Weekly Newsletter

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ March 8, 2010

Thursday – May 20th – AR 50 Point Club Field Trip 

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ March 1, 2010

                                            Announcements

Kind Kids – Cogratulations to Sophie Domingue and Nick Le.  They have completed “I’m a Kind Kid” charts.  We applaud their acts of kindness.

AR 75 Point Club – Congratulations to Daniel Acosta and Khobe Tate.  They are the newest members of our class 75 100 Point Club. 

AR 50 Point Club – Congratulations to Jacob Dameron.  He is the newest member of the school’s 50 Point Club.  He will be getting a t-shirt and will go on the AR field trip.

Math Facts in a Flash – We are now working on the 15 facts.  Pull out these flash cards to practice: 5 + 10, 10 +5, 15 – 5, 15 – 10, 6 + 9, 9 + 6, 15 – 6, 15 – 9,

7 + 8,  8 + 7, 15 – 7, 15 -8.  Remember that Wednesday is timed facts test.

Computer Lab Help Needed – Wednesday 12:15 – 1:15

We are always in need of help on Wednesday in the computer lab.

Spelling – Students can type spelling sentences for homework. 

Reading Logs/Reading Challenge/Beach Party –  The 2^nd grade challenge for the end of the year “Beach Party Luau” is 250 books.    The following students have already reached the 250 book goal: Holly Beth, Jaiia, Nick, Cameron and Khobe!  Also on the list are Betron and Jake. Get your suntan lotion ready!!

Chapter Books – It is now time for second graders to be reading more chapter books than picture books.  Beginning this 6 weeks, your child is required to read and take AR tests on 2 chapter books.  The first chapter book is due by the middle of the 6 weeks (March 12^th) and the 2^nd one is due at the end of the grading period (April 1^st).  To determine if it meets my requirement for a chapter book it must be worth at least 1 AR point.  There are many little picture books that are divided into chapters but those don’t count.  The grading will work the same as in the past.  There will be two grades based on % correct with the addition of the inclusion of the chapter books.

Scholastic Book Orders – You can order by sending a check or ordering on line (if you order on line the class gets a free book).  Book orders are due March 9^th.

Report Cards – Report cards go home today.  See our website for members of the Honor Roll.

Country Projects –Some parents and students are already asking about our end of the year country projects.  You can go to the website and see the guidelines from last year.  Your child will work with a buddy to gather the information and to prepare a PowerPoint presentation.  The main thing the parent needs to do is to come up with a simple costume (flag on t-shit, hat, etc...) and food from the country.  They will also need to find a folktale or song from the country and a game/toy/puzzle for us to play.  Ms. Shawn and I help students find the folktales and games.  So far the following countries have been claimed: Honduras (Brendan), Italy (Kylar), Armenia (Daniel), England (Leah), Australia (Jacob), Germany (Ethan), Grenada (Betron), Mexico (Nathalia), China (Jesse), Taiwan (William), Sweden (Sarah), France (Julia) and Switzerland (Cameron).

Jump Rope for Heart – Please support the America Heart Association by sponsoring your child to participate in this event.  It will be held during P.E. time on March 26^th.  More information is attached.  Sponsor form due March 26^th.

Art Show – Wed. March 3^rd 5:30 – 7:00 ~ 6:00 Musical Performance – Sims Library – No homework if you attend.

Writing Revision – The writing revision will go home tomorrow.  It is due on Friday.

                                      Assessment

AR – Attached you will find the tests taken last week. Your child should have taken at least three tests last week.  The read aloud was The Other Side. This week students will be required to read three books independently (or 1 chapter book and 1 picture book).  They will also test on the selection I read aloud.

                                         Important Dates

Monday – March 1 – Report Cards Go Home

Wednesday – March 3 – Math timed test 15 - retest

Wednesday – March 3 – Art Show – Sims Library

Tuesday - March 9 – Scholastic Book Order Due

Wednesday – March 10 – Math timed test 16 Facts

Friday – March 12 – 1^st AR grade due (including a chapter book)

Wednesday – March 17 – Math timed test 16 - retest

Wednesday – March 24 – Math timed test 17 Facts

Friday – March 26 – Jump Rope for Heart

Wednesday – March 31 – Math timed test 17 – retest

Thursday – April 1 – 2^nd AR grade due (including a chapter book)

 Thursday – April 1 – End of 5^th six weeks

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ February 17, 2010

                                            Announcements

Kind Parents – Thanks to Mr. Cheng for helping us Wednesday in the computer lab week after week!  

Kind Kids – Congratulations to Jacob Dameron and Sarah Stant.  They have completed “I’m a Kind Kid” charts.  We applaud their acts of kindness.

AR 75 Point Club – Congratulations to Julia Swank.  She is the newest member of our class 75 100 Point Club. 

AR 50 Point Club – Congratulations to Jacob Dameron and Zannah Coffey.  They are the newest members of the school’s 50 Point Club.  They will be getting a t-shirt and they will be going on the AR field trip.

Banana Split Party – Friday 1:00 – cafeteria The class has earned 100 compliments.  We have a chain that has a link for every compliment.  We began collecting compliments on the first day of school.  This is the earliest in the year that any prior class has earned 100 compliments.  I am so lucky to be able to teach such courteous and kind children.  If you are able to help serve or if you want to make a contribution (yes, we need some bananas) just let me know (email).  Thanks!! You are also welcome to join us if you can.

Math Facts in a Flash – We are now working on the 14 facts.  Pull out these flash cards to practice: 4 + 10, 10 +4, 14 – 4, 14 – 10, 5 + 9, 9 + 5, 14 – 5, 14 – 9,

6 + 8,  8 + 6, 14 – 6, 14 -8, 7 + 7, 14- 7. Our timed test this week will be on FRIDAY (usually every Wednesday is a timed fact test).

-Endangered Animal (EA) Presentations- Presentations should be from 5 – 15 minutes long.  Students need to share the most important things they have learned about their animal.  You can look at the schedule and get an idea of when your child’s presentation is.  If you have a food item to distribute at the time of the presentation then you can wait until the day of the presentation to bring it to school to share. We will present by the red rocker outside our class and will begin at 12:15 on Thursday, 11:45 on Friday and noon on Monday and Tuesday.

-Friday, Feb. 26^th – Endangered Animal Fair – 1:00 – Library - We will host a fair in the library sharing our information with the school.  The highlight of the fair is when the first graders come by and see what they will be learning next year. Students will come home this week with bookmarks they can complete and hand out at the fair.  Our students enjoy handing out information so if you have anything else they can hand out – thanks.

-You can look at the rubric handed out with project guidelines for more information.

Computer Lab Help Needed – Wednesday 12:15 – 1:15

Our second graders will begin using their flash/jump drives to transfer photos from our website and word processing. We can use as much help as we can get. You don’t need to be able to come every Wed. or for the entire time, just show up when you can.  Thank you, Mr. Cheng, for being so loyal J

Easter Monday – We will have to make up the bad weather day on the Monday after Easter.

Valentine’s Day Candy Grams – Thanks for your support !!!

Student Information Form – It’s time to update your information. Please return this attached form ASAP.

                                      Assessment

AR – Attached you will find the tests taken for the past three weeks.  Your child should have taken three picture book tests (or one chapter book and one picture book) last week.  In addition the read aloud was Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch. This week students will be required to read one book independently (or 1 chapter book).  They will also test on the selection I read aloud.

                                         Important Dates
Wednesday – Feb. 17^th – Endangered Animal Projects Due

Thursday – 12:15 – EA Presentations:

Daniel, Jesse, Sophie, Nathalia, Julia

Friday – Feb 19^{th –}  14 facts retest

Friday – 11:45 – EA Presentations:

Brendan, Zannah, Kylar, Nick, Khobe

Friday – Feb. 19^th – 1:00 - Banana Splits – 100 Compliments!!

Friday – Feb. 19th – 2nd AR grade – end of six weeks

Monday – 12:00 – EA Presentations:

                              Leah, Jaiia, Dylan, Cameron, Madison, William

Tuesday – 12:00 – EA Presentations:

                              Holly Beth, Jacob, Ethan, Betron, Sarah, Jake

Friday – Feb. 26^th – 1:00 LRC – Endangered Animal Fair

                             Endangered Animal Presentations

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ February 8, 2010

                                            Announcements

Kind Parents – Thanks to Mr. Cheng and Mrs. Crockerham for helping us Wednesday in the computer lab.  Thanks to Mrs. Ledford and Mrs. Crockerham

for walking with us on Fun Friday to Friendship Oak.  

Kind Kids – Congratulations to Jake Messina.  He has completed an “I’m a Kind Kid” chart.  We applaud his acts of kindness.

AR 100 Point Club – Congratulations to Nick Le.  He is the newest member of the school 100 Point Club.  He joins Jaiia as the only two students in our class with 100 points. Remember my goal is that all 2^nd graders make it to the 50 Point Club by the end of April so these students are really soaring (hey, they soar in other subjects as well – see the connection?)

Banana Split Party – Friday 1:00 – cafeteria The class has earned 100 compliments.  We have a chain that has a link for every compliment.  We began collecting compliments on the first day of school.  This is the earliest in the year that any prior class has earned 100 compliments.  I am so lucky to be able to teach such courteous and kind children.  If you are able to help serve or if you want to make a contribution just let me know (email).  Thanks!! You are also welcome to join us if you can.

Math Facts in a Flash – We are now working on the 14 facts.  Pull out these flash cards to practice: 4 + 10, 10 +4, 14 – 4, 14 – 10, 5 + 9, 9 + 5, 14 – 5, 14 – 9,

6 + 8,  8 + 6, 14 – 6, 14 -8, 7 + 7, 14- 7. Remember every Wednesday is a timed fact test!

Haiti Health Kits – Thank you for the combs that are due TODAY.

Chili’s Restaurant will donate 10% of your check to the “Southeastern Supports Haiti Night” Tonight!!  4 – 11 pm

Endangered Animal Projects –

- At this point in the project your child should have completed the following:

__anatomy paragraph (we are printing these at school in color to hang on display with the puppet)

__index card (students placed these on class world map this week – showing me where I could find their animals – they ALL knew it!!)

__puppet (some children brought these home to enhance – these are due with the project on Wed. after Mardi Gras, Feb. 17^th).

__information sheet (you can turn this in w/ the project – some students like to put this on the back of their project board – that’s up to you – just as long as I can find it.)

-If you are on schedule all you have left to do is the display – due Wed. Feb. 17th. This can be as simple as a poster board, a mobile, a diorama, a project board, etc…  I have no criteria on what to include in the display.  Any items that the child has collected relating to their animal can be part of the display (stuffed animals, books, maps, photos, handouts).  Each child will have a table area to display these other items. The student should be able to use this display when giving their oral presentation (see schedule below). It is better to have less information (in large print) than too much information.  This is for a second grader to understand and be able to read.

-Friday, Feb. 26^th – Endangered Animal Fair – 1:00 – Library - We will host a fair in the library sharing our information with the school.  The highlight of the fair is when the first graders come by and see what they will be learning next year. I will help the children design and print bookmarks to handout.  Our students enjoy handing out information so if you have anything else they can hand out – thanks.

-You can look at the rubric handed out with project guidelines for more information.

- Presentations should be from 5 – 15 minutes long.  Students just need to share the most important things they have learned about their animal.  You can look at the schedule and get an idea of when your child’s presentation is.  If you have a food item to distribute at the time of the presentation then you can wait until the day of the presentation to bring to school to share. We will present by the red rocker outside our class and will begin daily at 12:00 starting Thursday Feb. 18^th and ending Tuesday Feb. 23^rd.

Computer Lab Help Needed – Wednesday 12:15 – 1:15

Our second graders will begin using their flash/jump drives to transfer photos from our website and word processing. We can use as much help as we can get. You don’t need to be able to come every Wed. or for the entire time, just show up when you can. 

Easter Monday – We will have to make up the bad weather day on the Monday after Easter.

Valentine’s Day Candy Grams – The library is selling candy grams (50cents each) to raise money to purchase AR t-shirts.  Since most of our class will be getting these t-shirts, please support this fund raiser.  Thanks to the parents who have already ordered class sets!! Every time I send in a new order, Ms. Shawn smiles J It looks like every 2^nd grader will be needing a 50 (or 100) Point Club t-shirt so it’s only right that we support this effort!!! Due Wed. Feb. 9^th – If you lost the form, just send in the $ and who gets the Valentines and we can take it from there.  $12 for a class set (23 students + Mrs. T).  We are including Parker (he moved to another school). I’ll get his Valentines to him on Friday.

Young Author’s Reception  - The following second grade students will be honored at the Young Authors Reception on Feb. 9^th : NonFiction – 1^st place = Khobe, 2^nd place = Parker; Fiction – 1^st place = Sophie, 2^nd place = Julia; Poetry – 1^st place = Zannah, 2^nd place = Kylar.

SLS Homecoming – The junior high is celebrating Homecoming this week .  The 2^nd graders will celebrate Homecoming by

-       dressing in lots of green and gold on Thursday

-       attending pep rally at school Thursday

-       NO HOMEWORK for the WEEK if your family attends the Homecoming Game – Thursday night – 6:00 Girls; 7:00 Boys -  Pennington

-       dressing Mardi Gras on Friday

 
                                      Assessment

AR – Attached you will find the tests taken for the past two weeks.  Your child should have taken three picture book tests (or one chapter book and one picture book) last week.  In addition the read aloud was Mr. Popper’s Penguins. This week students will be required to read three books independently (or 1 chapter book and 1 picture book).  They will also test on the selection I read aloud.

                                         Important Dates

Monday – Feb. 8^th – Combs for Haiti due

Monday – Feb. 8^th – Chili sponsors “Southeastern Supports Haiti Night”

Tuesday – Feb. 9^th – Young Author’s Reception – 6:00 - cafeteria
Wednesday – Feb. 10th – 14 facts timed

Wednesday – Feb. 10^th – Candy Grams $ due

Thursday – Feb. 11^th – Homecoming – Show your green and gold!!

-       No homework all week if you go to the game!

-       6:00 Girls’ Game – 7:00 Boys’ Game - Pennington

Friday – Feb. 12^th – Candy Grams delivered

Friday – Feb. 12^th – Dress in Mardi Gras

Friday – Feb. 12^th – 1:00 - Banana Splits – 100 Compliments!!

Monday & Tuesday - Feb. 15 – 16^th – Mardi Gras Holiday

Wednesday – Feb. 17^th – Endangered Animal Projects Due

Wednesday – Feb. 17^{th –}  14 facts retest

Thursday – Tuesday 18^th – 23^rd EA Presentations
Friday – Feb. 19th – 2nd AR grade – end of six weeks

Friday – Feb. 26^th – 1:00 LRC – Endangered Animal Fair

                             Endangered Animal Presentations

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ 

February 1, 2010

Please note that Wednesday is the re-test on the 13 facts!                                           

Announcements

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ Jan 25, 2010 

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ January 19, 2010

Friday – Feb. 19th – 2nd AR grade – end of six weeks 

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 2nd Grade Newsletter ~ January 11, 2010

Friday – Feb. 19th – 2nd AR grade – end 

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 2nd Grade Newsletter ~ January 5, 2010

 2nd Grade Newsletter ~ December 14, 2009

985-549-2185 

2nd Grade Newsletter ~ December 7, 2009

2nd Grade Newsletter ~ November 30, 2009

Hammond  LA 70402 

2nd Grade Newsletter ~ November 16, 2009
                                 Announcements
Kind Kids – Congratulations to Sarah Stant, and Sophie Domingue.   They have completed  “ I’m a Kind Kid” charts. We applaud their acts of kindness. .
Accelerated Reader 50 Point Club – Congratulations to Jake Messina and Julia Swank.  They are the newest members of the school 50 Point Club and will be going on the AR field trip in the spring.
Accelerated Reader 25 Point Club – Congratulations to Kylar Dorsa.  He is the newest member of the class 25 Point Club.
Math Facts in a Flash – The class did a very good job on the first timed test.  We are now moving on the 11 facts.  Please pull out these flash cards to drill: 10 + 1 = 11, 1 + 10 = 11, 9 + 2 = 11, 2 + 9 = 11, 8 + 3 = 11, 3 + 8 = 11, 7 + 4 = 11, 4 + 7 = 11, 6 + 5 = 11, 5 + 6 = 11, and the related subtraction: 11 – 10, 11-9, 11-8, 11-7, 11-6, 11-5, 11-4, 11-3, 11-2, 11- 1.  It may seem like a lot but we learn it as a fact family.  If they know 5 + 6 = 11, then they also know 6 + 5 = 11 and 11 – 5 = 6 and 11 – 6 = 5.  If you teach/learn it that way they only have five facts to learn! The timed test will be on Dec. 2nd.  We will then take another one on the same facts on the next Wednesday, Dec. 9th and I’ll count the best grade of the two.  We will continue to do our math homework in school this week so you have extra time each night to practice your facts.
Honor Roll – Please check our website for a list of second grade honor roll students.
My Skills Tutor – I am very proud of the progress of the class.  Dr. Ukpolo has studied report card grades and other assessments and she has assigned some children either beg(for beginning) or tutorial skills.  You can decide how many skills to do in a week.   I suggest that you do at least three in language and three in math.  Students who complete all 2nd grade skills will be assigned the 3rd grade skills! We will have a bulletin board to recognize these accelerated students.
$hopping $pree – As a culmination activity to our two week study of money, we will have a shopping spree on Friday, December 4th.  Please send to school 23 items that we can sell at the shopping spree by Thursday the 3rd.  It can be candy, novelty toys,  holiday items or it can even be hand made cards or bookmarks.  Each child will have to show the price of each item with coins in order to “buy” that item.  We also need some cashiers to help.  This is a great activity for grandparents.  I don’t know who has the most fun every year, the children or the cashiers!  The shopping spree will be in the library at 1:00.  Please send your child with the following real money to shop with: three quarters, five dimes, five nickels, ten pennies (half-dollar – optional) in a wallet or coin purse.  I hope you can join us for this fun afternoon of shopping.
Beta Club Food Drive – Please send items to school by Wednesday, Nov. 18th.
Christmas gift ideas – We will soon be learning how to tell time up to the five minutes.  A good gift would be a watch with a dial face.  Another suggestion is keyboarding software to help your child to be a good typist.  Of course, books are always on the top of the list.
Christmas Holiday Craft Stations – On the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 17th we will have our Christmas celebration.  The students will be rotating to five different stations where they will make holiday crafts and gifts for their family and friends.  We need some volunteers to help (contact Suzette Alack) and soon I will be sending home a list of items we will need.
Christmas/Holiday Traditions – Our class will be working on a special Christmas/Holiday traditions project.  It is in abc format.  Attached you will find a page to record your special traditions.  You only need to fill out the letters that have specific meaning for your family.  Your child will be able to fill out the other letters.  We are trying to personalize this project so we are asking you to fill out those traditions that are unique or special for your family.  For instance is your family always sends out a family photograph/card then you can put that on the “p” line.  If your family likes to leave carrots for the reindeer you can put that on the “c” line.  Please try to come up with at least eight items that are special to you.  It is great to try and include members of your family.  This is due the Monday we return from Thanksgiving break, November 30th. So as you pull out your holiday decorations or meet with your family over the Thanksgiving holidays you can think about how your family celebrates the Christmas holidays.  Remember, you don’t need to fill out every letter, just the ones that have special meaning for your family.
Christmas Sing-A-Long and presentation of our Christmas Traditions – Immediately following the Christmas sing-a-long (Dec. 18th 7:45) we will meet in the story theater and share our Christmas traditions with you. I hope you can attend.
Cooking Up a Storm – Your child is coming home today with our 2nd grade cookbooks.  I hope you enjoy them 
Endangered Animals – We will be starting this project when we return to school in 2010.  However, many children are telling me what animals they want to do.  Please send me a note letting me know if you already know what animal your child wants to help.  I would hate for them to get a stuffed manatee for Christmas and then to find out that someone is already doing that animal.  So far the only animal that has been officially selected by a parent is the grizzly bear (Kylar).



Assessment

AR  –  For next six weeks, there will be two AR grades.  One will be at the end of three weeks (Dec. 4th) and the other one will be at the end of the six weeks (Dec. 18th).

                                                         Reports


Accelerated Reader (AR) Student Report – Last week students took the test on   Moosetach.  In addition to this book each student should have taken at least two other tests (or one chapter book).  Your child must take three tests (or one chapter book and one picture book) by him/herself this week.  I will no longer take the liberty to delete test unless requested by the parent.  If you have signed up for Home Connect, you are getting reports on tests taken daily as the students take the test.  I don’t mind deleting a test as long as your child has enough other tests or if your child will reread the book.  I will not delete the test that I have read aloud unless you request it and your child rereads the book.

                                           Important Dates

Wednesday – Wednesday – Nov. 11th – 18th – Food Drive
Thanksgiving Holidays – Nov. 23rd – 27th
Monday – Nov. 30th – Holiday Traditions due (at least eight)
Wednesday – Dec. 2nd – Math timed test on facts up to 11
Thursday – Dec. 3rd – 23 items due for shopping spree
Friday – Dec. 4th - $hopping $pree  1:00 – send real coins
Monday – Friday – Dec. 7th – 11th – Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday – Dec. 9th – Math timed test on facts up to 11 (second chance)
Tuesday – Dec. 15th – Holiday Music Program
Thursday – Dec. 17th 11:45 – Holiday Craft Stations/Celebration
Friday – Dec. 18th – Christmas Sing-A-Long and Holiday Tradtions
-       Dec. 18th – ½ day – end of 6 weeks
-       Dec. 18th – second AR grade

2nd Grade Newsletter ~ November 9, 2009
                                 Announcements
Kind Kids – Congratulations to Kylar Dorsa, Holly Beth Bordelon, Parker Layton, Brendan Alack and Leah Benfield.   They have completed  “ I’m a Kind Kid” charts. We applaud their acts of kindness. .
Kind Parents – Thanks to Suzette Alack for providing the scarecrow for our art activity this wee (and to Kristin Lobell – Kylar’s mother for the paint stirrers).  Thanks to Tawana Mosley (Betron’s mother) for donating two large garbage bags full of prizes for the winter carnival.  She works for Options and I told her I would let you know that they are collecting Mardi Gras beads.  Please consider helping our citizens with disabilities.  Thanks to our guest readers: Lorett Swank and Papa Dave (Daniel’s grandfather).
Acclerated Reader 75 Point Club – Congratulations to Parker Layton!  He joins Jaiia in the exclusive 75 Point Club!
Accelerated Reader 25 Point Club – Congratulations to Jacob Dameron, Madison Palomino, Ethan Gibson and Leah Benfield.  They are the newest members of the class 25 Point  Club.
Veterans Day -  Second grade will have a special part in the Veterans Day Program on Thursday November 12th.  They will say “Thank You” in different languages/ways.
Math Facts in a Flash – We will continue to do our math homework in school this week so you have extra time each night to practice your facts.  The first timed test will be on the facts up to 10 (addition and subtraction) and will be on Wednesday, November 11th. The best way to learn the facts is to practice with flash cards.
My Skills Tutor – Attached you will find the login information for My Skills Tutor.  This is a great program that you can access from home.  It’ll help students who need reinforcement as well as help to challenge and enrich students.  Students who complete all 2nd grade skills will be assigned the 3rd grade skills!
Beta Club Food Drive – Please send items to school November 11th – 18th.
Episcleritis – No, it’s not the spelling bonus word.  It is a condition that I have in my right eye.  It is not contagious or painful and it is not caused from too much reading.  So if you see me with a red eye, don’t worry, it’s not pink eye and I haven’t pulled a late night! I have steroid drops but I hate to use them indefinitely so I will probably stop using them and just have to adjust to life with a red eye.
Movie after school on Friday – The cheerleaders are sponsoring a movie with popcorn and a drink after school on Friday. The cost is $5.00.  Friday will also be a free dress day ($2) to support the school mascot, Roary.

Assessment

AR  –  There are three AR grades for the six weeks.  I have deleted the lowest grade.  For next six weeks, there will be two grades.  One will be at the end of three weeks and one at the end of the six weeks.

                                                         Reports


Accelerated Reader (AR) Student Report – Last week students took the test on   Matilda.  In addition to this book each student should have taken at least two other tests (or one chapter book).  Your child must take three tests (or one chapter book and one picture book) by him/herself this week.

                                           Important Dates

Wednesday – Nov. 11 –Math Timed Test (facts to 10)
Wednesday – Wednesday – Nov. 11th – 18th – Food Drive
Thursday – Nov. 12th – Veterans Day Program 8:30 - KIVA
Friday – Nov 13th – report cards go home
Friday- Nov. 13th – Free Dress and after school movie
Thursday – Dec. 17th 11:45 – Holiday Craft Stations/Celebration

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2nd Grade Newsletter ~ November 2, 2009
                                 Announcements
Kind Kids – Congratulations to Jesse Cheng.   He has completed an “ I’m a Kind Kid” chart.  We applaud his acts of kindness. .
Kind Parents – Thanks to the parents who walked with the class on the Hammond Historical Tour: Jodi Domingue, Shawn Messina, Michael Ledford, Amber DeJean (photographer too), Frances Crockerham, and Vernell Tate. Please forgive me if I overlooked anyone.  Thanks to the Damerons for special treats when the class visited their home on the tour. Thanks to the Mendozas for providing our lunch at Cate Square.  Thanks to Suzette Alack and Lorett Swank for fall activities on Friday. Thanks to Zan Coffey for providing scholarships to attend the Louisiana Center for the Performing Arts to two students from Kentwood and from our class:  Alexis Chatman, Madison Palomino, Ethan Gibosn and Khobe Tate.
Accelerated Reader 50 Point Club – Congratulations to Jesse Cheng.   He is the newest member of our class 25 Point Club!!
Accelerated Reader 25 Point Club – Congratulations to Nathalia Mendoza.  She is the newest member of the school 50 Point Club.  She will be going on the field trip in the spring.
Accelerated Reader 10 Point Club – Congratulations to Dylan DePaula. The rest of the class had a five week head start on Dylan.  I am proud of his steady progress.
Downtown Hammond Historical Walking Tour – This is my favorite activity of second grade.  I was so sorry to have been ill and unable to attend.  Please check our website, Amber has put some great photos up for you to enjoy.  I hear the kids did a great job!
Veterans Day – Second grade will have a special part in the Veterans Day Program on Thursday November 12th.  They will say “Thank You” in different languages/ways.  Not all of the class will participate;  it is optional and up to you.  I would like all the students who have a guest coming to have a part in the presentation.  Each child who participates needs to learn their part and wear a simple costume/hat/sash or hold a flag.  If you would like your child to say “Thank You” at the program, let me know. If you don’t know of a language or idea, just send me a note and I can help.   I have lots of ideas.
Where the Wild Things Are (movie) – Clint (my great nephew, age 11) and I are going to see the movie soon and will let you know when we are going.  THIS IS NOT A SCHOOL SANCTIONED OR SPONSORED EVENT.  We will go Nov. 3rd at 4:45.  I am not responsible for any children – your child must be supervised by an adult.  Parents can get together and work out supervision.  This is strictly a social event and optional.  (You won’t have homework if you come.)
Library Book Week – This week the school is celebrating Book Week.  We are looking forward to guest readers (P. Simoneaux, A. Acosta and L. Swank) and Buddy Reading with 6th grade on Thursday. We hope to see you at Family Reading on Friday followed by the program and our book character parade.
Writing Revision – There is no writing revision this week.  Use this time to practice math facts and develop book character costume.
Math Facts in a Flash – We will be doing our math homework in school this week so you have extra time each night to practice your facts.  The first timed test will be on the facts up to 10 and will be on Wednesday, November 11th. The best way to learn the facts is to practice with flash cards.
Flier from Suzette Alack- Room Mother – Last week a flier went home from Suzette Alack.  I want to thank her for being a GREAT room mother and so prepared.  If you did not get the flier, please let me know and I’ll send another.




Assessment

Reading – When you look at the reading test from last week you will notice that I did not count the sections on Author’s Purpose.

                                                         Reports


Accelerated Reader (AR) Student Report – Last week  Where the Wild Things Are was the read aloud.  In addition to this book each student should have taken at least two other tests (or one chapter book).  Your child must take three tests (or one chapter book and one picture book) by him/herself this week.

                                           Important Dates

Tuesday – Nov. 3rd – 4:45 (note time change) – movie Where the Wild Things Are
(Your child must be chaperoned- this is not a school sanctioned event.)
Friday – Nov. 6th Family Reading and Book Character Parade
Friday – Nov. 6th – Last day in 2nd six weeks grading period
Wednesday – Nov. 11 –Math Timed Test (facts to 10)
Thursday – Nov. 12th – Veterans Day Program 8:30 - KIVA
Friday – Nov 13th – report cards go home – PBS dance for all children with fewer than four marks on any T.Telegram  during the 2nd six weeks!

2nd Grade Newsletter ~ October 26, 2009
                                 Announcements
Kind Kids – Congratulations to Jake Messina.   He has completed an “ I’m a Kind Kid” chart.  We applaud his acts of kindness. Thanks to Kylar Dorsa for bringing two footballs for recess and Smarties for the class.
Kind Parents – Thanks to the parents/grandparent who supervised our field trip: Mrs. Crockerham, Mrs. Coffey, Mrs. Bellavia, Mrs. Mendoza, Mr. Tate and Mrs. Palomino.
Accelerated Reader 25 Point Club – Congratulations to Zannah Coffey.  She is the newest member of our class 25 Point Club!!
Matilda Diorama –  Dioramas are due on Oct. 26th – Oct. 30th.
Downtown Hammond Historical Walking Tour – Wed. Oct. 28th
Your child will come home today with the two sentences to learn. Your child can either learn the information or read it from an index card.  Once again the Mondozas (Adobe Restaurant) is providing our lunch.  Be sure to indicate your lunch choices on the assessment form.  We will leave school at 8:00 a.m.  A tentative schedule/route is attached.
Visiting Author – Mike Artell – Oct. 30th – 1:30
Veterans Day – Second grade will have a special part in the Veterans Day Program on Thursday November 12th.  They will say “Thank You” in different languages/ways.  Not all of the class will participate;  it is optional and up to you.  I would like all the students who have a guest coming to have a part in the presentation.  Each child who participates needs to learn their part and wear a simple costume/hat/sash or hold a flag.  If you would like your child to say “Thank You” at the program, let me know. If you don’t know of a language or idea, just send me a note and I can help.   I have lots of ideas.
Where the Wild Things Are (movie) – Clint (my great nephew, age 11) and I are going to see the movie soon and will let you know when we are going.  THIS IS NOT A SCHOOL SANCTIONED OR SPONSORED EVENT.  We will go Nov. 3rd at 5:00.  I am not responsible for any children – your child must be supervised by an adult.  Parents can get together and work out supervision.  This is strictly a social event and optional.  (You won’t have homework if you come.)  We will be reading this book this week in class and taking AR test on Wednesday.
Library Book Week – The school will be celebrating Book Week the week of Nov. 2 – 6th.  There will be activities all week with the culmination on Friday with Family Reading and the Book Week Program.  It has been the second grade tradition to parade as book characters for the program.  This year students will have an option of parading as a book character or as a “wild thing” (Where the Wild Things Are). Every child will be required to participate for a grade.  Your costume can be very simple and could involve props more so than an actual costume.  It must be a book you have read or are reading.  It must have been a book first (yes, there are Spiderman books but the cartoon character came first).  There will be bonus points if the character is from a chapter book. If you need help coming up with a character, I can help you.   Look on our website under photo gallery for the Book Characters from last year. Please let me know by this Friday who your will be.
Writing Revision – We will not do a writing revision for the next two weeks.  Use this time to develop your book character costume.
Red Ribbon Week – The focus of this week is “saying no to drugs” by making good decisions.  See the calendar below for reminders of what to wear each day.
Math Facts in a Flash – We will be doing our math homework in school this week so you have extra time each night to practice your facts.  The first timed test will be on the facts up to 10 and will be on Wednesday, November 11th. The best way to learn the facts is to practice with flash cards.  I will be sending flash cards and directions home this week so you can practice.  Students coming into 2nd grade
Flash cards and directions are going home today.

                                                  Reports

Accelerated Reader (AR) Student Report – Last week I read The Rainbow Fish aloud to the class.  In addition to this book each student should have taken at least two other tests (or one chapter book).  Your child must take two tests (or one chapter book) by him/herself this week.

                                           Important Dates

Monday – Oct. 26 – 30th – Matilda Dioramas due
Monday – wear red
Tuesday – wear camouflage
Wednesday – Oct. 28th – Downtown Hammond Historical Walking Tour
Wed. – wear crazy socks/hats
Thursday – wear sports jersey
Friday – wear blue
Friday – book character is due (I need to know who you’ll be)
Friday – Oct.30th – Author: Mike Artell
Tuesday – Nov. 3rd – 5:00 – movie Where the Wild Things Are
(Your child must be chaperoned- this is not a school sanctioned event.)
Friday – Nov. 6th Family Reading and Book Character Parade
Wednesday – Nov. 11 –Math Timed Test (facts to 10)
Thursday – Nov. 12th – Veterans Day Program 8:30 - KIVA