2nd Grade News - Week 2

The first two weeks of school have come and gone.   Students have been working hard at getting to know each other, their teachers, and our daily schedule.  Over the last few weeks we have put a lot of emphasis on our three school rules: Be Responsible, Be Safe and Be Kind.  Working in large and small groups with lots of different personalities can be challenging for adults and kids.  It is amazing to see how well our students are adapting to a new classroom and new friends.  They are showing patience, acceptance and an appreciation for each other.  We will continue to revisit the school rules over the course of the year!

As a parent myself, I know it is not always easy to stay informed about what is going on in my children’s classrooms.  Therefore, it is my goal to help you stay informed about what we are doing academically and socially in our classroom and at Grout School.  Every Friday you will receive a newsletter about what academic areas we will be focusing on the next week of school.  This will allow you to talk to your children about what they are learning in the classroom without always getting the answer, “Nothing,” or “I don’t know.”  You can always feel free to email me or make an appointment after school to discuss your child or their education further.

Volunteer Opportunities:  I’m looking for a parent that would be willing to stuff take-home folders Thursdays after school.  This job would take about 20 minutes.  Please let me know if you are interested.  I also would like to find a parent volunteer who would be willing to clean our desks, door handles, ect with Clorox wipes on Friday after school.  Flu season is quickly approaching.  I would like to do everything I can to help your children avoid getting sick.

All volunteers must complete a background check online (http://volunteer.pps.net/) or in the office before volunteering in the classroom, on field trips, or at Grout School.  If you think you will be participating in any of these activities this year please complete this form as soon as possible.  It takes about one month to process.  Background checks are good for three years.

Library:  This year I’m allowing students to decide whether they would like to take their library books home or keep them at school. If your child chooses to bring their book home, please have your child return their book to school by Monday.  All books have to be returned to the library by Monday morning.

Homework:  Reading logs, a math activity sheet, and school notes will be sent home in student folders on Fridays. Folders, reading logs, and math activity sheets need to be returned by the following Wednesday.  Please read with your child daily and help them complete their reading log.

  

Academic Areas of Focus for Next Week:

Literacy:        1^st Grade Review

                        Reader’s Workshop – Read to Self, Read to Partner

Mathematics:  Sorting by a variety of attributes

                          Creating and analyzing Venn diagrams

                          Recognize, describe, reproduce, and extend growing patterns

                          Mental arithmetic/Adding and comparing quantities to 25

                          Counting by 5’s and 1’s

                          Recognizing coins and their worth

                                                           

Social Studies:  Reviewing school rules: Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Responsible

Writing:  Intro to Lucy Calkins Writer’s Workshop

Upcoming Events:

       *Picnic and Open House – Thursday, Sept. 12^th 5:30 – 7:00 pm

            *PTA Meeting – Wednesday, Sept. 18^th 6:30 – 8:00

            *Popcorn Friday – Friday, Sept. 20^th

            *PTA Movie Night – Friday, Sept. 20^th

            *Picture Day – Wednesday, September 25^th

            *August/September birthday celebration – Friday, Sept. 27^th (more info to come…)

            *Grout t-shirt day – Friday, Sept. 27^th   

Have a Great Weekend!

Mrs. Hawksford (ahawksford@pps.net)