Mrs. Porter’s Second Grade Newsletter

Nov. 10-14, 2014

Calendar of Events

Saturday, Nov. 8-Reconciliation Retreat from 10:00-12:00

Tuesday, Nov. 11-Veteran’s Day celebration at 9:00

Wednesday, Nov. 12-Mass at 8:30AM

Reconciliation Retreat

Our Reconciliation retreat takes place tomorrow morning and the celebration will be next weekend.  We have been working hard in class to prepare for this sacrament.  I will be testing students on the Act of Contrition next week so please practice.  Don’t forget to review the blue small page that came home earlier this year.  Students may take this with them if they are nervous.

Act of Contrition

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.  In choosing to do wrong, and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.  I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.  Our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us.  In his name, my God, have mercy.

Wax Museum

The students did a wonderful job preparing for the Wax Museum.  The speeches were fun to listen to and the outfits were great.  It takes a lot of courage to give a speech in front of so many people so way to go!  I believe we had some publicity in the Indy Star so check it out!  

This and That

Rehearsals for our fall program are in full swing.  The program will take place on Thursday, Nov. 13th at 7:00.  Mrs. Simms has asked the second graders to bring sunglasses to wear during the program.  The students can bring them in at any time and I will hold on to them.

Mrs. Moran will be providing drug awareness meetings during the month of November for all parents who are interested.  These will take place every Monday evening at 6:00.

Don’t forget to label your child’s items.  As the weather gets colder-jackets, sweatshirts, and other items tend to be left behind.  On another note, lice has been detected in our classroom once again.  Please remind your child to never wear friend’s hat or coat and don’t share combs/hairbrushes.  Please continue to check your child’s hair on a regular basis.

Book orders due on Monday.  If you would like to order online, please visit www.scholastic.com and enter the code GV3KZ.  

Holy Spirit is collecting cans so please donate to a worthy cause!  

Week at a Glance

Reading-QAR(Question Answer Relationships)/Visualizing

Spelling-Unit 11-Skill-a spelled ai/ay/a_e

Math-Unit 3-Number strings/Close to 20

Religion-Reconciliation preparation

Social Studies-Music program practice/Pilgrims come to America

Daily 5 in action in Mrs. Porter's Room!

Mrs. Porter’s Second Grade Newsletter

Sept. 8-12, 2014

Calendar of Events

Wed., Sept. 10-8:30AM All School Mass

Fri., Sept. 12-8:30 Porter Class Mass/Kickoff for trash bag sales

Lice

Well, the beginning of school is upon us and inevitably another little friend arrives with it.  The Primary building has had some cases of lice in the last few weeks.  So, I ask that you continue to check your child’s hair for any nits or lice bugs.  You can tell that nits are different than dandruff because it won’t move easily from the hair follicle.  Our family has been through the lice fun-so I understand what a pain it can be.  Please remind your child to never share any “head” items with friends.  This means brushes, combs, hats, helmets, hair bands, etc.  Also, they shouldn’t be sharing a pillow with other people either.  Lice will jump from hair to hair while in close contact.  Lice like clean hair, so I don’t wash my hair every single day.  It also helps the girls if they keep their hair up in a ponytail or braids.  Just some suggestions.  Thank you for helping us watch out for this problem.  

Bathrooms

We have had several instances in our restrooms already this year.  I have been reviewing restroom procedures with the class here at school.  But, if you could help remind your child that he/she is to go to the restroom and Be Quick, Be Clean, and Be Quiet-I would appreciate it!  I am also trying to get them to understand the importance of wiping well, flushing the toilet, and using the right amount of water, soap, and paper towels.  Thanks for discussing this with your child!

MSP

The K-2 report cards on MSP are having some glitches.  Please know that I am not to input any grades into MSP yet until the problems have been resolved.  Since we are a Standards based report card-it is very different then the 3-8 version.  I will be sending home your child’s reading assessment soon so you know what level he/she is reading at right now.

This and That

Thank you-thank you for signing your child’s planner every night!  I know most teachers don’t require this, but I want to make sure that the students are communicating information at school with an adult at home.  The kids are doing really well with this procedure.

The Box Top competition has begun.  Please send in Box Tops with your child.  I have an envelope in the classroom.  If you collect 50 Box Tops, put your name on the bag and you will be entered into a drawing for a TV!  This one will end on Oct. 31st.

The benchmark testing has been put on hold.  Apparently the application for the company is not working properly.  I will be assessing students on their reading/comprehension skills within the next few weeks.  I will be in touch with the results!  We will be changing our computer math program in the next few weeks.  It will no longer be First in Math-and I’m very excited about the new possibilities!!

Our first class mass is next Friday, Sept. 12th at 8:30AM.  All are welcome to join us for this mass.  I will be handing out mass parts on Monday.

Week at a Glance

Reading-Review Daily 5-Whole group reading/begin WRAP reading assessments/

Fiction/Non-fiction text features

Spelling-Unit 3

Math- Making 10/ Math fact focus-+3

Science-Science notebooks/unit on Life Cycles-Humans, Trees, and Animals

Social Studies-Welcome to Second Grade!

Religion-Chapter Two-Our Church Welcomes Us

News for Aug. 18-22, 2014

Mrs. Porter’s Second Grade Newsletter

Aug. 18-22, 2014

Calendar of Events

Wednesday, Aug. 20-Mass at 8:30AM

What an awesome week!  It has been a joy getting to know the new second graders.  We have had fun getting to know each other, reviewing school and class procedures, and playing on the new playground.  Next week, it’s time to get down to business!:)  It’s going to be a great year!

Discover Books

Yesterday, your child came home with a Discovery book packet. Please look through this packet to see what it's all about. The booklet is filled with some great deals and many people love to have them. This is the note from the PTO about this fundraiser:

The sale runs August 14 through August 27th.   All money and orders due then to school office.

If the child does not participate the book should be returned to the teacher in the envelope with your child's name so we know it was returned unsold. ( this is not a free book)  Teachers will send books and completed orders to the school office. This is important so we do not lose orders or books.  Money will be used for more playground spruce up and additional swing equipment.

Binders/Planners

You may have noticed the GO binders coming home with your child with some practice homework pages. There are four pockets in the binder. The first one is the Complete and Return-this is where all homework will be.  I do encourage parents to look over homework and help when necessary.  Homework pages will be practice for the most part.  The next one is the Keep at Home-all papers here need to stay at home. The third one is Send to Office-if you have something that needs to go to the office, please put it in this section. Finally, the last one is the Keep in Binder section. Please do not take papers out of this pocket. I will let the students know when papers can be moved from this area. I am also asking that the lunch menu stays in the binder. That way students can have it here at school and at home. I am still waiting to get my planners. As soon as I have a class set, we will begin filling these out Monday-Thursday. Homework assignments and important information will be found in the planners.

Behavior/Responsibility

There are two forms that I have in my classroom. One is a behavior form, and one is a responsibility form. If your child makes the wrong choice(after a few reminders) and doesn't do the right thing during school, he/she will receive a behavior notice. I ask you to go over this notice with your child and help him/her write the reflection piece at the bottom telling how the next day will be better. Students will receive a Responsibility notice if they forget their planner, homework, or don't get the planner signed. It is just a reminder to remember the next day. On the positive side, we will be starting our complement board in the classroom and I continue to recognize outstanding behavior by handing out Praise tickets every once in a while.  We have a class goal set as well.

Reminder of Special days!

Just a reminder that our class has gym class on Tuesday and Friday.  Students should be dressed in Holy Spirit gym wear on these days.  We have mass on Wednesday so that's when the girls need to wear jumpers. Library books will also be due on Tuesday. Thank you so much for helping me make the beginning of second grade so successful.  Every Friday is also Spirit Day so your child may wear a school spirit wear top on that day.

Week at a Glance

Reading-Review Daily 5-Check for Understanding; Making predictions; Question Cue cards

Spelling-Unit 1-Word Preview Monday, Homework Thursday, Assessment Friday

Math-Begin Unit 1-Counting, Coins, and Combinations  Math fact focus-+1

Science-Begin Science notebooks/unit on Life Cycles

Religion-Chapter One-Our Church Welcomes Us

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Mrs. Porter’s Newsletter

April 21-25, 2014

Calendar of Events

Monday, April 21st-NO SCHOOL-Easter Monday

Wednesday, April 23rd-Mass at 8:30AM

Thursday, April 24th-VIP Day 9:00-10:30  Please ask your VIP to meet in the church.

NEWS AND NOTES

Special Person Day takes place this Thursday.  Each student is asked to invite one special person to come visit our school.  All visitors are to meet in the church at 9:00.  The Spring Book Fair will take place this week as well.  

I have heard from about half of the parents letting me know that you are receiving my e-mails.  I will be getting ahold of people who I have not heard from.  Please let me know that you received this newsletter if you haven’t already.

I am so proud of how hard all of the second graders worked on our Last Supper program.  The reading and singing were outstanding.  What a wonderful way to remember the Last Supper as we prepare for the sacrament of Holy Communion.  We will be completing our last chapter in the Communion book this week and then we will begin practicing for how to receive the Eucharist. We will ask the kids to make sure that hands are clean and clothes are tidy.  These are some important steps to remember:

*Lift kneeler quietly with your hands.

*Keep hands in a prayerful position until the person in front of you is receiving.

*Get hands ready by putting the hand that you write with underneath the other hand to make a special cup for the host.

*Give a small bow.

*Reach up so the Eucharistic minister does not have to bend down.

*Say “Amen!”

*When the host is in your mouth, please do not chew it like bubble gum, you should let it dissolve.

*The sign of the cross is optional.

*Put hands back in a prayerful position all the way to your seat.

*Kneel and thank Jesus for coming to you.

If your child will be receiving from the cup, we told the students that they just need to let it touch their lips and that is good enough.   Remember that our school celebration of First Communion will take place on May 14th at the 8:30AM mass.  Students will wear their Communion outfits to school and bring a change of clothes.  We will take a school picture afterwards.

Remember to celebrate the earth this month.  Ask your child how he/she can take care of our earth. 

Benchmark/WRAP/ and IREAD2 testing will start taking place very soon.  As always, please make sure that your child is getting plenty of rest and a healthy breakfast every morning.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Reading-WRAP testing begins this week/continue CLOSE reading strategies/TIKI TRIBE book about caring for the earth

Spelling-No list this week-UNIT 24 will be next week

Religion-We carry on the word of Jesus 

Math- Begin Unit 7-Fractions

Science-Complete Investigation 1 on Balance and begin Invesigation 2-Motion

Mrs. Porter’s Second Grade Newsletter

April 14-18, 2014

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, April 16th-8:30AM All School Mass

Thursday, April 17th-2:00 Holy Thursday program in the church

    7:00PM First Communicants to attend Holy Thursday     service

Friday, April 18th-Good Friday-Living Stations at 11:00; Dismissal at 12:00

NEWS AND NOTES

The students have been practicing hard for our Holy Thursday “performance.”  We are singing some new songs this year and the kids have done a great job learning them.  It’s a nice way for us to learn about Jesus’ Last Supper and why the Eucharist is so important.  Please join us on Thursday at 2:00 in the church for this special event.

First Communion is coming soon!  We have been hard at work preparing for this special time.  Take time after mass one day to talk about all of the things that you see in our church.  Our special school mass will take place on Wednesday, May 12th.  The students will come to school dressed in their Communion outfits and we will take a group picture after mass. 

Next week, we will be doing an “Easter Scavenger Hunt” using bibles.  If you have a bible at home that your child can use, please send this in by Tuesday.  Thank you. 

Holy’s Spirit’s special person day is going to take place on Thursday, April 24th.  Students in grades K-3 are asked to invite just one special person to visit our school from 9:00-10:30 that morning.  Angie Burck is still looking for volunteers to help with that morning.  Please contact her or the school office if you can help.  The book fair will also be happening that week.

We are enjoying this spring weather!  I will be trying to get the students outside whenever possible during these beautiful days.

Reading-Close Read/Disability week and activities

Spelling-No Spelling List this week

Religion- Holy Week activities

Math-Complete Unit 6/Begin Unit 7 on Fractions

Science-Balance using arches, triangles, and mobiles

Mrs. Porter’s Newsletter

March 3-7, 2014

Wednesday, March 5th- Ash Wednesday

8:10AM Stations of the Cross

      8:30AM All School Mass

Thursday, March 6th Wax Museum speech  must be memorized!

NEWS AND NOTES

Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 5th.  Father Juan and Mrs. Parsons have asked us all to reflect on what we will be doing during this Lent to become better Christians.  I will be talking about this with the class next week.

Did you know that Sunday, March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’s birthday!  I encourage you to take some time as a family that day and have a read in.   I know that  I can always get my kids excited with a big blanket, some food, and if I am reading with them.  

Thank you for signing your child up at www.learnzillion.com!  This site is full of some informative short videos that coincide with things that we are working on at school.  I do ask that you put your child’s User Name and Password in his/her planner because I will have them work on the assignments here at school during Math Workshop as well.

Did your child tell you about our Treasure Hunt yesterday?  We learned many new things about our church.  Have your child show you some things that we learned about next time you go to church together.

The Wax Museum is coming soon.  I am in the process of listening to each speech and timing them.  I will put the time on the speech so you can see how close it is to two minutes.  If it is way too short, please help your child come up with a few extra sentences to add to the speech.  Also, if the speech is over two minutes, please think about what can be deleted from the speech.  Remember, your child needs to memorize it and will be reciting it many times that day.  The Wax Museum will take place in the gym on Thursday, March 13th from 1:00-2:00.  All are welcome!

It sounds like winter is not over….ugh.  Let’s hope that we’re not supposed to get the big snow that they’re talking about on the news.  I’m over it.:)

REMINDERS

I sent home rice bowls with the Oldest Children a few weeks ago.  Please consider contributing some change during Lent.

Please encourage your child to work on First in Math

Check out www.learnzillion.com each week for new videos that have been added to watch.

Saturday, March 15th, is our First Communion Retreat.  All students who are receiving Communion this year are expected to attend with one parent.  It lasts from 9:00-12:00.  Please see the handout that came home today.

HERE’S THE SCOOP FOR NEXT WEEK

Reading-Close Reading/Daily 5

Spelling-Unit 20

Religion- Chapter 4 in Communion books-We Listen(Liturgy of the Word)

Math- Continue Skip counting/tables/ and patterns

Social Studies-Maps and directions