Introduction

Hello Students and Families!

My name is Rebecca Stern and I am very excited to be joining the team at Leggett Valley Unified for the 2011-2012 academic school year. I graduated from Cal State University East Bay and earned my teaching credential through Chapman University. I have worked in all types of schools, and I am really thrilled to work in a tight knit community like Leggett, it is an absolutely beautiful area, and I can’t wait to explore nature in my free time. I have felt very welcomed by the staff I have met so far and am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you.

Please begin thinking about the goals you have for your student. When we meet we will list these goals and I will keep them on file to monitor progress throughout the year. It is important that we work together this year for the success of your child. I am eager to learn about your student’s individual needs as well, so please feel free to contact me for anything at R_Stern@hotmail.com.

Secondly, we have much to cover this year. In math, the 3rd graders will be learning how to manipulate numbers. Specifically we will focus on place value, multiplication, division and problem solving. We will begin comparing fractions and decimals, and my goal is that the 3rd graders will walk away with an understanding of how numbers can be represented in various ways. We will also be learning more about measurement including liquid volume and weight, learning about complex shapes and beginning to understand angles.

In second grade, we will be working with place value, working on estimation, and learning how to add numbers with 3 digits. We will be practicing using our head to solve simple math problems. We will begin learning through pictures about multiplication. We will work towards knowing all of our 2, 5, and 10s multiplication facts by memory. We will begin to understand that fractions and decimals are part of a whole and be working with coins and bills to help with this representation. Most importantly we will be learning how to solve problems in different ways and self-check a problems validity. Your student will practice estimating when problem solving. We will learn about time and measurement, specifically using different tools to measure. We will also cover shapes, for example, cubes, pyramids, and rectangular prisms. We will use graphs when comparing information.

As you can see we have much to cover, these are just some of my goals for math alone.

Briefly, we will be reading and writing a lot. I am also excited to explore the nature in Leggett for science and history purposes. Your students will be learning about their link to the past. We will focus on text-to-world, text-to-text and text-to-self connections.

I will have a homework calendar ready as soon as possible along with a volunteer sign-up sheet. I welcome any help in our classroom. In the meantime, please read to your child and have them read to you as often as possible. It is just as important for them to hear you read as it is for them to practice themselves.

Looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Best,

Rebecca Stern