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