• Our math block is content-based flexible grouping utilizing
Curriculum 2.0
• Instruction aligned with Common Core Standards will be:
– Whole group
– Small group
– Independent practice
– Center activities
• Math content focuses on:
– Operations and Algebraic Thinking
– Number and Operations in Base Ten
– Geometry
– Measurement and Data

• Practice mental math facts (addition & subtraction) to build fluency up to 20.
• Represent numbers in a variety of ways (base ten blocks, expanded form, place value, etc.)
• Review nightly homework.
• Students must use IXL for 20 minutes each week as part of their math homework.

• Natural Features of the Earth (explain and identify water, soil, and rock properties)
• Animal Habitats
• Astronomy: Phases of the Moon, the Sun, and the
Stars
• Life Cycle of Butterflies, Plants, and Brine Shrimp
Students will participate in experiments and put the scientific process into action!

• Rights and Responsibilities
• Beliefs of a Democracy
• Geography: map skills, continents, oceans, etc.
• Economics: Goods & Services, Natural & Capital
Resources, and Producers & Consumers
• Cultures: People, events, and places
(both past and present)

• We have an 20:1 student to teacher ratio during the
Reading Initiative block.
• Reading classes are created through flexible grouping with the grade level.
• Within each class will be multiple reading levels.
• Reading Initiative teachers are Miss Linnell,
Mrs. Brosious, Mrs. Greaney, Mrs. Donaldson, and Ms. Young.

• Modeled and Shared Reading (whole class)
• Guided Reading (flexible groups based on reading ability and needs)
• Independent Reading
• Decoding strategies
• Vocabulary
• Fluency
• Comprehension (oral and written)

• Listen to your child read
• Read to your child
• Allow your child to share a decoding strategy when they are stuck on a word
• Ask questions/discuss the story
• Model good reading habits
• READ, READ, READ!!

• Daily writing block
• Writer’s Workshop
– Modeled, shared, interactive, guided, independent
• Focus:
– Personal Narratives
– Informative/Explanatory
– Opinion
– Personal Expression (Poetry)

• Writing Process
• 6 Traits of Writing:
– Ideas and Development
– Conventions
– Organization
– Sentence Fluency
– Word Choice
– Voice
• Spelling/Word Study/Use of Language

• 2 week program
• Spelling rule/ pattern
• Spelling test fall on the second Friday of the 2 week program
• Spelling grade is embedded into Use of Language portion of their Writing grade.
• Information will be provided through email distribution lists.

• Academic Grades
– Are ongoing throughout the marking period.
– Grades reflect what students know and are able to do in relation to grade level expectations.
• For more information, visit: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/
• An overview of Curriculum 2.0: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/2.0/o utcomes.aspx

ES = Exceptional at the grade-level standard
P = Meets the grade-level standard
I = In progress towards meeting standard
N = Not yet making progress towards meeting standard
 = Teacher reviewed/completion of work.
Please check out the online video for the standards-based report card: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/info/grading/report-cards.aspx

• Literacy: Students must read 20 minutes each night.
They need to record their book or chapter title on the Reading Log that is given out each week.
– Respond to one prompt (given out every other week) in response to their nightly reading. This written response provides time for students to practice written comprehension.
– Occasionally, projects will take the place of the Reading Log and
Written Response.
• Math: Worksheets will be sent home nightly to be returned the next day.

We expect all Stone Mill students to follow the rules and expectations that have been set for them.
• Check home folders daily for comments about behavior.
• A stamp or sticker indicates expected behavior was met.
• Warnings are always given.
• If a child does not correct behavior then his/her calendar will have a check mark. This is a signal for you to check your email for a note from the teacher.
• Please sign calendar daily.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher:
Email: Tracie_N_Brosious@mcpsmd.org
Gretchen_Donaldson@mcpsmd.org
Whitney_C_Greaney@mcpsmd.org
Erin_C_Linnell@mcpsmd.org
Julia_M_Young@mcpsmd.org
We look forward to an amazing year and we are appreciative of all the support you give us!
The Second Grade Team 