A Second Grade Classroom

Mr. Carroll has been at Stevens since 2001. This is his 11th year in education.

Mr. Carroll has taught every age from first to fifth grades. The information on this web site is taylored primarily for parents as an introduction, so they may understand the scope and sequence of a year - as well as policies, procedures, and curriculum.

Sugar Skulls for Dia de Los Muertos in second grade.

Community Rules

The entire class worked as a community to create rules for our conduct. We all agreed to follow these rules in order to have the happiest and most productive working environment:

1. Strive to develop my special talents
2. Take responsibility for my actions and learning.
3. Achieve academic excellence.
4. Respect myself and others.
5. Share my skills and talents with others.

Halloween Costume Parade

Fieldtrips

Fieldtrips this year will include a pumpkin farm, two plays at Seattle Children's Theatre, a visit to the zoo, The Pacific Science Center and a trip to the beach/tidepools. We also plan on serving our community by holding a book drive, and a school supplies drive to assist a school in Lesotho, Africa.

Second Grade Cultural Focus: Latin America

Each grade level at Stevens Elementary has a unique cultural focus. In first grade we learn about the countries and cultures of Latin America - specifically Mexico, Peru, and the Amazon Rain Forest.

Typical Daily Schedule

This is our daily schedule. At times, we stray from its guidance.

• 9:20 – Intro Activity
• 9:30 – Literacy
• 10:30 – Recess
• 10:40 - Social Studies/Science/Art
• 11:55 – Lunch
• 12:30 – Math
• 1:30 – Printing/Geography/Chess
• 2:00 – Recess
• 2:10 – Class Meetings/Read Aloud/Conferences
• 3:10 – Classroom Jobs/Cleaning
• 3:20 – Dismissal

We all need a good book

Parent/Family Volunteers

We always need and appreciate the help and skills of our families. Volunteer opportunities in the classroom abound. So, let Mr. Carroll know if you are interested in assisting regularly or on an occasional basis. Here are some of the jobs available:

• Book orders
• Test/spelling corrections (can be done at home) 
• Science lessons
• Reading lessons
• Art lessons
• Special Projects (aka PTA auction, spring play, etc)
• Fieldtrip Chaperon
• …and more

Attendance

It is important that all children arrive at school on time and with a full belly. Believe it or not, learning and teaching begin immediately upon arrival in the classroom. Those who are five or more minutes late have already missed some instruction. Tardiness requires the teacher to individually teach the late students, taking time away from whole group instruction, shortening the late students' work time, and leading to frustration for all parties. It is a matter of common sense that on-time arrival is important for your child's education. But, more than that, it is a way of showing respect for everyone else in the classroom community. In other words, don't teach your child to be rude - please arrive on time.

Homework Policy

Homework is distributed as a packet on Monday afternoons. Second grade homework is approximately 10-15 minutes of task work and 20 minutes of reading - for an average total of 30 - 40 minutes 4 nights each week. Students will not have homework on weekends or holidays unless they fail to complete classwork on time. During special periods (testing, short weeks, etc.) homework will not be given. IMPORTANT: Students will always have homework unless a note is sent home from Mr. Carroll. Occasionally we have homework vacations just to give everyone a rest from the grind.

HOMEWORK BEGINS ON September 22, 2008.