Second Grade Update – Week of 3/20

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!

Below is a message of thanks from Mrs. Serles who enjoyed a lovely birthday last week!

“Dear Second Grade Families,      
Thank you very much for the Asena gift certificate. It’s one of my favorite places to eat at. I appreciate all the love and happiness your children bring to me every day. Thank you again!   
Love, Mrs, Serles”

This week, second graders enjoyed another fantastic Art Docent lesson with Ms. Ortiz! Students learned about Georgia O’Keefe and created their own amazing flowers with chalk pastels. A little movie of the group is attached – thank you, Ms. Ortiz!!. Thank you to Mrs. Kyle and Mr. Romero for assisting as well!  🙂

Next week is our visit from the author of Shelly’s Adventures! If you want to buy a goodie bag for your child with a book signed by the author, it’s not too late!! Attached is the form. Thank you!

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

• Reading – 
  • In reading groups, students will finish SUPER magazine. They will practice making predictions and personal connections to the articles. 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 will practice encoding long-vowel words with open-syllable vowel patterns (ex., favor, final, broken). We will also work with verb tenses for irregular verbs and adding the -ed and -ing endings to verbs. They should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
• Writing – Students will share their descriptive narratives and peers will have a chance to share comments with authors in the form of compliments, questions, and kindly worded suggestions for next time.
• Math – The class will continue to focus on geometry with 2-D and 3-D shapes. We will also jump into the concept of area – the measurement of the space inside a flat shape.
• Religion – Students continue to learn about the Mass with a focus on hearing the word of God in the Liturgy of the Word (specifically, the first reading, the responsorial psalm, the second reading, and the gospel). In Family Life, we will start our unit about God’s gift of self, focusing on the special gifts and talents God gave each of us to share with others.
• Social Studies –We will discuss how to be a community helper. Key ideas include: individual rights, values, and the common good.  We also continue celebrating Women’s History Month with read-alouds and discussions.
• Science – This week, students investigate how plants need water and sunlight to grow. Over the next couple of weeks, students experiment with growing radish seeds in light and dark conditions. They will plant them in cups and then place half of the cups in sunlight and the other half in a dark cabinet. Over time, students will compare the seedlings and then watch what happens when all are placed in sunlight.

Other Updates for this Week:

• Report Cards – Your child brought home their report card today in their Friday Folder. Please return the envelope on Monday (you can keep the report card and all reports). Thank you! 
• SPN Advisory Board Survey – Our school board needs YOUR help! Please take a moment to fill out this survey. The class that generates the largest participation will receive a lunchtime treat after Easter Break!
• 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:
  • Friday, Mar. 31 – Noon Dismissal

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

All the best,
Catherine