Welcome to 2nd Grade!
Ms. McIntosh & Miss Ortiz
Overview
Our blended goals are to foster and model creativity, intellect, and independence in each student. This is
the grade that prepares them for the rest of their academic journey. We encourage independent and
collaborative study and provide the tools necessary to strengthen personal work habits. Integrating
thinking routines across the disciplines is included in our daily lessons. We simulate real life experiences
that give the students opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills.
Goals
o To assist each student in implementation of a
variety of reading strategies to increase word
fluency and comprehension of written
materials.
o To increase each student's ability to construct
complete sentences incorporating and
applying correct word usage, capitalization
and punctuation.
o To build each student's problem solving skills
and allow them the opportunity to gain
proficiency with mathematical computation.
o To provide academic support to each student
as new material is introduced.
o To celebrate with students their academic
and personal successes.
Academic Enhancements
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Field trips
Research Projects
Science Experiments
Smart Boards and Computer Labs
Outdoor habitat and garden
o Guidance Lessons with the counselor and
school social worker
o Independent study projects
o WITS (Writers in the Schools)
Throughout the year these are the topics we will be covering in both subjects. In both subjects, we focus on
critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Math
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Science
Routines & Procedures
Whole Numbers
Addition & Subtraction Facts
Money
Multiplication & Division Facts
Geometry
Patterns
Textbook : Texas Go Math
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Classification of Living / Non-living things
Properties of Matter
Measuring Properties & Changes in Matter
Systems & Life Cycles
Force & Motion
Natural Resources
Interdependency
Textbook: Science Fusion
Language Arts / Reading & Social Studies
o We will be reading several chapter books
from various genres and using reading
textbooks and resources as whole and small
groups.
o We discover different types of fiction,
expository text structures, creative writing,
folk tales, fables, poetry, research as related
to historical fiction, and purposeful writing.
o The students will also have daily oral
language activities, creative writing,
vocabulary enrichment, and grammar
practice.
o The focus of second grade Social Studies is
history, technology, geography, economics,
and cultures, beginning with our own
communities.
o Manuscript handwriting will be maintained
and cursive writing will be introduced and
practiced.
o New strategies from the district’s Literacy by
3 initiatives will be introduced and practiced
continuously.
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Textbooks: Reading Street, Spelling Connections,
The Write Source and Communities
Conduct Policy
Students are expected to follow all classroom rules as well as the rules listed in the Student Code of Conduct
issued by T. H. Rogers. Conduct grades will be given as follows:
“E”= Excellent
“N”= Needs Improvement
This is a student who is punctual, polite,
This is a student who consistently requires
prepared, positive, and productive.
warnings from the teacher. Other interventions
have been necessary such as calls/letters home.
“S”= Satisfactory
“U”= Unsatisfactory
This is a student who usually follows instructions
This is a student who requires warnings from the
and class expectations.
teacher, and is consistently interfering with the
learning process. Administrative referrals are
necessary.
Grading
Defining progress as movement toward mastery
of the TEKS as required by the laws of the state
of Texas, the following grading scale applies:
100-90= Excellent Progress
Categories of Assignments:
Daily Work
30%
Quizzes
20%
Homework
10%
Test
40%
89-80= Good Progress
79-75= Meets Expectations
74-70= Needs Improvement
69-0= Unsatisfactory
Homework
Spelling will be given every night
Math homework will be given every Tuesday .
Silent oral reading 20 minutes per night Monday –
Thursday
Science homework will be given every Thursday.
- Weekly synopsis of nightly reading due Friday
Reading/Language Arts/ Social Studies will be
given Wednesday nights and due the following
Monday
Absence Policy
A student has two days to make up work for each day he/she was absent.
Work will be gathered and left in the office for the parent to pick up or sent home with another student
upon request by a parent. Please contact teacher or office by 9 am for same day pick up. If not picked up,
work will be given to the student upon their return to school.
Late Work Policy
All Class work, Homework and Projects may be subject to the following:
1 day: -10 points off each day
3 days or later: -a grade of 50 will be applied until assignment is turned in.
* All assignments MUST be completed within the 9 week period in which it is missed.
Supporting Home learning
o Become active in your child’s school: help out at school events, attend school events, volunteer in your
child’s classroom, or share an interest of yours with your child’s class.
o Speak regularly with your child’s teacher: share information about your child, visit the school regularly,
and contact your child’s teacher when you have questions or concerns.
o Encourage a positive attitude towards learning: discuss school activities with your child every day, speak
positively about education, encourage your child’s best effort, assign home responsibilities your child can
learn from, and take the time to listen to your child talk about school.
Parent Conferences
We are happy to meet with you to discuss your student’s progress and well-being. To request a conference
please email either teacher. We will get back to you in a timely manner to set up an appointment. You will
receive written confirmation of the date and time of your conference.
Our conference time is 11:45-12:30 Monday – Friday
Ms. McIntosh
Email:
lwillia3@houstonisd.org
Miss Ortiz
Email:
sortiz4@houstonisd.org
Website:
Website:
http://www.houstonisd.org/domain/9753
http://www.houstonisd.org/domain/9751