• I received my undergraduate degree in elementary education and my masters degree in special education from Northern Illinois University

• I have worked in Wheaton schools my entire career teaching autistic, third grade and second grade students.

• I attended the wedding of two of my second graders!

Please take a moment to write a note to your child in their writing journal. They are looking forward to reading the notes in the morning!

Handwriting•There is no longer formal grades for handwriting, but you will see achievement in the ‘Characteristics’ section of the report card•Develops legible handwriting for written communication• Receives cursive instruction 2nd half of year

Spelling•Sight word tests and tests over learned patterns/rules•Children will develop word building skills•Spelling will be graded based on application

• Writes in complete sentences using subject/verb agreement, proper capitalization, and punctuation

•Writes narrative, expository, and opinion writing pieces

Uses process writing in Writer’s Workshop

•Writes a paragraph with a topic sentence,transition words, at least 3 details with elaborations, and a concluding sentence.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Number and Operations in Base Ten

Fluently add and subtract within 20 Determine whether a group of objects is

odd or even Understand the meaning of the equal sign Use addition and subtraction to solve one

and two step word problems Use addition to find the total number of

objects arranged in arrays

Understand place value and count within 1,000 Read and write numbers to 1,000 as numerals,

number names and in expanded form Skip count by 10 and 100 forwards/backwards

starting with any given number Mentally add or subtract 10 or 100 to or from a

given number Compare 2 and 3 digit numbers Fluently add/subtract within 100 using

strategies Add up to four two digit numbers Add/subtract within 1,000 using concrete

models, drawings and strategies Explain why addition and subtraction strategies

work

Math FactsCC.2.OA.2 Fluently add and subtract within 20 using mental strategies.

By the end of Grade 2, know from memory all sums of two digit numbers.

Fluency is a known fact or correct response in either oral (2 seconds) or written form (3 seconds). Also master 10+facts.

Timed TestsChildren demonstrate fluency through timed tests. They are asked to accurately complete thirty problems in 90 seconds. This matches the expectations on the D200 Fact Assessment. D200 expects mastery of addition facts 1st trimester and mastery of subtraction facts 2nd trimester.

PracticeWhile instruction of mental strategies will take place at school, for most students, additional practice at home is required to master the facts.

Space•Identify and describes characteristics of the sun, the Earth as a planet, and the moon•Observe the phases of the moon•Compare the day and night skies

Energy: Heat, Sound, and Light•Identify and compare sources of sound and heat energy•Identify sources of energy- natural and artificial•Learn the rules of experimentation

Habitats/ Recycling•Recognize different habitats in the environment

•Describe how living things depend on one another for survival

•Describe and identify ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle

BiologyPlants/Life Cycle/Habitat

Describe how living things interact with each other and their environment. Learn how plants function adapt and change.

•Discuss rules and laws of various communities including Wheaton•Identify basic economic concepts•Compare/contrast historical figures•Interpret a timeline and create a timeline of past, present, and future events including the history of Wheaton•Discuss the history and traditions of holidays•Identify various items on a map

Health•Learn to care for your teeth•Understand ways to stay healthy•Understand body systems and how we grow •Discuss ways to stay safe and avoid danger

2nd grade classrooms follow the same homework policy.

Second grade students may be given homework. In most cases, the homework is due back the next day. Daily reading and practicing of math facts is also expected.

This policy is in place to encourage responsibility and to allow for review/practice of concepts covered in the classroom.

Art45 minutes weekly with Mrs. Roche

Music25 minutes weekly with Ms. Novak

Library30 minutes weekly with Ms Grudzien

Computer45 minutes weekly with classroom teacher

Gym20 minutes daily with Mrs. Minser or Mr. Orlow

Wheaton College Children’s Concert

Waubonsie Planetarium

Theater production

Fullersburg Forest Preserve

Penpal picnic

End of the year picnic