Mrs. Nobles teaches 2nd grade at Poway Unified School District. This year's curriculum will include topics in science like rocks, sound, and plants, and in social studies, students will learn about laws, geography, and economics. The class follows a daily schedule that includes math, reading, writing, and social studies/science blocks. Homework will be assigned daily except weekends and include tasks like math reinforcement, reading, and occasional projects. Mrs. Nobles emphasizes creating a positive classroom community and looks forward to an exciting year of learning.

1. Mrs. Nobles’ Second Grade ClassContact information: email: anobles@powayusd.com or Phone (858) 487-6887 ext. 6504

2. Welcome to Second Grade!Tonight, I will introduce you to me, second grade and to our classroom community.Please hold your questions for the end of the presentation.

3. All About MeMy backgroundI grew up in San Diego. I attended elementary school, high school, and college in San Diego (UCSD). Before teaching, I worked briefly in the Capital Finance industry and at a software development company.I obtained my Master’s Degree in 2005 in Educational Technology.My experienceThis is my 11th year teaching in the Poway Unified School District.I have also taught 1st grade, 2/3 multiage, and 3rd grade.In 2008, I received the Time Warner Cable National Teacher Award and was the recipient of a SONY Environmental Education Grant. I also received an honorable mention by the Classroom of the Future Foundation Innovative Education Inspire Award.In 2009, I was named a National Co-Finalist in the Cable in the Classroom Leaders in Learning Awards. I am currently the Poway District Teacher of the Year(elementary).

4. ScienceTopics to be covered this year include:EarthRocksSoundForce and MotionPlantsLife Cycles

5. Social StudiesStandards to be covered include:Ancestry and ImmigrationLaws and GovernmentMap skillsGeographyEconomic Concepts

6. SPARK and ArtThe students will receive weekly SPARK (physical education) instruction on Tuesday and Friday.The students will do aerobics, exercise routines, ball skills, cooperative games, running, and SPARK stations.Please make sure your child dresses appropriately.Our core Art program is Arts Attack. This is a volunteer based program. Please sign up if you are available to assist with lessons once or twice a month.

7. Dates to CalendarSchool Picture Day- September 23rd(more information to follow) Parent Teacher Conferences-November 16-20 Sign up Tonight!(Please note: November 16-20 will be early release days at 12:45 PM)Open House- May 20th 6PM Progress Reports1stProgress Reports Go Home November 16-20(Conferences)2nd Progress Reports Go Home March 8 (Student Carry)3rd Progress Reports Go Home June 8 (Student Carry)STAR Testing April 19-30, 2010TENTATIVE FIELD TRIPS AND PARTY DATES(Times and Events subject to change- Due to availability, financial and time constraints)Heritage Trunk Tours (November or December date TBD) Reuben H Fleet-Forces and Motion Assembly (March) Performing Arts Field Trip- TBD Pen Pal Meet up at Adobe Bluffs Park- June 1Halloween- Friday, October 30 Valentine’s-Friday, February 12 Year End-Wednesday, June 2nd

8. 8:55-9:25 Roll Call, Morning Work, Morning Meeting, Morning Readers 9:25-10:35 Math-( Friday- Mountain Math/Math Games) 10:35-10:50 RECESS 10:50-11:00 DEAR Time(Drop Everything and Read) 11:00-12:00 Reading Language Arts Block- Guided Reading Groups, Literature Circles, Word Work Artists and Hero Study (Wednesday) 12:00-12:45 Writer’s WorkshopLIBRARY (Tuesday) 12:25-12:45 12:45-1:25 LUNCH 1:25- 1:55 Read Aloud 1:55-3:10 Social Studies/Science/Fine Arts Block Academic Sharing (Friday) Computer Lab (Monday 2:30-3:15) 3:10-3:20 Assignments, Closing Circle, Clean-Up and Dismissal

9. Classroom CommunityOur classroom is a community. In our community, we have rules to help us get along with each other . The students have assisted in the establishment of the rules.Our class rules this year are:Treat people how you want to be treated “The Golden Rule”Always do your bestUse walking feetMake good choicesAn occasional break or “time out” might be necessary at times so your child can reflect upon a proper course of action.

10. Logical ConsequencesYour child may also need to fill out a rethinking paper which will need a parent signature.If the behavior is consistently inappropriate or counterproductive to the growth and safety of the other children you will be notified and we will set up a meeting.

12. HomeworkI will assign homework every NIGHT. Except weekends.The weekly GREEN homework folder/calendar with come home each night and is due back the FOLLOWING day.Please check the website for up to date assignments.Homework is to be done NEATLY in PENCIL ONLY. Homework will be limited to:Math Reinforcement (Nightly)Reading 20 minutes DAILY (record on monthly reading log) Weekly Spelling, 2 activities a week selected from the list of spelling activities (spelling lists will last 2 weeks)Weekly Reading comprehension (due each Monday)Weekly Time for Kids (distributed Thursday night due on Monday)MonthlyOral Speaking and Language (starts January, see attached schedule for more information and details)On occasion, larger projects will be sent home with ample time to complete.

14. OTHER BITS OF INFORMATIONPURPLE FOLDER and NEWSLETTER: Please check the PURPLE correspondence folder nightly for classroom and school information. Be on the lookout monthly on the last Friday for our classroom newsletter. It will be available online at our classroom website under STAFF http://www.powayusd.com/pusdmres/about/staff.html Amanda Nobles. I will also email it to you. Please read it thoroughly. It is my special opportunity to communicate with you, and give you relevant information! Students will also be bringing home Weekly News Reviews each Friday.BOOK ORDERS: Book orders will be sent home monthly. This is a great opportunity to build your home library at a significant discount while earning free books for the classroom. Should you decide to order, please send in a check(no cash please). The September Book order will go home tomorrow, September 4th and be due back no later than Tuesday, September 8th. An online ordering option is available at www.scholastic.com/parentordering Class Activation Code: 2BTQEThere will be a link on the classroom website. The books normally arrive in about two weeks.

15. STAR STUDENTAll children need to know they are special! Each child will have a STAR student week to be recognized in our class. During that week, the special student may share everyday and display special pictures. The students will be given a poster to complete and present about themselves. Please return the STAR STUDENT NEWS poster before Friday of your child’s special week so it can be displayed. I will send home a notice and STAR STUDENT NEWS poster the Monday before your child’s STAR STUDENT WEEK!

16. BirthdaysKids love to celebrate their special day with their friends! You are welcome to send in cookies or cupcakes the day of your child’s celebration. Make sure the treats are store bought and in individual servings. We will sing “Happy Birthday in the classroom. Please note that we have several food allergies in our class to peanuts.SUMMER BIRTHDAYS….In June we will give each summer birthday person a special day to celebrate their almost birthday!

17. Classroom VolunteersSee sign up sheet in the back of the room. Please make sure that you have a current TB test on file in the office and make sure you check in at the office (sign in and receive a “volunteer” badge) every time you volunteer.VOLUNTEERS(Level 2) need to have a background check and fingerprints taken in order to work with students alone or outside the classroom. VOLUNTEERS (Level 1) need to have a background check without fingerprints cannot work with students alone or outside the classroom.

18. OCIS Contacts (Off, Campus, Independent, Study)If your child will be missing school for any reason (other than illness, or doctor appointments) you can obtain a contract from the office(the attendance clerk or secretary-not from the teacher). The state now only recognizes these contracts if your child will be missing at least 5 consecutive days of school. NO contracts will be issued for less than 5 days. Please let me know at least 2 weeks in advance so I can prepare the curriculum your child will miss.

19. Oral Presentation Guidelines (Sharing)Beginning in January, students will present an oral presentation, which is one of our ways to meet the following PUSD speaking standard: Speaking Strategies 2.0 Students deliver focused, coherent presentations that convey ideas clearly and relate to the background and interests of the audience. Presentations will be a required monthly homework assignment and each student will have an assigned day to present. Students need practice in order to be prepared to speak to the class about a topic of interest, using their own words. Note cards with brief notes are encouraged, a visual aid of some kind (diorama, poster, or Powerpoint) and a written report are required (one paragraph). Each student should share for approximately 2-4 minutes. No toys or violent subjects may be shared.

20. Sharing TopicsInformation, books, articles, or items related to topics we are studying (or have studied) in school Current events: articles in the newspaper, The Mini Page, from an Internet website, etc. Information on famous people (historical figures, Olympic Stars, political figures) Information on topics of special interest to your child (sports, hobbies, science, Art) “How to” make simple snacks, drinks, Origami, calligraphy, etc.

21. Preparation GuidelinesHave your child choose an academic topic that he or she finds interesting. Have your child research their topic using books, computers, magazines, encyclopedias, Internet, etc.After researching the topic, answer the questions on the Academic Sharing Organizer attached.Take key words from your Academic Sharing Organizer and write them on note cards. During your final speech, glance briefly at your note cards to remind you what to say.Take your answers from the Academic Sharing Organizer and write a one paragraph report.Bring and use a visual aid during your report. This might be a book, picture, chart, object, etc.Work on this project each week for homework!

22. Exciting Learning Opportunities to Look Forward to……School GardenMultimedia movie projectsMaking PowerPoint presentationsPen Pals from Adobe Bluffs

23. I’m Looking Forward to a Great Year!Don’t forget to sign up for parent volunteering opportunities.Questions?????