A young St. Victor School student in a navy school uniform focused on his work in the classroom, with other students and desks in the background.

SECOND GRADE

Meet Your 2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Jill Van Huystee

I went to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. After college, I moved to San Jose and worked as an engineer where I met my husband. After our two children were born, they are now grown, I decided to go into teaching. Teaching is in my blood; my whole family are or have been teachers.

2nd Grade Highlights

My expectation from the second grade class is to work well independently and in groups, follow directions, and participate in activities. Be comfortable and confident in themselves and their abilities. Apply reading skills to learning across all subjects.

The highlight for 2nd grade is receiving our First Communion. We learn about our faith throughout the year, leading up to the special moment when we receive our Savior for the first time.

Father Mark, pastor of St. Victor School, administering communion to a young girl dressed in white during a church service. Other children in white attire are kneeling in the pews, with stained glass windows in the background.

Religion

In second grade, students prepare for sacraments and learn about the Trinity, God's Word, and family life. They attend weekly morning Mass and focus on five areas of instruction.

An older St. Victor School student reading a book to a younger student outside at a blue metal picnic table, with more students sitting on a bench in the background near a grassy area.

Language Arts

Students read and analyze literature, learning about narrative elements, literary techniques and text features. They compare and contrast different versions of stories and increase their vocabulary. Students also learn to write narrative and expository essays, revise and edit their work, and use proper English conventions.

Math

Students learn addition, subtraction, multiplication, and of two- and three-digit numbers. They understand fractions, decimals, and money. Students use estimation strategies and learn measurement, data collection, and interpretation. They also understand patterns and problem-solving.

St. Victor School students collaborating on a STEAM project, building a structure with cardboard and blue tape as part of their hands-on learning experience in a classroom setting.

Science

Students learn about gravity, magnetism, sound, genetics, evolution, ecology, life cycles, environmental factors, prehistoric life, natural resources, and participate in the Science Fair.

A young St. Victor School student sitting at his desk, focused on a tablet while working with a magazine spread in a classroom filled with educational posters and artwork on the walls.

Social Studies

Second graders learn about family history, geography, government, economics, and social contributions. They use primary sources, maps, and a letter-grid system to locate places. They also develop an understanding of rules, laws, and rights, and learn how to make a difference.

St. Victor School students participating in a music class, playing ukuleles. A girl in the foreground, wearing a red beret and plaid uniform, concentrates on her instrument while other students play in the background.

STEAM

Students continue to expand their understanding of the elements of art and apply them as they use basic tools and art-making processes such as printmaking and collage. Students receive weekly instruction in music enrichment.

Students learn to use word processing applications and design elements. Use of the school-distributed iPad's are woven throughout the curriculum.

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SECOND GRADE

Meet Your 2nd Grade Teacher

2nd Grade Highlights

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