Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Thanks for working in partnership with me this year in educating your children. It has been a wonderful year and I wish you and your children the very best in the new school year. A big thank you to Kristin L. and Gina W. for being our Parent Representatives and all those parents who volunteered in the library, to read to the students, and help with classroom projects. Thanks for supporting your child at home with their homework and home reading. You made the time to work with your children and this did make a difference.
I will be doing lots of traveling in Australia over the summer. Please send me an email or join me on Facebook to keep in touch. Your children have become part of my Shorecrest family and I want to know how they are doing. If you need anything in the new school year, please don't hesitate to contact me.
We wish our second grade friends, Stella D., Auggie F. and Nico B. all the best at their new schools. We will miss you, but know you will enjoy this new experience. Please keep in touch with us.
You have received a Summer Packet for ways to support your child's learning over the long summer vacation. Most importantly, encourage your child to read each day and continue writing in their journal or on postcards to friends.
I leave your children with this poem:
"You're a very special person,
And I wanted you to know,
How much I enjoyed being your teacher,
How fast the year did go!
Please come back to visit me
as through the grades you grow
Try hard to learn all that you can
There is so much to know!
The one thing I tried to teach you
To last your whole life through
Is to know that you are SPECIAL
There's no one else like you!"
Ms. O'Mullane
Monday, May 20, 2013
Welcome to the Last Full Week of Second Grade
Wow! Thanks for coming out this morning to view your child's Electronic Portfolio. It was a terrific way of celebrating many great accomplishments that have happened this year for your child in second grade. It was such a pleasure watching the students proudly show samples of work from all areas of the curriculum and school life.
If you were unable to attend, please be in contact with me if you would like to schedule a time to view your child's portfolio here at school.
This week marks the last full week of second grade for the students. I thank you for your partnership in educating your children - and what a fantastic class this has been to teach. They have grown in so many ways - academically, socially, emotionally, as well as physically. I am so proud of them.
This week we are finishing off the last social studies and math units, as well as preparing ourselves for summer reading, reviewing math, writing reflections, and sharing facts about what we learned about South America. We are also doing some fun Readers' Theater and writing letters to the new second graders coming up. The students will also be making a special end of year project that they will be able to take home and cherish in years to come.
May 30 we will have a special ice-cream treat at 1pm to mark the end of another great year. On Friday, May 31, it is noon dismissal and a morning of fun and laughter.
I want to thank Kristin L. and Gina W. for the great job they have done being our Room Parents this year. You made my job easier and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks also goes out to the many parents who have helped out this year.
Next Tuesday, I will be sending home a Summer Packet, full of some ideas for review over the summer. Please practice the math facts (for all operations), the partial-sums addition and trade-first subtraction methods in math, and give your children plenty opportunities to read and write.
Warmest wishes - Ms. O'Mullane
If you were unable to attend, please be in contact with me if you would like to schedule a time to view your child's portfolio here at school.
This week marks the last full week of second grade for the students. I thank you for your partnership in educating your children - and what a fantastic class this has been to teach. They have grown in so many ways - academically, socially, emotionally, as well as physically. I am so proud of them.
This week we are finishing off the last social studies and math units, as well as preparing ourselves for summer reading, reviewing math, writing reflections, and sharing facts about what we learned about South America. We are also doing some fun Readers' Theater and writing letters to the new second graders coming up. The students will also be making a special end of year project that they will be able to take home and cherish in years to come.
May 30 we will have a special ice-cream treat at 1pm to mark the end of another great year. On Friday, May 31, it is noon dismissal and a morning of fun and laughter.
I want to thank Kristin L. and Gina W. for the great job they have done being our Room Parents this year. You made my job easier and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks also goes out to the many parents who have helped out this year.
Next Tuesday, I will be sending home a Summer Packet, full of some ideas for review over the summer. Please practice the math facts (for all operations), the partial-sums addition and trade-first subtraction methods in math, and give your children plenty opportunities to read and write.
Warmest wishes - Ms. O'Mullane
Monday, May 13, 2013
May 13-17
We had a fabulous time last Wednesday on our field trip to MOSI. The students were exhausted by the end of the day. Thanks to all those parents who gave up their day to help chaperone.
Splash Day will take place this Friday, May 17th. The PE teachers sent out a letter about this last Friday. I know the students are looking forward to it.
Next Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their electronic portfolios after Town Meeting. The meeting place will be the computer lab. Come sit with your child as they share some of the work they have done this year in second grade.
Parent Reader this Friday will be Molly D.
This week we will continue with Current Event sharing. Please check your child's sharing calendar in their homework folder.
All library books are due now and there will be no more checking out for the current school year.
Monday, May 6, 2013
May 6-10, 2013
Welcome to another week in second grade. What gorgeous spring weather we are having.
If you have not already let me know that you will be joining us on Wednesday for our field trip to MOSI, please do so. The group rate is $8. We are planning on arriving at MOSI by 9:30 and the students will be exploring the museum before doing a hands-on lesson called, Ooey Gooey, where they will take ordinary things and make slime that will ooze through their fingers. Lunch will be 12:00 and we will be back at school in time for dismissal. It will be a fabulous day out. Please make sure you pack your child their snack and lunch in a disposable bag, unless they ordered from SAGE in advanced.
Splash Day will take place on Friday, May 17th. The PE teachers will be sending home more details as the time approaches.
On Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their electronic portfolios after Town Meeting. The meeting place will be the computer lab. Come sit with your child as they share some of the work they have done this year in second grade.
This is the last month for Current Event sharing and what an amazing job the students have done this year. I have seen the students grow in confidence getting up and presenting, as well as their ability to formulate questions about what is being shared. This week Auggie and Jackie will share on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and Will on Thursday and Isabella on Friday. Thanks for the support you have given your child this year to help them prepare for their sharing day.
All library books are due back soon with our last checkout on May 7. Last week of library classes is the week May 6-10.
Blake E. will be Principal for the Day on May 10 and he would like to give permission for students to wear their favorite shirts. So Friday is Spirit Day and Wear Your Favorite Shirt To School Day.
Mrs. Samuel Day will take place on Tuesday, May 14. There will be a presentation in the Janet Root Theater in Mrs. Samuel's honor. If your child had Mrs. Samuel as a teacher, he/she will attend.
In language arts this week we will continue reading Folk Tales and do some more Readers' Theater. The students will also do some prompt writing, as well as finish off their reflection about second grade. Spelling words this week are more homonyms and vocabulary words relate to our Africa study.
In math, your child will be bringing home their latest test from Unit 7 and the new Family Letter about Unit 8: Fractions. Please view, sign and return the math quiz that I will file with your child's other math tests. We will be reviewing equal parts of one, exploring fractions, multiplication and division and use fractions to name parts of collections.
In social studies, the students will continue exploring Africa and South America. Today in technology your child used the online encyclopedia to read about South America and record on a web interesting facts about it. Some students even got a chance to explore a topic of their choice including the Amazon Rainforest.
In science, the students have become very familiar with the life cycle of one special animal. Now, they will apply the life cycle concepts to other plants and animals within their experience. Students will apply a concept they have learned in this unit to new situations; expand their knowledge of the life cycles of other plants and animals and realize that cycles are regenerative: life begets life.
If you have not already let me know that you will be joining us on Wednesday for our field trip to MOSI, please do so. The group rate is $8. We are planning on arriving at MOSI by 9:30 and the students will be exploring the museum before doing a hands-on lesson called, Ooey Gooey, where they will take ordinary things and make slime that will ooze through their fingers. Lunch will be 12:00 and we will be back at school in time for dismissal. It will be a fabulous day out. Please make sure you pack your child their snack and lunch in a disposable bag, unless they ordered from SAGE in advanced.
Splash Day will take place on Friday, May 17th. The PE teachers will be sending home more details as the time approaches.
On Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their electronic portfolios after Town Meeting. The meeting place will be the computer lab. Come sit with your child as they share some of the work they have done this year in second grade.
This is the last month for Current Event sharing and what an amazing job the students have done this year. I have seen the students grow in confidence getting up and presenting, as well as their ability to formulate questions about what is being shared. This week Auggie and Jackie will share on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and Will on Thursday and Isabella on Friday. Thanks for the support you have given your child this year to help them prepare for their sharing day.
All library books are due back soon with our last checkout on May 7. Last week of library classes is the week May 6-10.
Blake E. will be Principal for the Day on May 10 and he would like to give permission for students to wear their favorite shirts. So Friday is Spirit Day and Wear Your Favorite Shirt To School Day.
Mrs. Samuel Day will take place on Tuesday, May 14. There will be a presentation in the Janet Root Theater in Mrs. Samuel's honor. If your child had Mrs. Samuel as a teacher, he/she will attend.
In language arts this week we will continue reading Folk Tales and do some more Readers' Theater. The students will also do some prompt writing, as well as finish off their reflection about second grade. Spelling words this week are more homonyms and vocabulary words relate to our Africa study.
In math, your child will be bringing home their latest test from Unit 7 and the new Family Letter about Unit 8: Fractions. Please view, sign and return the math quiz that I will file with your child's other math tests. We will be reviewing equal parts of one, exploring fractions, multiplication and division and use fractions to name parts of collections.
In social studies, the students will continue exploring Africa and South America. Today in technology your child used the online encyclopedia to read about South America and record on a web interesting facts about it. Some students even got a chance to explore a topic of their choice including the Amazon Rainforest.
In science, the students have become very familiar with the life cycle of one special animal. Now, they will apply the life cycle concepts to other plants and animals within their experience. Students will apply a concept they have learned in this unit to new situations; expand their knowledge of the life cycles of other plants and animals and realize that cycles are regenerative: life begets life.
Monday, April 29, 2013
April 29-May 2
Welcome to second grade and another jammed packed week of learning and discovery.
If you have not already let me know that you will be joining us next week on our field trip to MOSI, please do so. The group rate is $8. We are planning on arriving at MOSI by 9:30 and the students will be exploring the museum before doing a hands-on lesson called, Ooey Gooey, where they will take ordinary things and make slime that will ooze through their fingers. Lunch will be 12:00 and we will be back at school in time for dismissal. It will be a fabulous day out.
Splash Day will take place on Friday, May 17th. The PE teachers will be sending home more details as the time approaches.
On Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their electronic portfolios after Town Meeting. The meeting place will be the computer lab. Come sit with your child as they share some of the work they have done this year in second grade.
Parent Reader this Friday will be Matt Emerson.
This week will be open sharing and no Current Events scheduled. Please check the new sharing calendar in your child's Take Home Folder for the day they will be scheduled to share in May.
In language arts this week we will be reading Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile by Tomie de Paola. We will continue examining the structure of Folk Tales and doing more Readers Theater using Folk Tales from Africa. The students will continue writing reflections and working on their electronic portfolios to share with you soon. Spelling words this week are homonyms. Today I read a book called, Homonyms (Hair and Hare and other Words that Sound the Same but Look as Different as Bear and Bare) by Joan Hanson. The students will work on creating their own books about Homonyms.
In math, we will finish off Unit 7. The students will make a frequency table, line plot, and bar graph for a set of data and find the median of a set of data. We will review the big concepts/skills taught in this unit and the students will do their Unit 7 Assessment on Friday. Please review doubling and halving at home with your child.
In social studies, the students will do an A to Z scavenger hunt on Africa using various resources including the internet and non-fiction texts.
In science, the students have become very familiar with the life cycle of one special animal. Now, they will apply the life cycle concepts to other plants and animals within their experience. Students will apply a concept they have learned in this unit to new situations; expand their knowledge of the life cycles of other plants and animals and realize that cycles are regenerative: life begets life.
The class mural the students created during Celebrate the Arts week.
If you have not already let me know that you will be joining us next week on our field trip to MOSI, please do so. The group rate is $8. We are planning on arriving at MOSI by 9:30 and the students will be exploring the museum before doing a hands-on lesson called, Ooey Gooey, where they will take ordinary things and make slime that will ooze through their fingers. Lunch will be 12:00 and we will be back at school in time for dismissal. It will be a fabulous day out.
Splash Day will take place on Friday, May 17th. The PE teachers will be sending home more details as the time approaches.
On Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their electronic portfolios after Town Meeting. The meeting place will be the computer lab. Come sit with your child as they share some of the work they have done this year in second grade.
Parent Reader this Friday will be Matt Emerson.
This week will be open sharing and no Current Events scheduled. Please check the new sharing calendar in your child's Take Home Folder for the day they will be scheduled to share in May.
In language arts this week we will be reading Bill and Pete Go Down the Nile by Tomie de Paola. We will continue examining the structure of Folk Tales and doing more Readers Theater using Folk Tales from Africa. The students will continue writing reflections and working on their electronic portfolios to share with you soon. Spelling words this week are homonyms. Today I read a book called, Homonyms (Hair and Hare and other Words that Sound the Same but Look as Different as Bear and Bare) by Joan Hanson. The students will work on creating their own books about Homonyms.
In math, we will finish off Unit 7. The students will make a frequency table, line plot, and bar graph for a set of data and find the median of a set of data. We will review the big concepts/skills taught in this unit and the students will do their Unit 7 Assessment on Friday. Please review doubling and halving at home with your child.
In social studies, the students will do an A to Z scavenger hunt on Africa using various resources including the internet and non-fiction texts.
In science, the students have become very familiar with the life cycle of one special animal. Now, they will apply the life cycle concepts to other plants and animals within their experience. Students will apply a concept they have learned in this unit to new situations; expand their knowledge of the life cycles of other plants and animals and realize that cycles are regenerative: life begets life.
The class mural the students created during Celebrate the Arts week.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Electronic Portfolio Sharing and Field Trip to MOSI
On Wednesday, May 8th, second grade will be going on a field trip to MOSI (http://www.mosi.org/). The buses will leave school at 8:30am and return in time for dismissal. If you are interested in accompanying a small group of students around the museum, please contact me by next Friday, May 3.
The special group rate for anyone who wants to attend will be $8, which needs to be paid at the same time I will be paying for the group upon entering the museum. Because of limited space on the buses, we ask that you make arrangements to meet us there at MOSI. Last year several parents travelled together and followed the school buses to MOSI. Thanks for your support and understanding.
On Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their Electronic Portfolios with you after Town Meeting (8:15am).You will get to view samples of work from technology, art, Spanish, math, and language arts. Come celebrate your child's achievements.
The special group rate for anyone who wants to attend will be $8, which needs to be paid at the same time I will be paying for the group upon entering the museum. Because of limited space on the buses, we ask that you make arrangements to meet us there at MOSI. Last year several parents travelled together and followed the school buses to MOSI. Thanks for your support and understanding.
On Monday, May 20th, the students will be sharing their Electronic Portfolios with you after Town Meeting (8:15am).You will get to view samples of work from technology, art, Spanish, math, and language arts. Come celebrate your child's achievements.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
April 23-26
The students and I had a fantastic time last week Celebrating the Arts. From hoola monsters, to participating in a drum circle, we all had a terrific time.
Hoola Monsters
Creating a mural
The fun does not stop with our Lunch time Science Activity tomorrow. The students will be involved in an activity entitled, Eat a Plant, as well as create their very own terrariums.
Last Friday, we released out Painted Lady Butterflies in the garden. It was difficult for some of the students to say goodbye, but realized that they were better off in their natural environment where they have room to fly, can find a variety of foods and can mate and then lay eggs to produce the next generation.
We now have two monarch butterflies that have emerged from their chrysalis that we are comparing to the Painted Lady Butterfly. The students will also review this unit by revisiting all the work they have produced. After reviewing the materials, students will use their own data to answer their questions about the life cycle of the butterfly.
Our parent reader this week will be M. Davis and the students will continue presenting Current Events, so please have your child check their calendar for April (that is in their take home folder).
In math, we will continue reviewing doubles and halves, measure length to the nearest centimeter and inch, sort numerical data and arrange data in ascending or descending order, and find the middle value (median) for a set of numerical data.
Our story of the week in language arts is a folk tale from Africa, Why Do Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema as we begin to look at folk tales. The students are continuing to work on their electronic portfolios, including writing and recording their own reflections.
We will begin our journey to Africa by locating it on the world map and recording interesting facts found online and in various non-fiction texts on a graphic aid.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Lunchtime Science
This Wednesday, we are celebrating science by having the students participate in Lunchtime Science. If you are interested in volunteering between 11-1, please contact Gina White. We are also in need of empty two liter bottles for our terrariums, so if you have not sent one if with your child, please do so tomorrow (Tuesday). If you have any extra bottles, please send these in too.
Last Thursday, your child came home with a note listing an item they will need to bring into school tomorrow for our lunchtime science activity. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Last Thursday, your child came home with a note listing an item they will need to bring into school tomorrow for our lunchtime science activity. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Monday, April 15, 2013
April 15-19
I really enjoyed Teacher Appreciation Day, which seem to run all week, with breakfast each morning, special lunches, fruit baskets, gift cards and flowers. Thank you so much for making my week special. As I wrote before, it is such a pleasure coming to school each day to teach your children.
A big thank you for coming out last Friday to support the students as they shared information about people who have made a difference in the world. From Doctor Martin Luther King Junior and Pele, to Queen Elizabeth I and Cleopatra, the students transformed themselves and did an amazing job.
This week we Celebrate the Arts. I found an interesting article online about 10 skills children learn from the arts:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/01/22/top-10-skills-children-learn-from-the-arts/
Various activities have been organized for the week including a presentation by a rock band on Tuesday and Drumming Group on Thursday.
The Celebrate the Arts Teach-in will be on Friday from 9-10:35. The Musical Program by the students will begin at 11:00 with a picnic lunch to follow. The students will need to wear a plain white t-shirt to school with Shorecrest bottoms (pants, shorts, or skort).
If you haven't bought tickets to see the Upper Division musical, The Music Man, I would encourage you to do so. The musical is a fun one, with great dancing and music. You are in for a treat. I am also a very proud mom, with my daughter Grace returning to the stage playing Gracie, the mayors youngest daughter.
Current Events presenters this week are: Auggie and Jackie on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and Will on Thursday and Isabella on Friday.
The next meeting for the ADHD Support Group is April 24th from 6:30-7:30pm in the Children's Studio. The topic will be health impact of ADHD.
There is no school on Monday, April 22. Relax and have fun (as I am planning on doing).
Feeding the Children Everywhere starts at 9am and ends at 2pm on Sunday, April 29.
This week the students are reviewing spelling words for the last four weeks. This morning I gave the students a pre-test to see what words the students needed to still practice. Please check the back of the homework log for words your child still needs to memorize and I will quiz them on these words this Friday. I will also be quizzing the students recall of doubles and halves, which is part of our math lesson this week. These facts are recorded on the back of the homework log. One of the major ways to solve problems is by using mental math.
This week we are reading non-fiction books related to the arts, to coincide with Celebrate the Arts. Our non-fiction unit is coming to an end, and we will do some reflecting this week. We will recap text features of non-fiction books and the students will have some time writing up and presenting their book recommendations.
The students will continue writing and recording reflections in their Voice Thread, that you will have a chance to view in May (an invitation will be coming your way soon). This Voice Thread showcases some of the work they have completed this year.
In math, we will continue to practice the trade first subtraction method as well as help build up mental arithmetic skills for adding three or more 1 and 2 digit numbers. The students will also practice repeated doubling and halving. and revisit equal sharing of money.
In science, we are continuing to observe the chrysalis and observe the butterflies emerging from them. The will also observe some distinct butterfly body parts (proboscis, abdomen, six legs). We will also compare the Painted Lady Butterfly to the Monarch Butterfly (in Venn Diagram form).
We will finish our study of Asia with some research about the panda (from China) and work on our A to Z book (compiling facts we have collected along the way in our study).
I wish you a wonderful week. Thanks again for all your support -
Ms. O'Mullane
A big thank you for coming out last Friday to support the students as they shared information about people who have made a difference in the world. From Doctor Martin Luther King Junior and Pele, to Queen Elizabeth I and Cleopatra, the students transformed themselves and did an amazing job.
This week we Celebrate the Arts. I found an interesting article online about 10 skills children learn from the arts:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/01/22/top-10-skills-children-learn-from-the-arts/
Various activities have been organized for the week including a presentation by a rock band on Tuesday and Drumming Group on Thursday.
The Celebrate the Arts Teach-in will be on Friday from 9-10:35. The Musical Program by the students will begin at 11:00 with a picnic lunch to follow. The students will need to wear a plain white t-shirt to school with Shorecrest bottoms (pants, shorts, or skort).
If you haven't bought tickets to see the Upper Division musical, The Music Man, I would encourage you to do so. The musical is a fun one, with great dancing and music. You are in for a treat. I am also a very proud mom, with my daughter Grace returning to the stage playing Gracie, the mayors youngest daughter.
Current Events presenters this week are: Auggie and Jackie on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and Will on Thursday and Isabella on Friday.
The next meeting for the ADHD Support Group is April 24th from 6:30-7:30pm in the Children's Studio. The topic will be health impact of ADHD.
There is no school on Monday, April 22. Relax and have fun (as I am planning on doing).
Feeding the Children Everywhere starts at 9am and ends at 2pm on Sunday, April 29.
This week the students are reviewing spelling words for the last four weeks. This morning I gave the students a pre-test to see what words the students needed to still practice. Please check the back of the homework log for words your child still needs to memorize and I will quiz them on these words this Friday. I will also be quizzing the students recall of doubles and halves, which is part of our math lesson this week. These facts are recorded on the back of the homework log. One of the major ways to solve problems is by using mental math.
This week we are reading non-fiction books related to the arts, to coincide with Celebrate the Arts. Our non-fiction unit is coming to an end, and we will do some reflecting this week. We will recap text features of non-fiction books and the students will have some time writing up and presenting their book recommendations.
The students will continue writing and recording reflections in their Voice Thread, that you will have a chance to view in May (an invitation will be coming your way soon). This Voice Thread showcases some of the work they have completed this year.
In math, we will continue to practice the trade first subtraction method as well as help build up mental arithmetic skills for adding three or more 1 and 2 digit numbers. The students will also practice repeated doubling and halving. and revisit equal sharing of money.
In science, we are continuing to observe the chrysalis and observe the butterflies emerging from them. The will also observe some distinct butterfly body parts (proboscis, abdomen, six legs). We will also compare the Painted Lady Butterfly to the Monarch Butterfly (in Venn Diagram form).
We will finish our study of Asia with some research about the panda (from China) and work on our A to Z book (compiling facts we have collected along the way in our study).
I wish you a wonderful week. Thanks again for all your support -
Ms. O'Mullane
Monday, April 8, 2013
April 8-12
Thanks to the warm birthday wishes. I really loved the clay pot the students helped decorate for me, flowers, gift cards and cards. I felt very loved on my special day. It is such a pleasure coming to school each day and working with your children.
Tomorrow is our second field trip for the year. We will be learning about clay art form at the Morean Arts Center of Clay from 9:30-10:45am. The students will also have a chance to work with clay after the demonstrations. We will return for lunch at school.
Come meet some famous people who have made a difference in the world this Friday, April 12, at 8:20am. Please have your child come to school dressed as their person they have written their All About Book on. You do not need to buy a costume. Be creative! They will need to bring their uniform to change into after the celebration.
Your child will be presenting as if they are that person. Homework this week is memorizing facts about this person.
Celebrate the Arts is the week of April 15-19. On April 19, we invite you to the Children's Celebrate the Arts performance at 11am. This share will be followed by a picnic lunch with your child.
On Sunday, April 28, we are asking for volunteers from the Shorecrest community to help pack food bags in the new Athletic Center. The event is called Feeding Children Everywhere. It starts at 9AM and ends at 2PM. I hope to see you there. It is another way we can come together to make a difference in the lives of children.
There is no school on Monday, April 22.
Current Event Sharing this week will be Claire and Matthew on Tuesday, Noah and Stella DeFrain on Wednesday, Nico and Rose on Thursday, and Nick and Stella Davis on Friday.
Please take a look at new Unit 7 Math Family Letter coming home today. In Unit 7, children will concentrate on number patterns, computational skills, and the application of mathematics through the use of data. They will continue to use the 100-grid to support their numeration skills and also explore the patterns of doubling and halving numbers, which will help prepare them for multiplication and division.
This Family Letter lists vocabulary and Do Anytime Activities to help support your work with your child on the concepts taught in this unit and in previous units. Please keep this Family Letter for reference as your child works through Unit 7.
In science, we will continue to watch our caterpillars undergo an amazing transformation - turning into a chrysalis, the third stage in its life cycle.
Will's mom will return to show us a model of a dolphin and answer some of the questions we have about them.
In social studies, we will continue building up our fact files about the continent of Asia.
I wish you a wonderful week, in all that you do.
Ms. O'Mullane
Monday, April 1, 2013
April 1-5, 2013
RELAY FOR LIFE
Teachers and students may wear their Relay shirts or purple shirts Monday - Friday 4/1-4/5. Students must wear their uniform bottoms with their purple shirt. This year's Relay event will commence at an all school assembly kick off lap, at 9am on Friday at the track with the students walking the track during the day with their PE classes.
FIELD TRIP
As part of "Celebrate the Arts", we will be learning about clay art form at the Morean Arts Center of Clay on Tuesday, April 9 from 9:30-10:45am. The students will also have a chance to work with clay after the demonstrations. We will return for lunch at school. It is a very small building; so if you would like to meet us there, please let me know if advance in case space is an issue.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS
Celebrate the Arts is the week of April 15-19. On April 19, we invite you to the Children's Celebrate the Arts performance at 11am. This share will be followed by a picnic lunch with your child. The children are expected to sit down and eat lunch. They will have recess at another time during the day. Please don't let your child run around or play on the playground.
FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE
On Sunday, April 28, we are asking for volunteers from the Shorecrest community to help pack food bags in the new Athletic Center. The event is called Feeding Children Everywhere. It starts at 9AM and ends at 2PM. I hope to see you there. It is another way we can come together to make a difference in the lives of children.
There is no school on Monday, April 22.
CURRENT EVENT SHARING this week will be Auggie and Jackie on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and Will on Thursday; and Isabella on Friday.
Parent Reader this week will be Gina White.
The students are in for another fun and busy week ahead. We will continue reading biographies in Reading Workshop and study non-fiction text features. The students will study the information they collected and organized in a graphic aid and make an All About Book about this amazing person who made a difference in the world. They will also create a simple visual aid that represents this historial figure. In math, the students will practice the partial sums addition method and trade first subtraction method. In social studies, the students will continue exploring Asia, including the people and culture. In science, the students will continue observing their caterpillars and learn more about them, including watching how they molt. Also, we are excited that Will's mom, a marine biologist, will be visiting as a guest presenter on Thursday.
If you have any questions about what we are doing in class or ways you can support your child at home, please don't hesitate to contact me any time.
I wish you a wonderful week. Enjoy this spring weather.
Teachers and students may wear their Relay shirts or purple shirts Monday - Friday 4/1-4/5. Students must wear their uniform bottoms with their purple shirt. This year's Relay event will commence at an all school assembly kick off lap, at 9am on Friday at the track with the students walking the track during the day with their PE classes.
FIELD TRIP
As part of "Celebrate the Arts", we will be learning about clay art form at the Morean Arts Center of Clay on Tuesday, April 9 from 9:30-10:45am. The students will also have a chance to work with clay after the demonstrations. We will return for lunch at school. It is a very small building; so if you would like to meet us there, please let me know if advance in case space is an issue.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS
Celebrate the Arts is the week of April 15-19. On April 19, we invite you to the Children's Celebrate the Arts performance at 11am. This share will be followed by a picnic lunch with your child. The children are expected to sit down and eat lunch. They will have recess at another time during the day. Please don't let your child run around or play on the playground.
FEEDING CHILDREN EVERYWHERE
On Sunday, April 28, we are asking for volunteers from the Shorecrest community to help pack food bags in the new Athletic Center. The event is called Feeding Children Everywhere. It starts at 9AM and ends at 2PM. I hope to see you there. It is another way we can come together to make a difference in the lives of children.
There is no school on Monday, April 22.
CURRENT EVENT SHARING this week will be Auggie and Jackie on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and Will on Thursday; and Isabella on Friday.
Parent Reader this week will be Gina White.
The students are in for another fun and busy week ahead. We will continue reading biographies in Reading Workshop and study non-fiction text features. The students will study the information they collected and organized in a graphic aid and make an All About Book about this amazing person who made a difference in the world. They will also create a simple visual aid that represents this historial figure. In math, the students will practice the partial sums addition method and trade first subtraction method. In social studies, the students will continue exploring Asia, including the people and culture. In science, the students will continue observing their caterpillars and learn more about them, including watching how they molt. Also, we are excited that Will's mom, a marine biologist, will be visiting as a guest presenter on Thursday.
If you have any questions about what we are doing in class or ways you can support your child at home, please don't hesitate to contact me any time.
I wish you a wonderful week. Enjoy this spring weather.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Math Games
Many games you have at home or see at the local store involve mathematical thinking. Children develop their skill in an almost effortless way when they play these games with each other and adults. The ages shown are suggested by the manufacturer, however, let the interest and motivation of your child be your guide when selecting and playing the games (Rf. Everyday Math, Home Connection Handbook).
Counting, Adding and Subtracting
Chutes and Ladders (3+)
Hi Ho! Cherry-O (3+)
Sorry! (6+)
Trouble (6+)
Uno (6+)
Attributes, Patterns, and Geometry
Crazy Eights - traditional card game (4+)
Guess Who? (6+)
Guess Where? (6+)
Jigsaw puzzles
Rummikub (8+)
tangrams (5+)
Strategy and Spacial Perception
The a-MAZE-ing Labyrinth (8+)
Battleship (7+)
checkers (3+)
Jenga (3+)
Connect Four (7+)
mancala (6+)
memory (many names exist for this game of matching face-down pictures (3+)
Mille Bornes (8+)
Othello (8+)
Pretty Pretty Princess (5+)
More excellent games can be found on the Internet by searching under "educational math games."
I have posted some of these links on the right side of my blog.
Top 10 Ways to Help Your Kids Do Well in Math
Mastering Math
Mastering mathematics is absolutely essential for future opportunities in school and careers. Your children will need to reach a certain level of competency in math to take many advanced high-school courses, to be admitted to college, and to have a wide variety of career choices. Here's how you can help them maximize their math-smarts.
Mastering mathematics is absolutely essential for future opportunities in school and careers. Your children will need to reach a certain level of competency in math to take many advanced high-school courses, to be admitted to college, and to have a wide variety of career choices. Here's how you can help them maximize their math-smarts.
1. Make sure your children understand mathematical concepts.
Otherwise, math becomes a meaningless mental exercise of just memorizing rules and doing rote drills. Have your children manipulate objects to figure out basic concepts. For addition, they could add one, two, or more blocks to a pile of blocks and then tell you how many blocks are in the pile.
Otherwise, math becomes a meaningless mental exercise of just memorizing rules and doing rote drills. Have your children manipulate objects to figure out basic concepts. For addition, they could add one, two, or more blocks to a pile of blocks and then tell you how many blocks are in the pile.
2. Help them master the basic facts.
Mastery of a basic fact means that children can give an answer in less than three seconds. Considerable drill is required for children to give quick responses. Use flash cards to help your children learn the basic facts. When they don't know an answer, have them lay out objects to solve the problem.
Mastery of a basic fact means that children can give an answer in less than three seconds. Considerable drill is required for children to give quick responses. Use flash cards to help your children learn the basic facts. When they don't know an answer, have them lay out objects to solve the problem.
3. Teach them to write their numbers neatly.
Twenty-five percent of all errors in solving math problems can be traced back to sloppy number writing. Improve your children's number-writing skills by having them trace over numbers that you have written. Suggest they use graph paper to keep the numbers in problems neatly aligned.
Twenty-five percent of all errors in solving math problems can be traced back to sloppy number writing. Improve your children's number-writing skills by having them trace over numbers that you have written. Suggest they use graph paper to keep the numbers in problems neatly aligned.
4. Provide help immediately when your children need it.
Math is one subject in which everything builds upon what has been previously learned. For example, a failure to understand the concept of percent leads to problems with decimals. If a teacher is unable to help your children, provide the help yourself or use a tutor or learning center.
Math is one subject in which everything builds upon what has been previously learned. For example, a failure to understand the concept of percent leads to problems with decimals. If a teacher is unable to help your children, provide the help yourself or use a tutor or learning center.
5. Show them how to handle their math homework.
Doing math homework reinforces the skills your children are learning in class. Teach them to begin every assignment by studying the textbook or worksheet examples. Then have them redo the examples before beginning the assignment to make sure they understand the lesson.
Doing math homework reinforces the skills your children are learning in class. Teach them to begin every assignment by studying the textbook or worksheet examples. Then have them redo the examples before beginning the assignment to make sure they understand the lesson.
6. Encourage your children to do more than the assigned
problems.
Considerable practice is necessary for your children to hone their math skills. If the teacher only assigns the even problems, having them do some of the odd ones will strengthen their skills. The more time your children spend practicing their skills, the sooner they will develop confidence in their abilities.
problems.
Considerable practice is necessary for your children to hone their math skills. If the teacher only assigns the even problems, having them do some of the odd ones will strengthen their skills. The more time your children spend practicing their skills, the sooner they will develop confidence in their abilities.
7. Explain how to solve word problems.
Mathematicians have an expression: To learn to solve problems, you must solve problems. Teach your children to read a word problem several times. Also, have them draw a picture or diagram to describe it. Make it easier for them to understand the steps in a problem by teaching them to substitute smaller numbers for larger ones.
Mathematicians have an expression: To learn to solve problems, you must solve problems. Teach your children to read a word problem several times. Also, have them draw a picture or diagram to describe it. Make it easier for them to understand the steps in a problem by teaching them to substitute smaller numbers for larger ones.
8. Help your children learn the vocabulary of mathematics.
They will never get a real feeling for math nor learn more advanced concepts without an understanding of its vocabulary. Check that your children can define new terms. If not, have them use models and simple problems to show you they understand how the term is used.
They will never get a real feeling for math nor learn more advanced concepts without an understanding of its vocabulary. Check that your children can define new terms. If not, have them use models and simple problems to show you they understand how the term is used.
9.Teach them how to do math "in their head."
One of the major ways to solve problems is by using mental math. Kids should use this method frequently instead of using pencil and paper or a calculator. When helping your children with a problem, help them determine when it would be appropriate to use mental math.
One of the major ways to solve problems is by using mental math. Kids should use this method frequently instead of using pencil and paper or a calculator. When helping your children with a problem, help them determine when it would be appropriate to use mental math.
10. Make mathematics part of your children's daily life.
Mathematics will become more meaningful when your kids see how important it is in so many real-life situations. Encourage them to use math in practical ways. For example, ask them to space new plants a certain distance apart, double a recipe, and pay bills in stores.
Mathematics will become more meaningful when your kids see how important it is in so many real-life situations. Encourage them to use math in practical ways. For example, ask them to space new plants a certain distance apart, double a recipe, and pay bills in stores.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Field Trip to Morean Arts Center
As a part of “Celebrate the Arts,” we will be
learning about the clay art form at the Morean
Arts Center of Clay on Tuesday, April 9 from 9:30-10:45
am. The students will also have a chance to work with clay after the
demonstration. We will return for lunch at school.
It is a very small building; so if you would like to
meet us there, please let me know in advance in case space is an issue.
For
further info: http://www.moreanartscenter.org/content.php?id=30
Monday, March 25, 2013
March 25-29
This morning our Shorecrest Community dedicated the playground and garden to our friend Mrs. Weinman. What a beautiful event. Mrs. Weinman worked hard on creating a space for children to play in and garden to relax in . Thanks to all who brought in a flower for our garden. After the ceremony the students got to plant their flower in the garden. They were so excited to be doing this in memory of Mrs. Weinman. I can't wait to see our flowers grow and blossom each and every spring.
"My name is Jessica J. and I am in seventh grade. My father goes to Jamaica every year to do charity heart surgery on children with congenital heart disease with the mission group Cardiac Kids Foundation. I am doing a clothing drive to collect clothing from the students in Lower Division for the less fortunate children in Jamaica. I am asking the children (with their parents' help) to go through their closets and look for any gently used or new items that don't fit them, such as clothing, shoes, socks, hats, and accessories. Think of it as spring-cleaning with an act of kindness attached to it! Students can put the clothing items in a bin by the LD office labeled "Jamaica Cardiac Mission".
Since my father leaves on April 1, the clothing drive will be completed by Friday, March 29, so he can bring the clothes with him on the surgery mission.
Thank you!
After working in the garden, our fourth grade friends came to read some non-fiction texts in Spanish to us. They followed up with some activities including drawing and labeling pictures in Spanish from the text they had shared.
What a fantastic start to another week in second grade!
This week, as a part of our biography unit in Reading Workshop, the students will be reading a biography about someone who made a difference in the world and gathering facts about this person and organizing this information within a graphic aid.
In math, the students will continue exploring situations that require equal sharing or making equal groups of things. We will then review the big concepts covered in Unit 6 before the students sit for the Unit 6 Math Assessment.
In science, our caterpillars will arrive and the students will prepare the food cups vital to the survival of the caterpillars and learn how to care for them. The students will then meet the caterpillars and record their first observations.
Will's mom will also come in to our class to share her knowledge and expertise about dolphins. We can't wait!
In social studies, the students will continue learning about Asia and create a fact file about the world's largest continent.
Other Reminders:
* Current Events sharing continues this week with Claire and Matthew sharing on Tuesday; Noah and Stella DeFrain sharing on Wednesday; Nico and Rose sharing on Thursday; and Nick and Stella Davis sharing on Friday.
* Relay for Life is next Friday, April 5th.
* Celebrate the Arts is the week of April 15-19. On April 19, we invite you to the children's Celebrate the Arts performance at 11:00am. This share will be followed by a picnic lunch with your child (LUNCH ORDER FORMS ARE COMING HOME TODAY).
* On Sunday, April 28, Shorecrest is asking for volunteers from the community to help pack food bags in the new Athletics Center. The event is called Feeding Children Everywhere. It starts at 9am and ends at 2pm.
* A Used Clothing Drive is taking place by one of our former students. Please read note below:
"My name is Jessica J. and I am in seventh grade. My father goes to Jamaica every year to do charity heart surgery on children with congenital heart disease with the mission group Cardiac Kids Foundation. I am doing a clothing drive to collect clothing from the students in Lower Division for the less fortunate children in Jamaica. I am asking the children (with their parents' help) to go through their closets and look for any gently used or new items that don't fit them, such as clothing, shoes, socks, hats, and accessories. Think of it as spring-cleaning with an act of kindness attached to it! Students can put the clothing items in a bin by the LD office labeled "Jamaica Cardiac Mission".
Since my father leaves on April 1, the clothing drive will be completed by Friday, March 29, so he can bring the clothes with him on the surgery mission.
Thank you!
Monday, March 18, 2013
Playground Dedication
The Playground dedication will be on Monday, March 25 at 8:05AM. The lower division will gather around the new playground next Monday, March 25th at 8:05AM. Please send your child to school with a small flower plant that loves the sun. We will plant them in the garden in honor of Ms. Weinman.
March 18-22, 2013
Reading Week & Oldie Goldie Book Sale: Reading Week will take place this week in honor of Mrs. Weinman with the Oldie Goldie Book Sale taking place on Friday, March 22.
Here's what the week will look like:
Monday - There will be a Town Meeting on Monday, March 18, for students to share their favorite book and dress up as your favorite Book Character.
Tuesday – Outside – “Drop Everything and Read” (8:15-8:50) and buddy reading with JK.
Students will need to bring a towel to school to sit on for Drop Everything and Read.
Students will need to bring a towel to school to sit on for Drop Everything and Read.
Thursday – Community Read Aloud (at lunch, between classes, partner reading). Guest faculty read aloud to children.
Friday – Oldie Goldie Book Fair
We will also be doing buddy reading with Kindergarten.
It should be a wonderful week celebrating good literature.
We will also spotlight a different author each day in class.
We will also spotlight a different author each day in class.
Friday, March 1, 2013
4 DAYS UNTIL SPRING BREAK!
A four day week this week with Spring Break on the horizon. There will be no new spelling or vocabulary words this week. We will be starting our new non-fiction unit in reading and writing workshop and continue working on our electronic portfolios to share with you in May. In math, we will be reviewing solution strategies for subtraction of 2-digit numbers and review making ballpark estimates and adding 2 and 3 digit numbers using the partial sums method.
On Tuesday, the students will be involved in a Theater Workshop with the Upper School Theater Group as part of mini-mester week. I know they are in for a treat.
Thursday is Field Day, which the students are excited about. The coaches have put together what is sure to be a fun event for all. Your child has been assigned to a team designated by a color (I sent home a note about this last Friday). The coaches ask that your child wear their team's colored athletic clothing and proper athletic shoes to school on Field Day, March 7, 2013. Remember also to slap on sunscreen and pack your child a hat for them to wear out on the field. Field Day for the students will begin promptly at 9:30am and last until 11:00am.
On Thursday afternoon, the students will have their compliment party for filling up our Q Jar for the second time this year. I will not be in the classroom on this day because I will be leading dance games in Junior Kinder. My sub. will take charge and see the students have a fun time celebrating.
Friday is a no school day for the students, so you get to start your Spring Break early. I wish you a very happy and relaxing break.
Following Spring Break will be Reading Week
On Tuesday, the students will be involved in a Theater Workshop with the Upper School Theater Group as part of mini-mester week. I know they are in for a treat.
Thursday is Field Day, which the students are excited about. The coaches have put together what is sure to be a fun event for all. Your child has been assigned to a team designated by a color (I sent home a note about this last Friday). The coaches ask that your child wear their team's colored athletic clothing and proper athletic shoes to school on Field Day, March 7, 2013. Remember also to slap on sunscreen and pack your child a hat for them to wear out on the field. Field Day for the students will begin promptly at 9:30am and last until 11:00am.
On Thursday afternoon, the students will have their compliment party for filling up our Q Jar for the second time this year. I will not be in the classroom on this day because I will be leading dance games in Junior Kinder. My sub. will take charge and see the students have a fun time celebrating.
Friday is a no school day for the students, so you get to start your Spring Break early. I wish you a very happy and relaxing break.
Following Spring Break will be Reading Week
Reading Week will take place the week of March 18 – 22 in honor of Dawn with the Oldie Goldie Book Sale will be on Friday, March 22.
On Monday (March 18) there will be a Town Meeting for students to share their favorite book and dress up as their favorite Book Character; Tuesday we will be outside for Drop Everything and Read (8:15-8:50). Please have your child bring in a towel to sit on. On Wednesday, Mrs. Smay will present the Book Shelf project to the students. On Thursday, we will be having a Community Read Aloud (at lunch, between classes, partner reading) with a "guest faculty" read aloud to children. On Friday, is the Oldie Goldie Book Fair.
Warmest wishes - Ms. O'Mullane
READING WEEK
Reading Week & Oldie Goldie Book Sale: Reading Week will take place the week of March 18 – 22 in honor of Mrs. Weinman with the Oldie Goldie Book Sale taking place on Friday, March 22.
Here's what the week will look like:
Monday - There will be a Town Meeting on Monday, March 18, for students to share their favorite book and dress up as your favorite Book Character.
Tuesday – Outside – “Drop Everything and Read” (8:15-8:50)
Wednesday – View Book shelf Exhibit. Mrs. Smay will present the Bookshelf Project.
Thursday – Community Read Aloud (at lunch, between classes, partner reading). Guest faculty read aloud to children.
Friday – Oldie Goldie Book Fair
We will also be doing buddy reading with Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten.
It should be a wonderful week celebrating good literature.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wear Your Purple Shirts Tomorrow
Hello Everyone,
The students can wear their purple shirts with uniform bottoms tomorrow (Thursday, Feb, 28) for Relay for Life.
Hope to see you at our Cookout. Lunch is at 11:30.
Feb. 25-March 1
Welcome to our last week of February. I was so proud of the students efforts sharing last Friday. Our exhibit was a big success. Kindergarten visited at 1:00pm and then the parents at 2:15pm. . It was a pleasure watching the students become experts about Australia and interacting with their audience. They were so proud and you could see they enjoyed this experience. Thanks for being there and for the comments you shared with them about their work. This week the students will reflect on the project and I will film them sharing their work to put on their electronic portfolio.
Class pictures will be taken on, Feb. 26th. We ask that all students wear regular uniform items that day (no team shirts or spirit wear). Please access order forms by clicking on the link below (or you can go to the Shorecrest.org<Community>Parents Page) http://www.shorecrest.org/?page=ParentsPage.
The Relay for Life Cookout will be this Thursday, Feb. 28. Please plan to have lunch with your child on this day if you can. All proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Forms to sign up for lunch were send home last week, let us know if you need a new one. Sage will not be serving lunch on this day. Students can wear purple tops with uniform bottoms on this day.
Field Day will take place on Thursday March 7.
Spring Break is March 8-15 (Friday, March 8 is a Professional Day for Shorecrest Faculty and no school for the students).
Reading Week is the week of March 18-22. The Oldie Goldie Book Sale is on Friday, March 22. The entire week will be dedicated to Mrs. Weinman, We will also have a dedication ceremony on March 25 at 8:05 around the new playground.
Current Events sharing continues this week: Tuesday: Claire, Matthew; Wednesday: Noah and Stell DeFrain; Thursday: Nico, Rose; Friday: Nick and Stella Davis.
Our Parent Reader this week will be L. Engleby.
If you have not been in to read to the students and would like to, please email me. Parent Reader is held on Friday morning at 8:10 and I have a few spots open in April and May.
Class pictures will be taken on, Feb. 26th. We ask that all students wear regular uniform items that day (no team shirts or spirit wear). Please access order forms by clicking on the link below (or you can go to the Shorecrest.org<Community>Parents Page) http://www.shorecrest.org/?page=ParentsPage.
The Relay for Life Cookout will be this Thursday, Feb. 28. Please plan to have lunch with your child on this day if you can. All proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Forms to sign up for lunch were send home last week, let us know if you need a new one. Sage will not be serving lunch on this day. Students can wear purple tops with uniform bottoms on this day.
Field Day will take place on Thursday March 7.
Spring Break is March 8-15 (Friday, March 8 is a Professional Day for Shorecrest Faculty and no school for the students).
Reading Week is the week of March 18-22. The Oldie Goldie Book Sale is on Friday, March 22. The entire week will be dedicated to Mrs. Weinman, We will also have a dedication ceremony on March 25 at 8:05 around the new playground.
Current Events sharing continues this week: Tuesday: Claire, Matthew; Wednesday: Noah and Stell DeFrain; Thursday: Nico, Rose; Friday: Nick and Stella Davis.
Our Parent Reader this week will be L. Engleby.
If you have not been in to read to the students and would like to, please email me. Parent Reader is held on Friday morning at 8:10 and I have a few spots open in April and May.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Great Response to Re-Enrollment and Project Share
Thanks so much to all of you for the vote of confidence shown by how many of you re-enrolled without reminders! For those few who have not yet re-enrolled their children, please contact the admissions office if you have any concerns or questions.
Please join the students tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 22) at 2:15pm for their sharing of the Australian projects. If you can't make that time, we have an earlier session at 1:00pm for our Kindergarten Buddies.
Please join the students tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 22) at 2:15pm for their sharing of the Australian projects. If you can't make that time, we have an earlier session at 1:00pm for our Kindergarten Buddies.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Feb. 19-22, 2013
I hope you enjoyed your extra long weekend. It sounds like the students did some wonderful things, from skiing, to visiting the State Fair. I spent mine relaxing with my family. It has been such a busy month and I needed the rest.
I was so proud of the students sharing at Town Meeting this morning about what they would do if they were the President of the United States (to coincide with President's Day). If you did not get a chance to hear them share, I am planning on creating a Voice Thread in the upcoming weeks to post on my blog for you to view.
Current Events sharing continues this week with Jackie and Auggie on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and WIll on Thursday; and, Isabella on Friday.
Our Parent Reader this Friday will be J. Emerson.
The students have been working hard on researching facts about an Australian topic. If you can, please join us on Friday afternoon at 2:15pm for our museum exhibit. As you walk from one student to the next, please ask them to share a few things they learned about the animal, landmark, object, or culture they have presented in visual form. Please also keep in mind that the work you will view is all student generated and created after some research.
Class pictures will be taken on Tuesday, Feb. 26th. We ask that all students wear regular uniform items that day (no team shirts or spirit wear). Please access order forms by clicking on the link below (or you can go to the Shorecrest.org<Community>Parents Page) http://www.shorecrest.org/?page=ParentsPage
The Relay for Life Cookout will be on Thursday, Feb. 28. Please plan to have lunch with your child on this day if you can. All proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Forms to sign up for lunch were send home last week, let us know if you need a new one. Sage will not be serving lunch on this day.
Field Day will take place on Thursday March 7.
Spring Break is March 11-15.
Reading Week is the week of March 18-22. The Oldie Goldie Book Sale is on Friday, March 22. The entire week will be dedicated to Mrs. Weinman, We will also have a dedication ceremony on March 25 at 8:05 around the new playground.
The spelling pattern this week is eer. ear and our story of the week is George and Martha, The Clock by J. Marshall. Much of our writing and reading this week will be related to our Australian project and preparing to share the information gathered.
In Math, we will being our new unit. Please view and sign your child's latest Math Assessment that I am sending home today. Our new unit in Math is related to Whole-Number Operations and Number Stories and this week we will be reviewing strategies for solving addition problems, with emphasis on problems having three addends. We will also continue revisiting the partial-sums addition method.
We will be conclude our science unit by opening up the seed pods and planting the seeds that we harvested last week. Your child brought their plant home last Thursday and I encourage them to continue watering these at home and making observations.
If you have any questions about what is going on in the classroom, or specific about your child, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Have a wonderful week.
I was so proud of the students sharing at Town Meeting this morning about what they would do if they were the President of the United States (to coincide with President's Day). If you did not get a chance to hear them share, I am planning on creating a Voice Thread in the upcoming weeks to post on my blog for you to view.
Current Events sharing continues this week with Jackie and Auggie on Tuesday; Ainsley and Aidan on Wednesday; Victoria and WIll on Thursday; and, Isabella on Friday.
Our Parent Reader this Friday will be J. Emerson.
The students have been working hard on researching facts about an Australian topic. If you can, please join us on Friday afternoon at 2:15pm for our museum exhibit. As you walk from one student to the next, please ask them to share a few things they learned about the animal, landmark, object, or culture they have presented in visual form. Please also keep in mind that the work you will view is all student generated and created after some research.
Class pictures will be taken on Tuesday, Feb. 26th. We ask that all students wear regular uniform items that day (no team shirts or spirit wear). Please access order forms by clicking on the link below (or you can go to the Shorecrest.org<Community>Parents Page) http://www.shorecrest.org/?page=ParentsPage
The Relay for Life Cookout will be on Thursday, Feb. 28. Please plan to have lunch with your child on this day if you can. All proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Forms to sign up for lunch were send home last week, let us know if you need a new one. Sage will not be serving lunch on this day.
Field Day will take place on Thursday March 7.
Spring Break is March 11-15.
Reading Week is the week of March 18-22. The Oldie Goldie Book Sale is on Friday, March 22. The entire week will be dedicated to Mrs. Weinman, We will also have a dedication ceremony on March 25 at 8:05 around the new playground.
The spelling pattern this week is eer. ear and our story of the week is George and Martha, The Clock by J. Marshall. Much of our writing and reading this week will be related to our Australian project and preparing to share the information gathered.
In Math, we will being our new unit. Please view and sign your child's latest Math Assessment that I am sending home today. Our new unit in Math is related to Whole-Number Operations and Number Stories and this week we will be reviewing strategies for solving addition problems, with emphasis on problems having three addends. We will also continue revisiting the partial-sums addition method.
We will be conclude our science unit by opening up the seed pods and planting the seeds that we harvested last week. Your child brought their plant home last Thursday and I encourage them to continue watering these at home and making observations.
If you have any questions about what is going on in the classroom, or specific about your child, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Have a wonderful week.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Feb. 11-14, 2013
Welcome to another busy week. 5 days jammed packed into 4. There are no new spelling words this week, instead we are doing some review in class and practice using our personal dictionary to help spell unknown words. We will continue watching our plants follow the lifecycle and finish our Australian projects. Valentine's Day is on Thursday and we will end the day by having a Valentine snack and exchanging Valentine's. We also will be reviewing Unit 5 (Geometry) concepts in math before the students do their Unit 5 Math Quiz.
Class pictures will be taken on Tuesday, February 26th. We ask that all students wear regular uniform items that day (no team shirts or spirit wear). Please access order forms by clicking on the link below. (or you can go to the Shorecrest.org > Community > Parents Page) https://www.shorecrest.org/?
If you can use excel (even as a beginner), use the first form and print - it will do the math for you! If you are not comfortable with excel, then you can use the second form - just open the file, print, and fill it out. Please contact the parents heading this school event, Sharon Cannella at natarach@verizon.net or Sydney Legakis at legsyd@verizon.net if you have any questions.
The Relay for Life Cookout will be on Thursday, February 28. (Hotdogs and tofu dogs will be served.) Please plan to have lunch with your child on this day if you can. All proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Forms to sign up for lunch are being sent home today. Sage will not be serving lunch on this day.
Field Day will take place on Thursday, March 7.
Reading Week is the week of March 18-22. The Oldie Goldie Books Sale is on Friday, March 22. The entire week will be dedicated to Ms. Weinman. We will also have a dedication ceremony on March 25 at 8:05 around the new playground.
The students will be sharing at next Tuesday's Town Meeting. Please join us if you can.
Current Events continues this week, so please check the calendar with your child.
This Friday is a Faculty Workday and no school for the students, so our next Parent Reader will be J. Emerson on Friday, February 22 and after that, M. White on March 1.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child or our second grade curriculum, please email me so we can set up a time to met.
Class pictures will be taken on Tuesday, February 26th. We ask that all students wear regular uniform items that day (no team shirts or spirit wear). Please access order forms by clicking on the link below. (or you can go to the Shorecrest.org > Community > Parents Page) https://www.shorecrest.org/?
If you can use excel (even as a beginner), use the first form and print - it will do the math for you! If you are not comfortable with excel, then you can use the second form - just open the file, print, and fill it out. Please contact the parents heading this school event, Sharon Cannella at natarach@verizon.net or Sydney Legakis at legsyd@verizon.net if you have any questions.
The Relay for Life Cookout will be on Thursday, February 28. (Hotdogs and tofu dogs will be served.) Please plan to have lunch with your child on this day if you can. All proceeds will be donated to Relay for Life. Forms to sign up for lunch are being sent home today. Sage will not be serving lunch on this day.
Field Day will take place on Thursday, March 7.
Reading Week is the week of March 18-22. The Oldie Goldie Books Sale is on Friday, March 22. The entire week will be dedicated to Ms. Weinman. We will also have a dedication ceremony on March 25 at 8:05 around the new playground.
The students will be sharing at next Tuesday's Town Meeting. Please join us if you can.
Current Events continues this week, so please check the calendar with your child.
This Friday is a Faculty Workday and no school for the students, so our next Parent Reader will be J. Emerson on Friday, February 22 and after that, M. White on March 1.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child or our second grade curriculum, please email me so we can set up a time to met.
Monday, February 4, 2013
February 4-8, 2013
Welcome to another week. I am looking forward to meeting with you this Thursday for our Spring Conference.
Important Dates to Mark on Your Calendar:
* Spring Conferences (no school)- Thursday, Feb. 7
* Teacher Workday (no school) - Friday, February 15
* President's Day (no school) - Monday. February 18
* Town Meeting Sharing - Tuesday, February 19
* Class Picture Day - Wednesday, February 26 in the Crisp Gym
* Relay for Life Cookout - Thursday, February 28 (a letter will be sent home with more information)
* Reading Week - March 19-22
You will find a new Current Events Calendar and Spelling Choice Menu for the month of February in your child's Take Home Folder. Our presenters this week are: Tuesday: Auggie and Jackie; Wednesday: Ainsley and Aidan; and Friday: Isabella, Victoria and Will.
Next week is Valentine's Day and we will have a Valentine Snack on the 14th and exchange Valentine's in the afternoon. If your child is interested in the exchange, please include all classmates.
I know that Mrs. White already sent you an email, but just wanted to reminder you about our special Valentine's surprise.
The second grade team is asking each family to send in a simple Valentine to your child through the mail by February 8th. SHHHH! This is a surprise, so please do not tell them about it. It should be addressed as follows:
Child's Name
c/o Ms. O'Mullane
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 First Street NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Here is what else is happening in the classroom this week. I wish you a wonderful week and I will see you on Thursday.
Literacy
* Phonics - vowel diphthong /oi/oy
* Spelling Words - join, noise, voice, point, coin, destroy, avoid, annoy, loyal, enjoy
* Vocabulary - advice, strict, bawling, megaphone
* Story of the Week - George and Martha - The Job by J. Marshall
* Reading Workshop - A Journey Through Friendship - Examining the Good Times and Bad Times
* Writing - Research an Australian topic and using the dictionary to find unknown spelling words
* Handwriting - Paragraph writing using sign language and the apostrophe
Mathematics - Unit 5
* Comparing and contrasting 3D shapes
* Constructing pyramids and exploring the relationship among the number of faces, edges, and vertices in pyramids
* Finding lines of symmetry in objects and complete drawings to create symmetrical shapes
* Review
Social Studies - Australia
The students will continue researching about their chosen Australian topic and start creating their visual to present in class next week. All research and creating will be done in class.
Science - Growth and Development of a Plant
Observing leaves and flower buds
This week the students will observe the first true leaves and the buds on their Brassica plants and record their observations in both words and pictures.
Observing the Growth Spurt
Students will closely monitor the growth of their plants by measuring their height, predicting overnight growth, and recording data.
Important Dates to Mark on Your Calendar:
* Spring Conferences (no school)- Thursday, Feb. 7
* Teacher Workday (no school) - Friday, February 15
* President's Day (no school) - Monday. February 18
* Town Meeting Sharing - Tuesday, February 19
* Class Picture Day - Wednesday, February 26 in the Crisp Gym
* Relay for Life Cookout - Thursday, February 28 (a letter will be sent home with more information)
* Reading Week - March 19-22
You will find a new Current Events Calendar and Spelling Choice Menu for the month of February in your child's Take Home Folder. Our presenters this week are: Tuesday: Auggie and Jackie; Wednesday: Ainsley and Aidan; and Friday: Isabella, Victoria and Will.
Next week is Valentine's Day and we will have a Valentine Snack on the 14th and exchange Valentine's in the afternoon. If your child is interested in the exchange, please include all classmates.
I know that Mrs. White already sent you an email, but just wanted to reminder you about our special Valentine's surprise.
The second grade team is asking each family to send in a simple Valentine to your child through the mail by February 8th. SHHHH! This is a surprise, so please do not tell them about it. It should be addressed as follows:
Child's Name
c/o Ms. O'Mullane
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 First Street NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Here is what else is happening in the classroom this week. I wish you a wonderful week and I will see you on Thursday.
Literacy
* Phonics - vowel diphthong /oi/oy
* Spelling Words - join, noise, voice, point, coin, destroy, avoid, annoy, loyal, enjoy
* Vocabulary - advice, strict, bawling, megaphone
* Story of the Week - George and Martha - The Job by J. Marshall
* Reading Workshop - A Journey Through Friendship - Examining the Good Times and Bad Times
* Writing - Research an Australian topic and using the dictionary to find unknown spelling words
* Handwriting - Paragraph writing using sign language and the apostrophe
Mathematics - Unit 5
* Comparing and contrasting 3D shapes
* Constructing pyramids and exploring the relationship among the number of faces, edges, and vertices in pyramids
* Finding lines of symmetry in objects and complete drawings to create symmetrical shapes
* Review
Social Studies - Australia
The students will continue researching about their chosen Australian topic and start creating their visual to present in class next week. All research and creating will be done in class.
Science - Growth and Development of a Plant
Observing leaves and flower buds
This week the students will observe the first true leaves and the buds on their Brassica plants and record their observations in both words and pictures.
Observing the Growth Spurt
Students will closely monitor the growth of their plants by measuring their height, predicting overnight growth, and recording data.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
SHHHHHH!!!!! Valentine's Surprise!!
I know that Mrs. White already sent you an email, but just wanted to reminder you about our special Valentine's surprise.
The second grade team is asking each family to send in a simple Valentine to your child through the mail by February 8th. SHHHH! This is a surprise, so please do not tell them about it. It should be addressed as follows:
Child's Name
c/o Ms. O'Mullane
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 First Street NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Monday, January 28, 2013
G'Day - January 28-Feb. 1
How lovely it was to meet the Grandparents and Special Friends of your children last Friday. The children were so happy to show their Grandparents and Special Friend's their work, classroom and school. I saw so many smiling faces in both the Grandparents, friends and students.
We are back into a full work week and it turns out to be a busy one.
Tomorrow morning the students will be engaged in various fun activities related to Australia (seeing it was Australian Day on the 26th and the continent we are visiting at the moment in social studies) and in the afternoon will gather with the rest of the Shorecrest community for a whole school photo and quick pep rally at 1:45. Please have your child dress in their green, gold or white colored spirit wear for this special occasion.
Current Event presenters this week will be: Claire and Matthew on Tuesday; Noah and Stella DeFrain on Wednesday; Nico and Rose on Thursday and Nick and Stella Davis on Friday.
Kristin L. will be our Parent Reader on Friday.
Other Important Dates to Mark on Your Calendar:
* The Used Uniform Sale - Tuesday, January 29 from 8am-1pm
* Spring Conferences - Thursday, Feb. 7
* President's Day - Monday. February 18
* Town Meeting Sharing - Tuesday, February 19
* Class Picture Day - Wednesday, February 26 in the Crisp Gym
* Relay for Life Cookout - Thursday, February 28 (a letter will be sent home with more information)
* Reading Week - March 19-22
Here is what else is going on in class.
Literacy
* Phonics - short vowel (e/ea)
* Spelling List - ahead, bread, healthy, spread, steady, breakfast, sweat, feather, treasure, ready
(plus five high frequency words if these have not been mastered yet)
* Vocabulary - impress, fib, charmer, champion
* Story of the Week - George and Martha (The Fibber) by James Marshall
* Grammar - Review punctuation to help add meaning to reading and writing
* Writing - Reading and researching an Australian symbol or topic of interest
* Handwriting - Sentence spacing, paragraph writing and the use of the apostrophe
Mathematics - Unit 5
* Exploring polygons
* Identify the names and the characteristics of various quadrangles
* Compare and contrast the characteristics of 3-D shapes
* Review partial-sums addition
Social Studies - Australia
The students will continue researching their topic of interest about Australia to present in class. They will become experts about their topic of interest through the research process.
Science - Plant Growth and Development
Students will measure and record their plant's height in centimeters on a graph. They will continue observing and recording notes in their plant journal.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE; We will be cleaning up the garden this Friday, so please have your child bring back their gardening gloves and an old t-shirt to put over the top of their uniform. We will also be picking green tomatoes to make fried green tomatoes with Mrs. Bell. This will be fun!
Message About Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Shorecrest students, staff and faculty will gather for a whole school photo and quick pep rally tomorrow at 1:45pm. Please have your child dress in their green, gold or white colored spirit wear for this special occasion. GO CHARGERS!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
January 22-25
Welcome to our 3.5 day week. I hope you enjoyed your long weekend. Yesterday we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Junior and the difference he made in the lives of so many people. He was a man who stood for equality and braveness. He was a role model and an inspiration to many.
Last week the students learned a little about the life and work of Doctor King and the great leader he was. The students listed various character traits associated with Doctor King and compared it to traits associated with themselves. This work lead to us looking closely at the Shorecrest Honor Pledge, and ways we can be good role models. As stated on the Shorecrest website, "Honor" has many meanings, and at Shorecrest, we emphasize those that place value on honesty, integrity, individual responsibility and on the development of relationships rooted in respect. The students also thought about their dream for a better world, which they brought home last Friday to share with you.
Some Important Dates to Mark on Your Calendar:
Ident-a-kid: Wednesday, January 23 in the Student Center
Grandparents and Special Friend's Day: Friday, January 25. There will be a noon dismissal on that day. Below is the approximate schedule for that morning:
8:30-9:00 - Continent Breakfast - Student Center
9:00-9:45 - Program in the Janet Root Theatre (Grandparent and Special Friends only. Ending time is approximate)
10:00-11:00 - Grandparents and/or Special Friends visit the classrooms and tour the campus
12:00 - Noon dismissal
Woodland Tales: Woodland Tales will be performing in the JRT on Wednesday, February 6 at 1:00 for grades 1-4
Spring Conference Day: Thursday, February 7
Professional Development Day: Friday, February 15. No school for the students on that day
Class Picture Day: Wednesday morning, February 26 in the Crisp Gym
Reading Week and Oldie Goldie Book Sale: Reading Week will take place the week of March 18-22 in honor or Mrs. Weinman. The Oldie Goldie Book Sale will be on Friday, March 22. Dedication of the playground in Mrs. Weinman's honor will be on Monday, March 23 at our Town Meeting
School Closed: President's Day, Monday, February 18
Our class shares at Town Meeting: Tuesday, February 19
No Current Events sharing this week, but we will start up again next Tuesday. Please check the January Calendar for more information.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THIS FRIDAY:
This Friday the students will be performing for the Grandparents and Special Friends and will be required to wear the following attire for the performance:
Girls: Green dress with Shorecrest logo. If your daughter does not have the green dress, she can wear the green polo (with Shorecrest logo) and khaki pants or skort
Boys: Green polo with Shorecrest logo and khaki pants/trousers
LITERACY - Review
* Please check the back of your child's homework log for spelling review words, which I will quiz on Friday
* I will continue assessing your child's reading level to share with you at our upcoming conference
* We will read books and write poems about Grandparents and Special Friends to coincide with Friday's celebration
MATHEMATICS - Unit 5
* Points and Line Segments
* Parallel and parallel line segments
* Exploring polygons, arrays and attributes
SOCIAL STUDIES - AUSTRALIA
Research chosen topic of interest related to Australia
SCIENCE - Plant Growth and Development
Students will continue watering and observing the growth of the brassica plant, which they planted last Friday
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