Second Grade Update

Dear Second Grade Families,

Good afternoon and happy Friday! 

This week was full of enthusiasm, inspiration, and fun in second grade! 

• Ms. Andie Visit! –  Building on our new government unit in social studies, Ms. Andie came from the Alameda Free Library to share a few books about our role in government. She shared two books: 
  • “Dinosaurs for Democracy” – geared toward helping children understand the foundations of democracy and their role as citizens
  • “The President of the Jungle” – an engaging tale of a lion who was forced from his role as “king of the jungle” in favor of a more democratic election! Students had fun filling out secret ballots, voting for their pick as the new “president of the jungle”. We discussed the importance of participating, listening to ideas with an open mind, and making decisions that supported fair treatment of all citizens.
• Inspiring second grade changemakers! – And the “Littermittee” is born! Second graders embraced the idea of being changemakers in our community with the creation of the Littermittee, a group dedicated to keeping our school yard clean! Students use some of their after lunch recess time to clean up trash on the yard (grabbing tools are used and hands are sanitized after!). They are working together, including anyone who wants to join, and showing that they know how to take action and be part of the solution. Well done!
• Measurement Gardens! – In math, our measurement skills “bloomed’ as students created their own measurement gardens! They practiced measuring in inches and centimeters and then used math language to express observations about their gardens. I can’t wait to hang these out in the hallway for the rest of the school to see!
• Wacky Wednesday! – Wow, what a wacky day it was! Attached are some pictures of our spirited bunch!

Looking ahead, below are some important notes for Catholic Schools Week:

• Family Traditions Homework – 
  • Due Wednesday – As part of our week, we will be celebrating our family cultures and traditions on Wednesday. It will be wonderful to celebrate our families with each other. To prepare, the only homework your child has this week is to write a paragraph and draw a picture to share about one tradition your family has – due on Wednesday morning. Paper will be sent home in their green folder on Monday. 
  • Traditions can be anything important to your family – big or small. Examples include celebrating a certain holiday each year, Sunday family dinners, movie nights, going to Mass on Sundays, praying together, sharing about your days, picking apples each Fall, going on bike rides on the weekends, visiting family that lives far away, reading together, eating certain foods on special occasions, family game night, etc. Really, anything goes as long as it is special to your family and your child can write a few details about it. 
  • Paragraphs should be 3-5 sentences long. 1) The topic sentence should introduce the tradition. 2) The middle sentence(s) should share details about the tradition (when/where/who/how). 3) The last sentence should share your child’s feeling about the tradition and why it is special to them.
• Student Appreciation Day – On Tuesday, your child can wear free dress! Sprinkled among other 2nd grade work, we will also be celebrating with a visit from the Lawrence Hall of Science, some nut-free, gluten free treats, and a special showing of Encanto! In case you are unfamiliar with this movie, it is a recent Disney movie with themes of all members of a family being special and how we can use our gifts to contribute to a community. It is rated PG – please let me know if you have any concerns. Thank you!

Below is our second grade update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading – Students will wrap up our book club this week and start SUPER magazine. We will focus on recognizing and using text features in nonfiction texts. Fluent reading (reading at an appropriate pace with accuracy and expression) is always a focus for all students. 
• Grammar/Spelling – In Superkids, students will decode and encode words with endings -tion and -ure (examples: invention, future). Students will also practice with compound words and editing text.
• Writing – Students will share their draft narratives and provide/receive feedback. A focus will be sharing useful ideas in a way that demonstrates respect for their classmate’s work while also helping them make their narrative even better. Students will then work on their final copies.
• Math – Students will learn about the divisions within the ruler (1/2 inch, 1/4 inch) and practice measuring to the 1/2 inch. The class will also continue practicing with bar and picture graphs.
• Religion – The class will start our chapter, We Celebrate God’s Love, with a focus on celebrating the sacraments. In Family Life, we will discuss how we grow and change over time and how God is always with us along the way. 
• Science – The class will get to enjoy a visit from the Lawrence Hall of Science on Tuesday for student appreciation day. There will be many STEM activities for them to enjoy!
• Social Studies – The class will continue our government unit with discussion and activities about why we need laws. We will also read “What if Everybody Did That?”. 

Other Updates for this Week:

• Extra Classroom Support – I am pleased to share that Mrs. Sturlini is now assisting in our classroom on Wednesdays and Thursdays during reading groups! This extra support will allow us to provide short 1:1 lessons with specific Lexia content that your children are working on. I am thrilled about this extra level of differentiation!
• COVID Safety– Please continue to be vigilant with the daily health screening. If your child happens to test positive, please email Mr. Carter. He will help support you with next steps. He will also let me know so that I know your child will be quarantining and need remote learning support. At that time, I will also reach out to you to let you know the remote learning plan. Thank you for your partnership!
• Baby Yoda Card information below (PDF attached):
  • Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) cards have arrived at the Alameda Free Library, while supplies last! Can student applicants apply for this card? Yes, but they MUST VISIT THE LIBRARY WITH AN ADULT FAMILY MEMBER TO APPLY. 
  • This Is The Way:
  • When can I get a Grogu card? You can get a Grogu card starting Monday, January 3rd, while supplies last. 
  • Where can I get a Grogu card? Visit any of Alameda Free Library’s 3 locations. Main Library, West End Branch, or Bay Farm Island Branch to pick up your Grogu card while supplies last.
  • Can I get a Grogu card if I already have a library card? Yes. Just pay the $2 standard replacement card fee.
  • Will my library card number change if I get a Grogu card? Yes. Your new library card number will be the number listed on the back of the Grogu card. You won’t be able to use your previous card for checkouts.
  • Does my PIN/password change? No. Your PIN will remain the same.
  • What does it cost to get a Grogu card? Free for new library card members. $2 standard replacement cost for current members.
  • What do I need to bring with me to the library? Your completed library card application, including parent or guardian’s email, name, signature, and ID AND: Current California ID with your current address. If your ID does not have your current address, please present mail that shows your home address.
• Valentine’s Day – Students may bring in valentines to distribute. If they choose to do this, they need to bring valentines for the entire class (30 students total). They should bring them on Monday, February 14th. 
• Dates to remember:
  • Jan. 30th-Feb.4th: Catholic Schools Week
  • Friday, Feb. 4th – Noon dismissal, staff work day
  • Monday, Feb. 14th – Red, white, and pink free dress AND the 100th day of school!
  • Tuesday, Feb. 15th – Free dress for February birthdays
  • Friday, Feb. 18th – Noon dismissal
  • Monday, Feb. 21st – No School, President’s Day
  • Saturday, Feb. 26th – Auction (Crab Feed)

We look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,

Catherine