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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update – Week of 4/8

Dear Second Grade Families, 

Happy Sunday!

Mrs. Serles and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things in second grade! Please encourage your children to keep up their hard work and diligence. We have two more months of school and all students need to make the most of their learning opportunities (both at home and at school) to maintain and extend their progress! There are many optional challenges in the classroom, and at this point, all students should be reading chapter books within their just-right reading range. Thank you for your support! 🙂

Upcoming Offsite Field Trips in Second Grade! (Volunteers Needed!) 

  • Alameda Library to meet Author, Hannah Moushabeck – Friday, 5/3, 9:15-11:15am – 2-3 chaperones
  • U.C. Botanical Gardens – Thursday, 5/23, 10:00am-2:00pm – 5 chaperones
  • Semifreddi’s Bakery – Thursday, 5/30, 10:00am-12:00pm – 5 chaperones, 5 drivers

Below is our second grade learning update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – 
    • In reading groups, students will continue SUPER magazine. Students will practice using text features to enhance comprehension. We will also discuss the main idea and details within a paragraph and practice identifying both. 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 with prefixes mis- and dis- as well as compound words. We will also work with tricky “w” words (ex. where, were, etc). Students should practice spelling words and be prepared for a quiz on Friday.
  • Writing – We will delve into the world of poetry and the types of descriptive language poets use. Students will use alliteration to write a piece about an imaginary land they’d love to visit.
  • Math – The class will study the concept of area. Students will also use their knowledge of shape attributes to create an art piece. They will write about their piece using math language, incorporating important shape vocabulary and concepts.
  • Religion – Students continue to learn about the Mass with a focus on the Liturgy of the Eucharist, celebrating the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us. In Family Life, we will continue our unit about God’s gift of self, focusing on how we change and grow over time and how we can grow in virtue.
  • Social Studies –We will learn about the three branches of government. The class will also brainstorm questions for our visit with Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft on Monday, April 15th!
  • 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:

  • TISSUES – This class uses a LOT of tissues. Please send in at least one box per family.
  • 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:
    • Monday, Apr. 8 – Return from Easter Break
    • Saturday, Apr. 20 – Celebration of the Arts, 11am-2pm
    • Tuesday, Apr. 23 – Free Dress for April B-days
    • Wednesday, Apr. 24 – Noon Dismissal, Teacher Professional Development
    • Friday, Apr. 26 – School Spirit Day – Sports Day
    • Saturday, Apr. 27 – First Communion Retreat, 10am-12:30pm, Banners DUE
    • Saturday, May 4 – First Holy Communion, 10am in the church

We look forward to seeing our students when we return tomorrow, Monday, the 8th!

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

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