The Toucan Squawk, Apr. 9 - Apr. 13

Oh boy I don't like being sick!  But, thankfully, it was something very simple.  Unfortunately, I still had to be out the whole week to get through it.  I had an allergic reaction to a medicine my doctor gave me, and as luck would have it- being sick was the only way I could find out I was allergic to it.  Fortunately enough, I'm feeling super and happy to be back in the classroom with the kiddos!

We have moved from graphing and tally charts, and are working our way through fractions.  The students will be ready for assessment by this Friday.  The story for this week has been changed.  Instead of the assigned reading series story, the students are working on a book report based on a book of their choice.  Several students are working through a library book, while others have chosen a book from the classroom selections.  Either way, the students will be completing their assignments this week.  My plan is for them to present their report to the class early next week.

And speaking of next week...the students are taking their Stanford 10 test Monday and Tuesday!  The students have prepared for this test the whole school year, and I know they are ready for it.  I'll send a reminder later on in the week, but please remember the following:

1. Schedule all doctor's appointments after testing has been completed.  Once a test date has been started, the students cannot go back to that test they missed.  This is a state mandate, not by the school or the district.
2. If you think your student is sick, keep them home.  This is obviously not something we teachers like to mention, but again- if a student starts on a test, and then ends up leaving during the day, they cannot continue that test.
3. Make sure your student gets plenty of sleep the night before testing date.  A tired mind cannot function while trying to pay attention to something as important as this test.
4. The same goes for a full tummy.  Please make sure your student has a healthy and full breakfast the morning of the test.  I'll have the chance to give the students a break to have a snack, but the morning should get off to a good start by having a great breakfast.

The picture preview packet will be sent home in the coming weeks.  As a reminder, please review the pictures, as well as the available packages, and return both the preview packet and your payment as soon as possible back with your student. If you do not wish to purchase the pictures, please return the entire preview packet back with your student. According to the photography company policy, any parts of the preview packet not returned will be considered as the packet is being purchased, and you may be charged.

It's unbelievable, but Move Up Day will be here before we know it!  As a reminder, Move Up Day is a chance for the students to meet their teacher for the 2012 - 2013 school year.  It's an exciting time for the students, and for the teachers!  The event usually only lasts about 15 minutes, enough time for the teachers to introduce the grade and classroom to the students.  Last year, I read a second grade picture book to the students, and then they drew and colored pictures of something they learned in first grade.  The students usually go home with an introduction to the classroom polices, as well as an activity they can complete over the summer vacation.  It's definietly something to look forward to!  The teachers will be meeting in the coming weeks to go over the registered students for each grade, and we'll divide the students amongst their new teachers based on several factors.  The students won't know who they will be going to until that morning- the teachers don't even know until that morning either!  News of that day will be coming soon.


News
April 23rd               Progress Reports sent home
April 25th               Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:45
April 27th               Spring Carnival, 4:30 - 6:00

Birthdays
April 14th               Gabriel
April 27th               Mason



I hope you have a fantastic week!

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