September 10, 2004

Dear Parent or Guardian,

My name is Mrs. Vaver, and I will be your child's second grade teacher this year. This will be my fifteenth year of teaching and my seventh year at UPP. I hold a bachelor's degree from Pacific Lutheran University and a master's from the University of Washington. I live in this area and I have 3 children ages 12, 10, and 2. My two older children attend UP schools.

Reading: In second grade, students will take the state reading test. I will share the results of this test with you at conference time. If your child scores below grade level, we will work together with our reading specialists to improve your child's reading throughout the school year.

During the first week we reviewed expectations and went over routines. We are now jumping right in to the curriculum in all areas. I will teach in both large group and small group settings. Reading groups are determined by reading level so that I can tailor the lessons directly to the needs of the students. These lessons will range from review of sounds and phonemic exercises to chapter book strategies.

Since learning to read for understanding is so vital to our students, it will take teamwork to develop your child's reading skills. I expect you to read to your children or listen to them read at least 20 minutes a night, 5 nights per week (or a total of 100 minutes per week). Research has shown that students who are read to at home on a regular basis are more successful in school. I know that you want your child to do well in school, and I will communicate with you on ways to help us accomplish this together.

We use the Rigby reading program in the University Place School District. I supplement this program with Success in Reading and Writing, as well as, Making Words. I will send vocabulary words home on a regular basis, your child must learn these words because they are words frequently found in their reading texts.

Homework: I send home a homework sheet each Friday. It contains a list of five different choices. You and your child may pick three of the five to complete and turn in by the following Thursday morning (or earlier). There is also a Mustang Minute reading sheet attached to this homework page. Please record the minutes you read to your child on this page. These minutes will count toward individual and school-wide goals. Students are given plenty of time and assistance in class to complete their work. If a student does not finish their work in class, then they will bring it home to complete.

Spelling: The Rebecca Sitton Spelling Program was adopted by the U.P. School District in May of 1998. This spelling program emphasizes the application of correct spelling in writing through lists of frequently used words called Priority Words. There are 30 words for second grade.

Writing: A new writing curriculum, The Write Direction, was adopted last fall. The program emphasizes a variety of writing forms while practicing sentence writing, capitalization, and punctuation.

Math: The MIMOSA Math Program emphasizes a language-based, concept-approach to mathematics. Mimosa uses manipulatives to explore and discover math while solving problems of everyday life. Mastery of math facts will also be included and are expected to be practiced as a homework choice.

Science: We study two main units in science during the second grade year. The first one is Balance and Motion and the other is Sand and Silt. Both of these unit come in the form of a kit that encourages exploration and experimentation.

Swimming: As part of the second grade health curriculum, all the second graders will be given swimming lessons for two weeks at the Curtis High School Pool. Students are taught by the high school swim coach and qualified high school students. During "swimming time", students need to bring to school a swimsuit, towel, and a plastic bag every day. Parents may come and watch, but are especially encouraged to attend on the last day for "Parent Day", when each student individually performs his/her swimming skills. The swimming dates are scheduled in late winter or early spring. The UP Board of Education has approved this instruction as part of our school curriculum. There is no extra cost.

Weekly Reader: The Weekly Reader is a current events magazine for children. We will be using them in class as a vehicle for learning about what is happening in the world around us. Please make checks payable to UPSD for the amount of $4.00 and send to school to cover your child's subscription. The Weekly Reader will be sent home with your child after we study them in class.

Specialists: We will have P.E. and Music every Wednesday and Friday. Your child is required to wear sturdy shoes so that they may participate fully in these subjects.

Computers: We go to the iMac Lab every Tuesday afternoon. We may visit more often as needed to complete class projects. We learn how to use ClarisWorks for word processing, drawing, and painting. We also use KidPix and HyperStudio. These are just a few of the main programs. If you are interested in what UPP is doing in technology, I recommend that you attend Family Media Nights with your child.

Library: We have library every Thursday afternoon starting September 11th. The students need to bring their books back each Thursday so that they may check out a new book for library time. Some students started the Accelerated Reader program last year. Those students will be able to continue this program. In second grade it is an expectation that all students will practice their reading using Accelerated Reader in the classroom and at home.

Birthdays: Birthdays are exciting to second graders. However, in-class celebrations can disrupt learning, cause hurt feelings, and they are against the beliefs of some students. I would like to offer an exciting alternative to birthday treats brought from home. Instead of providing the class with treats that are quickly eaten and then forgotten, I would like you to consider donating a book to our class library in honor of your child. A special note and your child's name will be written on the inside cover to let everyone know whose birthday it honors. As a class we will complete a birthday book for your child that includes messages, pictures, and signatures. I hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and the rest of this packet. It will answer many of your questions, but if you have further questions, please call me at 566-5620 or be sure to write me a note.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Vaver