Hello families! I hope everyone had a great week. The students finished up place value this week and have moved into skip counting- which has been really fun once they figured out it can help them with multiplication. We don't cover multiplication in second grade, but letting them know it's something they'll see in third grade kept them motivated for the unit. We also covered compound words with various activities and work pages. This coming week, we'll be covering ABC order to the 2nd letter. Some of the work will also be on to the third letter, which can be challenging. For math, we'll be covering identifying even and odd numbers. This will be a great unit since we just covered place value to the thousands- something which will come into play this coming week.
The students are finishing up a writing craft- about a small moment- and then making a scarecrow to go with that writing. It's a super cute craft the kids will be able to have up on the walls- hopefully some of them will be up for this coming week's conferences.
Speaking of conferences, if the time I sent home doesn't work please let me know as soon as possible. I can reschedule accordingly- and if a phone or email conference is best, please let me know. I will, unfortunately, be able to give you any login information for the online grade book Synergy- the district office hasn't passed on any of that information to us yet. I should be getting the information I need to pass on to you sometime the week of Sept. 9th.
This coming week the students will also be taking their pretest on the computers on a program called Galileo. The students will be taking pretty much the same test each quarter and at the end of the school year. It will be on reading and math- and should take about 2 hours. I'm anxious to see how they can handle sitting at the computers for 2 hours- but I'm sure they'll be able to handle it.
Today I also found out we have a case of lice in the classroom. I told the kiddos that if they are itching their heads a lot they need to let me know. I can send them to the nurse at that point. I always figure, better safe than sorry. The nurse did come in this morning and check the student's friends and they were ok.
News
Sept. 2 Labor Day, no school.
Sept. 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 1/2 day early release.
Sept. 11 1/2 day early release at 11:30, teacher in-service.
Sept. 25 1/2 day early release at 11:30, teacher in-service.
Birthdays
Holly 9/23
Isaac 9/24
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
8/30/2013
8/19/2013
Spelling Words, Aug. 19 - 23
OPPS! I forgot to give the kiddos their spelling words for the week- my apologies about that. They'll get a list tomorrow morning. I will give them some time to do that spelling homework tomorrow morning, and then they can turn it in afterwards:
send
pick
end
both
fast
last
must
just
bath
black
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
send
pick
end
both
fast
last
must
just
bath
black
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
8/14/2013
Toucan Squawk, Aug. 12 - 16
Hello families! I hope everyone has had a great week so far. We have been SUPER busy with place value to the thousands- yes, thousands...in the first two weeks! All of grade 2 started it last week because we knew this concept was going to carry through the entire school year. Along with place value, the students have continued to get to know each other- reminding ourselves of bucket fillers and bucket dippers has been really helpful with the students' behavior choices throughout the day. I'm already amazed by some of their positive behavior choices- and it makes me happy to think that they have already come together as a family by treating each other with the upmost respect. The students have also been working on writing about themselves for a writing craft project- I'll be posting pictures once the project is up on the walls.
We had a practice fire drill on Monday. The students did awesome- I would have to say the best I've had all of my 8 years of teaching- really! We did practice on Friday afternoon, but just seeing it in action on Monday morning was really great.
I've had a few questions about the homework. In your child's homework folder is a green sheet which explains the nightly schedule. Each Monday your child will be going home with a reading log they will need to complete each night and return the next day. I look it over each morning, and return it back to your student. Each night has a different type of homework- grammar, math, or spelling. The schedule explains what your child needs to do each night. When there is spelling for the night, a blank lined piece of paper will be in your child's folder. Each Monday he or she will take home a list of the words for the week- this list stays in the folder or at home. Every day it is imperative your child returns their homework- it's a responsibility a child learns which can carry them through the entire year. I can understand when things get crazy at home- the family gets home late, etc., anything can happen. However, I ask that if time does in fact run out and there isn't enough time for your child to do their homework- please let me know. Email me, send a note to school with your child- something to let me know that there simply wasn't enough time. I can understand that. I won't penalize a child for something like that. However, when homework isn't returned without a note or an email, I will ask that child to owe a nickel. Students who turn in their homework the entire week will earn a nickel on Friday of that week. If there is an absence and the homework has been turned in all week, the child can earn the nickel on the Monday they return.
Your student also has an explanation of the clip chart for behavior in their orange folder. The green is where your child should aim for each day- but the blue, purple, and pink are the super extra goals. Yellow, red, and brown are for warnings and for me to call or email home with any concerns I may have. We start each day on green, the students depending upon behavior move their clips up or down. At the end of each day, I have the students color in the behavior chart in their orange folder with the color they ended their day on. This has been really helpful for the students to have a visual of how they ended their day on. I've noticed a change in the students' behavior the next day based on how they did the previous day- that has helped me reinforce that the system is working. I started using it only last year- after using a similar system with a pocket chart for years- and have found the clip chart is far more effective because the students are given more power over moving up when they go above and beyond.
Grade 2 is having a parent night! I'm really excited about it because this will be a great time for me to chat with you about my classroom polices- homework, behavior, AR testing on the computers, etc. Further news on when we will have it is forthcoming in your child's homework folder.
News
Aug. 28 1/2 day early release at 11:30, teacher in-service
Birthdays
None in August
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
We had a practice fire drill on Monday. The students did awesome- I would have to say the best I've had all of my 8 years of teaching- really! We did practice on Friday afternoon, but just seeing it in action on Monday morning was really great.
I've had a few questions about the homework. In your child's homework folder is a green sheet which explains the nightly schedule. Each Monday your child will be going home with a reading log they will need to complete each night and return the next day. I look it over each morning, and return it back to your student. Each night has a different type of homework- grammar, math, or spelling. The schedule explains what your child needs to do each night. When there is spelling for the night, a blank lined piece of paper will be in your child's folder. Each Monday he or she will take home a list of the words for the week- this list stays in the folder or at home. Every day it is imperative your child returns their homework- it's a responsibility a child learns which can carry them through the entire year. I can understand when things get crazy at home- the family gets home late, etc., anything can happen. However, I ask that if time does in fact run out and there isn't enough time for your child to do their homework- please let me know. Email me, send a note to school with your child- something to let me know that there simply wasn't enough time. I can understand that. I won't penalize a child for something like that. However, when homework isn't returned without a note or an email, I will ask that child to owe a nickel. Students who turn in their homework the entire week will earn a nickel on Friday of that week. If there is an absence and the homework has been turned in all week, the child can earn the nickel on the Monday they return.
Your student also has an explanation of the clip chart for behavior in their orange folder. The green is where your child should aim for each day- but the blue, purple, and pink are the super extra goals. Yellow, red, and brown are for warnings and for me to call or email home with any concerns I may have. We start each day on green, the students depending upon behavior move their clips up or down. At the end of each day, I have the students color in the behavior chart in their orange folder with the color they ended their day on. This has been really helpful for the students to have a visual of how they ended their day on. I've noticed a change in the students' behavior the next day based on how they did the previous day- that has helped me reinforce that the system is working. I started using it only last year- after using a similar system with a pocket chart for years- and have found the clip chart is far more effective because the students are given more power over moving up when they go above and beyond.
Grade 2 is having a parent night! I'm really excited about it because this will be a great time for me to chat with you about my classroom polices- homework, behavior, AR testing on the computers, etc. Further news on when we will have it is forthcoming in your child's homework folder.
News
Aug. 28 1/2 day early release at 11:30, teacher in-service
Birthdays
None in August
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
8/11/2013
Emails
I sent a mass email on Friday. I had been told by other staff that the emails wouldn't be exposed to the other senders- apparently they have. So, because of privacy, I won't be mass emailing. This blog will be the primary news/info sharing spot for the class. If I do need to get a hold of you, I'll call first. I usually email second, or if the issue is something that can wait. Have a great evening, and I'll see everyone tomorrow!
Thank you for everything you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Thank you for everything you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
8/06/2013
Welcome back to school!
Hello families! It's only Tuesday but I feel as if it's Wednesday...we've been super busy these past two days! We have gotten to know each other a little better, gone over the rules and expectations of the school and class, and have already started working on place value to the tens in math. We've had a few rough patches, but for the most part the students are having a great time learning and getting along well with each other. Tomorrow we'll be discussing our Bucket Filler program for the class. This is a super program which has proven to be successful in other schools across the nation. It helps the class become more of a family- encouraging the students to have empathy and think about what they do before they act. The students will have a chance to thank someone for being extra nice, while feeling the benefits themselves. It will be amazing to see the appreciation in the students!
Today your child also came home with a packet of forms to go through. Please fill these out and return them as soon as possible. Tomorrow, your child will also be going over our school and class rules and expectations. They will also take home a pink sheet of paper. Please review the rules and expectations with your child, and then sign and return the form.
You will notice that the homework will be going home every day. I will be tracking who has returned the homework each day- and on Friday students who have returned the homework through the entire week will receive a nickel for their bank.
News
Aug. 14 Teacher in-service. 1/2 day early release at 11:30
Aug. 28 Teacher in-service. 1/2 day early release at 11:30
Birthdays
No birthdays this month
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
515-2970
Today your child also came home with a packet of forms to go through. Please fill these out and return them as soon as possible. Tomorrow, your child will also be going over our school and class rules and expectations. They will also take home a pink sheet of paper. Please review the rules and expectations with your child, and then sign and return the form.
You will notice that the homework will be going home every day. I will be tracking who has returned the homework each day- and on Friday students who have returned the homework through the entire week will receive a nickel for their bank.
News
Aug. 14 Teacher in-service. 1/2 day early release at 11:30
Aug. 28 Teacher in-service. 1/2 day early release at 11:30
Birthdays
No birthdays this month
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
515-2970
5/23/2013
End of the Year
I just wanted to take a moment to say how thankful I am I had your children in my class this year. We had a great year and I'm so excited to hear about their successes for their coming school year in 3rd grade. Enjoy the next couple of months with your students!
Thank you for all you have done!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Thank you for all you have done!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
5/15/2013
The Toucan Squawk, May 13 - 17
Hello families! We'll be going to Lowe's tomorrow for our final field trip. We'll be leaving at about 8:30, and returning around 11:00. There's been some debate if we'll be returning at 11:00 or 11:30, so we'll have to play it by ear. However, we will be returning by our regular lunch time of 11:43, so there's no problem with that. The students will be making a wooden craft which they will be able to take home- Mrs. Sullins and Mrs. Holston took their students earlier this week and they both said that everyone had a great time with this project.
Friday afternoon is our Portfolios and Popcorn event! The students have been working SO hard on their writing this year and their portfolios are ready to be shared and taken home. If you have not responded to the flyer sent home last week, please do so soon. We're attempting to get a final count for the popcorn for each classroom. Our event will be held in our room, 12:30 to 1:30. We hope to see you there!
Currently, there has been some discussion if we'll have Move Up day this year. I'm really hoping we do, simply because I know how fantastic it is for the students to meet their new teachers before the new school year even starts. As of right now, Move Up day is scheduled for Monday the 20th. This day is admittedly somewhat bittersweet for me, as I'm sure it is for the other teachers. While the kiddos will be walking themselves over to their 3rd grade classes, I'll be meeting with my new second graders. Paraprofessional aides will be around campus to direct the students to the correct rooms, which will be in the next building over. Even with the close proximity, it can be a little confusing to get around. I, along with the other teachers, do not know who has been put into who's class for next year. While we had a hand in distributing the students while we worked on the lists on May 3rd, things may have changed and therefore we don't find out until the morning of Move Up day.
Field day is Wednesday the 22nd. The students will be participating in a variety of water-related activities. Because of this, I'm asking the following so that everyone gets to enjoy their morning:
We have been celebrating "unbirthdays" this week. This is a great chance for everyone to have their birthday celebrated, birthday song and all, even though we aren't in school during that time. If you received an unbirthday notice last week, you are welcome to bring in a snack to share for the class. However, this isn't necessary. I still have a card and a pencil to give, and the kiddos of course will sing happy birthday.
While this week and next progresses, the kiddos and I will be doing some cleaning and organizing in the room. I'm also still sending home papers, etc, so please continue to send your student to school with their backpacks. Next week we'll also be celebrating the end of the year with an ice cream party- I've sent home a request for items. Please send in your item if you are able to by Friday- our celebration is next Tuesday.
News
May 16 Lowe's field trip, 8:30 - 11:30
May 20 Move Up day, 8:15 - 8:45
May 21 End of the Year ice cream celebration, playground, ?:??
May 22 Field day, grades 2 and 4, 8:30 - 10:00
May 23 Student's last day, early release at 11:30- NO LUNCH SERVED
Birthdays
May 14 Greg
June 3 Paul
June 10 Carter
July 2 Mark
July 7 Laska
July 26 Alicia
July 29 Abygail
Aug. 3 Hailee
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
Friday afternoon is our Portfolios and Popcorn event! The students have been working SO hard on their writing this year and their portfolios are ready to be shared and taken home. If you have not responded to the flyer sent home last week, please do so soon. We're attempting to get a final count for the popcorn for each classroom. Our event will be held in our room, 12:30 to 1:30. We hope to see you there!
Currently, there has been some discussion if we'll have Move Up day this year. I'm really hoping we do, simply because I know how fantastic it is for the students to meet their new teachers before the new school year even starts. As of right now, Move Up day is scheduled for Monday the 20th. This day is admittedly somewhat bittersweet for me, as I'm sure it is for the other teachers. While the kiddos will be walking themselves over to their 3rd grade classes, I'll be meeting with my new second graders. Paraprofessional aides will be around campus to direct the students to the correct rooms, which will be in the next building over. Even with the close proximity, it can be a little confusing to get around. I, along with the other teachers, do not know who has been put into who's class for next year. While we had a hand in distributing the students while we worked on the lists on May 3rd, things may have changed and therefore we don't find out until the morning of Move Up day.
Field day is Wednesday the 22nd. The students will be participating in a variety of water-related activities. Because of this, I'm asking the following so that everyone gets to enjoy their morning:
- Students should wear fast-drying clothes they won't mind getting wet. They are welcome to bring a change of clothes for afterwards. Please, NO swimsuits or other swimming-related items- they won't be necessary.
- We'll be outside for over an hour, so sunscreen is a definite must.
We have been celebrating "unbirthdays" this week. This is a great chance for everyone to have their birthday celebrated, birthday song and all, even though we aren't in school during that time. If you received an unbirthday notice last week, you are welcome to bring in a snack to share for the class. However, this isn't necessary. I still have a card and a pencil to give, and the kiddos of course will sing happy birthday.
While this week and next progresses, the kiddos and I will be doing some cleaning and organizing in the room. I'm also still sending home papers, etc, so please continue to send your student to school with their backpacks. Next week we'll also be celebrating the end of the year with an ice cream party- I've sent home a request for items. Please send in your item if you are able to by Friday- our celebration is next Tuesday.
News
May 16 Lowe's field trip, 8:30 - 11:30
May 20 Move Up day, 8:15 - 8:45
May 21 End of the Year ice cream celebration, playground, ?:??
May 22 Field day, grades 2 and 4, 8:30 - 10:00
May 23 Student's last day, early release at 11:30- NO LUNCH SERVED
Birthdays
May 14 Greg
June 3 Paul
June 10 Carter
July 2 Mark
July 7 Laska
July 26 Alicia
July 29 Abygail
Aug. 3 Hailee
Thank you for all you do!
Elizabeth Townsend
PDS
Second Grade
elizabeth.townsend@svps.k12.az.us
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