News & Notes {and our food packing event!}

While it was a short week last week, it sure was packed with events of both fun and learning!  The highlights for the students (and teachers) were the food-packing and spirit activities, no doubt.  :)  It was a great experience for the students to work with their peers to pack food after having learned about the importance of food around the world.  Thank you to our volunteers for making the packing event possible!

Here are a few things to keep in mind/on your radar:

1)  Please return the envelope regarding yearbooks whether or not you intend to order a yearbook this year.  The school will not be ordering extras as they have in the past, but rather an exact amount according to these envelopes.

2)  Our class field trip to the museum school at the Carter and MacRae Elementary school is scheduled for Monday, May 4.  The students will be leaving New Danville by bus at 9:40 and returning by 1:45.  I would appreciate having 3-5 chaperones for this field trip.  Due to the capacity limitations of the museum classroom, I cannot have more than 5 chaperones.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact me.  I will be sending home a permission slip with additional details.  Please return the permission slip no later than Monday, April 27.

3)  Monday, May 4th will be a busy day for the students.  The New Danville Spring Music Program is scheduled for that evening at 7pm.  This is a wonderful time to come and enjoy what your children have been learning in music!

And now... A Peek At Our Week!

- Bible --- Students will begin studying the many miracles of Jesus!  This is always an exciting unit for students.  They truly enjoy learning about these awe-inspiring events.

- Language Arts --- While students begin wrapping up their "How-To" writing, we will also begin to provide opportunity for students to demonstrate their procedures.  Our reading will take us on a review of synonyms and an introduction to contractions will begin.

- Math --- Students will continue to learn about measurement, though this week the focus is on area, capacity and weight.  As we near the end of our unit on Friday, we will celebrate with Measurement Olympics outside (weather permitting).

- Science --- We will wrap up our last science lessons with a few more moon activities this week before moving on to Social Studies next week in preparation for our trip to the museum school.

 Students measuring the distance around their wrists and thumbs as an introductory activity to learning about perimeter.

 There was a lot of excitement before starting to pack food (and perhaps a little uncertainty)!  Aren't they so cute in their hairnets?!

News & Notes {and measurement fun!}

Hello!

I trust your Easter break was refreshing!  As the lengthy weekend comes to an end, I am turning my attention to this upcoming short week of school and the last quarter of school before summer 

vacation.  

---The big event for this week is the food packing event on Friday.  Below are the details.  If you have volunteered to chaperone, please meet at the address below.  :)

As you may remember, our Christmas project this school year was collecting money for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC)   We are happy to report that we collected approximately $2,200!  The next step in this project is to partner with Willow Street Mennonite Church to actually pack the food bags for FMSC. 

On Friday, April 10, all students in grades K-5 will travel to the church for this project.  We also would like to have approx. 25 parent volunteers join us from 9-11 a.m.  If you are available to help, please contact me. 

Parents should plan to meet at the church no later than 8:45 a.m. on April 10.  The event will be finished by 11:00 a.m.

The church address is 399 East Penn Grant Rd. Willow Street PA 17584​

---Our class field trip is scheduled for May 4th.  We are planning to visit the Museum School.  More details to come next week.

A Peek At Our Week:

- Math --- We will continue our work with measuring, focusing on perimeter of shapes.  

- Bible --- Our focus will return to Jesus' call of the disciples.

- Language Arts --- Our short week will be spent reviewing last week's concepts, continuing with sharks to keep things interesting.  ;)

- Science --- We will begin to wrap up our science unit on the moon phases and weather.

Below are a few pictures from the past two weeks.  Enjoy!

 Playing the "Equal Fractions" game.  :)

 Using 2nd graders to measure the room, creating the opportunity to discuss the need for standard units of measurement.

 Practicing our measuring by getting some hands-on time with the meter sticks.

Practicing using the measuring tape to measure head size with cm.

 Talking about how pinwheels are like anemometers to measure wind speed.

News & Notes {and some fraction fun!}

Hello all!

I hope your weekend was pleasant and that you're enjoying some of the signs of spring (especially after that first day of spring snow we had)!  Here are a few items of note as well as the plans for our upcoming week.

- The New Danville auction, our biggest event of the year, is this Friday!  If you haven't signed up yet to volunteer, I know we could use some more help to make the evening run smoothly.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0544adac29a4f94-newdanville
If you have trouble with the sign-up, contact me and we will find a good fit for you.  :)  Please also note that there is a 12:30 dismissal on Friday so final preparations can be made for the big evening.

- We have 2 volunteers to help our class with the school trip to fill food packs on April 10, but need at least 3 more volunteers.  Below is additional information about this exciting opportunity for students to serve other around the world.

As you may remember, our Christmas project this school year was collecting money for Feed My Starving Children  (FMSC)   We are happy to report that we collected approximately $2,200!  The next step in this project is to partner with Willow Street Mennonite Church to actually pack the food bags for FMSC. 

On Friday, April 10, all students in grades K-5 will travel to the church for this project.  We also would like to have approx. 25 parent volunteers join us from 9-11 a.m.  If you are available to help, please contact me. 

Parents should plan to meet at the church no later than 8:45 a.m. on April 10.  The event will be finished by11:00 a.m.  The church address is 399 East Penn Grant Rd. Willow Street PA 17584​

A Peek At Our Week:

- Math --- We will continue our study of fractions with a variety of hands-on activities.  The students are doing a great job with understanding equal parts and seem to have a great deal of enthusiasm for this unit.

- Bible --- As Easter approaches, we will turn our focus to the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection.  We will compare and contrast the feelings surrounding these events and concentrate on the hope Jesus gave us.

- Science --- Students will use several meteorologist tools to study wind before we move on in our science unit to a focus on the phases of the moon.  

- Language Arts --- Last week, we introduced procedural writing (referred to as "how to" writing in class) in Writer's Workshop.  This type of writing is a breath of fresh air for all of us after focusing on personal narratives for so long.  We will continue with this type of writing for several more weeks.  Our reading skill this week is summarizing.  To keep things interesting, we will use plants a the thematic element to focus our reading.

Here are a few snapshots of the fun from last week.  Enjoy!

 Students practice naming fractions of a whole with graham crackers.  Yum!

 Each student also made a cookie booklet that shows equal parts (halves, thirds, fourths, etc.) inside.  We use these throughout the week to tell fraction stories.

 We played Fraction Bingo on Friday for some fun and additional practice.  The group discussion and repetition was great!

 Students used bubbles to observe the wind movement and make discoveries about where wind can go.

We took the opportunity to use a puddle in the parking lot to discuss evaporation and where water goes after it rains.

 During this activity, students watched a Schoolhouse Rock video to learn about and identify pronouns.  We're still working on it, but this was a fun way to add some excitement to grammar!

Here you can see the beginning stages of our "how-to" writing.  Students are very excited to continue their work on these pieces and share what they know how to do!

News & Notes {and upcoming conferences}

Hello all!

As an unexpectedly long weekend draws to a close, I wanted to take the opportunity to update you on a few things happening in 2nd grade.  :)

The biggest news is that student-led conferences are happening this week!  The students have been working hard to prepare for your time in our classroom, reflecting on their academic progress, goals, and behavior.  If you have not yet signed up, please do so.  Time slots are set at 40 minute intervals, with possibility for three families to be in the room at a time.  Students will guide you through a variety of learning stations to show their work and what they've been learning.  If you would like a one-on-one conference at a later date, there will be a request form available so we can set an appointment.  Here is the link if you need to sign up:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4fadad2da1f94-parentteacher2

Here are a few other items to note:

- Snow make-up days for the two days we missed have been set.  School will be in session on March 20 and April 8.

- We are in need of parent volunteers for the New Danville Feed My Starving Children shift from 9-11 AM on Friday, 4/10/2015. If you are available to help, please contact me. We need to have a minimum of 25 parent volunteers for the school, about 5 for the second grade class.

• Plan to meet at the church by 8:45 AM. 
• Willow Street Mennonite Church 399 East Penn Grant Road, Willow Street, PA 17584. 
• We will then be done by 11:00 AM

- The New Danville Auction is coming up on March 27th!  This is a great time that you don't want to miss!  Please note that there is an early dismissal on this day to provide time for set-up and preparations.  If you are willing to volunteer your time, please sign up via the sign-up genius that was emailed home last week or contact Mrs. Hess.

A Peek At Our Week:

- Bible --- Students will be learning about the calling of the 12 disciples and how they can help build God's kingdom by aiding those in need.

- Language Arts --- You may have heard that the students are working through a mystery unit!  Since we had late starts, many absences due to illness, and snow days, we didn't get very far.  I'm looking forward to guiding students through the remainder of the unit this week.  

- Math --- Last week was a data week.  The students always look forward to a data day or week, but again, we didn't get very far.  We will be finishing the data week as well as Unit 7.

- Science --- Students have been learning about clouds.  This week, we will extend that theme out to precipitation and the water cycle.  

News & Notes {and a very short week!}

Well, was last week a short week or what?!  While the students did an exceptional job of adjusting to the changes in schedule, I am looking forward to a more typical week this week.  Although, since it is Literacy Week, I'm sure there will be much excitement!

Speaking of Literacy Week, here are a few things to keep in mind throughout the week:
- Each day the Scholastic book fair will be open in the morning from 7:45-8:30 and after school is dismissed.  It will also be open on Friday evening during the Taste of New Danville event.
- Tuesday is "Night Owl Day"!  So send students in their pajamas with a flashlight!  They may also bring one other "snuggly" item (blanket, pillow or stuffed animal).
- Thursday is "Read My Shirt Day".  Students are invited to wear a shirt with words on it for others to read. 

Also, just a reminder that the Taste of New Danville is on Friday!  I'm very excited for this event and can't wait to taste all of the yummy dishes!  Please bring your own dishes and silverware for this event. 

A Peek At Our Week:

- Math --- This week, students will be extending their knowledge of 10-complements, practicing addition with multiple addends, investigating weight, and practicing double-digit subtraction.  There's a lot on our plate, but we'll break into small groups and go at a pace that works for us.

- Language Arts --- We are continuing our study of verbs, using context clues to understand unfamiliar words, introducing similes, and continuing to learn about synonyms and antonyms.  Our Writer's Workshops will continue to focus on using author Angela Johnson's work as mentor texts to improve our own writing.

- Bible --- During this last week of February, we will wrap up our unit on showing love to God and others (though, of course, we will always continue to work on this!).

- Science --- This week, we are transitioning our focus from air to the weather outside.  We will be completing activities involving temperature and clouds.

News & Notes {and some science fun!

Happy weekend!

It always amazes me how much can happen in one week of school.  I'll be honest.  At the beginning of the week, I felt like a needed some sort of motivational pep talk.  Yet, this group of students has a way of turning my days around, and by the end of this week I said goodbye to each student with spirits high and am already looking forward to next week.  You have some pretty spectacular children!

I have many items of note, so grab a pen and paper to make yourself a list.  :)

--- Please return your Taste of New Danville RSVP if you have not already done so.  (It was on yellow paper.)  We need all families to respond regardless of whether or not you intend to attend.  Please respond by February 12.  This will be a great time of fun and fellowship... and some yummy food!

--- I am planning to provide a low-key time on Thursday, February 12 for students to exchange valentines if they wish to.  I do encourage children to bring a small box or paper bag to set on their desk so that they may receive valentines.  Below is a list of students in our class (there are 23).
- Asaad, Nora, Mya, Raylin, Caleb, Caleb W., Jordan, Bethlehem, Meckenzie, Isaiah, Ava, Arturo, Olivia, Isaac, Zachary, Aliyah, Nya, Alaina, Zoey, Kordell, Amerti, Sinim, Evan

--- Sherrie Strange Pratt, a New York City soprano, will be joining New Danville for chapel at a special time:  Friday, February 20, 9:15a.m.  She will be focusing on African-American spirituals, sharing not only her voice but stories of the songs. It's not often that we get to hear a world-class soprano, so please do feel free to join us!

--- There are several days coming up during which students will not have school, making for one big extended weekend for them.  Check out the "Calendar" tab above if you need to double-check those dates.

--- Mark your calendars! Grades 2-5 will be holding student-led conferences this spring (March 12)!  I am excited to walk through this new conference format with you and your children.  More information to come.  I haven not yet made students aware that they will be leading conferences, though they are unknowingly already preparing for them.  I wanted to share the news with you first.  :)

A Peek At Our Week

--- Bible --- Students will be studying the greatest commandment in conjunction with their Bible memory.  We will discuss how we can show love to God, our families, and our friends.

--- Science --- Continuing our study on air, students will be building balloon rockets (a highlight each year) to help them understand air pressure and how it can be used to propel objects.

--- Math --- We will finish Unit 6 with a few more lessons on multiplication and equal sharing.  Then, we will take a short respite from typical lessons to learn traditional addition (the way you and I learned in school)!  Yay!  After those lessons, students will generally be given the freedom to choose which method of addition they prefer --- partial sums or traditional addition.  Surprisingly, it's usually a 50/50 split!

--- Language Arts --- Students will be analyzing the different structures of nonfiction and fiction texts as well as completing a variety of activities about verbs and homophones.

I don't want to overload one post with pictures like I did last time, so I'm going to post a few now and some more later this weekend.  Here are the science highlights of the week!

 Air fountains!  (Sorry that some of the pictures are a bit blurry... it was a quick capture.)

Here you can see what they are actually doing... using air to shoot green water!  What could be better on a Friday afternoon?!

 Before students created their air fountains, they explored the idea that air takes up space using water.

News & Notes {and a photo overload!}

We've been having a fantastic time in second grade!  We completed several different formal assessments to monitor progress since the beginning of the year, and I'm overjoyed at the progress each student has shown in a variety of areas!  In addition, we've also been working on creating goals for our third quarter of school (I can't believe we're into the third quarter!).  Needless to say, we've been busy, busy, busy!

I was really looking forward to moving into a more typical week this week, but... with the impending weather, I'm a bit skeptical.  At the moment, I'm pretending that our week will begin tomorrow morning at 8am with the usual cheerful, morning greetings I exchange with students on a Monday.  :)

A Peek At Our Week:

- Bible ---  We will slowly wrap up our study of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land in the next two weeks and move into a study of Jesus' life and ministry.

- Language Arts --- In our Writer's Workshops, students will be putting the finishing touches on their second published pieces.  We've also been discussing adding "spice" to our writing by choosing more descriptive words as we write.  Our comprehension focus will be on cause and effect, while our phonics focus will be on reading ou/ow words.

- Math --- As the latest family letter stated, Unit 7 will focus on number stories and operations.  The upcoming week will focus heavily on strategies for solving number stories as well as distinguishing between addition and subtraction stories.

- Science --- Students will have opportunities to explore how air acts under pressure, studying both compression and air resistance.

Below are pictures of several students sharing their talents in music class last week.  I found it refreshing to see the interests and extra-curricular abilities of so many second graders, and, of course I was so proud of their courage to share.  (Many also shared in chapel!)

 We had some indoor recess fun (and I expect we'll be having more with the upcoming inclement weather)!

 Students completed several shape sorts over the past weeks.  The polygon sort below is an example of one such sort.

 Here we're studying quadrangles by creating various 4-sided figures on geoboards.

 Creating pyramids out of toothpicks and play dough!  

 We examined how pyramids changed when the shape of their bases changed.

I have a feeling that everyone enjoyed our unit on geometry so much because it's so easy to make it very "hands-on".  

On top of all of that, we watched a little book on the smartboard called "The Greedy Triangle".  What a fun way to integrate reading and math!

 We also began our science unit on air.  Students explored what air can do with a variety of objects including feathers, straws, balloons, and cotton balls.

The balloons were definitely the most exciting.  ;)