And we're BACK!

I am back! The kids and I are hitting the ground running this week.  They got through a lot of things last week and now we are just continuing like I was never gone.

Two separate sheets went home last week in communicators regarding field trips.  We are going to the ICF property on Friday, October 17th.  We will be having lunch there and our class is being asked to donate juice boxes or water bottles.  Please make sure you return the permission slip by Friday! This is also an early dismissal day at 1:35.  It marks the end of first quarter.

The other field trip is to Lake Delavan for an awesome new experience.  There is a cost to this trip, so please make sure that it is sent in with the permission slip.  It is also due on Friday. This trip is on October 30th.

I need ANOTHER permission slip back for Jog-a-Thon this Friday.  I have less than half of them back for the class.  If I don't get one back, your student can't participate. That is also an early dismissal day at 11:05.

Our Fundations test for Unit 4 is on Thursday.

Have a good week!

I gave the kids cookies on my last day before my week off.  I made them say a pledge to me about how they were going to behave WONDERFULLY while I was gone! 

Math Math Math!

Tomorrow we have a test for Unit 2 in Fundations.  From what I have seen in class, this shouldn't be a really tough test for them. I will send home the resource materials and information about unit 3 on Monday.  

We are still making our way through the first math unit.  We will take the assessment tomorrow.  The second grade teachers have modified the assessment a little bit to allow for different strategies.  I will send the graded assessment home next week.  Below are some of the pictures from our math time.  The kids have math tool boxes that they can use while completing assignments and learning new lessons.  They all use them in different ways. 

Please make sure that you are doing Xtra Math every night and reading.  It makes such a difference! If you need any of the log in information again, let me know! 

This is a math game on the iPad that they play during guided math.

This is the city that they all built in art.  Mrs. Gocken let Mrs. Hickman display it in the library!

Author's Chair

Every Friday, I have set aside time for the kids to share whatever they have been working on during any of our writing times.  We started this on Friday and MANY of the kids chose to participate.  I have never seen a group of kids that enjoy writing this much.  Writing is usually the subject I get the most complaints about.  Let's hope this excitement continues! We will start writing personal narratives this week.  I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Umbrellas for Peace

Today we were able to participate in a once in a lifetime event.  The parade that Mrs. Gocken organized was AMAZING! The kids were able to learn about the meaning of peace from her over the last few art classes and then today, as a school, we were able to march on behalf of peace.  The kids loved painting their umbrellas and walking in a parade. It was probably the coolest thing I have ever seen!  Thank you Mrs. Gocken, you did an excellent job!

Now, for a total right turn... We have our Unit 2 check up for Fundations on Friday.  I sent home the word resource list on Monday on neon green paper.  The test will be next Friday.

Math is still a work in progress.  We are getting through the first topic, slowly, but surely.  If you ever have any questions on anything that I send home PLEASE let me know.  You can email me or text me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.  I know that it is confusing and I really want to do my best to make math homework as painless as possible at home.

Today, I will be sending home a project packet for Flat Stanley.  It is one of the most exciting projects of the year! Please be sure to read through it and ask questions, if need be!

Grace was hugging her umbrella to stay warm!

Quick Video

The teachers completed the ALS ice bucket challenge on Wednesday.  The video is below!

PES Ice Bucket Challenge

BUSY

We have been really busy! The school started MAP testing this week and this test is a bit different than what the second graders saw in first grade.  We do 4 tests; reading, math, English and science. In first grade they only did math and reading.  Also, this test does not read to them.  Last year, they were able to use the headphones and have things read to them. As of now, we have done the math and reading portions and they seem to be doing well!

Last week, we had Unity Day!  It was so much fun! The group of kids I had enjoyed themselves and my second graders came back to me exhausted, but happy!

Tomorrow, we have our Unit 1 Fundations test.  Next week, I will send home the resource list for unit 2, so you can work at home.

Thank you so much for completing the math homework I have been sending home.  We have started a new program this year and it makes all of us look at math differently.  The more practice they can get at home, the better!

Next week, we will have the Umbrellas for Peace parade! It will begin at 9 a.m. and it will go through town.  We would love for you to come see us. Click here for a link to Mrs. Gocken's page.

Finally... we are starting a letter writing unit.  Be on the lookout for our Flat Stanley project.  It should come home in folders next week!

Here are some pictures from the last couple of weeks...

Great Start

We are starting our first full week of second grade and we are READY! This group is wonderful! They are catching on really quickly with our routines and they are being extremely flexible with new things that I am trying out.

Within the next month the school will be implementing a required homework policy.  I have chosen to start it now because I think it is beneficial for the kids to start it immediately.  They are required to do Xtramath.org  every night, starting tonight.   You will need to get them started using the information I sent home last week.  If this is not completed when they come in in the morning then, it will have to be done during recess.  It only takes about five minutes to complete.  Most of the kids did it last year in first grade, so they should be able to navigate. There will also be other homework sent home occasionally.  I will always give you more than one night to have your student complete it.

On Friday, we have Unity Day! It is going to be a great day for everyone in the school! Make sure your student dresses appropriately for the weather (many activities will be held outside) and please send a change of clothes.

If you have ANY questions or comments about anything, please let me know! Below are some pictures from the last few days...