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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update – Week of 10/21

Happy Friday!

This week, one highlight was bean-counting in math as we dove into concepts about place value! Students did a good job working in partners to count groups of 10s, compare totals, and determine how many more or fewer they would need to get to 100! I was impressed with their collaboration and enthusiasm for learning!

Another highlight was our art docent session where students rolled marbles to create artistic backgrounds and then added some spooky designs using construction paper. Thank you to Mr. Matarrese and Mrs. Goins for always coming up with fun ideas to bring out our students’ joy!

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – 
    • In reading groups, students will continue book clubs with a focus on the developing plot – identifying the key events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story as well as how the character may have developed. 
    • At night, students should read aloud to practice fluent reading skills. Please encourage your child to observe punctuation, read at a good pace, and read the words as they appear in the text (no deletions or substitutions). 
  • Grammar/Spelling – In Superkids, students will practice adding -ed and -ing endings to base words, including words that end in “y”. Students should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
  • Writing – Students will develop plans for their personal narratives before they draft. This will help them focus on what they need to share with their reader at the beginning (who, where, when), the middle (all the details about the event), and the end (what happened last as well as how they felt, what they learned, etc.). This plan will help them meet their goal of a well-written 5-7 sentence paragraph.
  • Math – Continuing with place value, we will practice breaking three (and even four) -digit numbers into their expanded form to highlight the true value of each digit. We will test our understanding with some base ten riddles and then have fun making place value robots!
  • Religion – We will continue learning about the Holy Trinity (one God in three divine persons) with a focus on God the Son. Students will practice the Glory Be prayer and should know it by the end of the month (if they don’t already).
  • Science – This week, students will make hypotheses and investigate the formation of canyons. In the activity, Cornmeal Canyons, students create a model landform using cornmeal. Then they drip water over this “land” to observe how water can change its shape and to understand how, over long periods of time, canyons can be formed through a similar process. It will be messy fun for sure!
  • Social Studies – Students will review the purpose of a map key and a compass rose to interpret and use a map. We will also start discussing continents and oceans.

Other Updates for this Week:

  • First Communion – Please submit all registration forms to the parish office by October 30th. Please also add all of the dates to your calendars. The Rite of Enrollment is scheduled for November 3rd.
  • Daily Screening – Please continue to do the daily screening. Your diligence is important and appreciated.
  • Dates to Remember:
    • Friday, Oct. 25 – Field trip to the Lawrence Hall of Science
    • Wednesday, Oct. 30 – Last day for First Communion registrations
    • Thursday, Oct 31 – Noon Dismissal; Halloween Parade 8:15 a.m.
    • Friday, Nov. 1 – All School Mass for All Saints Day (students may dress like a saint if they would like to; otherwise all students need their sweater or sweatshirt)
    • Sunday, Nov. 3 – Rite of Enrollment, 9am Mass at SPN – All First Communion Candidates
    • Friday, Nov. 8 – End of First Trimester
    • Monday, Nov. 11 – No School – Veterans Day Observed
    • Friday, Nov. 15 – Report Cards Distributed
    • Friday, Nov. 15 – Minions and Friends Spirit Day
    • Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Free Dress for Nov. B-Days
    • Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Noon Dismissal / Teacher Development Day
    • Thursday, Nov. 21 – National Catholic School Principal Appreciation Day
    • Nov. 25-29 – No School – Thanksgiving Break!

We look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,
Catherine

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"The supportive teachers at SPN played a big role in preparing me for high school and helping me understand what to expect. They encouraged me to ask questions and seek help when needed, which made me more confident in my learning. Thanks to them, I entered freshman year already familiar with many concepts and effective study habits that have helped me stay on top of my work. SPN also taught me valuable life skills that I still use today, helping me succeed academically, build strong friendships, and maintain my overall well-being."
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— SPN Parent since 2016

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