Second Grade Update – Week of 2/27

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!

This week, Ms. Andie treated students to a science-focused read-aloud and craft, reinforcing the properties of different materials and how to think like a scientist!

We also observed the start of our Lenten season with an all-school Mass on Ash Wednesday. Led by our 6th grade, it was lovely to be together as a school community and reflect about how we can strengthen our relationship with God during this holy season. Key ideas include prayer, almsgiving, and sacrifice. 

In class, students wrote about the specific ways they will observe Lent over the next six weeks. They had wonderful ideas about praying before going to bed, giving away toys to needy children, collecting money for Rice Bowl by using their allowance or giving up treats, being patient and showing kindness to siblings. They even included ideas about how to follow our SLEs more closely, like demonstrating greater reverence in Mass by following along with the readings. Wonderful! Now the challenge comes – KEEPING our Lenten commitments. 🙂 Please ask your child what promises they made and encourage them as we move through Lent. 

Next week, students will complete another round of STAR assessments (reading on Tuesday and math on Friday). Please make sure they have good rest and a good breakfast. While STAR is only one point of information, I want them to be able to give their best effort. Thank you for your support!

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading – 
  • In reading groups, students will start our new SUPER magazine. Students will shift their brains to the skills of reading, summarizing, and drawing conclusions about informational texts. As always, there is a focus on reading fluency and speaking and listening skills as we work together in a small group.
  • 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 practice letter-sound correspondences for /ā/ words with ay, eigh, and ange (ex. Sunday, neighbor, strange). They should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
• Writing – Students will complete their descriptive narrative drafts and practice the skills of revising and editing. They will work with a partner and share compliments and constructive ideas to improve their narratives before writing their final version.
• Math – The class will review place value and practice counting by 5s, 10s, and 100s with three digit numbers. Students will also practice rounding to the nearest 10 and 100. 
• Religion – We will begin our chapter about the sacrament of Reconciliation. This is especially important as some students are preparing to celebrate their First Reconciliation in March. In Family Life, we will continue with God’s gift of family.
• Social Studies –We will start our unit about government with a focus on being a good citizen within our own community. Over the course of the unit, students will learn about government at a local, state, and national level, that there are three branches of government and what those branches are responsible for. This unit will culminate in a visit from our very own Alameda Mayor!
• Science – Students will complete their material properties unit assessment.

Other Updates for this Week:

• Please fill out a very brief survey regarding 2nd grade communication.
• Enrichment Newsletter  – You are invited to take a look at the wonderful activities our enrichment teachers are doing with your children! Just click the link! 🙂
• AR Reading – Just a reminder – I am encouraging all students to use their AR book for their homework reading time (15 minutes each afternoon/evening).
• Dates to Remember:
  • Tuesday, Feb. 28 – STAR Reading
  • Friday, Mar. 3 – STAR Math
  • Wednesday, Mar. 8 – Noon dismissal, Share & Care open
  • Saturday, Mar. 11 – SPN Auction at the Elks Lodge (Please come!)
  • Tuesday, Mar. 14 – Free dress for March B-days
  • Tuesday, Mar. 14 – First Reconciliation
  • Friday, Mar. 17th – Green free dress for St. Patrick’s Day; Report cards come home

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,
Catherine