinuedWHEN STUDENTS BREAK A RULE:*1st Consequence: Warning ~STOP and THINK!TURN NAME*2nd Consequence: Time-out in ClassroomMOVE NAME TO YELLOW Conference with Teacher/Logical

Consequence*3rd Consequence: Complete Stop and Think FormMOVE NAME TO RED Conference with Teacher/Logical

Consequence Parent Notification/SIGNATURE REQUIRED!

*4th Consequence: Behavior Referral to OfficeMOVE NAME TO BLUE*SEVERE CLAUSE: Immediate Office Referral

WHEN STUDENTS FOLLOW RULES:*Verbal Praise *Happy Note

*Sticker *Thumbs Up or High Five *Fantastic Friday*Class Treat

In accordance to Davis School District policy, second grade students are assigned 10 to 20 minutes of homework each day (Monday through Thursday) to build basic skills as well as study skills and habits. As a parent~YOU ALSO HAVE HOMEWORK...to read to and/or with your child for at least 20 minutes a day whenever possible. That time should be above and beyond any homework assignments. “Home Reading” is part of each student’s assessment. Research shows repeatedly that reading to your child is the best thing you can do to help ensure academic success! By sharing the simple things a child enjoys: talking, playing a game, exploring nature, reading a favorite book or singing a song ~ you are giving your child vast opportunities for learning ~ and it’s FUN! Every child is unique; if you have a question or concern, please feel free to visit with me. I want to assure that each child is receiving maximum benefit from his or her work outside the classroom.

I will send a homework “packet” home on Monday that will be DUE FRIDAY MORNING. Most weeks your child will receive Spelling, Math and Language Arts homework to complete. Students need to be prepared for each week’s spelling test. The Spelling test will be given on Friday or the last day of school for the week if there is no school Friday. The spelling test includes both spelling words and dictation sentences. Dictation sentences are scored based on spelling, punctuation and capitalization. All homework needs to be completed, with the reading log filled out and Parent/Guardian signature in order to participate in “Fantastic Friday.”

Davis District teachers have created the Standards Mastery Assessment Reporting Tool System (SMARTS). This system creates consistency in reporting student mastery of standards throughout the district. The SMART report provides clear communication to parents through online access and provides a more precise picture of what is being taught in their child's classroom.

Lunch – We go to lunch recess at 11:10 and come in to eat lunch at 11:30. You are welcome to join your student for lunch.

Recess – We go out for recess every day, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately. If there is a reason why they can’t go out please send a note stating that reason. Usually if a child is too sick to be outside, they are too sick to be in school. I will work with special asthma cases on the “Red” days. Just let me know ahead of time.

The first day of school will be on Monday, August 24th. First-Sixth Graders will follow our early dismiss schedule on Monday from 8:45am-1:25pm. We will follow our regular schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Regular school hours are Monday – Thursday 8:45am to 3:25pm. Each Friday is an early dismiss schedule 8:45am to 1:25pm.

I appreciate each of your help and support. Keep Grandparents and other family and friends that enjoy being involved in your child’s life in mind! All visitors must check in at the school office prior to coming to the classroom. PLEASE do not come to our classroom without checking in at the office first! In addition, please set up volunteer time with me PRIOR to coming. It is important for me to plan for the most effective way to use your assistance. I GREATLY appreciate and welcome ALL volunteers, but my focus is on the students, therefore I need to plan in advance. If you would like to come in on a regular basis please e-mail and I will contact you. If you would like to come in on a day/time that we haven't scheduled just send a note the day before with your child or email me at, cricks@dsdmail.net that will give me an opportunity to effectively plan for your visit.

I believe that a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success. Each student will receive a folder. The left side is labeled “Leave at Home” and the right side is labeled “Bring Back.” Please use the right side for any notes or items that need my attention. I will communicate with you through notes, telephone calls, e-mails, and periodic newsletters. If you have a question or a concern about anything that is happening in our room I ask that you come to me FIRST! If we need further guidance or clarification we will seek administrative assistance TOGETHER!

The best way to reach me is through e-mail. cricks@dsdmail.net

I can also be reached via phone at 801-402-2450. Please call before or after school.

I can’t wait to meet you at ourBack To School Night Open House.Thursday, August 20st 4-6 PM Room 21