Second grade is an important year for children both academically and spiritually. They will be receiving Reconciliation in December and First Holy Eucharist in May. It is exciting that second graders can read independently and can write detailed paragraphs and stories. There is time each day for independent reading and writing across the curriculum. Second-graders continue to learn about money and time. By the end of the year your child should master his/her addition and subtraction facts. Your child will learn to make detailed observations in second-grade science and explore color and learn about the elements and meaning in art. Second-graders become more independent writers by learning different styles and using the writing process. They learn how to spell by learning spelling patterns and words found in their reading. Second-graders are becoming more fluent readers. They are reading chapter books, beginning to do research and learning new strategies to draw meaning from what they read. Second-graders use technology in the classroom and use the Technology Center to learn about a range of subjects.

We use the MacMillan/McGraw Hill reading series in our language arts program. The series is complete with high interest fiction and nonfiction pieces along with leveled readers for independent reading. In addition each story has the spelling, phonics and grammar component to accompany it. The children have the opportunity to write daily both for information and for creativity all across the curriculum.

In math we explore number concepts, addition and subtraction with regrouping and fractions. We study plane and solid shapes, time, measurement and money. Problem solving is part of our daily routine which includes writing about our thought process. Houghlin Mifflin is the current text we are using.
Second Grade uses MacMillan/McGraw Hill for Science. The program covers Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science. The children explore these areas of science with a hands on approach.

Social Studies covers communities, places near and far, cultures, American History, Economics and Geography through projects and hands on activities. We use Houghton Mifflin as our text.

We use Harcourt text in school to prepare the children for the sacraments, while the parents teach their child from a separate booklet at home.

Second Grade is a busy and productive year at St. Joan of Arc. 

Assignment Notebook

It is the lifeline between parent and teacher. Please check it every night for the assignment and the colored circle. Sign the book each day and use it to write a quick note or reminder to the teacher. Student notebooks are checked every morning and an accurately filled in entry initialed by a parent gets a star.

Homework

The children will be getting homework Monday through Thursday. Usually, Reading homework on Monday and Wednesday and Math homework on Tuesday and Thursday. Religion, Science and/or Social Studies may come home on any one of these nights as well. Homework should be done independently by the child and corrected by the parent. Homework should not take more than one half hour per night and there will never be homework over the weekend. Tests will not be administered on Mondays. The purpose of giving homework is to teach responsibility. Not only is the child responsible for doing the homework, but also writing it in the assignment notebook and then returning it to school the next day. If a child does not do the homework assignment or he forgets to bring it to school he receives a check mark for missing homework. Three check marks during a quarter is reflected on the report card.

Schedule

Second graders have Library on Mondays. Music is on Tuesday. Gym is on Wednesday. Gym shorts and shoes must be worn for gym. Thursday is Spanish and Friday we go to Mass and have Art.

Attendance

We hope that school is a place that all children want to come to everyday. There is so much learning and fun that goes on each day. If your child is absent and you want us to send work home please give us plenty of notice by calling the office early in the day.  Also, please make sure that you get your child to school on time. We “hit the ground running” at 8:00 and if your child is just walking in at that last bell they start the morning off hurried and disorganized.

Book Club

Each month you will receive a flyer from Scholastic Book Club. It will come in the Wednesday Envelope. If you wish to order books for your child please fill out the order form. Be sure to put your child’s name on the order form. Pay by check only and make it out to Scholastic Book Club. Orders must be returned within seven days.

Snack

Please send one item for snack along with a drink. Time does not permit us to eat more. Your child may have a water bottle that he/she can keep at their desk.

Recess

We go out for recess twice a day everyday unless it is raining or below freezing. Please dress your child for the weather. Check the temperature in the morning and send them with appropriate attire. In snowy weather they must have boots on in order to play in the snow.