Absences	If your child is absent from school due to illness, please send in a note when s/he returns, briefly explaining the reason for the absence.  If possible, let me know in advance of absences due to travel plans or medical appointments.
Attendance	Your child's progress, both academic and social, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation.  Regular attendance without tardiness is a key.  Please keep in mind that many of the lessons and activities we do in class are presented in large and small groups and are very difficult to make up.

Arrival Art

Students should plan to arrive after 8:35 a.m., as they are not permitted to enter the classroom before that time.  If you must drive your child to school, please wait until 8:20 a.m., when a staff member is assigned to supervise early arrivals.  School begins promptly at 8:50 a.m.  Please avoid tardiness.  It is difficult for any child to get off to a smooth start when s/he feels rushed and has missed the morning routines. Our class has Art class twice a week.   Please be certain to send a smock in a large ziplock baggie labeled with your child's name.  (An old, oversized shirt is quite suitable.)   During Art class instruction, the children experience a variety of media, from paint to clay.

Backpacks	Please see that your child always brings a suitable-sized backpack for transporting homework, books, snacks, etc.  Since many look similar, we advise that you label your child's backpack with his/her name.
Birthdays	Birthdays are special occasions for young children.  If your child wishes, s/he may bring a treat on his/her birthday.  Please send a note a day or two in advance so I can make sure it does not interfere with other activities.  We usually eat the treats during our lunch period.  Please do not send birthday invitations to school.  Although it may seem like a convenient way to distribute invitations, it can result in hurt feelings for those not invited.
Book Orders	Every six to eight weeks, I will be sending home book order forms for you and your child to peruse.  The Scholastic Book Clubs offer wonderful books at reduced prices--a great way to build your home library.  We receive bonus points for every dollar spent through the book clubs, which I use to buy even more books for our classroom library-a win-win situation!

Clothes

Please send your child to school in clothes appropriate for learning.  S/he should not be so "dressed up" that you might be concerned about him/her "getting dirty."  Also, we advise that your child dress in layers during the winter months, since the temperature in our building varies.  Please label outdoor clothing with your child's name.

Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are usually held in November and March or April.  At these conferences, we will discuss your child's accomplishments, strengths, and overall progress.  You are also welcome to schedule additional conferences at any time throughout the year.

Computers

We are fortunate to have a computer center in our classroom.  We use a variety of age-appropriate programs that reinforce math and reading skills, as well as science and social studies concepts.  At times we use the Internet (with careful supervision) to supplement our learning and answer children's questions.  I depend highly on parent volunteers to work with the children on technology projects.  Please let me know if and when you are available.

Differentiation	Because all children are unique and special, they may be at many different instructional levels.  This means that your child may be learning some concepts at different times than his/her peers.  It is my responsibility to take each student from where s/he is to a higher level. This type of teaching ensures that your child's individual needs are being met.
Discipline	My philosophy of discipline is based on the belief that children need affectionate care and firm guidelines within a well-defined, consistent structure. To establish good order and to help the children learn self-control, I emphasize self-respect, as well as respect for others.  I state my expectations clearly and encourage the children to accept responsibility for their own actions.
Dismissal	Dismissal is at 3:10 p.m.  On early dismissal days, such as for parent-teacher conferences, dismissal is at 1:10 p.m. If you plan to pick up your child at school, or if there is any other change in transportation plans, you must send in a written note.  (See “Transportation” for additional information.)    Do not pick up your child in the classroom.  These procedures help to maintain our school's security.

Envelopes	When sending money (cash or check) to school, please put it in a sealed envelope labeled with your child's name, the teacher's name, and a notation about what the money is to be used for.
Emergency Closings	If schools are closed for any emergency, or in the event of a  delayed opening, radio stations WLAD-AM (800) and WICC (600) will make announcements beginning at 6:30 a.m.  If an emergency occurs during the day, the radio will announce dismissal procedures and/or the room parents will implement the emergency phone chain.
E-mail	You can contact me via my home e-mail:  akmfamily@charter.net or at school:  ajohnson@new-fairfield.k12.ct.us  Keep in mind that, while I try to check my e-mail daily, I sometimes miss a day here or there.  If you need to discuss something urgent or timely, please call instead (school: 312-5940).

Field Trips	We plan a few field trips each year, which are both fun and educational.  We sometimes need chaperones, chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis (although I try to rotate so that all interested parents have a chance to participate).  Please return permission slips as soon as possible after they are sent home.
Fire Drills	Fire drills are held monthly throughout the year.  All students will participate and are expected to walk quickly and quietly with their class to their designated exit.  We will practice and become familiar with procedures before our first scheduled drill.
Footwear	Please have your child wear shoes that are comfortable for school activities.  Cowboy boots, dress shoes, and open-heeled sandals, for example, are not very appropriate because they are slippery and hazardous in the gym and on the playground.

Folders

In an effort to ease the flow of information and paperwork between home and school, your child should use a sturdy 2-pocket folder.  It will include homework papers, completed work, and notices.   Please be sure to look through the folder daily, as it may contain timely or important information.

Got Questions?	Although most of you are familiar with Consolidated School's procedures, you may still have some unanswered questions.  Please feel free to call me at school and leave a message (312-5940) .  You may also send in a note with your question, and I'll write back to you as soon as possible.
Guided Reading	Guided reading provides an opportunity to teach children the reading strategies they need in order to become fluent, independent readers.  During guided reading, I monitor and evaluate each child's progress.  Our guided reading groups are flexible, meaning that I adjust the groups and instruction according to each child's needs.
Gym	Our class will have a Gym class period every week.  The children are asked to wear sneakers on Gym days, and girls might consider wearing pants or shorts.  Children without sneakers cannot participate fully during Gym class.

Hands-on Learning	Many important concepts are learned by primary students through meaningful and enjoyable hands-on activities.  Seatwork is also required and necessary, especially as a follow-up and application of the skills on which we are working.
Holidays	This year's scheduled holidays and vacations are noted on the enclosed calendar.  Please save it for handy reference.
Homework	We have daily homework in second grade.  Mostly, the homework is a page or two in math and/or spelling.  Your child will place it in the “Homework” side of his/her folder.  Also, each day your child will have a book s/he should read for his/her Reading Log homework.  This is placed in a special envelope and should be returned daily.   Please take time to guide your child in completing his /her homework carefully and neatly.   Also, remind your child to use pencils only for written assignments.  If you find that your child is experiencing a great deal of difficulty with homework assignments, please be sure to notify me.  We can work together to modify assignments or homework routines so that no one is frustrated.

Illness	Children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy.  The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when decisions must be made first thing in the morning.  It is important, however, to keep your child home if s/he is ill. This helps to make your child more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill.   Upon your child's return, please remember to send a brief written note explaining the absence.
Independent Reading	Young children need plenty of opportunities to read independently.  Sufficient time and appropriate materials are necessary to strengthen reading abilities.  By giving your child time to read material at his or her level both at school and at home, we can work together to provide a literature-rich environment and a lifelong love of reading.
Journals	Your child will have several journals to work in at school.   The progress s/he makes in second grade will be apparent in his/her Math Journal, Phonics Activity Book, Science/Response Journal, and a Writing Journal.  These will be shared with you during parent-teacher conferences.

Kindness	Students are encouraged and expected to treat all schoolmates with kindness and respect.  Hitting, fighting, name-calling, and teasing will not be permitted.  Our school motto is, “Be courteous, be truthful, be kind.”
Library/ Media Center	We will visit the Library/Media Center weekly.  Our librarian  reads to the students and allows them to check out books.  She will also give the children guidance in selecting appropriate books.  Children are expected to return library books the following week.
Lost & Found	We have a Lost and Found area by the cafeteria.  We encourage children to check the lost and found collection for any missing items.  Please label all clothing items worn to school by your child.  Many children have similar-looking backpacks and articles of clothing, and labeling helps us to match lost items to their owners.
Lunch	Children may either purchase their lunch or bring it from home.  A monthly menu will be sent home with each day's lunch choices.  Lunch “tickets” may be purchased on Monday for the week or month.  Your child is also welcome to bring cash in an envelope, small wallet, or change purse to buy lunch on a daily basis.

Math	Our mathematics curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that enable the students to develop dependable mathematical reasoning and problem solving strategies.  The children also gain a positive attitude towards mathematics that we hope will continue throughout their school career and their lives.  We use the Chicago Everyday Mathematics program, which spirals concepts throughout the year.
Music	I use music to reinforce concepts, to relieve tension, and to ease the students' transitions from one activity to another.  Also, the children meet weekly with our music teacher.  He teaches them the basics of music education and many wonderful songs.
Mrs. Amy    Johnson	Just a little biographical information: I grew up on Long Island, but have been living in New Fairfield for over 20 years.  I have two teenage sons, Ken and Mike.  I taught first grade for eight years and then decided to change to 2nd grade, which I absolutely love!!!  I very much enjoy the enthusiasm and energy of young children.

Newsletter

I send home a newsletter almost every week to keep you informed of the happenings in our classroom.  This is a great way to communicate aspects of our curriculum, classroom news, special activities, and upcoming events.  It also provides a springboard for discussion with your child.  (If you require more than one paper copy of the newsletter, just ask!)

Nurse

The School Nurse's office is located across from the Main Office on the first floor.  Keeping in mind that second graders sometimes just need a little TLC, so I take care of many minor hurts in the classroom. (A band-aid does wonders!)  The children do go to the School Nurse for persistent complaints, injuries, and illnesses.  Please be sure to notify me and the Office of in any change in contact/emergency numbers.

Outdoor Play

The children go outside for a 20 - 30 minute recess every day (except when it's rainy or very cold).  Please keep this in mind when you help your child select clothing for the day.  In snowy weather, children who have boots and winter outerwear will be allowed to play in the snow.  Children without boots will be “happy watchers” on the blacktop.

Parent    Involvement	Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school. There are many ways to volunteer at Consolidated.  I welcome classroom volunteers and will begin a volunteer schedule sometime in October.  We also have many special classroom activities and celebrations throughout the school year that require parent volunteers, so I hope that you can come and join in!  We'll have a volunteer sign-up at our Parent Open House.
Parties and Celebrations	We have class parties on several occasions, such as Halloween, December holidays, Valentine's Day, Spring Party, and an end-of-the-year celebration. The room parents usually organize these events and coordinate volunteers and donations.
Quality Work	All children in my classroom are encouraged and expected to do their best to produce high-quality work.  Please do your part by encouraging your child to try his/her very best every day.  Show your own pride in every accomplishment, both academic and personal.

Reading	Reading, of course, is a crucial skill, and in second grade we spend the bulk of our instructional time developing comprehension and critical thinking.  Regular practice is a must.  Please make sure you read, read, READ with your child every day!  It is also very important that you regularly listen to your child read to you.  After all, practice makes better!
Report Cards	Report cards are issued twice a year, in January and June.  These reports reflect the progress your child has made toward our second grade objectives.  We use a grading system we feel is appropriate to the developmental nature of primary students' learning.
Restrooms	The children are encouraged to use the restroom whenever the need arises.  It is important for me to keep track of all the children, so we have boy/girl passes to use when someone must leave the classroom.  Please let me know if your child expresses any concerns regarding the use of the school restrooms.
Room Parents	The PTO Room Parents' responsibilities include helping to coordinate classroom events and implementing the emergency phone chain.  Room Parents depend on your help in donating food items, paper goods, and room funds.

Science	The focus of the second grade science curriculum is on developing an increasing awareness of our Earth and its phenomena. Through scientific inquiry, children will study animals past and present, the solar system, balance and motion, sand and soil, and plants.  At times there are homework projects related to these units of study.
Sharing	Children are urged to share items from home that are related to the current science and social studies units.  They may bring in books, artifacts, models, home-generated projects, internet printouts, etc.  Sharing such items not only reinforces learning, but also helps develop speaking and listening skills.
Snack	We take time for a short snack every morning. Your child should bring one small snack that requires no more than 5 or 10 minutes to eat.  Please remember to pack a snack for your child every day-it is a reminder that you are thinking about him/her.  Healthy food is preferred, and the items should be easy for the children to open themselves.  Please do not send in drinks for snack.  We have access to water in the classroom.
Social Studies	Our social studies curriculum develops an historical perspective, comparing the past to the present.  We begin with a self-awareness unit.  Then we move on to learning about family heritage and traditions.  Later, we study ancient Egyptians, discovering how they met their basic needs.

Toys	For the most part, bringing toys to school is discouraged.   If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings are hurt. Sometimes children will bring in small toys and balls to use at recess.  This is okay, but please do not allow your child to bring in mechanical toys or those that have lots of removable components (no Game Boys or card collections, please).
Transportation	If you plan to pick up a child who normally rides the bus, or your child must take a different bus than usual, you must send a written note.  Do not rely on your child to tell me this information, because children often become confused and relay information incorrectly. If no written note is received, your child will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation.  This is for the safety of all the children in our class.
Visitors	Consolidated School has a policy requiring all visitors (including familiar faces) to check in at the Office and wear a name badge.  We welcome and encourage family involvement, and the presence of a name badge will help identify visitors to all faculty and staff.  It is important to remember that, while this may seem inconvenient, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe, secure learning environment.

	I have purchased a cooler so that our class can have easy access to fresh, cool drinking water.  At Open House we'll discuss donations for our year's water supply.  You do not need to send cups to school, since I have already provided them.  The children will bring the cups home each Friday to be washed.  Please help your child remember to return his/her cup to school the following week.
Web Site	Consolidated School has a web site that can be accessed at http://www.newfairfieldschools.org/consolidated.  Check in regularly to find information about curriculum, special events, and school news.
Writing	Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. We begin with memoirs and then move on to writing responses to literature, letters, non-fiction reports, and imaginary narratives.  Your child will be encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments.  Providing a risk-free environment is paramount to his/her progress.  If possible, please provide your child with his/her own workspace at home, along with writing tools, such as pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, and paper.  This workspace would also be a perfect “homework spot.”

eXtraordinary!	Each child is extraordinary, having his/her own unique personality, learning style, and needs.  It is my goal and responsibility to treat all students with respect and fairness.  I try my best to give each what s/he needs as an individual learner and a member of our classroom community.  I also depend on your support, input, and cooperation in providing your child with a feeling of success and accomplishment.
Younger Siblings	It is in everyone's best interest to have our parent volunteers available without younger children.  This not only allows you to pay full attention to the tasks at hand, but it also enables you to have some special time with your second grader.  Thank you for making childcare arrangements for younger siblings!
ZZZZZZs	Please make sure that your child gets plenty of rest every day.  Maintaining a consistent and appropriate bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child.  It helps him/her to be alert and ready to learn each day!