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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update

Dear Second Grade Families,

Happy Friday! April has arrived, and not without a few good-hearted April Fool’s jokes! You can ask your children to share. 🙂

This week, the class had the opportunity to participate in a virtual Young Author’s Book Festival. Ms. Kristen shared the book, “Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway”, with them on Thursday, and then on Friday, the class Zoomed into a live session with author, Tim McCanna! Students had fun inventing “mash-up” stories and/or illustrations with creative characters, setting, and problems. Wonderful!

Students were also excited to receive a card back from Mr. Froggy (puppet show) in appreciation for their thoughtful thank you cards! (pictures attached) 

This afternoon, we enjoyed a trip to Krusi Park (pictures attached) as a reward for the class earning all of their marbles through good class participation and contributing to the learning environment (life-long learners!).

PLEASE NOTE: As we are well into the third trimester and spring fever is hitting, we are doubling down on all procedures. Over the course of the week, we reviewed our SLEs, rules for safe play, kind communication (using “I” messages versus “you” messages), responsible work habits in our classroom, and lunch behavior. 

Lunch Behavior: Please review with your child how people behave when having a meal with others – sit down, have your meal in front of you, talk to the people at your table without screaming. I’ve noticed that many students stand up, sit on their knees, reach across the table, shout to students at other tables, and get up and walk around (more than just to throw trash away). Second graders are now big enough to reach the table without sitting on their knees and old enough to practice polite lunch behaviors. Thank you for your support! 

Last but not least – next week, our Friday field trip will be a highlight! Thank you again for all the chaperones making this trip possible! 

Below is our second grade update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – We will continue SUPER Magazine, focusing on using the text to support answers and writing responses in clear and complete sentences. Fluent reading (reading at an appropriate pace with accuracy and expression) is always a focus for all students. Students are practicing active listening skills during our groups.
  • Grammar/Spelling – In Superkids, students will practice creating and identifying compound words. They will also review the use of singular and plural pronouns.
  • Writing – Students will illustrate and have the opportunity to share their creative alliteration-filled poems.
  • Math – Students will discuss the characteristics of 2-D shapes and focus on different types of triangles and quadrilaterals. We will also review strategies for 3-digit subtraction.
  • Religion – We continue learning about the parts of the Mass, specifically the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 
  • Science – By now, Grass Heads should have sprouted! Students should continue caring for and observing their Grass Head (material packets were sent home on Tuesday, 3/22). The observation will continue through 4/8, and then you can take a picture and send it to me via email or print it out at home. Students will share about their experiment in class the week of 4/11. 
  • Social Studies – The class will learn about various symbols of our country. We will also take a deeper dive into the words of the Pledge of Allegiance so that we can consider what they mean to us.

Other Updates for this Week:

  • Dress Code– Please review the handbook to ensure your child is in the proper uniform. I will be discussing it with students as well. 
  • COVID Safety– Please continue to be vigilant with the daily health screening. We appreciate your continued diligence – it keeps us all safe!
  • Dates to remember:
    • Friday, Apr. 8th – Field Trip to U.C. Botanical Gardens – 9am-2pm
    • Tuesday, Apr. 12th – Rice Bowls due back
    • Thursday, Apr. 14th – Noon dismissal, Holy Thursday
    • Friday, April 15th – No School, No Share & Care, Good Friday
    • April 18th – 22nd – No School, Easter Break
    • Monday, Apr. 25th – Fun Run Kick Off!
    • Tuesday, Apr. 26th – Free Dress for April B-Days

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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