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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update – Week of 11/13

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday! 

This week, amidst our learning, a highlight was how much our second graders enjoyed the middle school play! Students laughed and enjoyed seeing “The Trial of Goldilocks”. In the end, they rendered her guilty! Once back in the classroom, we shared what characters we enjoyed most and then rated it on a scale of 1-10. There were many 10s, and even a few 20s (hands and feet!). 🙂 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. 🙂 

This year, second grade is focusing our attention on the issue of food insecurity. We have started talking about this in the classroom, and a great way to demonstrate our commitment to others is to donate to the Alameda Food Bank. Later in the year, second grade will visit the food bank and also organize an all-school drive. To get us warmed up, and to support others during the holiday season, please donate 1-2 (or more!) items from the list below. This will be a second grade effort, and I will get all items over to the food bank once a week through Christmas break. Please engage your children in the conversation about serving others, rather than just handing them a can and telling them to give it to me. 🙂

  • Cereal
  • Pancake mix
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Condiments (catsup, mayo, mustard, etc)
  • Spices
  • Soup
  • Ramen

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – 
    • In reading groups, students will continue SUPER. Students focus on informational text skills, including understanding and using text features such as titles, different fonts, and the table of contents. Students will also identify how photographs and illustrations support their comprehension.
    • 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 observing typographical cues and reading with pauses and expression. 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. The class will continue practicing skip-counting by 5s and 10s within 3-digit numbers.
  • Religion – We will start our chapter about Jesus, the Son of God, and explore the ideas of keeping promises and showing mercy. Students will need to recite the Glory Be prayer from memory. Please check in with your child to make sure they can do this. 🙂
  • 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 $38,000 as a school and we still need your help! Our goal is 100% participation – a donation (any amount, large or small) from eachfamily. If our class reaches that goal, students will receive FREE DRESS, PIZZA and ICE CREAM! We need each family to donate some amount (large or small) to reach our goal.
  • Report Cards – These will be sent home next Friday. Please know that your child is aiming for “3”s by the end of the year because a “3” means they are meeting that second grade standard.
  • Covid Daily Screening – Please continue to do the daily screening. Your diligence is important and appreciated.
  • Dates to Remember:
    • Friday, Nov. 10 – No school: Veterans Day Observed
    • Nov. 13-17 – Book Fair – please come!
    • Tuesday, Nov. 14 – Free Dress Nov. Birthdays
    • Wednesday, Nov. 15 – Noon Dismissal / Professional Development Day
    • Thursday, Nov. 16 – Catholic School Principal Appreciation Day
    • Friday, Nov. 17 – Field Trip – Lawrence Hall of Science
    • Friday, Nov. 17 – Report Card Day
    • Nov. 20 – Nov. 24 – Thanksgiving Break
    • Thursday, Nov. 30 – Spirit Day: Pajama Day

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."
— Tibby Horvath, SPN Class of 2022
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— SPN Parent
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— SPN Parent since 2016

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