2

nd
Grade Guidelines


Welcome 2
nd
grade families. My name is Ms. Mlak and I look forward to
working with you to help your child achieve success in the second grade.
Therefore, I ask one great favor, BE INVOLVED! If your child sees you
actively involved in his/her education, it will encourage him/her to try
their best. I welcome you into the classroom to see how your child is doing
at any time. Also, please thoroughly review your childs blue folder
nightly, as well as, his/her homework.
Curriculum Overview

ELA- (English-Language-Arts) please reference the attached
Curriculum Map Overview) Approximately every 2 months, we start a
new reading and writing topic. For example, for the months of
September/October, the students will be writing personal narrative
stories and writing various narratives. This is a great resource for
you to keep throughout the year so that you can always be aware of
what your child is learning. A few of the comprehension strategies
that we will be working on this year are questioning, making
predictions, and making connections.
Math- We started a new math program called Go Math! This program
is very challenging and it requires a lot of home study. You can follow
your childs learning each day as the homework corresponds to the
days lesson. For example, Chapter 1 Lesson 1 in school is assigned
1.1 for homework. Please make sure to go over the concepts and
vocabulary with your child nightly.
Social Studies- We are going to be learning about New York, focusing
more on New York City. The students have been given a textbook,
which they will be able to take home to study and when homework is
assigned. Please purchase a book sock at your local discount store
or Staples to ensure the textbook stays in tact, as these books are
passed on year after year.
Science- The students have Science (lab) once a week with Mrs.
Shoenfeld and once in the class. We will be focusing various topics
throughout the year. For example, the beginning topic will be Earth
Materials.
Gym- The students have gym 2x a week; on Wednesdays and
Thursdays with Mrs. Piassek. Please make sure that your child is
wearing sneakers on those days.
Art- The students have art with Mrs. Donner 2x a week; on Tuesdays
and Fridays.
________________________________________________________________________

Grading Policy- The school wide policy is as follows:
(Level 1 0-64), (Level 2 65-74), (Level 3 75-90), (Level 4 91-100).
Testing Schedule- (Math) The students will have a pre-
assessment before each math chapter (to determine the students
teaching level (which doesnt count as a real-grade) and then
they will have an assessment at the end of the chapter which will
count as their final grade for the chapter (about every 2-3
weeks). (Writing) The students will have a pre-assessment
before a topic is introduced and over the course of about 2
months, the students will produce a published piece of writing,
which will count as their final grade. (Reading) The students are
expected to move reading levels throughout the year. Please
refer to the Benchmark Reading Levels and Marking Period
Assessments for grade 2.
Homework Expectations- Homework assignments are written
down by the students each day in their purple tab notebooks.
They do not do the homework in this book, ONLY the
assignments are written down. Parents, you are expected to look
into the purple tab every night, sign it, and make sure that all of
the homework is complete and neat. In case there is an
emergency and your child cannot complete his or her homework,
please write a note to me in the purple tab; you telling your child
to tell me is not good enough, we must work together to achieve
success. If your child comes to school without a note, she/he will
be given lunch detention and a lower grade on the report card.
Behavior Expectations- Your child is expected to behave
appropriately in school at all times. Rude behavior and
inappropriate language WILL NOT be tolerated. We must treat
everyone with respect, please continue to encourage that.
Class Trip Permission Slip Policy- Second grade will be going
on one trip every month, starting in October. Consent forms will
be issued at least 2-3 weeks in advance. If possible, please DO
NOT wait to the day of the trip to send in the money and
permission slip. It becomes very disorderly in the morning,
trying to collect all necessary items; and sometimes it will result
in us loosing our confirmation, as the facilities require full
payment at least a week before the scheduled trip. Also, please
dont punish your child from attending the trip for poor behavior
at home, as they are educational and used in discussions
throughout the year. Im sure that there are tons of things that
can be used as punishment, if need be. If I feel that your childs
behavior is a safety hazard for the trip, (he/she doesnt follow
directions), then I will ask you to accompany your child, and if
you cannot, only then should he/she stay back.
My Availability- is from 2:35 pm 3:20 pm every Tuesday
afternoon. Please jot a note in your childs purple tab if youd like
to schedule a meeting. Please understand that there are 23
students in the class, so it is possible that you may have to wait a
little while for your appointment, but I will certainly try to
accommodate.

Promotion Policy- To be promoted to Grade 3, by June 2015,
your child must meet the following criteria:
1. Reading Independently on a Level M
2. Have an average of Level 2 or higher on math and writing
assessments
3. Have 90% or higher attendance rate. (Please note: School
starts at 8:15, if your child comes after that time, he/she is
considered late, which is disruptive to him/her as well as the
rest of the class. He/she is always welcome to join our
breakfast program, too many students are coming to school
late and without breakfast!)

My sincere thanks for everyone that came out to our first
Parent-Teacher-Conference

Ms. Mlak
Class 2-140
Please sign and return the attached form.










2
nd
Grade Guidelines Acceptance Form

I have fully read and understand the 2
nd
Grade Guidelines. I understand
what my child and I are expected to do in order for him or her be successful
in Ms. Mlaks 2
nd
grade.

My Name:__________________________________
Childs Name:______________________________
Date:___________________________________________
Phone number:__________________________________
Email:___________________________________________________