Welcome to 2nd Grade!

Good afternoon!

I can't believe it is already the end of the first week of school!  It has been such a joy getting to know your 2nd grade students these past few days.  They have been working really hard and have been so helpful and flexible as we have adjusted to a new building and a new school year.  Be sure to give your child a big hug and a "job well done!" 

This week, we have been working on some team building.  We have reviewed the "3 R's" of Bobcat behavior (readiness, respect, responsibility) and have worked together to come up with classroom policies.  On Monday, our school will have an assembly to kick off our new behavior system.  I'm sure your 2nd grade student has been telling you all about our Bobcat Bucks!  I will have information for you about this system at Back to School night on August 21.  

We are opening up our school year with a study of the author Kevin Henkes.  This week, we have been looking at his book Wemberly Worried and sharing ideas and strategies for dealing with worry.  On Monday, we will read Chrysanthemum and take some time celebrating our names.  On Monday night, please look for a homework assignment in your child's backpack!  He or she will be interviewing you to learn more about the story behind his or her name.

This year, we will be doing six major language arts units that also tie in with our science and social studies standards  During our first unit, "Building Bridges with Unlikely Friends", students will study the difference between literal and figurative language.  They will learn the importance of making connections with unlikely friends, and will also be doing some engineer work as we look at the structures of different types of bridges.  This unit will will begin on Tuesday.

Early next week, students will be taking a beginning-of-the-year math test so that I can see what they remember from first grade.  We will then be jumping into our Math Expressions curriculum with a study of math mountains and basic fact strategies.

I will keep you posted in a few weeks when we start leveled reading and math groups.  

Next week, I am leaving my schedule open after school.  I will be in the classroom on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4:00 until 4:45.  If you would like to pick an afternoon to stop in for five minutes for a quick visit, let me know.  This would be a good chance to share any information about your child that you think I should know right away.  I will address general questions (birthday celebrations, behavior management, curriculum, etc.) on Thursday at Back to School night.  If you would like to pop in next week between 4:00 and 4:45 on one of those days, just e-mail me and let me know what day you plan to stop by. If you are unable to stop in during that time but have things you would like to share with me, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.  I'd be happy to arrange an evening phone conference with you from my home.

Please make note of the following dates on your calendars.  Thank you in advance for your help and support.  I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Upcoming Dates

August 18, 19, 20 - Mrs. Williams available after school 

August 21 - 2nd Grade Back to School night - 6:00

September 1 - No school - Labor Day