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St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Second Grade Update – Week of 9/2

Dear Second Grade Families,

Happy Friday!

Thank you for coming to Back-to-School Night! I enjoyed having so many of you in the classroom and appreciate the time to share all that the year holds for your child in second grade! If you weren’t able to attend, here are links to soft copies of the packet, schedule, and slideshow. 🙂

Our class is settling into routines, procedures, and rules that keep our classroom a safe and respectful learning environment where everyone can grow! We ended our week with closing circle (as we normally will). Students shared something they learned, enjoyed, or appreciated. You have wonderful, thoughtful children, as you already know! 🙂

Next week, we will talk about families and how each family is unique and special. As part of homework (which will start next week!), I will ask students to bring in a photo of their family. If you have more than one household, feel free to send in more than one picture! 🙂 If you need me to print it for you, I can do that – just send me the picture(s) via email. 

Below is our second grade update.

Focus Areas for Our Learning Next Week:

  • Reading – Students will focus on completing AR reading in class. In their Reading Logs, they will start to summarize the books they complete with at least one sentence (this will grow through the year), describing the characters, plot, setting, etc. We will continue to practice reading groups with short stories about the Superkids’ adventures! 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 review the long vowel sound spelling patterns and practice their spelling words for homework. We will have our first quiz on Friday. 🙂 The class will also practice adding ‘ed and ‘ing to base words. 
  • Writing – Students will practice expanding simple sentences by adding adjectives and details for “when”, “where”, and “how”.
  • Math – Students will have the opportunity to review the concept of sorting objects based on different characteristics. Then they will use Venn diagrams and graphs to demonstrate their understanding and show information about the set of objects.
  • Religion – As a class, we begin our faith journey by exploring the Bible as a holy book and the written Word of God. We reflect on the power of listening and showing respect to others.
  • Science – The class will explore how scientists know so much! Discussions will center around the scientific process – the value of observation as well as developing and testing hypotheses.
  • Social Studies – We will begin our unit about communities with a focus on family. Students need to bring a photo(s) of their family. Having these photos by Friday, the 8th would be appreciated! Thank you! To further support this unit, topics for at-home family conversations include how your family came to settle in the Bay Area, your family traditions, and stories about ancestors. 

Other Updates for this Week:

  • Homework: Homework will start next week. Your child will bring it home in their green folder. Please read the assignments sheet carefully with your child and encourage them to work throughout the week. Spacing out assignments and establishing a daily routine will help students do their best work and avoid rushing or getting tired/frustrated. My expectation is that they turn in quality work that is neat, demonstrates their best effort, and is turned in on time (generally Friday unless we have a short week).
  • Dates to Remember:
    • Monday, Sep 2 – No School – Labor Day
    • Thursday, Sep 5 – Van Buren Street will be CLOSED for work by the city! Please refer to the email sent by the office for additional information and plan accordingly!
    • Tuesday, Sep 10 – Picture Day (students need to wear white uniform shirt/blouse and bring a sweater or sweatshirt)
    • Friday, Sep 13 – No School: Professional Development Day
    • Tuesday, Sep 17 – Free dress for Sept. B-Days
    • Saturday, Sep 21 – FUN FAIR!
    • Wednesday, Sep 25 – Noon Dismissal: Teacher Development

Have a blessed holiday weekend! We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday! 

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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