The Toucan Squawk, Dec. 19 - Dec. 21

Hello families!  I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  The students were able to watch most of "The Polar Express" this afternoon while enjoying their cookies and hot coco.  We have our holiday program tomorrow morning, and will try to watch the rest of it afterwards.  I'm hoping we'll be able to watch all of it, but if all else fails we can always watch the remainder after we return from holiday break in January.  With the sudden arrival of the classroom computers Monday afternoon- JUST as we were about to start the movie- we had to wait to start it until today.
The students will continue to take home their holiday projects tomorrow- all remaining will be sent home in their Homework Folders.  I'm also sending the Morning Work packets they would have received last week and this week.  This will be their homework for the time off, and will be due on January 6th, the Friday of the first week of the month.  This homework is a suggestion to be completed.  If complete in it's entirety, the students will receive an extra nickel for their banks.

Thank you to everyone who sent in snacks for today!  They were a huge help in celebrating the holiday break and the watching of the movie.  If you didn't receive a form regarding donating items- your turn is coming up sooner than later for The 100th Day (January) or for Valentine's Day.  I've decided to organize items donated this way so everyone gets a chance, and there aren't multiple items of the same type sent in for the same day.  If you would still like to send in food or Prize Box items, please let me know in advance (especially the food items) so I can plan accordingly.  Thank you VERY much in advance!  I'm not sure of the 100th Day date, but I will let everyone know well in advance to plan for items to be sent in if necessary.

I look forward to the coming semester- it's sure to be a successful one for everyone!  If I don't see you, have a wonderful holiday break with your family. 

News:

Dec. 21st                                 1/2 day, early release at 11:45.

Dec. 22nd - Jan. 3rd            Holiday break
Jan. ______                         The 100th Day! 

Birthdays:
Jan. 23rd                                Marcus



Happy Holidays!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us

The Polar Express

I had a note ready to go home on Friday.  But, I completely forgot to give it to the students to take home!  The students are invited to wear their PJs on Tuesday the 20th.  We will be starting to watch the movie, "The Polar Express" on Monday, but will be finishing it on Tuesday.  They will also be having cookies and hot chocolate. 

The students are invited to wear their PJs, but this is only a suggestion.  They can also bring in a favorite stuffed toy.  Please remember the PJs and shoes will need to be weather appropriate, and students still need to bring a jacket/coat/sweater to keep themselves warm.  As usual, depending on the weather that day, we will be having outisde recess and the weather will continue to be cold.  Spaghetti straps are not allowed, as are nightgowns without long pants. 

On Wednesday, we are having the holiday program in the morning for approximately an hour and then we'll return to the classroom for the rest of the morning.  It will be a 1/2 day.  If you would like to take your child home, please go to the office for the office staff to call them up.  Please do not take your child from the cafeteria, as this can cause a huge confusion for myself and the office.  The students will also be offered lunch that day, but as usual you are invited to send a home lunch or have your student wait to have lunch after they are dismissed.  The lunch choices are beef and bean burrito or cheeseburger, both offered with milk or orange juice, and a fruit or veggie choice.


Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see your child on Monday!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us

The Toucan Squawk, Dec. 12 - Dec. 16

Hello families, I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  The students are completing holiday theme pages, as well as continuing to review the lessons from the quarter.  They are finishing up the draft of their penguin story to go along with the family penguin project.  they will also be making a holiday card for a fellow classmate, but it's a secret as to whom they are making the card for- a Secret Santa, downscaled.  I will be bringing a snack for the students to put with their card, which will be delievered the end of this week and next week. 

Please do not send colored drinks with the students.  We already had a mishap with chocolate milk in a water bottle, and now the carpet is stained.  Because the water bottles get tipped during the day, please only send water with them to drink during classtime.  Please also do not send candy with the students.  There has been an issue with some students getting candy, while others have not.  If you would like to send a snack, please send enough for the entire class to be invovled.  We currently have 25 students.



Have a great week!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us

News

Dec. 21st                                       1/2 day, early release at 11:45.

Dec. 22nd - Jan. 3rd                  Holiday break

The Toucan Squawk, Dec. 5 - 9

Hello families!  It's great to finally be back after a month and a half away.  I'm excited to start working on the planned holiday projects.  I've got a few planned, ones I think the kids are really going to enjoy.  Along with these activities, we also have the 2nd quarter testing to complete- so we have already been pretty busy.  We're currently reviewing the topics introduced since Fall Break.  The students also have the STAR Reading and Math tests to complete, as well as the paper math test.  I'm looking forward to see the progress the students have made thus far.
The penguin home project is due by this Friday.  The ones which have been turned in look fantastic, so I'm definietly looking forward to the coming projects.  The students have started drafting their story regarding their penguin- the drafts look great!


News

Dec. 8th                                 Elementary Band Concert, Huachuca Mountain, 6:00

Dec. 21st                                1/2 day, early release at 11:45.

Dec. 22nd - Jan. 4th           Holiday break

Have a great week!

Elizabeth Townsend

Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us

The Toucan Squawk, October 3rd - 7th

Hello families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  The students are continuing their work about the Fall season, and have working through their STAR Reading and Math tests.  These will be completed by Thursday, so I can send home their results reports on Friday, as well as have their levels stapled into their AR folders for when they get back from the break. 
When they return from Fall Break, they will go home with their November Family Project.  This one, like the leaf project, will include the explanation letter and the turkey they need to decorate.  With this project, they will need to decorate a turkey who needs some protecting.  The letter will explain everything, but just like the previous project, it's going to be a lot of fun to see those turkeys decorating the classroom.  At this time, they will also be going home with a white manila envelope.  The information inside is for your eyes only, and will need something filled out and then returned.  More explanation will be enclosed in the envelope, but it's going to be a super fun project for you to do.  Its results will eventually find their way back to your child.  In the mean time, however, keep your eyes peeled for that envelope.

News:

• Teacher Inservice/Early Release at 11:45           Oct. 7th
• Columbus Day/No school                                   Oct. 10th
• Fall Break/No school                                          Oct. 10th - 14th
• Grade Reports go home                                      Oct. 24th
• Teacher Inservice/Early Release at 11:45          Oct. 26th

Birthdays:

• Helena          Oct. 10th           
• Todd             Oct. 11th           
• Brindon        Oct. 12th         
• Micaela        Oct. 21st 

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
PDS
Second Grade

Belated Squawk

It seems I've neglected the class blog- my apologies about that. 

I'm sure the students have either spoken about it, or you have read the letter I sent home today.  Either way, things are falling in place in getting the classroom- and students- set up for their guest teacher next month.  I have to admit I got a bit emotional this afternoon when I spoke to the students about what's going on, and that wasn't my intent.  I wanted to have an honest discussion with the students, holding back what was necessary as I don't believe they need to know too much about what I'm having to go through. 

What they do know is Mrs. Posey will be their teacher for 6 weeks after Fall Break, and she's really looking forward to spending the time with them.  I'm looking forward to getting back in December for, as I put it to the students today, "healthy and ready for the fun stuff".  I'm sure they will test the boundaries at first, as all students do, but I'm confident they will continue to be wonderful friends for each other and amazing students for Mrs. Posey.

Starting next week, you'll notice the homework packet is fairly lighter than previous.  I've condensed to using the 3 of the reading series spelling pages, and 2 of the math series pages (one will be printed, and one will come from the series workbook).  The students will still have Monday - Friday to complete their packets, but the work has been slimmed down a bit.  I am having the packets done this way so as to not overload the guest teacher with so much printing each week (I print the packets through the week for the coming week.  Due to the shortened work schedules of guest teachers, that would be too much of me to ask).  I also don't believe she shouldn't have to worry about putting them together each week, hence the math series pages coming directly from the workbook themselves.  Along with the packets, the students will also be going home with a plastic baggie of multiplication facts 1 - 10.  We won't be covering this unit until the second semester, but now's a great time to get the students started on learning and practicing.

Students will be taking their STAR Reading and Math tests this coming week, as well as their Quarter 1 Math benchmark test.  Once I have all the students tested on the STAR program, I will be sending home a copy of their Reading and Math test results.  Their reading level will be indicated on the report, which will also be stapled in their AR folders.  Students will be going home with their report cards on October 24th.  I will, of course, be out at this time, but they will be prepared and ready to be sent home on this date.

It's unbelieveable to me we are saying goodbye to the first Quarter, and hello to Fall Break.  I've seen SO much progress- both with behavior and with academics- from all of the students, so I'm so excited to see the differences in December.


Birthdays
Helena       October 10th
Todd          October 11th
Micaela     October 21st


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
SVPS 

The Toucan Squawk, Sept. 12 - 16

Hello families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. 

The Leaf in Disguise project is due this Friday.  Please return all leaves so students will be able to write about their leaf, and display them in the classroom.  Several students have already turned in their leaf, and they look awesome!  Those students who have turned them in have started on their writing, and they will soon be ready to be displayed in the room.  This type of project will be sent home through the school year based on what may be going on at that time- such as for a special holiday or concept unit.

The students are continuing their math unit in double digit addition and subtraction.  Each week, they are completing a math packet from the second grade math workbooks.  These packets are enforcing what is being taught, and strengthening skills already in place, as well as those which need extra assistance.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Pueblo del Sol Elementary School
Second Grade

The Toucan Squawk, Sept. 6th - 9th

Hello families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend.  We will be finishing our unit on compound words this week.  The students created a book, and completed word searches and a cut and glue page on this concept last week.  We will also be moving into 2-digit subtraction, as well as place value through 100.  We will, however, continue to work on 2-digit addition and will touch upon place value through 20 throughout the semester.

Other classes had a lice outbreak last week, however our class is thus far not affected.  If you notice lice in your child's hair, please keep them home and contact the school stating the issue.  From there, the school nurse can check the rest of the class and the classroom can be thoroughly cleaned.

I sent home a discussion starter form with your student today.  Please fill it out and return it by Thursday.  I will be going over them prior to our conference- this will be a great starting point for us at our conference.  If you are unable to make our conference at the scheduled time, please contact me as soon as possible.  We can then set up another conference time (in person, on the phone, or over email).

Mrs. Mazanek, the school counselor, came in to discuss "bucket filling and bucket dipping" to the students on Friday.  Ask your student what this is all about- they'll be sure to explain it.  It was a fantastic discussion, and I'm sure the students will find it useful.

Have a great week!

Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Pueblo del Sol Elementary School
515-2970

The Toucan Squawk, Aug. 29 - Sept. 3

Hello families!  I hope everyone has enjoyed their week so far.  The students have been continuing their work on double digit place value and addition, practicing the concept on sheets and in learning centers.  We will be moving into double digit subtraction and place value in the coming two weeks, as well as 2-step word problems for both addition and subtraction.  The learning centers have already proven to be helpful for the students, as they have been using one for spelling practice as well.  My hopes are to provide up to 4 centers per week for the students to complete by the end of the week.  In the past, they have proven to not only be educational but also fun for the students, and so I definitely plan on continuing them this year. 

The students have also started on taking Math Facts in a Flash tests on the computers.  The goal is to have the students take a test each day, building up to two tests per day by the end of the current semester.  The tests build students' current skills, as well as- eventually- introducing them to new concepts.  There are 40 levels, ranging from single digit addition to exponents.  Students are not, in this grade level, pushed to be completing the levels however it has happened.  Despite being timed, the tests allow the students to work at their own level- whether they are able to work above their grade level or below.  The goal for Math Facts in a Flash is to get all students- no matter their ability level- to remember math facts quickly and effectively each time.  Reports will be printed at the end of each week so you at home can see how your student is doing. 

Along with the Math Facts reports being printed, students will also be taking home their Accelerated Reader (AR) program reports for each week.  The goal for AR is for students to show comprehension for a book they read.  It pulls in the use of the STAR reading level, from the report which was sent home last week.  These quizzes are also timed, but each student should be capable of taking at least 3 quizzes each week.  Depending on their reading level, a student may be able to take more.  The students are given the chance to achieve their goal for each week by Friday afternoon.  Students who are unable to achieve their goal with need to spend their Funtime Friday taking the quizzes which will allow them to complete the goal.  The goal, depending again on the students' reading levels, will be to:

• read at least 1 chapter book per week and 2 picture books, or
• read 4 picture books per week

Books read at home are definietly included to take a quiz on- so please send the book or email me the title of the book so your student can take the quiz.  Both the math tests and the reading quizzes are unable to be taken at home at this time.  I'll be sending home a note regarding your student's weekly reading goal this week, so we can chat about it at our conference next week.

Speaking of conferences, we just finished the scheduling for our grade this week so I'll be sending home a note regarding what is our scheduled time.  It will state on the note, but if you are unable to make our meeting, please contact me as soon as you are able.  We can then set up another in-person conference, a phone conference, or conduct an email conference.  All conferences are currently scheduled on September 8th, from 12:00 - 6:00 PM.  I currently have them scheduled back-to-back, for all 25 students, so please be at the school by our scheduled time so it doesn't run into the next conference.  I'll also be sending home a discussion note to be filled out and returned by Sept. 7th.  This will be helpful for me to understand any concerns and questions, and to help guide our conference successfully.


Birthdays:

Lynnea        September 3rd


Have a great week!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
Pueblo Del Sol Elementary School
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
   

The Toucan Squawk, August 23 - 26

Hello families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  Tomorrow is picture day!  Students will be taking their pictures tomorrow morning before they go play outside.  If you haven't done so, please return the picture money envelope as soon as possible to purchase your pictures.  Depending on the company's schedule, packets should be arriving before the month of October.

You most likely noticed already a change in the homework packets.  The packets will generally stay as they are currently for the school year, plus or minus various concepts and pages.  I definietly don't want to burden the students with homework each night, but each packet should be completed within the week and returned on Fridays.  Students who don't have their packets completed will need to complete it in class during their recess.  Above all else, homework is a practice of the concepts they are receiving in class- so again, there is nothing new and should not be anything too strenous.  If you are noticing your student is taking longer than 20 - 30 mintues to complete homework each night, please contact me and we can arrange a change.  As with in class, students should feel success in their learning, and homework can support that success.

We are continuing our work through place value through 20 in math.  Today, the students played a game with a deck of cards and classmates to create a math problem.  The digits used were single and double, using 3 places (for example, 1 + 10 + 3).  So far, it's proven to be fun and educational for the class.  In reading and spelling, the students are working on long vowels.  We are also continuing our writing projects about what we did for our summer vacations.  Students are working through their drafting process carefully, and are finalizing their writing.  I'm seeing some excellent work so far!

Enjoy your week!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
515-2970

Birthdays:  Frederick, August 29th

The Toucan Squawk, Aug. 15 - 19

The students will be going home with their August Book Order forms today.  There are two fliers available to order from this month, which will be open until August 31st.  There is a letter attached, but you are able to order online so money doesn't need to come to school.  However, if you find it easier to send in money with your student, please only send checks.  I cannot send cash in, and I will have to return the Book Order and money home with your student.

Students are also going home with this year's fund-raising envelope and information.  Any and all orders will be much appreciated!  All monies raised will go to the PTO, which can then be transferred to funding activities such as field trips and the school carnival.

Please send in your Box Tops!  As usual, we are asking for Box Tops to be sent in.  Write your student's name and my name on the back, and these can be entered into a school-wide drawing.  The winning student for the month can win various fun items chosen in the school office. 

Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Second Grade
Pueblo del Sol Elementary School

The Toucan Squawk, August 8 - 12, 2011

Hello families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  My apologies I didn't mention this earlier, but I will not be assigning homework this week.  The students will be going home with their homework packets starting Monday the 15th.  Included in this packet will be math, spelling words for the week, some spelling practice activities, and a reading log.  I'll be assigning at least 15 minutes of reading each night, and a page of work to complete.  My estimation is homework should take your student, at the most, 25 minutes each afternoon to complete.  If you find your student is taking longer to complete their work, please don't hesitate to contact me.  We can therefore decide on a change in assignments.  Any and all homework assigned will be based on material already introduced in class, so none of it will be new.  I definitely believe homework is for practice, not introduction.  The reasoning behind a packet is students can complete it at their ease.  For example, some of my students from last year found it better for their schedules to complete it all in one afternoon but still read each evening.  Other students, however, found it better to complete the reading each night, but the pages a couple of nights each week- instead of the assigned one page each night.  Whatever you find is best for you and your student, please design your homework time as necessary.

Spelling tests are given Friday afternoons.  Each homework packet will have the words, as well as practice activities.  For the first two quarters, the tests will include 10 words.  Starting in the 3rd quarter, I may either continue to assign the 10 words- or add 4 or 5 more words.

Students will be able to earn a nickel for their behavior bank with each completed homework packet.  By complete, I mean the reading log filled out for Monday - Thursday, and each page completed.  If a student does not turn in their homework, they will need to owe a nickel and therefore lose their FunTime Friday in the afternoon.

I hope this clears up any confusion over the class receiving homework.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Class birthdays:
August 29-          Frederick


Have a great week!

Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
PDS
Second Grade
520-515-2970

Open House Night

Open House night was a complete success!  Thanks to all of the families who I met for attending.  I'm looking forward to working with all of the families to help your child be their best in second grade. 

If you were not able to attend, I will be sending home the information.  Please peruse it, and return anything which needs to be filled out as soon as possible.  Any and all information will be helpful in assisting your child even better. 

School starts at 8:30, but students are welcome to arrive at school beginning at 8:10.  School ends at 2:45, and you are welcome to pick-up your child at our classroom (Room 9).  The bell rings directly at 2:45, so I or any other teachers will not be opening our doors any earlier or later. 

If your student is riding the bus, please make sure we have the bus permission slip so you and your child are aware of the bus rules and expectations.  If you have not filled this out, please come to the classroom to do so.  I have some extra from Open House night.


See everybody on the first day of school- Monday the 8th!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
Pueblo del Sol Elementary School
Sierra Vista, AZ

Welcome back!

I hope everyone had a fantastic summer with their children!

We've got a busy school year ahead of us, and I'm positive we will have fun learning all of the 2nd grade concepts.  These include double-digit addition and subtraction, the American Revolution, the systems of the Human Body, and how to write a friendly letter.  We'll have lots of time to get to know each other, and I'm definitely looking forward to that.

As the school year gets into fully swing, I'll be sending home my classroom polices (birthdays and behavior to name a couple), so please look out for those.  Each day, your child will bring home their homework folder.  It's imperative to look through this each night for homework and notes.  I'll be posting the class weekly newsletter on here, but there may be some daily notes going home which need to be seen quickly.

Your student will also be assigned some homework the first week- concept reviews for math- and this will be a great time for you and your student to get into the routine of expecting the homework folder to be looked through each night and be returned to school each day.

I'm looking forward to meeting all of the parents at Open House on August 5th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM, and seeing the students again I met on Move Up Day in May.

Until then, enjoy the next few days off.

Welcome to Second Grade!

Elizabeth Townsend

Second Grade

Pueblo del Sol Elementary School

Sierra Vista, AZ

What a year!

It's been a wonderful school year!  I've seen such fantastic progress from each of them, so I know they'll do wonderful things next school year.

Thank you to the parents for all of your support this year; it's with your help and encouragement they will continue to show their best. 

Have a great June and July with your children this summer, and I'll see everyone in August!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PdS 

Move Up and Field Day!!

Dear Families,                                                                                

        Tomorrow is our Move up day!  The students will walk themselves to their new 3^rd grade teachers, which is in our same building.  Once there, the students will meet their teachers, and get an insight to what 3^rd grade is all about.  I will be spending the time with my new 2^nd grade class.  Directly after, the students will participate in their Field Day activities.  They will only be participating with the other 2^nd grade students, but will also participate in activities headed by the 5^th grade classes as well as enjoy Otter Pops on the field.

        For Field Day, the activities the students will be completing will be water-related.  I’m asking they wear clothes they won’t mind getting wet, as well as bring a change of clothes for after the activities.  We will outside for approximately an hour, so sunscreen is a definite must.  Students are also invited to bring a bottle of water to keep with them while they are outside.  Please be sure to label the bottle, so they don’t get misplaced.  The day is sure to be fun-filled for all of the students!

Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend

Second Grade

Pueblo del Sol Elementary School

Sierra Vista, AZ

We Love Reading Week!

Science Week has come and gone, and now we are gearing up for We Love Reading Week.  Our guest illustrator Michaelin Otis will be coming to PdS this week, and you are invited to the activities we will be having through the week.  Each day has a different theme, so we are encouraging all of the students to dress up and have fun!

• Monday-  V.I.P readers will be reading in the classes throughout campus.  Theme:  Hats off to Reading!  Wear a fun hat.
• Tuesday-  Parent involvement activity int he library.  You are invitied any time from 8:15 - 11:15 to meet your child(ren) in the library and read/eat/make a bookmark together/choose book to keep.  We will have special guests that day, and the time you read with your child(ren) counts towards our read-a-thon goal.  Theme:  Read Like a Rock Star!  Dress up like a rock star.
• Wednesday-  Our guest illustrator, Michaelin Otis, will meet with all of the students.  Theme:  Reading Knocks Your Socks off!  Wear funny socks.
• Thursday-  We will have our readers in Uniform coming to the childrens' classrooms to read.  Theme:  I'm TIED to a good book!  Wear a fun tie.
• Friday-  You are invited again!  We will have a parade of our favorite book characters.  Your child is invited to dress up like a book character, or carry their favorite book if they are unable to dress up.  Please keep in mind this is not a Halloween dress-up, so book characters only.  We will be walking around to all of the classrooms to view the door decorations, and then we'll go to the field where we will decorate Mr. Sprigg like an ice cream sundae!  We will also have another V.I.P reader.  Theme:  Favorite book character parade.  Dress up like your favorite book character, or bring your favorite book.

Spring Carnival and Pen Pal Day

Tomorrow is our Spring Carnival!  It will start at approximately 4:30, and go through 6:30.  Tickets will be sold on campus for the games, which will be all over the school.  Win prizes for playing!  You can also buy previously used DVDs, VHS, and books donated by your PDS family.  Hope to see you there!

Pen Pal Day will be on May 3rd.  We will be traveling to Bella Vista to visit our pen pals.  The students will be taking home their permission slips today.  Please sign and fill everything out accordingly so your student will be able to attend.  If you would like to join us, please indicate so on the green page.  Thank you for doing this quickly.  I was told about day yesterday, so it's a bit of a rush to get the slips in.


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend

www.townsendtropicaltoucans.blogspot.com

Second Grade

Pueblo del Sol Elementary School

Sierra Vista, AZ

The Toucan Squawk, April 25th - 29th

Hello families!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend.  The students have finished their reading series book, so we are completing in-class book reports, as well as starting some chapter book reading groups.  We are also continuing to cover fractions, as well as introduce math centers.  In addition to our spelling centers, my plans are to finish off the rest of April and on into part of May with math centers to reinforce topics covered through the entire school year.  These centers will not only reinforce, but also have mini-introductions to 3rd grade material to be covered at the beginning of next year.  Granted, the students have the 2 months off for summer vacation, but these introductions will encourage students to stay motivated and continue to challenge themselves.  My hopes are this can be accomplished with simple centers all students will complete, and produce finished products. 


Something else which is coming up for the students is their AR Goal achievement reward for the entire school year.  We've been working hard for the past year on completeing the at least 20 points and 85% for the goal.  Several students have achieved above and beyond this standard, but all students who have achieved their goal deserve their reward.  My plan is for these students to enjoy an ice cream social, complete with a choice of candies and other sweet toppings.  More news is to come regarding this special event, including the date- with so much activity going on currently, I don't want to set a date and then later have to change it!  I will be out for a professional conference May 9th - 11th, so we will have our social after I return.  However, it will definietly prove to be a lot of fun for the deserving students.             


The following are our spelling words for the week.  Despite being another short week, we'll have our spelling test on Friday as usual:

1. match
2. vacation
3. cracking
4. become
5. sprang
6. boring
7. elephant
8. giggle
9. lemon
10. seventy

News
Spring Carnival                                April 29th
Move up Day and Field Day           ??

Birthdays
Shayla                                               April 29th




Have a great week!


Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
515-2970
Second Grade
Pueblo del Sol Elementary School
Sierra Vista, AZ

The challenge is on!

Which PdS classroom can bring in the most children’s used books for 1 point or video tapes/DVD’s for 2 points for our Annual Spring Carnival? 

These must be suitable for children. 

So clean out your closets and start counting today! 

Books, tapes, and DVDs need to be turned in prior to April 28th. 

Title I will have an ice cream treat for the K-2 and 3-6 classroom winner.

The Toucan Squawk, April 4th - 8th

Hello families!  I hope everyone had a great weekend.  The spelling words for this week are words with Wh and Th Diagraphs: 

1. there
2. than
3. whimper
4. whale
5. thought
6. whirl
7. them
8. wheel
9. through
10. whisper 

This week are continuing their unit in Fractions, and are also practicing how to take tests with the Stanford 10 format.  This test format is a bit tough for some students, so we are working on taking multiple choice tests, as well listening to directions.  The test is mainly set up with me reading the directions, and the students making their selection on their paper.  Tomorrow, the students will be getting a printed format of the test, so they can practice on paper.  I'll also be giving the students a snack both testing days to help them concentrate on the test, rather than on being hungry.  Today we also talked about what they will need to remember to do for each testing day.  The following is what we talked about:

1. Get a good night's sleep.
2. Eat a healthy and substantial breakfast.
3. Listen to the directions.

The tests are spread across two, possibly three days (Monday and Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday).  I ask the following of everyone to help your students do their best on their tests:

1. Schedule all appointments AFTER the end of the school day.  Students who are checked out midday will not be admitted to the classroom, and will not be able to complete the test.
2. If you believe your student to be sick, keep them home.  Students who miss THE ENTIRE DAY will have the chance to make-up the missed section.
3. Have available a breakfast which is substanial and healthy.  This will encourage students to concentrate on their tests, rather than being hungry. 
4. Encourage getting a full night's sleep.  This will encourage students to concentrate on their tests, rather than being tired.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the school.

Have a great weekend!

News
Apr. 11          PTO Meeting, 1:45, Faculty Lounge
Apr. 11- 15   Testing Week, AIMs and Stanford 10
Apr. 20          Progress Reports go home
Apr. 22 - 25  Spring Holiday, no school
Apr. 29          PdS Spring Carnival, 4:30 - 6:30

Birthdays
Apr. 9th         Cameron
Ap. 30th        Shayla

Spring Registration

The students took home their Spring registration form this week.  Please fill it out accordingly and return it as soon as possible.  Returning it with the intent for your student to continue at PdS will ensure your student's place for the new school year.  If your intent is for your student to not return next year, please be sure to fill out the back and return it.  Either way, whether you wish or do not wish for your student to return next school year, this form needs to be returned as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

March 21st - March 25th

Hello families!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  As a reminder, the students will be getting their Spring Pictures taken Thursday of this week!  Please return the picture form- no money yet- by Thursday.  This will indicate the choice of pose you would like to have.  If we do not recieve a form back by Thursday, those students will do the generic pose as required by the photography team.  

Below are the spelling words for the week.  They are words with sh and ch blends:

1. short
2. chair
3. shoe
4. check
5. children
6. shared
7. shining
8. shape
9. chase
10. cheek

Have a great week!

Elizabeth Townsend

www.townsendtropicaltoucans.blogspot.com

Second Grade

Pueblo del Sol Elementary School

Sierra Vista, AZ

News
Spring Pictures          Thursday, March 24th

Birthdays
Miguel                       30th