The second graders did a fabulous job presenting the All School Meeting today.  In January, many people set goals, or resolutions, for themselves to welcome the new year.  Second graders spent time earlier this month setting goals.  We enjoyed hearing some of the second graders share their resolutions today.  They reminded everyone that in order to make sure you reach your goals, you have to persevere through any obstacle that comes your way.  Be sure to ask your child to share their New Year’s resolution with you.

In addition, our class had a “Winter Showcase” today to celebrate the completion of the first module, A Season of Change, in our new English Language Arts program, Wit & Wisdom.  The students displayed and shared their beautiful work from throughout the module with Mrs. Rauscher’s class. We were also joined by special guests including Dr. Jacqueline Coe, Jess Potter, Jacqui Cornwell, Mrs. Hallock, Maureen Colby (our literacy coach), Nancy Bishop, Mary McNally and Amanda Dionne.  The students shared their Response Journal, Knowledge Journal, Vocabulary Journal, Vocabulary Card Collection, Fluency Journal, a fall  poem illustrated with a painting, a chameleon craft illustrating the meaning of the word camouflage, and a Sky Tree craft illustrating the cycle of seasons with our guests. Your child brought home some of their beautiful work to share with you.  Please read this letter to learn more about the students’ work in Module 1 and this letter to learn about what your child will learn in Module 2.  We look forward to seeing you at our schoolwide Spring Showcase on March 7th during which we will share our beautiful work from Module 2, The American West, with you.

The students were challenged to build a tower as tall as a ruler. They did it!!

Next, the students were challenged to build a tower that would hold up a hardcover book. She did it!!!

It held TWO books!

That’s THREE!

How many books will it hold?!

It held SEVEN!

That’s one!

That’s two!

That’s three!

In this Mystery Science lesson, students examined how large structures like houses are built from smaller pieces. In the activity, Paper Towers, they designed their own structures using an unconventional building material: paper! Students built towers using 3″ x 5″ index cards and paper clips. First, they built tall towers. Then, they were challenged to build towers strong enough to support a hardcover book.  Visit this link to learn more about the lesson or to allow your child to try this again at home.  You are welcome to share pictures of their success.

Our class enjoyed watching the school Spelling Bee. Our spelling champ made us proud!

     The second graders will be presenting the All School Meeting on Friday, January 26th at 8:45.  Feel free to join us for our short presentation on perserverence.  Here is your “ticket” for quick entry into the building.  You may print it or show it on your phone.  

Our class saw a double rainbow outside our classroom today.  As a result, we went on a “rainbow hunt” during our morning meeting.  We found a rainbow right outside the front of the school.  I took a picture of the students with it.  Five students insisted that today was the first time that they saw a rainbow.  How special!  Then, we walked around the school and noticed how the moving water was changing the shape of the snow.  This will provide the students with the background knowledge for when they learn about how water shapes the Earth’s surface later in the year.  

Today, our class practiced writing an informative paragraph and learned how to write a conclusion.  We used text evidence from Why Do Leaves Change Color? to answer the question “How does a leaf change color?”  Working together, the class did an excellent job!

Here are a few quick reminders.

1. Please encourage your child to put on their snow gear on their own.  Practice makes perfect. 🙂

2. If students want to play in the snow outside, they must have snow boots, snow pants, and coat. Students should also bring a hat and gloves/mittens.  Students without the proper snow gear will play on the basketball court and paved areas only.

3.  Students may bring PLASTIC and FOAM sleds to school. 2-person capacity sizes only. (No toboggan types) It would be wise to label your sled.

5.  Please be sure each item of clothing is labeled with initials or their name in case we find a piece of clothing on the ground!

6.  I suggest having a separate bag for your child’s snow attire.  This is not a requirement, but it helps keep all of the clothing organized and prevents children from misplacing small items.

A reusable bag, like those found at Shaws, makes it easier for students to get their snow gear to and from school. They also prevent small items from getting lost.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions! Get ready for more snow…it’s just a matter of time!

There were 15 elves on display around the school.  The students had a great time reading clues, finding the correct elf, and taking a photo with him.  Enjoy the pictures! Visit this link and you MAY be able to see a trailer of our elf hunt.  🙂

Please visit this link to view our December Newsletter!  I hope you have a joyous holiday season!

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee champs (pictured from left to right: first and second place).  Our first place champ will represent our class in the School Spelling Bee on January 12th.  If he is unable to do so, our second place champ will be prepared to do so.