Mrs. Chitwood’s Second Grade Class

Welcome!

Welcome to Second Grade!• I will introduce you to

second grade and our classroom.

• Please ask any questions that you may have and I will do my best to answer them!

All About MeMy background– I am originally from Montreal, Canada. – I attended Bishop University.• I have an undergraduate degree in

psychology• Multiple Subject Credential from California

State, Fullerton• Masters in Educational Leadership with a

Preliminary Administrative Credential from Santa Clara University

– This is my 25th year teaching.– I have a son, Christopher, who is 22 and a daughter, Alexsia, who is 20.

Class SubjectsThe subjects we cover during second grade are:

– Reading – Writing– Math– Spelling (Rebecca Sittin)– Social studies– Science– Typing– Technology Integration

Reading• Flex reading groups- students are assessed and

placed in flexible reading groups – Begins on August 31

• Teachers meet weekly to discuss students’ progress

• 50% fiction/nonfiction text

Spelling– Rebecca Sittin– Focus on core spelling words– Include phonics words along with

challenge words from weekly’s stories for students who do well on the pretest• Spelling pre-test each Monday• Spelling test on Fridays

Math• Envision-Common Core Math• District piloting Engage NY & Go Math• Flipping• Math Centers– Meet with the teacher– At your desk (practice)– Technology (Front Row, ST Math, Sumdog,etc.)– Hands on (manipulatives and math games)

Writing

• Narrative (Trimester 1)• Informative (Trimester 2)• Opinion (Trimester 3)

Students will be asked to site evidence to support their text

Science/Social Studies• Science units are Rocks & Minerals, Balance

& Motion, and Life Cycle– Inquiry based- very hands on!– Students rotate with other second grade

teachers starting after the first unit

• Social Studies units are Then and Now, Geography (map skills), Biographies, and Economics

Technology• One-one devices (i-Pads and chrome books)• Project based assignments (Haiku Deck)• Adaptive technology (Lexia, Fast-For-Words,

ST Math, SumDog, Front Row, etc)• Raz Kids (Reading Resource)

Oral Presentations• My Interests (1st trimester)

• Family Tree or Family Tradition (2nd trimester)

• Book Report (3rd trimester)

Homework• Homework folder- sent home on

Mondays and returned with all completed work at the end of the week – Must be signed to receive full credit

• Writing Homework Journals- due back on Wednesdays

• Videos- flip classroom• Math manipulatives to use with games

School/Office Procedures

• Early dismissals- Parents report to the office and sign out

• Lunch- $3.75• Breakfast - $1.75• Volunteers- must sign in and out

Our Classroom• Bathroom procedures- scheduled bathroom

breaks/discuss appropriate times• Snacks (during recess)- students bring their

own snack to eat during recess-keep it healthy

• Blue Communication Folder• Newsletter- (monthly on my website)

Newsletters are done for your benefit! PLEASE READ!!!!

Our Classroom• Conferences- October & March

A Signupgenius notice will be sent out sothat you can signup for a time

• Birthday Treats- Treats will be served at the end of the school day-must be ready to be served individually

• Book Orders- Please make check payable to individual book companies (PLEASE DO NOT MAKE CHECKS OUT TO ME!). Online will be available this year. Information will be attached to the first book order.

Class Code – DRJ6L

Behavior– Card system- helps students monitor

their behavior– Table points– Animal Friends– Rewards are presented for good choices

as well as consequences for inappropriate behavior!

– Treasure box on Fridays

Parent Involvement• We love parent volunteers!• Parent volunteering isn’t just helping out in the

classroom…it might be sharing a snack, reading a book, sharing a talent, providing supplies…ANYTHING!

• Volunteers start within the first several weeks of school.

• Go to website to signup using the Parent Contact Information Form

• Centers (check with me)

Supplies

• ½ in binder with an outside clear pocket sleeve

• Yellow highlighter• Ear buds for iPads

Teacher Contact Info• School phone: (408) 264-8314 ext.

19026• Email: chitwooda@unionsd.org– This is the quickest way to get in touch

with me.– PLEASE no morning conferences

unless prescheduled or absolutely necessary

Let’s Have a Great Year!