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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update – Week of 12/11

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!    

Thank you to families who have donated to Adopt-a-Family or the Alameda Food Bank! These donations make individuals’ Christmas season brighter and more hopeful. It is so wonderful that our children understand the importance of demonstrating generosity and thoughtfulness. If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet, there is still time!

This week, students finished planning their informational paragraphs about a continent. After finishing their individual research, they gathered in groups of students who had the same continent to share their information. Then they started drafting! Next week, we will revise and edit to ensure all of those facts were turned into a well-written paragraph with a clear topic sentence, lots of details in the body, and a solid closing sentence. This writing will pave the way for a multi paragraph report about an animal later in the year.

Next week, we will also enjoy our annual Christmas concert on Thursday (children should arrive in the classroom between 6:40-6:50pm).
Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – 
    • In reading groups, students will start our new book clubs! Students will identify main characters and settings. As always, students will practice following along and participating in discussions! 🙂
    • 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 associating c with /s/ and g with /j/ (face, cage, fence, giraffe) and using punctuation in dialogue. Students should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
  • Writing – Students will finish drafting their informational piece about a continent. They will revise and edit before rewriting in their neatest handwriting.
  • Math – The class will practice strategies for subtraction of 2-digit numbers when regrouping is required.
  • Religion – We will learn about Jesus, the Savior. Not only is Jesus the Son of God, he came to save us and bring eternal life. We also look to him as our model of kindness, compassion, and service to others.
  • Social Studies – Students will complete our unit, Exploring our World, with an assessment.
  • Science – The class will connect to our unit focus about the types of materials we use and why certain materials are used for specific purposes by thinking about why we wear clothes! They will imagine being marooned on a deserted island with limited supplies and create a hat that will best protect them from the harsh sun!

Other Updates for this Week:

  • Spirit of Giving
    • Adopt-A-Family (due by Dec. 11) – Second grade is being asked to donate the following items: 
      • Body spray, full-sized
      • Bath + body kits
      • Underwear + socks
      • Gift cards to activities: movies, ice cream shop, bowling, Exploratorium, etc. 
    • Alameda Food Bank (due by Dec. 20) – Please share 1-2 items to support the Alameda Food Bank. Anything non-perishable in a non-glass container. 
  • Covid Daily Screening – Please continue to do the daily screening. Your diligence is important and appreciated.
  • Dates to Remember:
    • Friday, Dec. 8 – All School Mass: Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 9:30 a.m.
    • Friday, Dec. 8 – Winter Wonderland, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
    • Monday, Dec. 11 – Adopt-a-Family Gifts Are Due
    • Tuesday, Dec. 12 – Free Dress for December Birthdays
    • Thursday, Dec. 14 – Christmas Concert, 7:00 p.m. Students’ Attendance Required
    • Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Christmas Free Dress; Noon Dismissal, no share and care
    • December 21 – January 3 – Christmas Break: NO SCHOOL – No Share and Care

We look forward to seeing our students on Monday!

All the best,
Catherine

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What Our Families are Saying

"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
"We are very satisfied with the SPN community, something that is important to our family. My children feel safe and comfortable with SPN. Our family feels connected with the SPN community from parents and families to the staff and faculty. My children and we as parents have made healthy and positive relationships with other families from school. We share time outside of school with other families which brings a level of connectedness I don't know if we would have elsewhere"
— SPN Parent
"My children are experiencing community in other ways than just friends and playdates. Faith Families is an example of community, interacting with students from all grade levels, and learning and creating for others outside of SPN. Field trips to Kids Against Hunger or the Alameda Food Bank where they work and see firsthand how their efforts help others less fortunate, for those who are in need of support. Community is not just our SPN ‘bubble,’ and that is what SPN demonstrates and provides– opportunity to explore a bigger community."
— SPN Parent since 2016