Classroom Highlights
(August 26, 2015)
Welcome to Room 102!
Welcome to second grade! I am very excited about the new school year and the
opportunity to work with you and your child. I am confident that this will be an
exceptional year. To ensure success, we must keep the lines of communication open.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. The phone
number is (847)540-4761. Sometimes it is difficult to check voicemail until after 3:00,
so if you need assistance during the school day, please call the school office at
(847)438-2163 and leave a message. I can also be reached by email. -karen.lodewyck@lz95.org -- Even during the evening, I check my email often, so that is
the best way to contact me. On Wednesday, September 2 (6:30-7:30), our school will
be having its annual “Curriculum Night” for the parents. At that time, I will discuss the
academic program and my goals and expectations for the year. For now, I wanted to
let you know of some basic information. I am looking forward to getting to know you
and your child and having a successful year!
Parent Survey
Many people have already turned in the parent survey. Thank you! If you haven’t,
please do so as soon as possible. The information that you share helps me get to
know your child and allows me to help your child more effectively. I truly appreciate
the time taken to fill out the survey. If any information changes throughout the year,
please feel free to send me a note with additional information.
Homework
Homework is a chance for students to revisit the concepts at home that have been
covered in class. Most of us cannot remember a concept after hearing it just once.
Practicing daily is a way to touch-base with a concept one more time. Although there
may be special projects throughout the year, homework will typically be consistently
assigned. Throughout the week, your child will have reading, word work, and math
homework.
1. Reading - Your child is expected to read for at least twenty minutes at least five
days a week. Soon, your child will receive a reading log packet. The packet will
include a place for your child to write a reading response. I will collect the packet
every Monday so I can review his/her work.
2. Word Work - The word study program we use is called Words Their Way. During
the school day, the children will have the opportunity to practice. At home, your
child will be expected to complete activities throughout the week (Thursday to
Thursday). As we begin this program, I will send more detailed information.
3. Math – Soon, your child will have a math packet every week. The packet is
nicely separated into five sections to help you and your child plan time
throughout the week to complete it.
Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience. Please make it a
priority, set a daily time, and provide support. Also, be sure to contact me if your child
is struggling with a concept.
Newsletters
My classroom newsletters will be available online. I will send an email when I post a
new newsletter. Please read the newsletters carefully because they will contain
important information and dates to remember. Periodically, I will also send emails
highlighting assignments, projects, or special events.
Web page
http://www.lz95.org/directory/default.aspx?StaffId=1008&DepartmentId=7
You and your child will have access to our classroom web page. Aside from using the
web address listed above, you can also access my web page from the Seth Paine web
page. For your convenience, all of my emails also contain the link to my web site so
you can click and be connected immediately. There, you will find: our class schedule,
homework information, newsletters, and useful web site links for textbooks, class
projects, or recommended educational practice sites. Sites that your child is
encouraged to use regularly are: MyOn, Moby Max, Xtra Math, MAP reading, and
MAP math. More information will be sent home about web sites soon. Please let me
know if your child does not have computer access at home.
Special Schedule
Monday ~ Art 1:45-2:45
Tuesday ~ Music 1:45-2:15
Wednesday ~ LMC 1:45-2:45
Thursday ~ Music. 1:45-2:15 and P.E. 2:15-2:45
Friday ~ P.E. 2:15-2:45
Everyday ~ Lunch 10:55-11:15 and Recess 11:15-11:40
Afternoon Dismissal
The afternoon dismissal procedure will be the same as last year. If you are picking
your child up from school, you will meet him/her in the music room. Please remember
that your child needs a note if he/she is being picked up. If he/she is being picked up
every day, a general note stating that would be sufficient. Children also need a parent
note if they are going home with another student. We really appreciate your
cooperation!
Birthday Treats
Birthdays are special days that everyone loves to celebrate! I would love to help make
your child’s birthday more memorable at school. Please feel free to send your child in
with birthday treats if you wish. Birthday treats need to be “non- food” items.
Examples of non-food items include: pencils, stickers, a donated book to classroom or
school library, etc. Please remember treats brought to school need to be shared with
everyone in class. This year, we have 21 students. Those students who have summer
birthdays can see me about picking another time during the school year if they would
also like to celebrate with us. Additionally, birthday invitations can only be handed out
at school if the entire class is being invited.
Book Orders
Your child will have the opportunity to order books from several book clubs throughout
the year. There is no obligation to order. If you choose to order, you will be able to
order directly online. I will notify you when that is up and running.
I hope the above information is helpful. I know that beginning a school year can be
difficult because there are many new procedures and routines. In class, I will
repeatedly go over this information with your child, and I will also discuss everything at
the “Curriculum Night”. Of course, if you ever have any questions, please contact me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Please sign, detach and return. Don’t forget to check the box below if necessary.)
Child’s Name ___________________________________________
Parent’s Signature _______________________________________
(I received the classroom newsletter and understand future newsletters will only be
posted to the classroom web site.)
My child is not able to use a computer regularly to practice educational concepts.