Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

**Remember to get on Aleks and read over break.  The reading log is 20 points and Aleks is 10 points

Spelling Bee Winners

Anna Shea came in 3rd place in our class spelling bee.

Liam Rolfson was the runner up.

And, our class spelling bee champion is........Luke Soultz!

Congratulation to all of them! Great job!

Jeremiah

Hello parents,

If anyone is willing to take our class pet, Jeremiah the tree frog, home for Christmas break, let me know by emailing me or sending a note in.  He does eat live crickets which can be bought at pet stores or bate shops for about 10 cents a piece.  Most of the kids are capable of taking care of him on their own.  If more than one student has permission, I will draw a name.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

The kids did an amazing job on the program last night!  Way to go!  We are getting close to the Holidays!  We have been staying busy in class, though. 

We are working hard on a new math unit over geometry and measurement.

In Religion we are studying Advent and Christmas, and 3rd graders will have a test over this on Tuesday.  It will be open book, as usual. 

There will be no spelling unit next week.  We will be having a class spelling bee.  The winner of our spelling bee will be honored at the school spelling bee which the older kids participate in. 

We will be taking benchmarks immediately following Christmas break.  The kids have been working so hard trying to reach their goals, and I know they have made some terrific gains.  So, I do not want anyone slipping back over break.  I am sending home a Christmas break reading log and a log to keep track of their time on Aleks.  It is not a lot, but just something to keep their minds in good shape.  I will use the current Benchmark data and the WRAP data to reassess my groupings and instruction for the 2nd semester.

Have a great weekend!!

Spelling words-

2nd- good, new, write, our, me

3rd-paper, hard, near, sentence, better

Challenge- Bethlehem, snowflake, ornament, angels, shepherds

We have started a new math unit on geometry and measurement. 

Hello,

I added two examples for subtraction in the math examples tab.  I have noticed that some of the kids are having a hard time with subtraction on the homework.  Both examples were on third grade homework last night.  There is a math test on Friday so make sure they understand the strategies.

As you may know, the school is working on a project to help our sister parish in Honduras get new uniforms for the schoolchildren.  We are collecting gently used shoes and money to buy the uniforms with.  $15.00 will buy one uniform for a child in Honduras.  If you want to help, encourage your child to find a way to earn the money.  Have them do some work around the house so that they can learn about sacrifice.

2nd graders have a test on Friday in religion.  They are studying the Liturgy and have a list to study off of.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Spelling Words

2nd- called, just, where, most, know

3rd- night, picture, being, study, second

Challenge- machine, factory, history, future

Spelling Words

2nd- long, little, very, after, words

3rd- mother, light, country, father, let

Challenge- producer, consumer, communication, transportation

We Love Reading!

Self Selected Reading

Vocabulary for Enchanted Islands

The Cleanup Crew: Nature's Recyclers

Animals Build

Yellow group- collaborating on vocabulary for Cleanup Crew

Green group girls- Enchanted Islands

Professor Dumbledore and Hogwarts Students

Spelling Words

Sorry for the delay...

2nd- way, find, use, may, water

3rd- need, far, hand, high, year

Challenge- interdependence, adaptation, survive, metamorphosis

Please check the due dates page for this week.  One thing that is new is Aleks.  You should be spending at least 1 hour per week on Aleks.  3rd graders- 15 minutes of that hour can be on quicktables and you should master at least 3 new topics per week.

If you are having trouble with Aleks please email me.

Thanks!

Hello parents,

Here are next week's spelling words:

2nd-  made, over, did, down, only

3rd-  almost, live, page, got, earth

Challenge-  Biosphere, habitat, ecosystem, ecology, atmosphere

Hello parents

Our class is planning the all school Mass on Tuesday, November 1.  This is a feast day- All Saints Day.  The children will participate in the Mass by doing the readings, bringing up the gifts, or being greeters.  You are invited to join us.  Mass begins at 8:30.  If your child has a reading part, it will come home in their folder tomorrow.  Please practice it over the weekend.  Make sure they read it slowly, loudly, and clearly. 
Have a great fall break!

Conference Schedule- Tuesday October 25

1:00- Kimmie Mattingly
1:15- Delaney O'Brien
1:30- Amiya Fullen
1:45- Luke Soultz
2:00- Sam Gillihan
2:15- Liam Rolfson
2:30- Nash Sweney
2:45- Izzy Guinan
3:00- Drew Rogers
3:15- Madeline Jakowczyk
3:30- Tessa Barringer
3:45- Yael Flores-Rico

6:00- Anna Shea
6:15- Dylan Light
6:30- Cirilo Gonzalez
6:45- Jameson Toney
7:00- Luciemily Lozano
7:15- Haden Taylor
7:30- Isabelle Smith

Hello parents,

I wanted to remind you about our field trip on Thursday.  We are going to Eagle Creek Park.  I had so many parents volunteer to chaperone (Thank you) so I drew names.  Elaine O'Brien and Chris Shea will be chaperoning.  If you wanted to chaperone, I invite you to join us at Eagle Creek.  You can just meet us there and join in the activities.  Also, the kids should dress in outdoor play clothes and tennis shoes.  They should also bring a sack lunch.

I have updated the due dates page for this week.

Hello parents,
We have had a great week.  The students did a great job at Mass today.  We will be preparing for another Mass on November 1. 

We have a field trip next Thursday to Eagle Creek Park.

We will be starting a new unit in Science all about plants.

We will begin our 3rd math unit next week.  This will be another unit on addition, subtraction, and the number system.

Next week's spelling words: 
2nd- no, make, than, first, been

3rd- once, animal, life, enough, took

2nd grade parents- You need to fill out another permission slip for this Thursday's field trip.  I just got it today, and apparently they need a special form. Also, on Thursday I will not be going on the field trip. 1st and 2nd grade are going only, and I will be staying with 3rd grade.

This Week's Spelling Words

2nd- like, him, see, time, could

3rd- feet, land, side, without, boy

Challenge- distance, predators, bountiful, ecosystem, vertical

Happy Friday

In Social Studies, we are studying communities.  We have learned that a community is place where people live, work, play, get help, learn, and buy things. 

In math, we are creating and interpreting representations of data.

Next week's spelling words:
2nd- into, has, more, her, two

3rd- until, form, food, keep, children

Challenge- community, urban, rural, suburban

Featured Author example

Mini Economy Market

This Thursday, we will have our first "market".  In addition to our weekly "store" where the students buy classroom passes and candy, they will have the opportunity to buy things other students have made and brought in.  Participation is optional.  Example items to bring in and sell are: homemade cookies, brownies, etc., handmade jewelry such as friendship bracelets, drawings or paintings, handmade books or stories, etc. The only rule is that they make it themselves.  It is fine if they have help from an adult.  They also need to decide on prices for their items.  The kids have a lot of fun with this.  They are really looking forward to it.

Next week's spelling words

Spelling Unit 5

2nd- some, so, these, would, other

3rd-  would, going, want, school, important

Challenge-  climate, droughts, ignite, wreckage

Hello,
There will be a Religion test for 3rd grade tomorrow.  We have finished chapter 3 in class.  They should have their books and ch. reviews to study tonight.  In order to help everyone in the class be successful, Mrs. Ray and I have decided to read the questions out loud to the students and also point out page numbers for the location of answers to specific questions.  We hope this will help!

We have finished our first science unit "Earth Materials".  There will be a test tomorrow covering the topics from this unit. We will be beginning a social studies unit next week.

In math, we are wrapping up our first unit, "Addition, Subtraction, and the Number System"  Our next unit will involve data collection and representation.

The kids had their first lesson from their ambassador today.  Mary O'Connor taught a lesson about the lifeline "Responsibility"  She did a terrific job and the kids enjoyed having her!

Enjoy this beautiful weather!

-Mrs. Elliot

Hello

I have updated the due dates page for this week.

Spelling Words this week:

2nd- out, them, then, she, many

3rd- often, together, asked, house, don't

Challenge- granite, feldspar, hornblende, mica

Hello,

There are no spelling activities due tomorrow because we had them last week, and we are still on unit 3.  We will have the unit 3 test tomorrow.

Due tomorrow:  math homework, reading log, spelling skill sheet

Have a great night!

Happy Monday

For math homework tonight, practice addition combinations with your child.  They have brought home their cards.  Please return these cards to school tomorrow.  The goal is that eventually they have these facts to an "automatic" level.  So, that means they don't have to think at all to come up with the answer.  This frees the brain up to think about more complex things.  Fill out the sheet as documentation of your practice.

I sent home their first reading log today.  90 minutes is the minimum per week.  They should include a summary of what they have read.

Just a heads up; we will be going on a field trip on October 20 to Eagle Creek Park.  More information will come home this week.

2nd graders: Bring your purple Reconciliation book to school tomorrow!

-Mrs. Elliot

2nd graders have a meeting for First Reconciliation on Sunday.  A reminder was also sent home with the kids.

I added some more examples in the math tab.  Hope that helps!  I also updated the homework and due dates for next week.  Have a wonderful weekend!

A few things...

Due to Benchmark testing that is going on this week, we have gotten behind.  In order not to rush things, there will be NO spelling test this Friday.  The test will be next Friday and the words they have now are the same ones that need to be studied until then. 

3rd graders took a math test yesterday.  I sent them home today.  There were several very low grades.  If you or your child is not happy with the grade, you may retake the test on Friday.  The format will be the same with the numbers changed.  If you do not understand the mistakes that were made, please have your child see me about it so I can go over it with him/her.

See the new page "math examples" for how to solve 2-digit addition and show your work.

Our lifeline this month is RESPONSIBILITY.  A "family connect" went home today.  This is something that should be done as a family.  Please return it on Friday.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Hello parents,
We have started Benchmark assessments this week.  I will be using the scores to determine grouping and instruction as well as to measure individual student growth throughout the school year.

I have entered grades into the MISI online gradebook.  I also sent home information about logging on.  You should be able to see grades 24 hours after I post them, so check over the weekend.

Also, several of you have told me that you have had trouble commenting on the posts.  I will look into that and let you know if I find a solution.  For now, we'll just hold off on the extra credit.  Hopefully I will get it figured out soon, because I like the idea of the kids interacting with the blog with you at home.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

-Mrs. Elliot

Spelling Activities

Tonight the kids have spelling activities for homework.  They can choose 3 out of the 5 activities.  I have explained and modeled how to do each of the activities and I will give examples below.  They are due tomorrow.  Also, the spelling test will be tomorrow because there is no school on Friday.

Examples:

Stretch It- "We can have one" You write- Madeline and Tessa can have one chocolate chip cookie.
Fix It- "Ther is ann apple for you to eat."  You write- There is an apple for you to eat.
Sort It- "you, can, your, and, ran" You write- you, your/can, and, ran
Add It- "can, tan, van" You write- man, pan, clan etc.
Find It- "words that rhyme with we" You write- see, key, me, fee, tea etc.

There is math homework tonight.  3rd graders have a test in Religion tomorrow.  They should have brought their ch. review and/or book home to study.  The test is open book and open notes so be sure to send the book and ch. review back.

Spelling Words for this week:

2nd- which, their, said, if, do

3rd- below, saw, something, thought, both

Challenge- quartz, fluorite, calcite, gypsum

Question for comments- What is a creative method you have used to study your spelling words?

Extra Credit Opportunities

Log on to the blog with your child.  Read the post together.  Leave a comment answering the questions I give in the post.  You will receive one extra credit point each day you comment on a post.  The extra credit point will be applied to the subject in which the question refers to.  You can start with yesterday's post, "Young Geologists"

Additionally, you can sign up for "featured author".  In an effort to promote literacy, we will have featured authors in our classroom.  Choose a favorite author.  You will create a poster board with information, facts, and pictures.  Your poster will be displayed in the classroom.  You may bring in books by this author you already own, or check some out from your local library. The sign up sheet is in the classroom and the children have been told about it.  If they sign up, I will be sure they write their dates in their planners.

Have a great weekend!

-Mrs. Elliot

Young Geologists

 In Science, we are studying materials that make up the Earth- rocks and minerals.  Here, students are using a pick to separate their "Mock Rocks" into their many ingredients.  They are recording their observations in their "Earth Materials Notebook."

Questions to discuss at home- What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?  What are some of the tools geologists use to study rocks?

2nd week of school!

It is the 2nd week of school and we are getting into curriculum.  The kids had their first homework assignment last night, and I was so pleased that everyone brought it back today!  The spelling words for this week are:

2nd- we, there, can, an, your
3rd- along, while, might, next, sound
challenge- fossil, paleontologist, geologist, petrified

The spelling test will be on Friday.  Please help your child study his/her words, and if they are not enough of a challenge, study the challenge words as well.

We have been working on addition and subtraction story problems.  We took a writing pre-test to help me determine the writing skills they already have.  We read a story about a girl who visits her aunt, a geologist, and learns all sorts of fascinating things about geology!  Then, in science, we got to be geologists ourselves!  Wow!  We are already very busy!  Everyone is doing a fantastic job!

-Mrs. Elliot

Community Building

This week is all about community building and setting procedures.  The kids are doing a great job!  I am so happy to have each and every one of them in my class this year.  We are learning about each other through activities, games, and time for sharing.  We are off to a great start!

Welcome students and parents!

Hello and welcome to my 2nd and 3rd grade class blog.  I am so excited to get to know all of my new students and to continue working with my returning students!  I know this is going to be terrific year.  Be sure to check my blog often for updates.

Have a great day!

-Mrs. Elliot

Bring field day permission slips on Tuesday!

2^nd grade

In reading we are doing book reports on the book we read in groups. In math we are doing time lines. In spelling we are doing suffixes. In writers workshop we are writing letters to our future teachers. In science we are doing a physical science unit. We are doing lots of experiments about movement. We are doing grate in all subjects :)!!!!

3^rd

Spelling Digraphs.

In reading we are doing book reports on the book we read.

In math we are doing stuff with play dough like making 3d shapes like cubes.

In writers workshop we are writing letters to our future teachers.

In science we are doing lots of experiments

Like how water fits the shape of its container.

\we are doing great in all are subjects. :}

3rd grade will have a Religion test on Thursday!

1st Communion

2nd grade parents:  Congratulations on your son/daughter's First Communion!  Tomorrow is a day of celebration for them.  Mass is at 8:30.  You are more than welcome to join us.  We are announcing all of their names and they all have a part in the Mass.  There will be juice and doughnuts afterward.  They should come to school in their First Communion attire and bring play clothes and shoes for the celebration.

3rd graders will be spending the day with Mrs. Norman tomorrow.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Hello Parents,

Mr Guinan is treating the class to McDonald's for lunch tomorrow.  So, you do not need to send a lunch if you normally pack lunches.

The project in reading is due on May 13th.  If anyone has it finished early, they may go ahead and present.  Two people already went and did a fantastic job.  Usually, the kids really have fun with these projects.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

^2nd grade

In math we are doing addition and subtraction. In reading we are doing projects for the story we read. In spelling 2^nd grade has no more new words to study. We have no activities this week. We have benchmarks this week. In writing we are doing poetry.

                                3^rd Grade

In math we are estimating. In reading we are doing projects for the stories we are reading which are The Whipping Boy, My Father’s Dragon and Horrible Harry In Room 2B. In writing we are doing poetry and people have really enjoyed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In spelling we have done irregular verbs. We have had a twist to the week and have started benchmarks and finishing I step. We are doing a great job in all subjects!!!!!!!!!

- Abby N.

ISTEP this week

3rd graders are taking ISTEP this week.  There will be no homework except for reading logs. 

For spelling, 2nd graders have been introduced to all of their words.  There will still be tests on Fridays.  Any words they have had are fair game for the tests.  The tests are changed to sentence dictation in order to be sure they have all 2nd grade words mastered before they go on to 3rd grade.  They can still do the challenge words if they choose.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Great job to our 2nd graders in the Holy Thursday program!!!

Have a wonderful Easter! You can send in rice bowls on Tuesday.

-Mrs. Elliot

Holy Thursday

Tomorrow is our Holy Thursday program.  Readers may wear or bring dress clothes to wear.  Actors should bring a robe and some sandals.  If you do not have a robe, you can wear a sheet that we have here and go barefoot. 

Please feel welcome to join us.  The program will begin at 2:00.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Great field trip!

Hello Parents,
We had a great day on our field trip today!  The kids had fun and learned a lot.  For homework, they need to finish their reflections that they already started in class.  They are to reflect on what they learned, saw, experienced at Eagle Creek Park.  There were three segments- reptiles and amphibians, wetlab, and hike.  Then, I want them to share their reflections with a parent or other adult at home. 

Remember, this Thursday is Holy Thursday.  The 2nd graders are doing a reenactment of the Last Supper.  You are welcome to join us at 2:10 in the church.  Actors need to bring in a robe and sandals for their costume.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Field Trip Chaperones

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to chaperone on our field trip scheduled for April 18th.  The kids helped me draw out two names to be our chaperones.

Our Chaperones are:

Mark Fox
Elizabeth Lawrence

Also, I will be going on the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. Our class will have a sub tomorrow through Friday.

Thank-you,
Mrs. Elliot

Welcome back!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Spring Break.  There is math homework tonight.  We are in a unit about fractions.  Sometimes the homework is review of past units.  There is also a new spelling unit this week.  The words are:

2nd-  should, home, big, give, air

3rd- face, door, cut, done, group

Challenge- allies, forbidden, image, device

Also, we have been working on a report about an insect in class.  Tomorrow, anyone who is not finished will take it home to complete.  It will be due back on Friday.

We will be going on a field trip on April 18th to Eagle Creek Park.  There will be an information letter and permission slip coming home this week.  I just wanted to give you a heads up. 

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Remember reading logs and spelling activities are due tomorrow, and there is math homework and a spelling skill sheet.

Have a great day!

Our next lifeline to focus on is Empathy!

FamilyConnect
Lifeline: Empathy
Due Date: Wednesday, March 23 (They will be taking paper copies home tomorrow) 

Can we teach kids to care? Well, it’s a big job, but we can start by fostering empathy in our children. Our whole school is focusing on the Lifeline of Empathy this month. Empathy means to understand and experience the feelings of others. To develop empathy, students must be encouraged to become aware of others’ feelings and to see situations from alternate points of view. When we can empathize with the needs of others, we can make the decision to respond in a caring way.

Two steps to teaching empathy
1.)MODEL! MODEL! MODEL!
The more your child(ren) see you demonstrating empathy, the more likely your child(ren) will exhibit similar behaviors.
2.)PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
Children, like adults, need to practice skills to master them. When you provide your children with experiences that require empathy, you give them opportunities to consider concepts larger than themselves.
Empathy Teaching Tip: Help your child participate in opportunities to help other people such as volunteering at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, collecting cans for canned food drives, or donating to a worthwhile cause.
Family Task:
This month we are encouraging you to discuss with your child(ren) how your family can show empathy. Brainstorm a list of ways that the family can show empathy and decide how you are going to accomplish it this month. Example: Our family is going to show empathy by helping the homeless people in our community. We are going to donate can goods to the homeless shelter.
Let us know your plan! Please return the family connect sheets!

2^nd grade

In spelling we are practicing idioms. For example – don’t put all your eggs in one basket, Means risking everything and not having a back up plan. In reading we are going to read The Art Lesson .Tommy wants to be an artist. He drew pictures every where he went. It was his favorite thing to do. His friends had favorite things to do too.        Jack liked to collect turtles. Herbie loved to build huge sand cities. In religion we are working on getting ready for first communion. We sometimes talk about what to do and what not to do. In math we are doing patterns and graphs. In science we are learning about the phases of the moon. We are doing great. Here are the spelling words for next week:  every, found, still, between, name                                                                                                              challenge words are:  conserve, interstate, executive, legislative, judicial

   Have a wonderful weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                                                                                                        

Delaney O’Brien

                      3^RD GRADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In science we are learning about the moon and why the moon faces change. In writing we are finishing our weather stories and our illustrations for the stories. In spelling and phonics we are doing idioms. In reading we are reading a new story called Brave Irene. In every subject we are all  doing great!!!!!! The words for next week are:  upon, family, later, turn, move.

Have a nice day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- ABBY NAGEL

          

Honesty

We have been focusing on "honesty" as a lifeline schoolwide.  We have been discussing how honesty is more than just not lying.  I included links to two videos we watched in class.  Please continue this conversation at home :)

http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/112-Purse

http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/91-Classroom

“To make your children capable of honesty is the beginning of education.”

John Ruskin  (1819-1900);
Poet, Writer, Art Critic

Spelling activities went home today; they are due Friday.  There is math homework tonight.

Happy Monday :)

Great job to 3rd grade for finishing up ISTEP. Here is the newsletter

2^nd grade

In reading we finished Carousel. In math we are working on patterns and graphs. In writing we are still writing about weather.  Here are the spelling words for next week:  great, tell, men, say, small                                         

Delaney O

3^rd grade

In math we are answering questions about temperatures on graphs. In writing we are writing about weather. We are doing great!!!!! In reading we just today finished our story called Storm In The Night. In science, we did an experiment to see how our shadows change throughout the day. We learned about the positions of the sun. The words for next week are:  didn't, car, morning, I'm, body.  Challenge words are:  gibbous, crescent, secede, design, protest 

Abby N.   

ISTEP is beginning on Monday for grade 3. No new spelling unit next week!

2^nd grade

In reading we are reading carousel. It is a really good book. In science we are keeping track of the weather for a month. In writing we are writing about weather.

We each have our own kind of weather to write about for example a sunny day. In religion we have a test Friday. In spelling we are practicing suffixes. In math we are starting a new unit with patterns.

---- Delaney

 3rd   

 In religion we are taking notes for the chapter 11 test on Thursday. In writing we are writing stories about different types of weather. In science we are keeping track of the weather for a month. It has been a week and a day. In reading we are reading a book called Storm In The Night.  In math we are  doing multiplication.

Hello,
For those of you who could not make the Living History Museum yesterday, all the children did such a wonderful job!  It was so fun to see everyone dressed up and in character. 

3rd grade will be taking ISTEP next week.  We will be taking it Monday and Tuesday morning starting at 8:30.  Please make sure your 3rd graders are here and on time (unless they have a fever). 

There is math homework tonight.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Living History Museum tomorrow

Tomorrow is our living history museum.  I am giving no other homework tonight except to prepare for their presentations.  Remember to send in any costumes or props.  Have your child recited his/her paragraph for you tonight.  The times for the "museum" are 9:30-10:30 and 11:45-12:30.  It will be in our classroom. You are all invited to come and learn about fascinating people from history. 

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

In reading we are reading Jalapeno Bagels. In spelling 2^nd grade is doing alphabetical order.                                                                                                                   

In math we are doing, how many 5s in 100? And how many nickels? In writing we are starting a new thing about weather. In religion we are talking about spiritual hunger. Here are the spelling words for next week:  again, off, went, old, number

-Delaney

  In writing we are writing a new story about the weather. In reading we are reading a new story called Tornado Alert. In math we are practicing multiplication problems. In religion we are taking notes for chapter 11. Here are the words for next week: five, himself, usually, money, seen. In science we are both learning about weather.

- Abby N.

Change of date for living history museum

The date of the living history museum has been changed to Tuesday, February 22nd.

Remember, the students should have their paragraph memorized and should bring a simple costume and/or props to use during their demonstration.

Also, we have our class Mass tomorrow morning at 8:30.  Some of the children have readings or other parts.  You are more than welcome to join us. 

There is math homework and spelling homework tonight.  The spelling test is tomorrow.  There will be a math test on Monday.

-Mrs. Elliot

Hello,
I apologize, I was having trouble logging on the past couple of days.  There are no spelling activities this week.  There is math homework tonight.  All paragraphs for the living history museum were due.  If you did not send it in already please do so as soon as possible.  Reminder that tomorrow is spring pictures. 

-Mrs. Elliot

Happy Valentine's Day! No homework!!

I made a mistake about when the paragraphs are due for the living history museum.  They are due on the 16th.  Sorry.

Newsletter written by our own Delaney O'brien and Abby Nagel

In spelling we are practicing hard and soft c. Soft c as in city or hard c as in cat. In reading, we are reading Brothers and Sisters. In math, we are playing collect $1.00.  This is how you play-all you need is fake or real coins and two dice. You roll the dice and say you got 10 so you get out a dime, and so forth until you reach $1.00.in writers work shop we are done with writing how to make a teddy bear more fun to play with, and moving on to the next story. But I do not know what we are we are writing about next. In religion we read the Sower. In social studies we're talking about cardinal directions. Here are the words for next week:  why, help, put, different, away

In reading we are finishing a book called Chicken Sunday. In math we are doing multiplication problems.  In spelling we are working on hard and soft c. In social studies we are talking about cardinal directions. In writing we are finishing our teddy bear stories. Third grade is doing great in all subjects! Here are the words for next week:  learn, point, city, play, forward

Challenge- evacuate, damage, magma, journey, census

2nd graders have a math sheet tonight

3rd graders have instructions to play a game, "Factor Pairs" with someone at home.  They will need their array cards they made the last two nights.

We are glad to be starting a new week, hopefully without any cancellations or delays!

As I stated in my last post, spelling activities from unit 20 are due this Friday and the words for this week are the same as last week.  They still need to turn in a reading log for this week.

For math, 2nd grade has two sides to complete.  It is dealing with counting money.

3rd grade needs to make their array cards.  They should have the instructions, the sheets of cards to be cut out, and a plastic bag.  They will need some scissors from home.  I am giving them 2 nights to do this; so it is due Wednesday.  There will be no other math homework tomorrow night.

Please refer to information about the living history museum in an earlier post.  They need to have chosen their person by Wednesday and have their paragraph by Friday.

Thanks,
Amanda

Hello parents,

We will be moving the whole spelling unit 20 to next week.  So the words are the same, and if they already did their activities, then they won't have any to do next week.  If not, then they have an extra week.

Have a great weekend!

Newsletter written by our own Delaney O'brien and Abby Nagel

2^nd grade

In spelling we are doing cursive writing. We finished lower case letters about a week ago. In reading we are reading about The Great Ball Game. In writing we are still writing about how to make a teddy bear more fun to play with. We are doing very well. In math we are playing "roll a square". This is how you play, you have a game board and dice and cubes, so you roll the dice and say you get a 6 + 1 well that=7 so you put 7 cubes on the board. If you were really playing, how many more do you need until you reach 20?    

Here are the words for next week:  place, such, well, here, take.  Challenge words are:  embarrassed, excluding, rumors, encourage, ashamed

 -Delaney

3^rd grade

In math we are doing multiplication problems. In reading we are reading Henry and Beezus. In writing we are writing about teddy bears. In social studies we are both learning about symbols for cultural and natural features. In spelling and phonics we are doing cursive. It is fun!!!!!!!!!!!!! Third graders have a test Thursday for religion. The words for next week are:  room, sea, against, top, turned.  The challenge words are:  embarrassed, excluding, rumors, encourage, ashamed

                       

-Abby N.

Remember: Reading log and spelling activities are due tomorrow.

There is also a spelling skill sheet and math homework tonight.

Thanks!
-Mrs. Elliot

Newsletter written by our own Delaney O'brien and Abby Nagel

                                         2^nd

In spelling we are practicing idioms. Here is an example… Mrs. Elliot tied the knot last year. That means to get married. Here are the words for next week:   must, because, does, part, even.  challenge:  repair, oppose, volunteer, rescue, memorial                   

In math we are still doing sticker station problems. In reading both 2^nd and 3^rd will be reading a scholastic news article called Hanging in There. In writing we are both writing about how to make a teddy bear more fun to play with. In science we are doing stations. And we are also learning about how bees help flowers grow. The stations go along with how bees help flowers grow.

-delaney

                                                        3^rd

In writing we are writing about how to make a teddy bear more fun to play with. In reading we are reading a story in scholastic news called Hanging In There. In science we are doing stations. We are also learning about how bees help flowers grow. The stations go along with how bees help flowers grow. In math we are learning how to do multiplication problems. We are doing great!!!!! Here are the words for next week…  example, heard, several, change, answer.  Challenge words are…repair, oppose, volunteer, rescue, memorial. In spelling we are doing idioms. Here is an example. That cat is a thorn in my side. That means the cat is bothering me.

-Abby

Hello parents,

There is math homework tonight.

We got to meet our ambassador for the first time today.  Our ambassador is a middle school student who will visit our classroom once a month to teach the kids lessons about the lifelines.  They will receive homework assignments from him as well.  Today's assignment is an "All About Me" sheet which is due back Friday.

I want to congratulate the runner up in our class spelling bee, Anna Shea, and our champion, Abby Nagel.  Abby was recognized at the school-wide spelling bee.  Both girls did a great job.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot 

Newsletter written by our own Delaney O'brien and Abby Nagel

                                    2^nd grade

In reading we are reading about Ants. This story teaches us about ants. In math we are doing sticker station problems. In writing we are finishing up our New years resolutions. In religion we are working on thinking about God’s word.  In spelling and phonics we are having a spelling test on Friday. Here are the words for next week:  another, came, come, work, three                                       

Challenge words are:  trapezoid, square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon, triangle

                                                                                                                                

3rd     

In reading we are reading a book called Halmoni and the Picnic. It is about a little girl and her grandma. In math we are doing multiplication problems. They are fun! In religion we are taking notes for a test Thursday. In writing 3^rd grade is also finishing up our New years resolutions. Words for next week are:  young, sun, thing, whole, hear

Challenge words are:  trapezoid, square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon, triangle

--Delaney-Abby

Hello parents,
Here are a few math examples from class today.

2nd grade level

You can break the numbers into 10s and 1s like we have done before or keep the first number "whole" and add the second number in parts.  I have done this below.  I am trying to have them get away from using pictures all the time.

26 + 23 = __

26 + 20 = 46
46 + 3 = 49

Subtraction- it is always best to keep the first number "whole" and subtract the second number in parts.

36 - 14 = __

36 - 10 = 26
26 - 4 = 22

3rd grade level- we have started multiplication as repeated addition or combining equal groups
Here are 4 stars.

Each star has 5 points.

There are 20 points in all.

5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 20

4 x 5 = 20

New Spelling Words

2nd- right, look, think, also, around

3rd- sure, knew, it's, try, told

Challenge- congruent, acute, obtuse, quadrilateral

There is math homework tonight.  We are starting a new unit.  I will be sending home some examples of the types of problems we will be doing and the strategies we will use to solve them.

We will have a short science test on Thursday.  They took their notes home today to study.

Remember that our class has Mass this Wednesday, so if your child has a reading, be sure to practice at home.  Also, you are all encouraged to join us if possible.

Have a terrific afternoon!

-Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Hello parents,

I sent home readings with the kids to practice for Mass next Wednesday.  There is math homework tonight.  If you have not already turned in your job application, I need them by Friday.  Many of the kids are anxious to find out what their new job will be!

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

Hello parents,

Please continue to collect box tops and send them in to raise money for the school.  The class who gets the most gets a limo ride in the spring!

Our class has Mass next Wednesday, the 12th.  Readings will be assigned and sent home this week.

There is math homework tonight.

Thanks,
Mrs. Elliot

All 2nd and 3rd graders (all 3 classrooms) are participating in this project:

SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT

LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM

          For this project each student is to choose a famous American from the past (no longer living) and learn about that person.  If possible encourage your child to pick a Hoosier.  Then they are to write one paragraph about the person.  The paragraph should give basic information about the person and a few fun facts. It should be something they can memorize.  The next step is to memorize the paragraph.  Finally, on Museum Day the students will dress up like their person and say their paragraph to our visitors (you and other classes) when you push their “push here” button.  They will be like statues with pre-recorded messages.  Here is the timeline.

                By Wednesday, February 9^th – pick your person and have it approved by Mrs. Elliot

                By Wednesday, February 16^th – write your paragraph and have it approved by Mrs. Elliot

                By Tuesday, February 22^nd - memorize your paragraph

                Thursday, February 24, 2011 – Museum Day

Bring your costume with you.  We will change before we begin.  Please try to keep it somewhat simple – something your can do on your own.  The museum will be open for visitors, free of charge, from 9:30 – 10:30 and from 11:45 – 12:30.

If you have any questions please let me know.  Thanks!

This week's spelling words

2nd- man, too, any, day, same

3rd- best, across, during, today, however

Challenge- Arctic, interdependence, metamorphosis

There is math homework tonight.  We are finishing our unit on geometry this week, and will be having a test on Friday.