Hello families! I hope everyone has enjoyed their week. The students are currently working on lessons about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. We are finishing the Washington unit by reading a book about the Revolutionary War from the Magic Tree House series. Once we finish this unit, we will finish up the Lincoln unit with another book from the Magic Tree House series about the American Civil War. We are also working, and soon-to-be-finished with our unit on money. Next up, will be a really neat unit about graphing. We will be covering the various types of graphing, including bar and pie. It should prove to be a neat one. The students are also working on projects to decorate the classroom for President's Day and Valentine's Day.
On February 10th is the Title One sponsered day Glitteracy. It is a half-day, so we have the morning until 10:30 to complete projects in the classroom. If you are able to come assist the students with putting together their projects, please feel free to contact Mrs. Wilkinson (the Title One teacher).
On February 14th, we will have our Valentine's Day card exchange. I'll be sending home a request with some of the students tomorrow for donations for that day. I'll also be sending home a list of the students' names.
News
Feb. 10th Half day, early release at 11:45
Feb. 17th School holiday, no school
Feb. 20th President's Day, no school
Birthdays
Feb. 3rd Jewel
Feb. 9th Nathan
Have a great week!
Elizabeth Townsend
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Second Grade
PDS
2/02/2012
1/17/2012
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
1/10/2012
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
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
12/20/2011
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:
Jan. ______ The 100th Day!
Birthdays:
Jan. 23rd Marcus
Happy Holidays!
Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
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 breakJan. ______ The 100th Day!
Birthdays:
Jan. 23rd Marcus
Happy Holidays!
Elizabeth Townsend
Second Grade
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
12/17/2011
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 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
12/14/2011
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
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
12/07/2011
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
Have a great week!
PDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
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 GradePDS
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
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