Welcome to Second Grade
Back to School 2025
Aloha!
My name is Ms. Semrad, and I am so excited to be back at school. More importantly, I am so LUCKY to be your child’s teacher! It’s going to be a fun year full of learning and new adventures. I look forward to seeing what the year has in store for us.
Here’s a little bit about myself. I’m from Oregon, I’ve lived on the Big Island for the last year. I earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Pacific University. I also have a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Development with my Reading Endorsement from Concordia University. My second Master’s Degree is from Portland State University in Continuing Education.
This is my 12th year of teaching! I’ve taught kindergarten, 6th grade, PE and 2nd grade in Oregon. I am so glad to continue teaching in 2nd grade.
Attached you will find useful information on classroom and school expectations. If you have any questions feel free to call or email me, and thanks for being an important and crucial part of your child’s education!
Warmly,
Ms. Semrad
F102
Attendance
Arriving at school on time is so important. Please remind students they will be lining up on the field. First bell is at 7:55am and ends at 2:15pm for Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 1:00 on Wednesdays.
Behavior Management
I am proactive and use preventative strategies to ensure a positive classroom environment. I believe this eliminates most classroom issues. Students are made to feel welcomed and I will greet them daily at the door.
General Learner Outcomes (GLO)
-Be a self-directed learner
-Be a community contributor
-Be a complex thinker
-Be a quality producer
-Be an effective communicator
-Be an effective and ethical user of technology
Homework
Each Monday students will receive a homework packet for that week. Homework is due the following Monday unless it is a holiday. The packet will contain a reading comprehension worksheet, math fluency, math worksheet, and spelling.
Resources
PE: Friday
Hawaiian Studies/Library: Friday
Computers: Tuesday
Fine Arts: Tuesday
Snacks/Water Bottles
Students are allowed to bring in their own healthy snacks to be eaten during first recess. Students may not share snacks. Students are allowed and are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to drink water throughout the day. The classroom can get very hot.
Student Planner
Planners are a great way to communicate between school and home. Please check the planner. Our goal is to prepare students for being responsible learners.
Thursday Envelope
This manila envelope is sent home with the student and is filled with important school information. It goes home on Thursdays and must be signed and returned on Fridays.
3 Personal Standards
-Show Respect
-Make Good Decisions
-Solve Problems
Classroom Management
Positive Reinforcement
-build positive relationships with all students
-verbal praise &/or feedback
-points for treasure box and other choice activities, PBIS
-non-verbal cues
-celebration cheers
-student, group, and class rewards
-teach and reteach expectations as needed
-safe nurturing environment
Behavior Management Reinforcement
-always looking for positives when child is on-task etc.
-non-verbal/verbal quiet reminders to individual student
-whole class/group/partner reinforcement so that child may follow models
-quiet reminders and reteaching of expectations when needed
-understanding child’s individual needs and making accommodations for child’s success (calming corner, breaks, etc)
-taking time to build rapport and relationship daily, so child feels comfortable
-parent communication when needed for repetitive or escalation
-counselor recommendation when needed
-office refer if needed or incident requires further assistance and follow up
Grading Policy
-Observations of child
-Written/drawn produced work
-Communication with the child
-Various data from assessments (formative, summative, etc)
All grading is done in accordance with the Hawai’i State Standards as per the DOE as to whether the child:
ME - Meets Exceeds Proficiency
MP - Meets Proficiency
DP - Developing Proficiency
WB- Well Below Proficiency
It is imperative that the child is able to attend school as much as possible to achieve his/her best learning.
