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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update – Week of 2/19

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Friday!

This week, students enjoyed many treats and special events. Thank you to Mrs. Bustos and Ms. Garcia for our Valentine’s party! Students painted sweet valentines and were treated to a game of bingo and delicious treats! 

Also joining us this week was Ms. Andie from the Alameda Free Library! She shared a book called “Knight Owl” which included themes of building strength and confidence while keeping a good sense of humor, too! Then they created and decorated owls of their own. These students are VERY blessed. 🙂

We also started the season of Lent this week with an All-School Mass celebration for Ash Wednesday. Students reflected on how they could honor Jesus’s sacrifice throughout Lent by: 1) praying, 2) making a sacrifice of their own, and 3) serving others with kindness and love. Based on this reflection, each student created Lenten promises, and we will revisit these throughout Lent to see how we are doing. Please ask them about this project and what they chose to do throughout Lent. 🙂

Next week, we get to enjoy “Seussical” at the San Jose Children’s Theater on Friday. We will leave school promptly at 8:15 and have snack once we arrive. After the show, we will eat outside at the theater (all students need a BAG lunch) and then return. We should be back by 2pm, if not sooner.

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – 
    • In reading groups, students will wrap up our SUPER magazine with a poem. Students will identify the main idea and details of a paragraph and use illustrations to enhance understanding. As always, there is a focus on 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 a-/ŭ/,-en/ŭn/, and -on/ŭn/ (ex. above, happen, ribbon). We will also revisit contractions with pronouns. Students should practice their spelling words for homework so they are prepared for the quiz on Friday.
  • Writing – Students will use their story plans to draft their descriptive narratives. They will focus on writing clearly and connecting their ideas to ensure the reader understands what’s going on in their story. It can be challenging to remember that your reader doesn’t have the “inside scoop” like you do as the writer and creator! 🙂
  • Math – The class will be assessed on their fluency with money. In Number Corner, we continue with 3-D shapes and fractions. Students will also be introduced to the concept of rounding to the nearest ten and hundred. 
  • Religion – We will review the seven sacraments and start our chapter about Reconciliation and the gift of forgiveness.
  • Social Studies – We will start our new unit about government by discussing what it means to be a good citizen. We also continue to celebrate Black History Month with read-alouds and song. 
  • Science – We will review our unit about material properties and prepare for an assessment. Next up, plants and their adaptations!

Other Updates for this Week:

  • Family Mass on Sunday, 3/3 – 2nd Grade students needed for readings, prayers of the faithful, and offertory. Please see the email I sent earlier this week and respond if your child is interested! 🙂
  • Two Upcoming Field Trips! – chaperones and drivers needed!
    • Thursday, March 14th, 9:30-12:30 – We won a spot to go to Rhythmix and see Rhonda Benin & Friends perform Onward to Freedom: Celebrating Black Music and History; 2 more chaperones needed for the walk.
    • Tuesday, March 19th,  – Alameda Food Bank; 5-6 drivers and 5-6 chaperones. Please consider volunteering to drive if you have a large vehicle!
  • Operation Rice Bowl – Students will participate in this program throughout Lent. It gives us an opportunity to focus on the needs of our broader world and the issue of hunger. Please consider donating to this cause. Students brought home their bowls earlier this week. Here is a link if you’d like to learn more.
  • 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). All students should be working to meet their goal – one chapter book every two weeks or one picture book every week.
  • Dates to Remember:
    • Monday, Feb. 19 – No School, Presidents’ Day
    • Tuesday, Feb. 20 – Free dress, February birthdays
    • Friday, Feb. 23 – Field Trip to see “Seussical” at CMT San Jose! Students need a snack and a bag lunch! 
    • Saturday, Feb. 24 – Gala Auction
    • Friday, Mar. 1 – End of 2nd Trimester
    • Sunday, Mar. 3 – Family Mass hosted by Grades 1&2, 9:00 a.m.
    • Friday, Mar. 8 – Report Card Day!
    • Friday, Mar. 15 – Noon Dismissal
    • Tuesday, Mar. 19 – Free Dress March B-Days
    • Friday, Mar. 22 – Spirit Day: Disney Day
    • Wednesday, Mar. 27 – Noon Dismissal
    • Thursday, Mar. 28 – No School: Holy Thursday
    • Friday, Mar. 29 – No School: Good Friday
    • Apr. 1-5 – No School: Easter Break

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

All the best,
Catherine

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