• Canyon Springs 

    STEM Academy

    2024-2025 Syllabus

     

    2nd Grade 

    Mrs. Alway, Mrs. Frugone, Miss Lowery

     

    Communication/Parent Involvement

    Participation in your child’s education is proven to boost his or her achievement in school. We are committed to treating parents as partners while keeping the lines of communication open and focused on the needs of your child. Mutual trust and respect between parents and teachers is required to maintain a positive learning experience at any school. We believe that your trust in Canyon Springs STEM Academy is required to ensure your child’s success.

     

    Please never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns. The best way to reach your child’s teacher is through email or ClassDojo. We value your communication and partnership, and we look forward to building a positive relationship with you and your child. 

    kerry.alway@dvusd.org                                  *Please also visit our class

    jenniffer.frugone@dvusd.org                             websites on the CS page! 

    emma.lowery@dvusd.org       

    Daily Folder / Water Bottle

    Your child will have a Canyon Springs folder they take home/bring back to school each day. This is another way in which we can communicate and help your child stay organized. Please check your child’s folder daily. Please also make sure your child has a sealable water bottle every day. 

     

    Newsletters

    Newsletters will be sent via email and updated on our second grade website weekly. Newsletters will contain learning targets for the week and information on all upcoming happenings and events for second grade. Other school-wide events and news will be updated on the Canyon Springs website, social media, and through monthly principal emails and call-outs.

     

    Classroom Volunteers

    Volunteerism in any form is greatly appreciated at Canyon Springs STEM Academy. Deer Valley Unified School District requires all school volunteers to take the DVUSD Volunteer training course offered throughout the year (if you have taken this in previous years, you are all set). Volunteers must set specific dates and times with the teachers. It is imperative to establish an important role for the volunteer without interrupting the learning environment. Parent volunteerism in the classroom during the school day varies based on need, teachers, and grade levels. 

    Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you are interested in volunteering in the classroom. There will also be opportunities to chaperone field trips. 🙂

     

    PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports)

    Our goal is to have your child be aware of the behavior choices he/she makes and to take responsibility for the results of their choices. We will emphasize positive discipline and provide a no-bullying threat free environment. 

     

    All District Rules will be adhered to at Canyon Springs STEM Academy. Please refer to the DVUSD Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. We believe that students must treat others with the same respect with which they are treated by the adults in our school. We also believe that student’s actions, dress, possessions, etc., must not cause a problem for themselves or anyone else.

     

    Schoolwide PAWS Expectations 

    Pledge to do your best                               

    Accept responsibility                                 

    Work together                                           

    Safe choices                                            

     

    Students have the opportunity in the classroom and around campus to earn rewards/incentives through Den Dollars by demonstrating PAWSitive behavior.

     

    As per school policy, minor behaviors will be documented by using the minor behavior tracking form. Your child’s teacher will always communicate with you if this occurs. Consequences may include reflection time, call home, natural consequences, i.e., cleaning, loss of privilege, seat change.

    Academics / Curriculum 

    Students will be taught utilizing the Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards. For more information about the standards visit the Arizona Department of Education’s website at http://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/.

    DVUSD Math Resources for Parents https://www.dvusd.org/Page/28323 

    DVUSD ELA Resources for Parents https://www.dvusd.org/Domain/5389 

    ELA

    Canyon Springs utilizes the Into Reading literacy program which integrates phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing through a plethora of engaging fiction and informational texts. Students will write in response to reading as well as work through the stages of the writing process to produce narratives, opinion, and informational pieces. They will also work on spelling and conventions through reading and writing.  

    Math

    We are very excited to have a new math curriculum this year, I-Ready! Students will develop math vocabulary, fluency, and problem solving skills through hands-on exploration and collaboration. Topics include multi-digit addition and subtraction, place value, telling time, word problems involving money, measurement, geometry, graphing, fractions, and beginning multiplication. 

    Social Studies

    The second grade social studies curriculum is Impact Social Studies: Exploring Who We Are. Topics and skills taught include working together to solve problems, individual and leadership roles, economics, geography, the influence of weather and climate, the developments and change of civilizations and cultures over time,  sequence of events/timelines, and using primary and secondary sources to generate and answer questions and research. 

    Science

    Science curriculum focuses on inquiry based learning and includes study about matter and energy, Earth and sky, organisms, and inventions. 

    STEM

    STEM will be integrated into all other subject areas as much as possible. We will also complete at least one STEM challenge/activity a week, and the first Friday of each month is all day STEM campus-wide. We love STEM! 🙂

    Opportunities for reassessment will always be available after intervention/ reteaching. We will use a variety of instructional practices and tools to best meet the individual needs of each student in order for them to be successful in reaching proficiency in the 2nd grade standards.

    Grade Scale for Marking Proficiency of the Standards:
    4 = Applies grade level skills with greater depth or complexity

    3 = Demonstrates grade level proficiency 

    2 = Approaches grade level proficiency 

    1  = Displays a significant lack of grade level proficiency 

                                       

    Homework

    Research provides strong evidence that, when used appropriately, homework is essential for increasing and reinforcing student learning and achievement for course standards. Homework may be differentiated to meet the needs of our varied learners. The intent of homework is to practice, extend learning, and provide opportunities for students to develop critical, independent study skills and self-discipline for their life-long educational journeys. 

    Homework will only be given as needed or requested, i.e., wasn’t completed during class time or needing/wanting extra practice or enrichment at home. 

    Birthday Celebrations

    If you would like to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, please communicate with your child’s teacher so we can plan appropriately. Food, flowers, and balloons are not permitted into our classrooms for individual student birthday celebrations due to the large number of students at Canyon Springs with life threatening allergies. I appreciate your understanding and support while we ensure the safety of our students. The cafeteria provides class birthday treats for purchase as an option.  Please reach out if you have any questions.

    Toys / Items from Home 

    Please keep ALL toys, figurines, purses, etc. at home. It creates a distraction in the learning environment and can be easily misplaced/lost. Your help with this is greatly appreciated.

     

    This is going to be an AMAZING year of fun and growth for your child. Communication is key. Together we will ensure your child’s success in 2nd grade. Please never hesitate to reach out. We appreciate you! 

                                                                                         -CS Second Grade Team 😀