Second Grade Update – Week of 11/14

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday! 

This week, amidst our learning, a highlight was how much our second graders enjoyed the middle school play! As students left “Snew White”, I heard enthusiastic comments like, “That was the BEST play I’ve ever seen!” and “I was laughing so hard!”. Once back in the classroom, we shared what we enjoyed about the play and then rated it on a scale of 1-10. Many students gave it a 20 – hands and feet! Attached is a picture. 🙂 Then some students chose to draw or write thank you cards to the performers. It is always nice to come together as a school community and celebrate the hard work of others. It’s all the sweeter when the event allows us to laugh and have fun with each other, too!

Next week, we will reflect about all our many blessings and identify things and people we are grateful for in our lives. Students will bring this reflection to life with an art project. 🙂 

Our class will also enjoy a few special guests! On Tuesday, Ms. Andie will come to share a book about giving thanks and reinforce our discussions about gratitude. Students will also get to enjoy a craft with her. Then on Thursday, Ms. Ortiz will again lead us in an Art Docent lesson. There will surely be a lot of gratitude coupled with creativity!

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading – 
  • In reading groups, students will wrap-up our SUPER magazine. Students will read informational texts to identify the main idea and supporting details, link cause and effect of different events, and use context clues to understand specialized vocabulary. We will also have fun reading a poem and discussing rhyme and rhythm.
  • 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 forming comparative and superlative adjectives with -er and -est. They will also add -er and -est to words ending in “y”. Students should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
• Writing – Students will review how to provide positive, constructive feedback. Then they will have an opportunity to read each others’ personal narratives and provide written constructive feedback in the form of questions, compliments, and comments for at least three of their classmates.
• Math – Students will learn how to solve 2-digit addition and subtraction problems using a number line.
• Religion – We will start our chapter about Jesus, the Son of God, and explore the ideas of keeping promises and showing mercy. Most students now have the Glory Be prayer memorized. Please check with your child to ensure they do. 🙂
• Science – This week, students will review our unit about how water impacts the Earth’s surface over time.
• Social Studies – As a class, we will reinforce knowledge of the Earth’s continents and oceans and then students will complete a project to demonstrate their knowledge as well as map skills.

Other Updates for this Week:

• First Reconciliation/First Communion Preparation – Attached is the letter sent by Mrs. Bustos after the Rite of Enrollment last week. Please make sure to read it carefully as it underscores your commitments during this preparation process, including attending mass with your child and learning the prayers, customs, and traditions of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Bustos also outlines how the next couple of months provide a lot of learning and reflection opportunities for your child as they prepare!
• Annual Fund! – The Annual Fund is still going on!  We are at $17,000 and we still need your help! Our goal is 100% participation – a donation (any amount, large or small) from each family. If your child’s class reaches that goal they will receive FREE DRESS! The first class to get to 100% will earn a PIZZA LUNCH and FREE DRESS!  Envelopes were mailed out…don’t have one or are interested in donating or matching funds with your employer? Mr. Carter can help. THANK YOU! 🙂
• Report Cards – These will be sent home on Friday. Please know that your child is aiming for “3”s by the end of the year because a “3” means they are meeting the second grade standard.
• Covid Daily Screening – Please continue to do the daily screening. Your diligence is important and appreciated.
• Dates to Remember:
  • Nov. 14-18 – Scholastic Book Fair – please come!
  • Tuesday, Nov. 15 – Free Dress for November B-days
  • Friday, Nov. 18 – Report Card Day
  • Nov. 21-25 – Thanksgiving Break
  • Tuesday, Dec. 6 – Field Trip to the Bay Area Children’s Theater

We look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,
Catherine