2015-2016 School Year

Mrs. Schack & Ms. Zhang

Grade 2, RSA

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

MY FAMILY-----MRS SCHACK

My husband: Jeff

Daughter : Mindy Schack

Son: Blake Schack

Academic: BA in LinguisticsTeaching Experience: 8 years in Zhengzhou No.9 High School E-mail: kzhang@rsarts.org

About me---Ms. Zhang

1.5 hour’s ride from Shanghai. The most beautiful city in

China.

Zhengzhou—City I Come From

Zhengzhou

My family

My School in China

Full-time students: about 3,000 Staff: 220

My School in China

My School in China

CURRICULUM• Reading

• The Signature Series by Harcourt Brace is used for weekly stories that are read in class. I like this series because it exposes the students to real literature. There are a variety of lessons and activities that promote both a Phonics skill based program and a Whole Language approach. RSA also has a wealth of Theme related Read Around books. These are student books that have to do with this year’s Social Studies theme; Ancient History including Egypt, Greece and Rome.

• Phonics and Spelling

• The Spalding Phonics program is used on a continuous basis to help foster spelling and reading skills. I have found this program to be a tremendous help to young spellers. Correct spelling is a necessary tool for writing. It is important to remember that a word is never mastered until it is consistently spelled correctly in daily writing.

• Writing

• Step up to Writing exercises for both grammar and writing instruction will be used. It provides a common language for writing for all RSA teachers and connects reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will also refer to the Write Source Language Handbook to help expose them to the different forms of writing.

• Social Studies

• Students in K-4 will explore Ancient History this year through thematic instruction. We will start with archeology with the study of dinosaurs and fossils, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Students will also be working from the Houghton Mifflin Social Studies anthology, Some People I Know. It includes some great works of writing on looking at America with a global perspective.

• Science

• Science will blend into the Theme with some of this year's topics being the human body, the solar system and the Earth’s structure, including volcanoes. We hope to be visiting the Science Lab on occasion to receive special instruction from Mr. Hatch, our beloved yet retired, science buff.

• Math

• Redding School of the Arts uses Envision Math. Students will be covering the same material in both Chinese and in English. Our goal is for Mrs. Schack’s lessons to be one or two lessons ahead of the same lesson in Chinese. Therefore the students will have exposure to the lesson in English before it is reinforced in Chinese. Students will be given a username and password to access enrichment activities for the Envision math at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com. Homework for second graders will be most nights from Mrs. Schack only. Assessments will be taken online on our Chromebooks as well as a written test at the end of each Topic.

GRADING

For all subjects, report card grades will be based on completion and quality of the following:

• Assessment scores

• Daily class assignments

• Special Projects

• Homework

• Class participation

THIS YEAR YOUR KIDS WILL FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN MANDARIN:

1. Chinese culture including traditional customs and festivals of ancient and contemporary China, Chinese kungfu and arts.

2. Chinese language arts in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

WHAT KIND OF TEXTBOOK WILL YOUR KIDS USE IN THE CLASS?

• We will use Yes Chinese as our text book. Each student has an on-line account, through which they can practice at home.

• I have plenty of reading materials and we will do some book reports during this year.

• On my school web page there are some useful resources for mandarin learning, with which the kids can practice.

ABOUT HOMEWORK

• For the first two weeks I won’t give them homework.

• I will give them homework from Labor Day. Homework may be completed on the Internet or I will send homework packets..

• During the past few days I just explored the students’ ability in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and I’m adjusting my teaching plan according to their level.

WHAT I WANT YOU KNOW IS THAT—

1. I will have great patience with your kids, and whenever they need help in their learning or life, I can help them.

2. I respect every student and will never hurt their feelings and self-esteem in my class.

3. I will make every effort to help your kids progress.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT • We aim to establish a fair, consistent, positive classroom

atmosphere for your child. We are always looking to “catch” your child being good and following instructions. RSA has adopted the Six Pillars of Character. Students will be receiving both "Character Counts Awards" for positive behavior and will sign in "The Gold Book" when a poor choice is made.

THE SIX PILLARS OF CHARACTER

• Trustworthiness

• Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable—do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal—stand by your family, friends, and country

• Respect

• Treat others with respect • Follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

• Responsibility

• Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere—keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act—consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

• Fairness

• Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to

• others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

• Caring

• Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

• Citizenship

• Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

• RSA Website

• The RSA website www.rsarts.org is full of important dates, information, and the newsletter. Please check my class web pages for monthly newsletters or helpful information. If you do not have access to email please let me know so I can send home a hard copy of our newsletters. Be sure to read over the RSA Family Handbook.

• Money

• On occasion it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. Always send money in a sealed envelope with the following information written on it:

1. Your child’s first and last name

2. The amount of money

3. The teacher’s name (Mrs. Schack, Mr. Burkett, Zhang Laoshi, etc.)

4. The purpose for the money (lunch, book order, etc.)

• Book Orders

• Book orders will be sent home once a month. These orders are provided as a convenient way for parents to buy quality books for their child at a low price. Please make your check payable to Scholastic Books. Books can also be purchased with a credit card online at Scholastic Books. Thanks!

• Birthdays

• If your child would like their classmates to recognize their birthday he/she may bring in a treat to share. Please avoid nuts. Another great choice might be a special pencil or sticker instead of food. We generally will celebrate just before dismissal to go home for the day.

• Parent Volunteers

• If you would like to volunteer in the classrooms I ask that you choose one time that works for you each week or every other week and do your best to be consistent with that day or time. Read over the RSA Weekly Newsletter for multiple ideas of how to meet your 40 hours per year commitment. Just email me to tell me if you would like to help in any of the ways listed below.

• Ways to help:• Fall Auction class coordinator/representative for our class• Library helper• Computer Time• Field Trip Driver- start now gathering the necessary paperwork• sharpen pencils at home• prepare Scholastic Book orders to go home• organize fieldtrip drivers• working with individual students• copying• grading papers• typing• sharing a special talent you think the class would enjoy learning about

FIELD TRIPS:

• October 9- Colton Wine http://www.shastacommunityconcerts.com/ FREE

• October –Pumpkin Patch or gourd farm TBA

• November 4- Kevin Johnson http://www.shastacommunityconcerts.com/ FREE

• December 4- Cascade Christmas $5.00

• January or February- Schreder Planetarium TBA $7.00

• April 15- Mary Poppins $5.00

• May 4- String Fever http://www.shastacommunityconcerts.com/ FREE

• May- Clear Creek Environmental Day Camp TBA $3.00

Thank You!