12/11/2013

Opps...more Rex pictures!

On Monday, Rex came to school with Magic Dust- so the students could hold him for up to 30 minutes for everyone to get a picture taken.  He apparently stole my camera from my work bag I had left for the night...sneaky!


On Tuesday, in response to some negative behavior on Monday, Rex decided to go on strike!  



Wednesday was a better day for some students...


However, he apparently decided to still keep an eye on the class by spending the day on a swing he made for himself.  There was also a lovely selection of toilet paper tossed around the room. 


 
Here's to hoping Thursday isn't so bad!
 
 
 
Have a great rest of the week and as always...thank you for all you do!
 
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
 

The Toucan Squawk, Dec. 9 - 13

Hello families...I hope everyone is enjoying their week!  We have been spending time working through the elf journal Rex the classroom elf left for the kiddos to complete.  Tomorrow the class will create a "comic strip" describing how to make a snowman.  This goes with a sort and glue activity they did today.  Both activities will be finished tomorrow. 

The class has also been continuing to work through identifying key information and questions in word problems.  We will continue to work through this unit in small groups and centers throughout the school year, and it will also appear in the students' homework.   

Please continue to send in the items for the holiday party.  We will be celebrating the holiday season on Thursday the 19th with decorating cupcakes, making a snowman craft, and completing activities.  We will also watch a movie and eat the cupcakes in the afternoon.  It's sure to be a fun day for everyone participating!

On Friday the 20th, we will have our holiday program in the morning, and then afterwards...it's hot coco time!  The students are invited to wear their pjs to school, but please send them with their jackets as well.  We won't have the time for anyone to change prior to leaving for the holiday program, so students are invited to wear their pjs directly to school.  Please also remind them to wear sneakers- since all of the teachers perform for each grade level, they will go out for recess while we are performing for the other grade levels.  Yes, we perform for the kiddos...oh dear!  This is a 1/2 day, so we won't have time for much afterwards besides hot coco and a movie.


News
Dec. 20                          Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30. 
Dec. 23 - Jan. 3             Holiday break, no school.
Jan. 6                             School resumes.

Birthdays
Dec. 28                         Natascha


Thank you for all you do!



Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
12/10/2013

Holiday party

The kiddos might have gone home today saying we aren't having the holiday party next week.  We are having it, and it will still be on Thursday as previously planned.  However, several students are having a more-than-usual tough time following directions and turning in completed work.  This can affect their complete participation in the day's activities.  I will continue to make phone calls regarding those specific students this week, and hopefully this can get everyone back on the right track.

So, yes, please continue to send in those items for the holiday party.  As always, I appreciate your donations.  Thank you very much in advance!


Thank you for all you do,

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
12/05/2013

The elves strike again!

Apparently Rex and his buddies decided to go on field trips amongst the other second grade classes today!  Rex ended up in Mrs. Sullins' class.
 
 
Rex shared a story with the reading buddies.


He also left quite a mess in the classroom library...


 and at the students' tables.  These are just two of the tables, but the results are the same for all four.  Tsk tsk tsk. 
 
 
 
But of course we weren't left out of their field trip!  Mrs. Sullins' classroom elf Snowball graced our classroom with his presence by reading a story with Pink Punctuation...and with a messed up picture.  These elves!
 
 
Oh and the chairs...the chairs!  They were completely wrecked this morning!
 
 
And let's not forget the crates.  Lots of Christmas books left about. 


  
Snowball must have had some trouble getting down the holiday books, because the library was wrecked as well.  Yikes!
 
 
Here's to a wonderful coming weekend...without these elves!
 
 
Thank you for all you do!
 
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
 
12/04/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Dec. 2 - Dec. 6

Hello families...I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday week!  We have been busy working on a small moment writing for the students' portfolio this week.  The writing is almost done- I'll be checking them over tomorrow and then the kiddos will work their finals tomorrow and on into Friday.  These portfolio writing samples are not graded- they are just a mile marker to show the students' writing growth.

For math, we have continued the word problem unit.  Tomorrow, the students will be making "keys to word problems" clue word keys...these will prove helpful at home as the students work on word problems in their math homework through the rest of the school year.

With the holiday season coming up we have been elfed!  Actually, all of second grade has.  On Tuesday, the kiddos met our classroom elf.  He introduced himself by writing rather messily on the board. 


He also showed off a cute basket.  For some reason this picture can't be edited to rotate...I have a feeling he may be up to this... :-)

On Wednesday, he showed his appreciation for our vote on his new name.  You guessed it, Rex.

 
He obviously needed more practice, and to show his love of glitter, so he made a mess on the Blue Center table.  I don't know why he has a sticker of a toucan on his shirt...I'm thinking it's to show his love of toucans, but we'll see.
 

He wrote more nametags and left them all over the room.  And snowflakes.  Oh, and gift bows...apparently Rex loves to decorate.
 


It's going to be a long week with our new friend- so hopefully he and his little friends won't decide to stay longer than this week!  The students are working their way through a journal Rex brought.


News
Dec. 20                           Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30  
Dec. 23 - Jan. 3              Winter break
Jan. 6                              School resumes

Birthdays

Dec. 28                          Natascha



Thank you for all you do!


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




         
11/20/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Nov. 18 - 22

Hello families...I hope everyone has had a great week!  We have finished our turkey writing...the craft came out really cute!  I need to take a picture, and then I'll post it tomorrow.  We have also started and finished a small moment writing, and started on our new writing craft- if Santa was sick!  The students were super excited to start on this writing piece, and to also use our newly learned sentence feature- dialogue!  I've graded the sloppy copies and I have to say I'm really impressed with everyone's writing progress.  I'll be sure to post a picture of their crafts once they are posted on the wall.

In math, the students have finished their unit in polygons and started on comparing expressions- for example, 13 + 4 > 12 + 1.  The students have been comparing both addition and subtraction problems, double and single digit.


News

Nov. 22                  Progress reports go home
Nov. 27 - 29          Thanksgiving Holiday, no school


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
11/13/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Nov. 11 - Nov. 15

Hello families...I hope you have had a great week! 

We have started and finished the turkey book writing.  This writing was pushed back from the week before last, as we had taken a bit too long on the spider research report.  With the Veteran's Day letters deadline to get those out and delivered, I felt it necessary to put a pause on the turkey book.  Now we've finished with the writing, so all that's left is the craft.  The students will be making a turkey- it's very cute!  They'll be going up on the wall soon enough.  We also started and are about halfway through a small moment writing for everyone's writing portfolio.  This will be the writing for the beginning of the 2nd quarter.  We have been working on abbreviations in writing lessons.  We'll finish this on Friday, and then begin sentence structure next week.

In math, the students have been working on polygons.  They all did pretty great on the unit.  We'll finish the week with centers, and then start on comparing expressions (greater than, less than, equal to) next week.  The week after, we'll start on word problems, a unit which will be continued after Thanksgiving break.

I am still missing some brown envelopes sent home last week.  Please take a look at the items inside and return them as soon as possible.  I'd like to have them set up on the students' desks on the 26th, so everyone can take them home for Thanksgiving.  Thank you very much in advance!

I'm also going to be sending home a letter soon enough asking for items for our Holiday Party.  It's unbelievable next month is December and coming our way quite fast!  We'll be doing holiday rotations that last week before we leave for Holiday Break- and we'll need a few items to help celebrate.  They'll be making a few crafts, having hot coco, and watching a movie.  It'll definitely be a fun yet fast paced week- as usual!

News
Nov. 20                     Teacher in-service, early release at 11:25.
Nov. 22                     Progress reports go home.
Nov. 27 - 29             Thanksgiving break, no school


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us

Picture Retakes

If you didn't like the first pictures taken of your student from September, or your student wasn't present on that day, tomorrow is the last chance for pictures for the Fall semester.  Pictures will be taken for those students through the day.  The reminder slip was sent home today in your students' orange folder.

Thanks!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
11/11/2013

Brown envelope

Hi families...I hope you had a great Veteran's Day weekend!  I just wanted to put out a reminder regarding the brown envelope sent home last week.  I've received several back last week, but I'm still missing quite a few.  Please have your student bring back the envelope with the items filled out by you this week...they are for a very special surprise for your student before leaving for Thanksgiving holiday break.  The items can be returned in the envelope since it is a surprise.  Thank you very much in advance!



Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us 
11/06/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Nov. 4 - Nov. 8

Hello families...I hope everyone has had a great week!  Our Fall Celebration went fantastic!  Thanks for the items everyone sent in...the kids loved making their activities and of course their spider cupcakes.  Our next celebration day is the week before we leave for Holiday Break.  I'll be sending a letter home prior early next month for donations of items for that day.

The students have finished writing their final copies of their Veteran's Day letters, and have started decorating the "jackets".  Since we paused on making the turkey books last week, we will continue writing and creating that craft tomorrow and Friday.  Next week, the students will be writing their second quarter sample for their writing portfolio.

We have also completed our unit on counting money up to $100, and have started on identifying and labeling polygons (plane shapes, or 2D shapes.  This afternoon the class identified regular and irregular polygons, and colored "pictures" of various polygons in specific colors.  We'll continue this lesson this week and into early next week.

We have also started on a new unit for reading- non-fiction text features.  We covered diagrams, photographs, and photograph caption. We'll continue this unit tomorrow and Friday, as well as into early next week.  This is a crucial unit for the Common Core standards (now officially renamed Arizona College and Career Readiness standards)- as a lot of the standards are non-fiction text based.  These type of text are what students will see as they go through their schooling and into the career world.  It can be a tough unit, because the students are already so used to fiction text.  However, I have noticed a lot of kiddos love learning about animals- this is a great place for them to start with non-fiction. 

We have continued our Social Studies unit of the American Revolution and the 13 colonies with Taxation without Representation- we'll be doing a fun activity (well, I think it's fun...the class may not!) tomorrow in class.  This activity always tends to bring the whole concept of taxing home.


News
Nov. 11                   Veteran's Day, no school
Nov. 20                   Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release
Nov. 22                   Progress reports go home
Nov. 27 - 29           Thanksgiving holiday break, no school



Thank you for all you do!


Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
   
11/04/2013

Brown envelope

Hi families!  I just wanted to let you know that your students are coming home with a small brown manila envelope.  Please take a look at its contents- it's a secret so please return the items in the same envelope.


Thank you so much in advance and thank you for all you do!



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

10/31/2013

Happy Halloween!


I hope everyone has a fun and safe time tonight!  No homework tonight and no spelling test tomorrow.





Thank you for all  you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
10/30/2013

Costume Parade

Tomorrow is our Halloween costume parade!  We will be starting around 8:15- once everyone has taken attendance and lunch count.  Grades K - 2 will parade around campus until about 8:40.  Here are just a few reminders regarding Halloween costumes:
  • No masks- but students may wear makeup.
  • Appropriate costumes.
  • No weapons or other items to carry.
  • Come to school wearing costumes- there will not be enough time to change into them when students arrive to school.
  • Bring a change of clothes- after the parade, students are invited to change out of their costumes afterwards.  I'll set aside some time for everyone to do that if they wish.
When we return to the classroom, around 8:40, we'll start our activities!  You are welcome to stay and help.  Students will be sorting "bone candy", estimating about and measuring our class pumpkin, coloring a picture frame, and making spider cupcakes.  After lunch and recess, the students will have their cupcakes and juice while watching a movie.  It should definitely be a fun day!

On Friday, the students will begin a writing project about a pet turkey.  We'll read a story first, and then begin writing the writing organizer.  The craft will be posted on the wall when they are completed.  Next week, we will be starting to learn the correct format to write letters.  This will lead into having the chance to write letters to soldiers and veterans for Veteran's Day.  The students will be thanking them for their brave service for our country, and I'm hoping we will be able to send them to retired and currently serving military at Fort Huachuca when they are all finished.


News
Nov. 11                Veteran's Day, no school
Nov. 20                Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30
Nov. 22                Progress reports go home
Nov. 27 - 29        Thanksgiving holiday, no school


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
10/25/2013

Fall Celebration

Hi!  If you haven't already, please send in the item listed on the bright pink sheet sent home last week.  These items will be used for the Fall Celebration on Thursday.  The kiddos will be using the candy for graphing, estimating, and making spider cupcakes.  Thank you so much in advance!

Have a great weekend and thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade

Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az
10/24/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Oct. 21 - Oct. 25

Hello families...I hope everyone has had a great week!  We have been so busy in class- with coming back from Fall Break, our field trip to Apple Annie's, and a special lesson this afternoon...I'm so happy tomorrow is Friday!  The field trip went quite smoothly- we were able to get back around 1:30, earlier than we had expected.  This afternoon, the kiddos decorated their pumpkins.  If you ever want to get those sticker sets yourself, they are at the Target Dollar Spot...I've been getting them for the past couple years and the kids always love using them.  Plus, much easier to use than painting or carving in the classroom!

Report cards are going home tomorrow.  I'm including a copy of your child's STAR reading test report.  I've crossed out the reading range the program puts out and wrote in my own.  I create my own because I've realized giving the kids too much of a range- like the program does- creates havoc.  The kids end up reading books that are WAY too hard and end up getting frustrated, or read books that are WAY too easy and end up not showing progress.  I give them a tighter range, so they are able to read a wide range of book levels- all without staying behind or going too far ahead.  I will also continue to monitor progress and change as necessary through this quarter.

Our special lesson this afternoon was about braille.  We have a student who is visually impaired- she was originally in Mrs. Sullins' classroom but was changed into our room in September.  She has adapted quite smoothly- as has the rest of the class.  The teachers from Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB) wanted to introduce the class to a braille and how to help our friend.  With the sudden shift into our class, it didn't happen earlier...but I'm so glad we took the time out to be introduced to braille and learn how to continue to help our friend.

The students...
   
 
  learned the Braille alphabet,
 
 
 
wrote their names in Braille,
 
 

 
  
 
and had their name brailed on the Perkins Braille machine.
 
 
The students also learned how to help with sight guide- walking at a normal pace with our friend holding their upper arm or wrist.  Overall, it was a really nice way to end the day and I'm really happy the teachers were able to take the time out of their busy schedules.
 
The students have started taking Stanford 10 prep test practices on Mondays and Fridays.  Unlike the AIMs test taken by grades 3 - 12, the Stanford 10 test is partially a listening test.  I will read a portion of the reading test and a portion of the math test- the two sections are taken on two different days.  My hopes are that taking these practice tests will prove helpful once the students get to the tests in April.  These reading tests will also be included in their reading grade twice a week- the one they took on Monday will not count because it was only 3 questions.  I will be going over it with the class tomorrow morning to show the students how they did and what can happen when they are not paying attention to something being read to them.  I know that can be a tough situation for some, but listening skills are essential in daily life for all students.
 
 
NewsOct. 21 - Nov. 6           Canned food drive
Oct. 25                         Report cards go home
Oct. 30                         Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30.

BirthdaysOct. 9                           Illiyanna
Oct. 25                         Alex
Oct. 27                         Cristian
 
 
Thank you for all you do!
 
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
 

10/22/2013

Apple Annie's!

Tomorrow is our field trip to Apple Annie's!  I honestly don't know who is more excited- them or me.  I always look forward to this field trip each year- the kids get to be outside for longer than recess, and they get to choose their own pumpkin.  Really, it can't get any better.  I discussed with the students this afternoon what I want them to bring in, but as a reminder...
  • Bring homework and backpack- the students will need to turn in their homework.
  • Long pants or shorts.
  • Closed toed shoes- boots or sneakers, whichever is more comfortable.
  • Sunscreen.
If your student takes any medication you feel is necessary for them to have tomorrow- please drop by in the morning to drop it off at the nurse's office.  I will be taking anything any student will need- EpiPen, asthma meds...

We will be leaving about 8:15.  Students need to be at the room by 7:30- I'll be collecting homework and returning reading logs for tomorrow.  This will also be plenty of time for everyone to go to the bathroom and get a drink of water.  We'll be returning about 1:45, which will be time for everyone to pack up and prepare to go home.  I'm asking the students to leave their pumpkin on their desks- we'll be decorating and taking pictures on Thursday!


News
Oct. 21 - Nov. 6           Canned food drive
Oct. 25                         Report cards go home
Oct. 30                         Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30.

Birthdays
Oct. 9                           Illiyanna
Oct. 25                         Alex
Oct. 27                         Cristian


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
10/21/2013

Canned food drive


PdS 8th Annual Holiday Canned Food Drive


Oct. 21st – Nov. 1st 
 
Please bring in canned food to donate to the Salvation Army Food Bank.

 

We will keep track of your total class number so that we can recognize the winning classes in each grade level.
10/10/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Oct. 7 - Oct. 11

Hello families...I hope everyone has had a great week!  We have finished up our reviews of addition and subtraction with and without regrouping and have moved into mental math.  This has been a neat unit because the students have been able to use all they have learned from the past quarter.  We'll most likely do a review group after Fall Break.

You will notice a few different writing grades on ParentVue- the students did a few assessments based on the Daily Oral Language morning work pages the students do each morning.  The assessments are based on the use of capital letters, punctuation, and grammar sense.  At the end of each quarter, assessments will be given and included in the writing grades. 

Next quarter, the students will be starting a writing project about spiders!  This is an exciting research writing project for sure!  Each student will be given a choice of spiders to choose from (tarantula, wolf spider, black widow).  They'll then do research with a partner based on the spider they have chosen, complete the writing organizer, and then create their spiders.  Each student will be graded for their writing based on the organizer and sloppy copy for writing, and research for science.  They will also create their own project with their writing, but the research will be done with partners.  It's an exciting project, but does take some time to complete. 

The students have taken their first quarter benchmark on the computer system Galileo.  This benchmark is not included in any grades, but they did pretty awesome!  I was very impressed with how well they did, but most importantly how well they listened while we were quietly completing the tests.  They have also taken their end-of-first-quarter STAR reading test.  I will be sending home a copy of their results with their grade report after Fall Break.  Some reading levels have lowered, stayed the same, or raised.  This benchmark is also not included in the grades- but it does help me base where I start the students' reading levels and ranges.  I do, however, continue to take in account how the each student does during their AR reading goals each week.

Everyone will be taking home a Fall Break homework packet tomorrow.  It's not required for it to be completed, just a suggestion and quick way for everyone to earn a couple of nickels for their banks.  It's due Monday the 21st.


News
Oct. 14                Columbus Day
Oct. 14 - 18         Fall Break
Oct. 25                Report Cards go home
Oct. 30                Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30

Birthdays
Oct. 9                  Illiyanna
Oct. 25                Alex
Oct. 27                Cristian


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
10/09/2013

Hotmail email addresses

The district technology department has become aware of an issue with email addresses from Hotmail that don't receive emails from the school district email.  Emails from your address may not be coming through, and vise versa.  As of right now, emails from any Hotmail accounts have not bounced back because I have saved your address.  If any of yours have bounced back, please add me to your "safe list".



Thanks!


Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
515-2970
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
10/04/2013

Field Trip update

After talking with a couple of the other 2nd grade teachers, it occurred to me that it would be beneficial for the students for a couple changes on the 23rd:
  • Have students bring in their backpacks and homework on the 23rd- students need to get into the classroom just after 7:30 that morning, so we'll have time for everyone to turn everything in and for me to check it and return it back.  Please have them bring in their backpacks as well, but they won't need to take it with them on the trip.  I'll have a bucket for the sack lunches, and jackets or sweaters can be tied around waists.  Arriving early will also give us time for everyone to get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, and for me to take attendance.  We should be leaving at or about 8:15, rather than previously stated 8:30.  We'll end up returning slightly earlier, at 1:45 instead of 2:00.  This time difference will then also give us time to get back to the classrooms and collect belongings.  I'm asking for pumpkins to be returned to the classroom and left there overnight- we'll be decorating them the following school day!
My apologies about the confusion!  I'll send home a reminder on the 22nd regarding bringing in homework the 23rd.  Have a great and restful weekend!


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
515-2970
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
10/02/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Sept. 30 - Oct. 4

Hello families...I hope everyone has had a great week so far!  We have been continuing addition and subtraction with and without regrouping this week- and we will be working through it into next week as well.  The students have also been reviewing all of the math we studied this first quarter on the Accelerated Math system, which is a part of the Renaissance Place family of programs.  You will start to see these in the grade book.  

And thanks to the AWESOME PDS PTO- we were able to purchase seats for Math Facts in a Flash for some of the grades!  I'm so excited to have this program back because this is a great tool for the students to practice math facts on the computers.  Once they have started taking practice quizzes and tests, your student's information will start to show up on your Renaissance Place Home Connect.  As a reminder, students can take only the practice quizzes at home, but will be able to take both the quizzes and tests and school.  This program will also be integrated into the classroom for center rotations in the mornings as part of the students' Blue Center, and in the afternoons as part of math rotations for intervention and enrichment.

The students are also completing literacy reviews for the past quarter lessons of ABC order and compound words.  These will also go into the grade book.

Our field trip to Apple Annie's will be Oct. 23rd.  Space is limited on the bus, so I'm randomly choosing 5 parents/guardians to join us on the bus with the students and the other 2nd grade classes from the returned chaperone slips.  You are more than welcome to follow or drive ahead in your own vehicle- but please remember the $8.00 per adult still applies.  You are also more than welcome to sign your child out early at Apple Annie's and head back early.  I will have a sign-out sheet for you to sign, I'll turn this in to the office, and the office staff will take care of adjusting the attendance as necessary once we return.  I always get excited about this field trip- but there are a few things to remember prior to leaving:
  • When students arrive at school on the 23rd, have them come in the classroom starting at 7:30- we will have only a short amount of time in the morning to collect attendance, have everyone get a drink of water, and go to the bathroom.  We'll need everyone on the bus by 8:30.  If you are driving your own vehicle, you are welcome to leave earlier once I have taken attendance.     
  • Apply sunscreen- we will be out in the sun all day.  Your child is welcome to bring a hat and/or sunglasses.  They will need to be responsible for these items.
  • Bring a bottle of water- it's a long day and students need to stay hydrated.  Write your child's name on the bottle.  I would suggest a disposable bottle, not the nice ones to keep- that way your child will have less to carry when they finish drinking.
  • Pack a sack lunch- we will be having lunch at the farm, so please pack something that does not need to be heated or refrigerated.
  • Clothing- bring a sweater or jacket and wear sneakers.  No sandals or other open-toed shoes, skirts, or dresses please!
  • Please send your child with their backpacks.
  • Do not turn in homework on the 23rd- students will be taking home their usual homework the previous night, BUT do not send it to school with them on the 23rd!  There won't be time to check it prior to leaving, and I don't want anyone to forget it in the classroom or lose it somewhere along the way.  I'll send home a reminder on the 22nd.
  • Positive behavior counts- if students make negative behavior choices in the coming week, they may not be able to attend the field trip.  It's something that truly breaks my heart, but there have been several children in the past who have not attended this field trip due to negative choices.  If any students are chosen to not attend, I will contact you ahead of time to let you know.  They will be spending the day in another classroom with work to complete.
  • Health and medication- I will have any medication your child has at school from the nurse (EpiPen, etc) in case of an emergency.
  • Class t-shirts- students are invited to wear their class t-shirts.  It's not a requirement, but it just makes the trip fun to identify everyone by their shirts.
Apple Annie's is a fantastic and fun field trip, and I truly hope everyone has a great time!


News
Oct. 11                Teacher in-service, early release at 11:30.
Oct. 14                Columbus Day.
Oct. 14 - 18         Fall Break, no school.
Oct. 23                Field trip to Apple Annie's.
Oct. 25                Report cards go home.
Oct. 30                Teacher in-service, early release at 11:30.

Birthdays
10/9                    Illiyanna
10/25                  Alex
10/27
                  Cristian
                



Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade

515-2970
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
            
9/25/2013

The Toucan Squawk, Sept. 23 - 27

Hello families...I hope everyone has had a great week!  This week we have been working our way through double digit subtraction with regrouping, as well as reviewing addition with regrouping.  You'll start to notice both concepts being included in the homework starting next week.  This will really help cement the concepts to carry through the school year.  The students learned three different chants to help them with double digit addition and subtraction.  I'll send home a copy of these chants to help with the upcoming homework. 

We have also been working on a new writing craft- a candy corn project centered around writing about a book.  The writing will be finalized tomorrow, and the pieces will be put together tomorrow and Friday.


News
 
Oct. 11               Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30.
Oct. 14               Columbus day
Oct. 14 - 18        Fall Break, no school
Oct. 25               Report cards sent home
Oct. 30               Teacher in-service, 1/2 day early release at 11:30.      


Birthdays

10/9                    Illiyanna
10/25                  Alex
10/27                  Cristian


Thank you for all you do!

Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
Elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
9/23/2013

Spelling words

It seems I may have not included the spelling words in everyone's mailboxes for today...my apologies about that.

Here they are!
  • good
  • book
  • when
  • soon
  • what
  • too
  • took
  • school
  • who
  • shook
 
Elizabeth Townsend
www.townsendtropicaltoucans.blogspot.com
PDS
Second Grade
515-2970