Grade 2

Below is a list of 2008-09 forms and information for Grade 2 students. All forms are due in the office by August 1, 2008. Students may not start School without a completed General Information Form on file.

Grade 2 students meet in the main Lower and Middle School building. There are two classes of no more than 18 students, each with a certified teacher and a shared assistant.

The core curriculum at this level includes Barton reading and spelling methods and phonics work in conjunction with the "Words Their Way" word study program. Flexible reading groups use the Harcourt Brace series. The Accelerated Reader program is used as an enrichment tool as well. Daily writing concentrating on the writing process, creative writing, journal entries, research writing and/or responses to reading are included in the writing program. The study of Science and Social Studies topics is implemented through reading and writing workshop activities. Hands on math readiness groups using the Houghton Mifflin textbook and the "Handwriting Without Tears" writing program complete the Grade 2 academic program.

Topics covered in Grade 2 include animals, habitats, endangered animals, folktales from around the world, famous people, space and special people.

Grade 2 students visit the science and computer labs weekly, and have library and guidance once a week. Students continue with the half-year each instruction of French and Spanish two times each week, and physical education three times a week. Students also enjoy music and art classes twice each week.

Students in the second grade participate in the once a week assembly with their Lower School peers and take several field trips throughout the year. Second graders produce a play every year in addition to performing in the Winter Holiday and Grandparents Day programs. A focal point of the Grade 2 program is the annual famous people day where students dress up like and share information about his or her favorite famous person.

Grade 2 students and Grade 8 reading buddies get together several times a month for reading and/or writing activities. Students at this level also benefit from the Parent Buddy Reader program.

The STAR reading test is used in Grade 2 to determine a grade equivalent reading ability. Students are grouped according to their needs. Informal spelling inventories are also used to determine group placement, as are math skills tests. Students are reassessed several times a year. Resource assistance is available for students in need of one-on-one and/or small group instruction.

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