Mrs. Kooyenga

Welcome to Mrs. Kooyenga’s

Second Grade

As a teacher, it is my goal to teach your child academics, the value of creativity and individualism, and the importance of accepting those of other cultures and backgrounds. Starting on the first day of school, children in my class are taught that they have a responsibility to be the best they can be. Each student brings his or her own personality and experiences to the classroom. It is from our experiences that we can teach one another and maximize our learning.

We have three rules in room 8:

1. Respect yourself, others, and your classroom

2. Be responsible

3. Be honest

The children in room 8 try very hard to be a positive part of the classroom by following the rules. However, if a child chooses not to follow the classroom rules, certain consequences will result. At the beginning of each day, all children begin on “green light”. One warning is issued for inappropriate behavior. On the second warning, the student’s marker will be moved to “yellow light”. During recess, the student will stay in and discuss his/her behavior with me and brainstorm better choices. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child will receive a “red light”. The student will miss an additional recess, and I will call the parent/guardian and discuss the problem further.

If the system described above is not effective for your child, an individualized behavior plan will be created to target specific behaviors.

Class Meeting

Our week begins with a class meeting each Monday. Throughout the meeting, students have the opportunity to take an active role in the problem-solving process. Compliments and concerns are shared and students have the opportunity to discuss any issues in a safe environment. From there, students are taught problem-solving techniques which assist them in and out of the classroom. This proactive approach seems to lessen the amount of problems at school and also gives students a sense of belonging within the classroom.

Please note our Specials schedule in room 8:

Art: Thursday 9:05-9:45

Gym: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:05-9:45

Media Center: Friday 11:45-12;30

Music: Monday 11:45-12;30

*Please note that Friday is our Media day. All library books need to be returned on this day. Students will also be given the opportunity to ‘free flow’ (return & checkout books from the Media Center), during the week.

Lunch

Daily: 12:30-1:10 (this time includes recess). A hot lunch with milk may be purchased for $2.30. Milk only is $0.30. Salad bar is available every day, unless specified on the monthly lunch menu. Money for lunch tokens should be turned in when needed in an envelope with your child’s name and teacher’s name labeled ‘lunch money’.

Birthdays

Your child is welcome to bring a small treat to share with the class (we currently have 20 students) on his/her birthday. Some families prefer to donate a book to the classroom library in honor of a child’s special day. Summer birthdays are celebrated towards the end of the school year.

Star Student

On the Friday prior to your child’s ‘star student’ week, I will send home a small activity for your child to complete. Your child should complete the activity, cut out the stars, and return them to school on the following Monday. Your child may also create a collage of pictures, read a favorite book, share a favorite song, etc... on the week he/she is star student.