The Toucan Squawk, Jan. 17th - 20th

Hello families! I hope everyone enjoyed their extended weekend. We will be continuing money in math this week. So far, we've discussed counting on with coins, and this week we will be discussing adding money up to $5.00 (including coins). The students have enjoyed this unit, and I'm sure they'll enjoy the next one too- we'll be discussing telling time, and that is always a fun unit.  In writing, the students have finished their writing about Martin Luther King Jr, as well as what they did for the holiday break.  I've chosen 7 pieces to be published in the school newsletter showcasing writing from all of the 2nd grade classes.

The 100th Day is this Friday!  The students are invited to wear "wacky tacky". The students will vote for their favorite, and then that student will be put in the school-wide competition.  Ice cream treats to all who participate!

If you haven't done so already, please send in the indicated item from last week's donation request.  The requested item will be mixed in with the other items to create the 100th Day mix- a snack the students can share with everyone.  Along with mixing our 100 snack items, we will be completing math and art activities to celebrate this wonderful day.  The students will also be completing 100 PE activities on the field with the other 2nd grade classes.  More importantly, we are striving for 100 % attendance in the whole school!  If we receive 100 % attendance, the students will have an extra fun activity to participate in.

Please continue to encourage attendance.  Please continue bringing in phone books for the Phone Book Recycling campaign.  Pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1st.  Remember, the class that collects the most phone books receives a pizza party, and the school that collects the most wins the Recycling Award of Excellence.

Next Wednesday is an early release day for Teacher In-Service.  Please be on the look-out for a half-day lunch ticket to be returned as soon as possible for students who are having a school lunch on that day.  This ticket is extremely important to be returned, as it helps the cafeteria staff be aware of how many lunches they need to make for that day.

News
Jan. 20th       100th Day and Wacky Tacky dress-up           
Jan. 25th       Teacher In-Service/early release at 11:45      

Birthdays
Jan. 26          Marcus

Have a great week!

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

The Toucan Squawk, Jan. 9 - 13

Hello families!  I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday break.  We are currently learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to equality.  The students have also started writing about what they have learned about him.  Along with this writing, the students are working through the writing process about their holiday vacation.  I'll be selecting a handful of both writings to be featured in the upcoming February PDS newsletter, featuring writing by the second grade classes.

We have been working on money this week.  This topic will begin appearing in their homework packets starting next week.  We have also started using a different way to practice the spelling words.  Some of the students may remember using this process in first grade, from Mrs. Potter's class.  We are, of course, using 2nd grade words, but the process is pretty much the same.  In any grade, practicing making words in their notebooks will be beneficial for all of the students.  This week, they are practicing how to complete each assignment with me in Reading Groups, but next week the assignments will be up to them to complete each morning. 

Grade reports are going home tomorrow with the students.  Please review the reports and return the bottom portion to indicate it has been received.  I will be making calls or sending emails regarding setting up a conference, either over the phone, through email, or in person to discuss any pressing matters.  Current STAR reports went home today.  This is based on the STAR computer test the students take at the end of each quarter.  This report contains the independent reading level and range each student is currently at.  This is also their reading goal for the quarter.  The goal, range and level are based on the computer test results, as well as what I observe in class.  Please continue to encourage your student to read every day- school days and weekends- to continue to achieve success.

I'll also be sending home a form regarding items to donate for our upcoming 100th day celebration.  It isn't a party by any means, just a small way to spend the day celebrating being 100 days smarter.  Please send the item in as soon as possible- that will be greatly appreciated.  The 100th day is next Friday- I can't believe how time has flown!

News
Martin Luther King Jr. Day                                 Jan. 16th, no school
100th day                                                             Jan. 20th
Teacher in-service, early release at 11:45           Jan. 25th

Birthdays
Marcus                                                                Jan. 23rd


Enjoy the rest of your week!

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