Welcome to Open House

1. Welcome to Open House Ms. Grindstaff’s 2nd Grade Class 2010-2011

2. Who is Ms. Grindstaff? • Grew up in small, rural area - Butler, Tennessee • University of Tennessee (Go VOLS!) • Bachelors in Sociology • Masters in Teacher Education with a Concentration in K-6 • Grand Oaks Elementary 1st grade, Anderson Co., TN • Dog, Ellie (5) • Moved to Atlanta in June! • Lived in Knoxville, TN, last 6 years

3. Goals • To create a safe and comfortable learning environment. • To provide your child with the academic tools needed to progress. • To grow socially, emotionally and academically • To have fun while learning

4. Ms. Grindstaff’sTeaching Style • Challenge Higher Level Thinking • Think, Pair, Share • Cooperative learning groups • Differentiated Instruction • Learning through literature • Learning through hands-on exploration

5. Mt. Bethel’s Mission Statement • The mission of the Mt. Bethel community is to lay the foundation for students to become confident, responsible life long learners who are prepared to embrace the future.

6. School Strategic Plan • English/Language Arts: Writing conventions and grammar. • Math: Strengthening math skills through computation and math fact • Fluency

7. Curriculum • Language Arts • Balanced Literacy • 6 Traits • Words Their Way • Math • Technology • Science • Social Studies • Visit PICASSO (www.cobbk12.org)

8. Homework • Homework Assignment Sheet • Monday through Thursday • 3 assignments a night • Spelling, Math, ELA • 20 minutes of reading a night • Use pencil! • Please sign your child’s homework. • Should be a reflection of your child’s best work.

9. Communication • Blog!!! • Email • Weekly Update Folders - Thursday • Letter • Phone message to the office • Megan.Grindstaff@cobbk12.org

10. Grading • 4 ½ week progress reports only go out if there is a need. • 9 week report cards

11. Tardiness and Absences • Children should be here on time meaning… before the bell! • Please send a note to excuse absence. • Try to schedule doctor’s appointments after school hours. • The more your children are in school, the more they will learn!

12. Helpful hints! • Read every night. • Let your kids talk about their reading (see handout) • Keep a journal. • Practice math facts with flashcards.

13. Emergency Information • Let the school know if any of your contact information changes. • Allergies? • Medication (including cough drops) must be brought to school by parents and kept in the clinic.

14. Safety First • Sign in at the front office • Your children should know how they are getting home each day. • Students cannot return to classroom after 2:45 P.M.

15. Our Rules • We are a second grade team and we are hear to learn. • We learn best when we feel safe and happy. • We help each other learn every day.

16. Penalties • Verbal Warning • Yellow card= 2 laps at recess and conference after. • Blue card= 5 laps at recess and a letter to the teacher • Red card= 8 laps and a note to the parents signed and returned

17. Rewards and Recognition • The Table Race- Table with the most points at the end of the week receive a prize out of the “Prize Box” • POPSICLE POINTS- Class rewarded with a popsicle party once they have earned 20 points Points can be earned: at Specials, when we have a visitor and a compliment in the hallway. • 5 green lunch cards= +10 minutes at recess!

18. Birthday Parties • Celebrations are always welcomed! • Please let me know at least two days ahead of time. • Finger foods and juice boxes are very easy to serve. • Please provide necessary utensils to serve the food. • NO invitations at school.

19. Find Out More! • Our class list • Our Schedule • Homework information • Writing tips • Frequently Asked Questions

20. Thank You! You are the number one factor in your child’s success!