January 2 - 6

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to each of you!  Have a wonderful, relaxing time with your family over the holiday break.  

Thank you to all the parents who sent in cookies, appetizers, and refreshments for our teacher cookie exchange!  The treats were delicious and I took home a wonderful assortment of yummy cookies!  Thank you very much!

Dates to Remember...
Dec.19 - Jan. 2 - No School  Holiday Break
Tues. Jan.3 - School Resumes
Mon. Jan. 16 - No School  MLK holiday  Happy

Reading - When we return from holiday break, we will be discussing an article titled, Little Free Libraries.  Our essential question is, Can small acts bring a community together?  We'll be doing a close read of the article, looking for text evidence to support our answers, and working with new vocabulary:  stunning, encourage, contain, public, and variety.

Reading logs should be returned on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Math - We'll begin a new chapter in math when school resumes in January.  We will focus on 3 digit addition and subtraction.  We'll be looking at two different strategies ~ breaking apart addends, and using the standard algorithm with regrouping of ones and tens.

New Student of the Week - Brady
Estimation Jar Winner - Allison
Positive Paw Winner - Stephen

December 12 - 16

Dates to Remember...
Fri. Dec. 16 - Silly Sweater Day
                      Classroom Holiday Party 1:30
Dec. 19 - Jan 2 - No School Holiday Break
Tues. Jan. 3- School Resumes

 Holiday Traditions Project
The students will be sharing their holiday traditions next week!  Please help your child create a visual to go along with their written page.  If you have any questions, let me know.

Reading logs - The class voted to have lunch in the room as a reward for completing their December reading log.  They should be returned on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Reading - During our Reading block this week, all 2nd graders will take part in a Holidays Around the World Unit.  Students will be learning how people in different parts of the world celebrate holidays.  They will have a passport and travel to the different 2nd grade classrooms as they learn about holidays in Sweden, Mexico, France, Israel, and Italy.  Look for your child's "Holidays" suitcase to come home on Thursday!

No spelling list or test this week.  We'll continue our Word Studies in January.

Math - We will finish our chapter on two digit subtraction this week.  We'll have a review and chapter test, then finish the week with some fun holiday math.

December birthday - Aubrey Dec. 20

Positive Paw Winner - Vanessa
Estimation Jar Winner - Ryan
New Student of the Week - Olivia

December 5 - 9

Mrs. Sulima came to our room today and helped us get started on Seesaw!  The students took a photo of themselves, drew pictures of things they like, and made a recording!  

Dates to Remember...

Wed. Dec. 7 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Thurs. Dec. 8 - Holiday Shopping 11:35
Fri. Dec. 16 - Classroom Holiday party 1:30
Dec. 19 - Jan. 2 - No School  Holiday Break
Tues. Jan. 3 - Return to school
                       Return December reading logs

Scholastic Book Order - If you are interested in ordering books for your child, please place your order by Monday.  Here is the link if you'd like to order online:

Scholastic Reading Club

Our class code is GVD6H.  You may also send in a check made out to Scholastic, along with the order form.  In addition, it's possible to order different levels of books for siblings.  You may order from any "book club" using the online link.

Reading - We will be working on a reading writing workshop this week.  We'll be discussing character traits and writing an opinion piece.  Students will write their opinion about a topic, state their reasons and give details about each reason to support their opinion.

Grammar focus will be on suffixes this week.

Holiday Tradition Project  
Students are bringing home information today about a holiday project.  The paper explains the project as well as a page for the students to fill out and return.  This project is due on Monday, December 12.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  

Math - We will continue to work with 2 digit subtraction this week.  We'll also solve problems using a bar models and we'll write equations to represent subtraction in word problems.  

Thank you to the families who donated books to our recent book drive.  I love to see families model the spirit of caring and compassion with their kids.  Little eyes are watching and learning from you!

Our school is again participating in the collection of hats and gloves for our Mitten Tree.  All donations will be given to a local agency for distribution to families in need.  Donations will be accepted until Dec. 16.  

Positive Paw Winner - Amey
Estimation Jar Winner - Aubrey
New Student of the Week - Haley

November 21 - December 2

Thanksgiving Musical

I am so thankful for this great group of kids that I have gotten to know this year!  They are so much fun to work with and I loved watching them sing and have fun last evening.  Also thankful that they were all able to be at the concert last night ~ despite all the sickness we've had!  

Dates to Remember
Tues. Nov. 22 - Grandparents Day  for 2nd grade ~ 10:15 - 11:00
                               Report Cards will be available online
Nov. 23 - 25  No School  Thanksgiving Holiday
Tues. Dec. 7 - Early Dismissal  11:35

Math - We will be working on a new chapter in math, 2 Digit Subtraction.  We'll begin by subtracting with the "break apart strategy, then modeling with base ten blocks, and subtracting with the standard algorithm.

Continue to practice math facts at home.  This week we'll do our monthly 5 minute fact fluency tests.   

Reading - We'll be reading the text, Aero and Officer Mike.  We'll look for text evidence to prove the author's purpose.  Comprehension focus will be recalling key ideas and details from the text.

Reading logs for November are due on Thurs. Dec. 1.  The class voted to have a stuffed animal day as their reward.

Estimation Jar Winner - Brayden
Positive Paw Winner - Brayden

Happy Thanksgiving
I've told the kids how thankful I am that we have a wonderful school to come to each day. I'm so grateful for the abundant resources we have, happy children, and supportive families. I hope you all have a great holiday celebrating the gifts we have in family and friends.

November 14 - 18

Veterans Day

We had the priviledge of meeting Captain Conley today.  He shared with us information about his experiences in the army.  He showed us his protective gear and answered many questions.  Thank you Captain Conley for your service to our country!  

Mrs. Johnson shared with us photos and information about her husband, Major Dale Johnson.  He was in the Air Force and served in several states in the U.S., as well as in Italy, Germany, Okinawa, and Bolivia. Their family has enjoyed so many unique experiences during his time with the Air Force.  We wrote letters to Major Johnson and thanked him for his service as well.

I'm so thankful for our veterans ~ such courageous men and women who love our country and are willing to sacrifice time away from their families to fight for us.  Thank you to Major Johnson, Captain Conley and so many others this Veterans Day!  

Dates to Remember...
Tues. Nov. 15 - Picture Retakes
Thurs. Nov. 17 - 2nd Grade Thanksgiving Sing at LV  7pm
Fri. Nov. 18 - Movie Night at PV
                     end of the 1st trimester
Tues. Nov. 22 - Grandparents Day at Ide
Nov. 23 - 25  No School  Thanksgiving Holiday
Wed. Dec. 7 - Early Dismissal

2nd Grade Musical is on Thursday evening at Lakeview.  Please have your child at LV by 6:45.  Students should dress in either jeans or khaki pants and wear a "fall colored" shirt.  The performance will begin at 7:00.

Reading Logs - Our class voted to have a stuffed animal day for their reading reward this month.  Please encourage your child to read and record their books and return their reading log on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Reading - We will finish our Unit 1 Assessment and work on collective nouns.  We're starting a new unit this week, Neighborhood and Community.  We'll begin by reading and comparing two texts, Officer Buckle and Gloria and Officer Mike and Aero.  Our focus will be on identifying the main idea and details fo the stories, as well as drawing conclusions.    

Six Flags Reading Logs - Six Flags is again offering a free ticket to every student who completes their reading log recording 6 hours of reading.  The log is coming home today and must be returned by Feb. 21.  You may count the same reading/books for both our home reading log and the Read to Succeed log.  Any questions, let me know.

Math - The students are doing great with adding double digits.  This week we'll write equations to represent a problem and find sums for 3 and 4 addends.

Parent Teacher Conferences - It was great to meet with all of you this week.  I appreciate the time spent talking about your child's progress.

Positive Paw Winner - Cameron
Estimation Jar Winner - Andrew

November 7 - 11

We all had a great time at the Halloween Parade and Party!  I hope you were able to join us on such a beautiful afternoon!  Thank you to Mrs. Rerucha for planning, Mrs. Mesker, Mrs. LaRocco, Mrs. Monreal, and Mrs. Vano for helping with games, crafts, and refreshments. Thanks also to the Lafin and Woods families for sending in snacks and paper goods.  I know I'm forgetting someone else ~ but thanks to everyone who helped.  The kids made a spider craft and a ghost craft too.  They really had so much fun!

Dates to Remember...
Nov. 8 & 9 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Fri. Nov. 11 - Veteran Assembly
                     Wear red, white, and blue to honor our veterans
Thurs. Nov. 17 - 2nd Grade Music Concert
                          7 pm at LV
Fri. Nov. 18 - End of 1st trimester
                     Movie Night
Nov. 23 - 25 - No School  Thanksgiving Holiday

Math - We will continue working on 2 digit addition this week.  We'll do a lot of practicing with and without regrouping.  We took our 5 minute fact tests this past week.  We're graphing our scores on these tests, so your child can see his/her progress.

Reading - We will be doing a Unit 1 Assessment on skills learned during our Friendship Unit.  We'll also be working on collective nouns (flock of sheep, gaggle of geese).

We'll also read a story called Chick 'N Pug, as part of a Nearpod presentation on our iPads.

Estimation Jar Winner - Gio
New Student of the Week - Nick
Positive Paw Winner - Olivia

                   

October 31 - November 4

It's Halloween Week!  

Many students brought Halloween books from home to share!  They had a great time reading these fun stories.

Halloween Costumes - Please remember to send your child's costume to school on Monday.  We will be changing into costumes after lunch.  Remember no toy weapons are allowed and make up will not be applied.  Everyone is welcome to join us for the parade, outside weather permitting, beginning at 1:00.

Dates to Remember...
Mon. Oct. 31 - All School Halloween Parade  1:00  Everyone is welcome
                        Classroom Party 1:30  Only those parent who are signed up may attend
Mon. Nov. 7 - No School Conference Week
Tues. Nov. 8 - No School Institute Day
Nov. 9 & 10 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Fri. Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day Assembly  Students wear red, white, and blue to honor veterans
Tues. Nov. 15 - Picture Retakes
Thurs. Nov. 17 - 2nd Grade Concert at LV  7pm
Fri. Nov. 18 - End of 1st trimester
Tues. Nov. 22 - Grandparents Day
                         Report Cards

Reading -  We will finish our Friendship unit this week by reading How To Be a Friend.  We will discuss "I Messages" and work with the vocabulary words compromise, conflict, cooperation, and resolution.  Students will participate in an activity by role playing a friendship scenario with a small group.

Classroom Reading Logs are due on Tuesday. Nov. 2.  The class voted to have a pajama day for all students who return a completed log.  We'll have it one day next week ~ date to be determined.

Math - We will begin working on 2 digit addition.  We'll be using several different strategies to regroup.

Positive Paw Winner - Aubrey
New Student of the Week - Isabella

October 24 - 28

Dates to Remember...
Mon. Oct. 24 - Facilities Plan Meeting  7 pm at Ide
Tues. Oct. 25 - Friendship Day
Wed. Oct. 26 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Fri. Oct. 28 - Reading Incentive Day  BOO-tiful Book Day - Wear black and orange and bring a Halloween book from home if you have one
                     PTO Halloween Party 6:30 pm
Mon. Oct. 31 - All School Halloween Parade 1:00
                        Classroom Party 1:30
Mon. Nov. 7 - No School
Tues. Nov. 8 - No School  Teacher Institute Day
Nov. 9 & 10 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Fri. Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day Assembly

Parent Teacher Conferences - Conferences will be held on November 9 & 10.  You should have received an invitation email to sign up (through Sign Up Genius) today, Oct. 21.  If you did not, please email me and I'll be sure you get the link.

Halloween costumes - Halloween costumes should be brought to school in a bag on Monday, Oct. 31.  Costumes should be easy for your child to put on over clothes.  No toy weapons are allowed and make up will not be applied.  Students will be putting costumes on in the afternoon.

Costume parade will be held outside ~ weather permitting.  The parade will begin at 1:00 and everyone is invited!  Our classroom party will follow at 1:30.  Only those parents who have signed up to help may attend.

Reading - Our focus this week will be Poetry.  We will be reading lots of poetry and learning how words and phrases supply rhythm and meaning in a poem.

Vocabulary words will include: rhyme, rhythm, regular beats, repetition, figurative language, and alliteration.

Grammar focus will be on past tense of irregular verbs.

Math - We will solve problems with equal groups by modeling with counters, use repeated addition to match an array, and finish the week with a chapter test.  We'll also be doing our 5 minute timed test for October.

New Student of the Week - Nana
Positive Paw Winner - Mia
Estimation Jar Winners - Mustafa and Andrew

Birthday - Nick Oct. 28  Happy Birthday Nick!!

October 17 - 21

Dates to Remember...
Mon. Oct. 24 - Facilities Plan Community Event
Tues. Oct. 25 - Friendship Day
Wed. Oct. 26 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Fri. Oct. 28 - Reading Reward BOO-tiful Book Day
                     District Halloween Party
Mon. Oct. 31 - All School Parade & Classroom Parties
Week of Nov. 7 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Mon. Nov. 7 - No School  Conference Week
Tues. Nov. 8 - No School  Teacher Institute

Welcome Ms. Hernandez!  Carol Hernandez, attending Lewis University, began working with us this week.  She will be observing and working with our students during the next 8 weeks.  She is excited about getting to know the kids and we're glad to have her!

Reading - We will be doing a reading/writing workshop this week and focus on writing an opinion paragraph. Students will learn to state their opinion, find reasons that support it, and write a concluding statement.  We will work on editing and use strong adjectives in our writing.

Reading logs - The class voted to have a pajama day as a reward for October reading. Please encourage your child to read for 20 minutes each night and fill in their reading log.

Math - We'll continue working on addition and subtraction strategies this week.  We'll discuss how addition and subtraction are related, we'll practice subtraction facts, and use 10 to subtract.  We'll end the week by using equations to represent problems.

Positive Paw Winner - Ella
New Student of the Week - Nate
Estimation Jar Winners - Mustafa and Amey

October 10 - 14

Picture Day!

Dates to Remember...
Mon. Oct. 10 - No School  Columbus Day
Mon. Oct. 24 - Community Event at Ide
Tues. Oct. 25 - Friendship Day
Wed. Oct. 26 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Fri. Oct. 28 - BOOtiful Book Day  Reading Incentive Day
                     We'll be writing and drawing about our favorite books
Mon. Oct. 31 - All School Picnic and Classroom Halloween Parties

Math -  We're starting a new chapter this week focusing on addition strategies.  We'll work on doubles, doubles plus one, and making a ten.  Please encourage your child to practice addition and subtraction facts at home

Reading - This week we will be reading Tarra and Bella, a nonfiction story about an elephant and a dog who became best friends.  We'll finish our research writing and also focus on the comprehension strategy of cause and effect.

Grammar focus will be on adjectives this week.

Progress Reports came home today with your child.  Please sign and return it to school on Tuesday.

New Student of the Week - Andrew
Positive Paw Winner - Isabella
Estimation Jar Winner - Gio and Allison

Birthday - Vanessa Oct. 8  Happy Birthday Vanessa!

October 3 - 7

Dates to Remember...

Mon. Oct. 3 - September Reading logs due
Tues. Oct. 4 - Fall Picture Day
                     Please return payment envelope or pay online
Fri. Oct. 7 - Progress notes go home with all students
Mon. Oct. 10 - No School  Columbus Day
Wed. Oct. 25 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Mon. Oct. 31 - All School Parade and Classroom Halloween Parties

Math - This week we will continue working with numbers to 1,000.  We will work on finding number patterns, and comparing numbers.  Our chapter test will be near the end of the week.  

Reading - Our focus this week be on collecting research and learning about text features.  Students will be researching either hippos or the Aldabra Tortoise (both characters in Owen and Mzee).  We'll discuss author's message and relate it to the essential question, "How can stories help us learn life lessons?"

We will focus on shared research.  The students will pull important information from both a text and digital source and put those facts into an expository paragraph.

Reading Logs are due on Monday, October 3.  Our class voted to have a Show and Tell day for everyone who returns a completed log!  We'll have our Show and Tell day on Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Grammar focus will be on action verbs.

New Student of the Week - Ella
Positive Paw Winner - Ryan

Birthday - Marnie Oct. 5  Happy Birthday Marnie!!

September 26 - 30

Thank you to all the families who donated money to purchase books from the Book Fair!  I was able to choose 7 new books for our classroom library.  We love our new books!!  

Dates to Remember
Tues. Sept. 27 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Tues. Oct. 4 - Fall Picture Day
Fri. Oct. 7 - Progress Notes go home with all students
Mon. Oct. 10 - No School  Columbus Day

Last Magazine Turn in Day is Tuesday, September 27.  

Reading logs are due on or before Monday. Oct. 3.  Our class voted to have a Show and Tell Day as their reward!  All students who return completed logs will be able to bring something special to show the class.

Thank You for filling out the Name Jar information this week.  We had some wonderful conversations about the origin of the students' names!  Students designed their own name stamp and wrote in their journals about their names.  

Next week we will read the text, Owen and Mzee.  It is a story about 2 animals that formed a bridge of friendship, that also helped them live happier lives.  Discussion will focus around author's purpose and we'll talk about using context clues to find the meaning of unknown words in a text.

Grammar focus will be on plural nouns.

Math - This week we will continue working with 3 digit numbers.  We'll read and write numbers in word form, expanded form, and standard form.  We'll continue to "build" numbers.  We'll finish the week by counting on and back by 10 and 100.  

We will also be taking our 5 minute timed tests (addition and subtraction) this week.  Many students should be practicing their math facts at home.  Please encourage your child to use their flash cards or Xtra Math during the week.  

Science - We have learned about all 5 food groups.  This week we will learn about Smart Snacking!  

New Student of the Week - Mia
Positive Paw Winner - Andrew
Estimation Jar Winner - Nick

September 19 - 23

Dates to Remember
Thurs. Sept. 22 - Book Fair and Ice Cream
                         Social at Ide @ 6:30    

Tues. Sept. 27 - Early Dismissal  11:35
Mon. Oct. 3 - September Reading Logs due
Tues. Oct. 4 - Fall Picture Day
Mon. Oct. 10 - No School  Columbus Day

From our head room parent, Mrs. Rerucha:

Parents,

My name is Jeanne Rerucha (Allison's mom) and I will be the room mom for Mrs. Oliver's class this year!  At curriculum night, many of you signed up to help with planning the parties (which is great). I will email you when it gets closer for what we need. We are only allowed to have 4 parents attend per party, so I will draw out of a hat to keep it fair.

I will also reach out during the year to coordinate a class gift.

Will you please email me with you and your child's name so that I have everyone's correct email address? I will use that for communication.

Thanks and looking forward to a great year!

Jeanne  Jeanne Rerucha

             
Name Jar Assignment
All students brought home a Name Jar questionnaire on Thursday.  Please fill it out and return it to school on Monday, Sept. 19.  Thank you to those that have already returned it!

Reading - This week we will do a close read of Weird Friends:  Unlikely Allies in the Animal Kingdom.  We will read to determine the main purpose of a text and also discuss how specific images in a book help to clarify the text.  Next we will read, The Name Jar.  The story is about a little girl who recently moved to America from Korea and is getting used to a new school.  

Students brought home a "questionnaire" yesterday.  Please take a few minutes to answer the questions relating to your son/daughter's name.  We will be discussing our names next week and this information will be helpful.  

Math - We will begin chapter 2, Numbers to 1,000.  We'll start by grouping tens as hundreds, explore the value of 3 digit numbers, and modeling (building) 3 digit numbers.  

Science - We learned about the Fruit Group this week.  We read about Queen Anna Banana and how fruits contain Vitamin C, which helps our skin heal.  We'll learn about the Grain Group next week, represented by Prince Waffle.  

New Student of the Week - Ryan
Positive Paw Winner - Amey 
Estimation Jar Winner - Andrew

Sept. 12 - 16

It was great to see so many of you on Thursday Night during our Curriculum Night!  I love that you're all so interested in helping your children become better learners!  Feel free to email me if you have any specific concerns or questions.

Reading - We're finished with our Fall Reading and Math MAPS Assessments.  Next week the students will take the AimsWeb Reading test (on Friday).  We'll continue to launch our Daily 5 routine by working on Work on Writing as well as Read to Self, Read to Someone, and Work on Writing.

We'll begin our first Literacy Unit, Friendship.  We'll read books and do activities focusing on "What it means to be a good friend".  We'll discuss character traits and compare and contrast various characters in the texts.  We'll also practice making text to text connections. 

Reading logs - Your child should be reading 20 minutes most nights.  Please encourage your child to record their reading in their reading log folder.  

Math - We are working on Counting Patterns within 100 and will finish the chapter next week.  Our next focus will be on Numbers to 1,000.  

Spelling - Your child will be given their first word sort on Monday.  We have been practicing how to work with the sorts this week.  Please encourage your child to work with the words each night.  No test will be given this week.

iPads - We spent time today discussing proper care, use, and safety of the iPads.  We also reviewed the basic functions of the ipad.  Please help in reinforcing responsibility with your child's device.  They know to be sure it's fully charged when arriving at school each day and they are not allowed to download any apps at home.  

Dates to Remember:

Mon. Sept. 12 - Magazine Drive Kick Off

Thurs. Sept. 15 - Team 66 Circus at Ide

Thurs. Sept. 22 - Book Fair and Ice Cream Social at Ide

Tues. Sept. 27 - Early Dismissal

Tues. Oct. 4 - Fall Picture Day

Positive Paw Winner - Nick
New Student of the Week - Gio
Estimation Jar Winners - Olivia and Haley

September 5 - 9

It's Official!  We are the Mighty Wolves!!

Dates to Remember
Mon. Sept 5 - No School  Labor Day
Week of Sept. 5 - Aimsweb Testing (Math)
Wed. Sept. 7 - Curriculum Night  6:30- 7:30                                          
Fri. Sept. 9 - iPads!!
Mon. Sept. 12 - District Magazine Drive Kick Off
Thurs. Sept. 15 - Team 66 Circus at Ide
Thurs. Sept. 22 - Book Fair and Ice Cream Social
Tues. Sept. 27 - Early Dismissal

Math - We will continue working on place value with tens and ones, expanded numerals, and showing a number in different ways.  We'll finish the week by looking for patterns within 1,000.  We've been learning some new math games this week and will use them in our "Work Places" (stations) next week.

Reading -  We will continue some benchmark testing this week.  Our class is focusing on building community and getting to know each other.  We've been going over expectations for Daily 5 and have been building stamina during Read to Self and Read to Someone.  This week we will work on Work on Writing and Word Work.  We'll also learn to choose Good Fit Books.

Reading Logs - Your child brought home a reading log inside a red folder this week.  Second graders are expected to read for 20 minutes most nights.  After your child has completed their reading log, read for 21 days, return the completed folder to school.  Our class has voted to have a Show and Tell Day as a reward!  I'm hoping every child will be able to participate!

Spelling - This week we will be practicing our spelling word sort procedure.  For this practice week, every student will be using the same words.  They will practice cutting the words apart, sorting them, and using them during Daily 5 ~ Word Work.  The week of September 12, the students will be divided into Spelling groups based on a spelling inventory. I will explain more during Curriculum Night, or if you have further questions, please ask.

Science - We have started a unit on Nutrition and have been introduced to the Royal Food Family.  This week we learned about the Milk Group and why it is important to eat foods from all 5 food groups.  Next week we will learn about King Henry the Egg and the Meat Group foods.

New Student of the Week - Allison
Estimation Jar Winners - Ella and Gio

Birthdays - Isabella  August 24
                  Andrew  August 28
                  Ella  September 6

August 29 - September 2

We're off to a GREAT start!

We have enjoyed a wonderful first week!  Although everyone is tired by the end of the day, the kids have worked hard, are learning each other's names, and have gotten along so well! We're going to have a great year!

Dates to Remember...

Week of Aug, 29 - MAPs Testing (Reading and Math)
Wed. Sept. 7 - 2nd Grade Curriculum Night
Fri. Sept. 9 - Students receive iPads
Thurs. Sept. 15 - Team 66 Circus at Ide
Thurs. Sept. 22 - Book Fair and Ice Cream Social

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 7.  Curriculum Night for 2nd grade parents will begin in the gym at 6:30.

May 30 - June 3

They're Almost 3rd Graders!!

We met the 3rd grade teachers this afternoon as well as our pen pals!  It was an exciting time as Mr. Pagel shared some of the fun things we have to look forward to!

Dates to Remember

Mon. May 30 - No School  Memorial Day
Tues. May 31 - Parent Meeting for incoming 3rd grade Parents (no kids please)

Wed. June 1 - May reading logs are due
                     6th Grade band concert

Thurs. June 2 - All School Picnic 9:30 - 1:30

Fri. June 3 - Early Dismissal

                  Last Day of School  

ABC Countdown

Tues. - Walt Disney Day 

Wed. - eXtra Special Fun Today!

Thurs. - Year End Picnic!

Fri. - Zoom out of School!

Reminder - We will be cleaning out desks/cubbies on Thursday.   

Send a snack and backpack on Friday.  Students will be bringing home a few things and will still need a backpack.  

Every student returned their iPad and charger today!  Thank you for making sure everything was returned on time.    

Math - We will be completing our unit on Data and Graphs.  We'll practice finding points on a grid, review, and take a chapter test.  

Positive Paw Winner - Sara
Estimation Jar Winners - Ariana, Ken, Ben, and Grant

May 23 - 27

Dates to Remember
Thurs. May 26 - Poetry Cafe at 9:15
Fri. May 27 - Pen Pal Visit to Prairieview at 1:00
                     Last Spelling Test
                     iPad & Charger Collection
Mon. May 31 - No School  Memorial Day
Tues. May 31 - Parent Meeting at PV
Wed. June 1 - May Reading Logs due
Thurs.  June 2 - All School Picnic
Fri. June 3 - Last day of 2nd grade

iPad Collection - All iPads and Chargers will be collected next Friday, May 27.  If the ipad is damaged, please make note of that so we can repair it for next year.  Your child's earbuds and sylis do not need to be returned.  

Reading - We worked hard writing letters to our pen pals this week.  We will be reading fables and fairy tales next week.

Math - We have finished our unit on Multiplication and Division.  Our next chapter will focus on data.  We'll be learning to read bar graphs, we'll collect data from a survey, and make our own bar graphs.

Positive Paw Winner - Sara
Estimation Jar Winners - Dane and Olivia

June Birthday - Jake  June 18
August Birthdays - Ken August 6
                              Ben  August 10
                              Dane August 18

May 16 - 20

We had a great day at the DuPage Children's Museum!

We spent a portion of our morning in the lab learning about GeoSpace and making a very cool project!  The kids had a blast!

Dates to Remember
Fri. May 27 - Pen Pal field trip to PV
Mon. May 30 - No School  Memorial Day
Tues. May 31 - Parent Meeting at PV for incoming 3rd graders
Wed. June 1 - 6th Grade Concert
Thurs. June 2 - All School Picnic
Fri. June 3 - Last Day of 2nd Grade

Reading - Our pen pal letters from Mrs. Klaza's 3rd grade class have arrived!  We will spend the week writing a return letter to our pen pals.  On May 27, we will visit Prairieview and meet our pen pals!

We will also be reading fairy tales this week.  We'll discuss point of view as we read 2 versions of the same story.

Math - This week we'll begin division.  First we'll model and describe partitioning groups as equal shares.  We'll connect subtraction to division and finish the week with a chapter review and test.

Estimation Jar Winner - Dane
Positive Paw Winner - Sophia

May Birthdays
Caitlin - May 11
Grant - May 22
Ava and Ariana - May 25

May 9 - 13

                                  

Dates to Remember
Wed. May 11 - Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum
                               *  Please be on time to school as we will leave promptly at 8:30
                               *  Bring a sack lunch.  We'll eat in the room when we return to school.
Fri. May 13 - Early Dismissal
Thurs. May 26 - Poetry Café  9:15 am
Fri. May 27 - Pen Pal Visit to PV
Mon. May 30 - No School  Memorial Day
Tues. May 31 - Parent Meeting at PV
Wed. June 1 - 6th grade concert at Ide
Thurs. June 2 - All School Picnic
Fri. June 3 - Last Day of 2nd Grade

ABC Countdown
Monday - Hat Day
Tuesday - Inside Out Day
Wednesday - Jeans and Joke Day
Thursday - Kid's Choice Movie
Friday - Lollipop Day

Thank you to everyone for all the cute handmade cards, chocolates, and gifts.  They were so sweet and it really started my day with a smile.  Thanks also to our PTO and parents who contributed toward the delicious lunches (and breakfast) that were provided to our staff this week.  Each day we were treated to a wonderful meal.  I am so grateful for all you do!

Reading -  This week we'll be reading The Three Little Pigs and The Three Little Javalinas. Our focus will be on retelling and determining the central message.  We'll also compare and contrast these 2 stories.

Vocabulary Words:  bundle, load, turnips, churn, fortune, and blazing

Math - We'll continue our work with multiplication next week.  We'll learn to multiply numbers in any order, learn the properties of multiplying with 1 and 0, and we'll solve problems by writing number sentences.

Butterfly Update - Eight of our butterflies have emerged from their chrysalises. Unfortunately, 3 of them were not formed correctly.  We were lucky enough to watch one of them emerge today.  Very cool!  We plan to let our 5 healthy butterflies fly away today and hopefully we'll have 2 more on Monday!

Positive Paw Winner - Ken
Estimation Jar Winners - Jack W. and David

May 2 - 6

We Dissected Owl Pellets This Week!

Dates to Remember                                                                          

Week of May 2 - MAP testing
Week of May 9 - Aimsweb Testing
Wed. May 11 - Field trip to DuPage Children's Museum
Fri. May 13 - Early Dismissal

ABC Countdown has begun!!
These days are completely optional, but fun for the kids!  A list of all of the days came home last week, so you can plan ahead if needed.  

5/2 - Crazy Hair Day
5/3 - Dance Day
5/4 - Exercise Day
5/5 - Freeze Pop Day
5/6 - Game Day

Reading - This week we're reading a selection called Carnivores, by Aaron Reynolds.  It is a humorous tale about 3 carnivores, a lion, shark, and timber wolf who realize that it's lonely at the top of the food chain.  They decide to become vegetarians to start making more friends.  They try disguises as well, but nothing works.  They finally learn to accept themselves and feel at peace.  

Vocabulary words this week:  frenzies, misleading, carnivores, vegetarian, disguise, appetite

We'll work on writing a story summary and answering the Five "W" Questions (who, what, when, where, and why) about a story.  We'll also discuss the topic of debating a subject.  The students will read a selection, form an opinion, then support their opinion with reasons. 

Math - We'll continue working on 3 digit subtraction this week.  Our next chapter will focus on arrays, multiplication, and division!

Estimation Jar Winners - Ken and Sophia
Positive Paw Winner - Christine

Reminder - A permission slip and fee needs to be returned for our field trip on May 11.  If you have not returned them, please do so as soon as possible.  Thank you!

April 25 - 29

Open House was Spectacular!

I really enjoyed seeing all of you again last night at our Open House!  The students were so happy to show off their hard work, buy some new books, and experience our first Art Show! What a great evening!  

Dates to Remember

Fri. April 29 - Reading Incentive Fuzzy Friend Day
Week of May 2 - MAP Testing
Mon. May 2 - April Reading Logs due
Week of May 9 - Aimsweb Testing
Wed. May 11 - Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum
Fri. May 13 - Early Dismissal
Wed. May 18 - Career Day at Ide
Thurs. May 26 - Poetry Cafe 9:15am

Reading
This week we will focus on retelling as we read 2 selections about ants.  Two Bad Ants is a fiction story about two ants who decide to leave the safety of their home and explore a kitchen.  Ant is a non fiction story about the life cycle, habitats, and different types of ants. We'll compare and contrast the two selections and work on the reading strategy of visualization.

Math - We will be working on 3 digit subtraction this week.  We will also be adding and subtracting money as well as working on problem solving skills.

Positive Paw Winner - Sara
Estimation Jar Winner - Alyssa


Field Trip - The 2nd graders are taking a field trip on Wed. May 11 to the DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville.  We'll be exploring the museum as well as learning about GeoSpace in the learning lab.  A fee of $5 is required along with the permission slip, which will come home on Monday, April 25.  Our PTO has generously donated money to help pay for a portion of the fee for the trip.  

April 18 - 22

Dates to Remember                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                               
Tues. April 19 - Wear blue or green for Earth Day
                          A special "All School" picture will be taken!
Thurs. April 21 - Open House, Book Fair, Art Show at Ide  
                           6:30 pm  Everyone is Welcome!
Fri. April 29 - Reading Incentive Fuzzy Friend Day
Week of May 2 - MAP Testing
Week of May 9 - AimsWeb Testing
Wed. May 11 - Field Trip to DuPage Children's Museum
Fri. May 13 - Early Dismissal

Open House - Our Spring Open House is this Thursday, April 21 from 6:30 to 8:00pm.  All family members are invited!  PTO is also hosting a Book Fair and Ms. Smeltzer has organized an Art Show to display your child's art work!  Please mark your calendar and plan to come!  It will be a great evening at Ide!

Science - Our butterfly larva have arrived and the kids are SO excited!  We're watching them eat and crawl around!  As they change over the next 2 weeks, we be recording our observations in butterfly journals.  Ask your child about it!

Reading - This week we'll read and compare 2 selections, Owls and Owl Moon.  One is realistic fiction, the other a nonfiction story.  We will discuss point of view and retelling.  At the end of the week we will be dissecting owl pellets!

Grammar focus will be on abbreviations.

Literature Circles -  All 2nd graders have been learning about literature circles this month.  We've started implementing them into our reading block.  Follow the link below for more information.  The students have done a great job practicing the roles and learning to read with purpose!

Literature Circles

Math -  We have started a new unit focusing on 3 digit addition.  We've worked on mental math and adding 3 digits with and without regrouping ones.  Next week we'll be regrouping tens, estimating sums, and problem solving.

Positive Paw Winner - Ben
Estimation Jar Winners - Jania, Sophia, Jack W.