2nd-3rd Transition

Suggestions Developed by Davis & Lane School Advisory Councils

Revised on April 18, 2010

1. What transition activities currently exist for second grade students?
   • Second graders visit Lane typically in June.
   • Second graders meet a third grade buddy during their visit.
   • Second and third grade buddies tour the school, have a snack and play on the playground during their visit.
2. What additional transition activities exist among faculty?
   • Special educators from the Lane School attend students' IEP TEAM meetings in the spring.
   • The guidance counselors communicate information across the two schools.
   • The reading specialists share information across the two buildings.
   • Sarah Dorer, the gifted and talented coordinator and math coordinator, assists in placement and programming.
   • Information, including K-2 literacy and math folders, 504 plans, Intervention Plans and IEPs, and cumulative files are sent to Lane School.
3. What can parents do to support the transition to Lane School?
   • Talk to your child about the transition. Reassure him/her that he/she will do well!
   • Model confidence and demonstrate enthusiasm.
   • Take your child to Lane School's playground over the summer.
   • Help your child develop a plan to meet friends for recess or lunchtime.
   • Discuss strategies for making new friends (i.e. don't judge others, take an interest in others' hobbies, try new things, ask questions to get to know others).
   • Contact the school if you child is showing signs of anxiety.
4. How will students' school experiences be different in third grade?
   • As students get older they gain more independence and personal responsibility. Students will be asked to write their homework each night in a red homework notebook and pack all of their materials each day.
   • Students will be expected to complete approximately 30 minutes of homework in third grade in addition to reading each evening.
   • In third grade students typically transition from "learning to read" in second grade to "reading to learn" in third grade. This implies students are reading to learn more about facts and information in the areas of math, social studies and science.
5. Describe the curriculum at third grade.
   • Reading
     • Students continue to read texts at their instructional level. Students are exposed to a variety of quality literature. Students are beginning to "read to learn," meaning they are reading more to discover concepts in other subject areas.
   • Math
     • Students in grades 3-5 use the Everyday Math Curriculum. All third grade students use a portion of the Bridges curriculum called Number Corner.
   • Writing
     • Students study various types of writing including expository writing, personal narratives, journals, descriptive writing, compare and contrast pieces and poetry. Students also learn how to respond in writing to specific questions. These are often called open response questions and are part of the state tests.
   • Science
     • The science units taught at grade three are the water cycle, using the sense, plant growth and development and chemical tests.
   • Social Studies
     • Students study the colonies in social studies. It is the first year they have a social studies book. Students visit Plymouth Plantation and take a walking tour of Bedford as a part of the social studies curriculum.
6. How are students assessed in third grade?
   • Students receive report cards three times a year.
   • Students receive number grades on their fist and second report cards and letter grades on their third report card.
   • Students take the MCAS, or the state assessment, for the first time in the spring. Students are tested in third grade in the areas of reading and math.
7. What specials are offered in third grade?
   • Physical education two times a week
   • Library once a week
   • Art once a week
   • Music once a week
   • Foreign language three times a week (French or Spanish)
8. What does the start of the day look like?
   • Students typically arrive at 8:20 and are in their classrooms by 8:30. The official start of the school day, however, is 8:39.
   • Many more students choose to walk to school or ride their bikes than they do at Davis School.
   • Students may receive additional support from a specialist from 8:30-9:00AM. Core subject areas (reading, writing, math, social studies and science) are taught at 9:00.
   • Students have a mid morning snack.
9. What is lunch like at Lane?
   • Some families prepay for school lunches and some students bring money to school each day ($1.75/day).
   • Lunch lasts for 20 minutes each day. It is followed by a 20 minute recess.
   • Students can buy ice cream on Friday for $1.25.
10. What does dismissal look like for students?
    • Many more students walk or ride their bikes to and from Lane School than they do at Davis.
    • Walkers and bus riders are dismissed at 2:35.
    • There is no formal sign out procedures for walkers or bike riders.
    • Buses are called down in two groups starting at 2:40.
    • Students line up by bus number in their classroom.
    • Teachers walk the students down when the buses are called.
    • Parents must still send home notes when dismissal plans have changed.
11. How are classes formed at Lane School?
    • Second grade teachers place students in positive learning groups in the spring.
    • Teachers strive to create balanced classrooms (ie. there are equal number of boys and girls, learning needs etc. in each room) and positive academic and social groups.
    • Specific supports are built into certain classrooms. These supports depend on individual students and group needs.
    • Some classrooms have a second adult in the classroom depending on identified students' needs.
12. What events occur at third grade for parents and students?
    • Second grade parents are invited to a parent morning or evening in June with Mr. Ackerman.
    • Class lists are sent home with students on the last day of school.
    • Students receive a letter in the summer from their classroom teacher.
    • Students are able to visit the classroom over the summer if they make an appointment with Mr. Ackerman. Classrooms are open toward the end of August for a visitation; however, teachers may or may not be present during this time (see summer parent letter for additional information).
    • Parents are invited to a Back to School Night in September. This is an opportunity to meet the teacher and learn about classroom and school procedures and the curriculum.
13. What security measures are in place at Lane?
    • All doors are locked with the exception of the front door.
    • All visitors are required to sign in at the office.
    • All volunteers are required to complete a CORI form, or a criminal background check, prior to working with students.
14. How does Lane foster a school environment of respect?
    • Lane School promotes its "Golden Rules" which were developed by students and staff.
    • Classroom, grade level, and school-wide meetings are held to foster community.