Important Holiday Info.

Dear Parents,
Please be sure to check this week's newsletter for the curriculum update.

A few reminders.........

*Our Holiday Program will be on Dec. 16th at 9:00 am in the auditorium. Our class is singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

*Please come join us afterwards for milk and cookies in the classroom. Please send your child to school in their "holiday best" formal attire.

*Report Cards go home on Wednesday, Dec. 16th. This will be a half day without lunch or the afterschool program. Please make arrangements to pick your child up at 11:30 on this day.

*No Homework Packets this week due to the three day week.

*No Spelling Test either. Spelling words did go home though for your child to practice.

*Please continue to read with your child over the long Winter Break.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday season!
We'll see you next year,
Mrs. M

Holiday Program and Party

Our school Holiday Program will be held on Dec. 16th at 9:00 am in the auditorium and we will be having a class Holiday Party after that in the classroom. Your child would love to see you there! If you have a special holiday that you celebrate and you can share it with us, please let me know. We'd love to learn about different cultures and the holidays they celebrate.

Thanksgiving

We have a short school week, school is on Monday and Tuesday only.
I will not be sending home any spelling words or homework this week.
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving Break!
Don't forget, Thanksgiving Feast is on Tuesday so please send in your can of corn if you haven't.
We are also in need of crock pots and can openers. Please label them if you send them in.
Thank You!
Mrs. M

Top Five Ways to Help your Child be Successful in 2nd Grade

1. TALK about school and special activities/events:
"Tell me about Math today..."
"Who did you play with at recess?"
"What kinds of questions did you ask today?"
"What is one new "thing" you learned today?"
"What did you do in P.E./Art/Music/or Library today?"

2. READ with your child....newspapers, riddles, fiction, non-fiction, etc.
ASK your child to read to you and take turns reading together.
"Tell me your favorite part...funniest part...most surprising part..."
"Tell me in your own words what just happened on this page."
"Tell me the main idea of this story."

3. PLAN a daily Homework Routine...be a "guide" to build independence!
*Start the homework assignment together by saying, "Tell me what your Homework Goal is today."
*Do one or two parts of the assignment together to check for your child's understanding. Gradually build their independence to help them be successful on their own.
"Show me what to do and how to get started..."
"Now you do your best thinking to finish your homework and then I'll check to see how you did."

4. WRITE notes, lists, riddles, thank you letters, and compliments to your child!
* Write step-by-step directions for taking care of the pet or doing chores.
*Write a warm fuzzy compliment to your child.
*Write clues to find a mystery object in the house.
*When you model writing at home, your child will write too!

5. PRACTICE every day Math Problem Solving at home!
* Read recipes and measure ingredients.
*Estimate grocery store prices together.
*Read a menu and create/write problems from the menu.

Remember to read our weekly newsletter for more helpful information and check the blog too!

November 2, 2009

Dear Parents,
Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs and to read our weekly newsletters.
We had a successful Spin the Wheel Booth at the Harvest Fest on Friday! It was great to see so many second graders there. I'd like to thank you for volunteering to work the booth and for your generous donations of candy and prizes. The kids really enjoyed the treats you sent in.
Thank you especially to Mr. Henke! He built the booth and worked the whole time!
We couldn't have done it without you and I really appreciate your support.
Mrs. M

Books and Blankets

Don't forget about Books and Blankets on Wednesday! Send your child to school in their pajamas and have them bring their favorite books, a blanket, and a pillow or stuffed animal. We'll be having a reading party in the classroom for the first hour of the day. Snacks and drinks will be served and you can send in a special treat if you'd like. Please remember that it must be peanut free!

Important Information for the Week!

Parents,
Please be sure to read my newsletter this week because we have a very busy week ahead of us.
Here are a few important reminders:
1. Dress Code is important, so please refer to my newsletter for specifics.
2. Wednesday is Dollar Dress Down Day (bring $1 if you dress down).
3. Thursday is the 40th Day (we have a second grade Field Day scheduled and lots of fun activities).
4. Friday is a Half Day without lunch or after school. Please pick your child up from school at 11:30.
Report Cards will come home with your child on this day.
Thanks for all your support!
Mrs. M

September

We have had a wonderful first month of school! The students are having fun getting to know one another and they are making lasting friendships while learning interesting things every day. I enjoy seeing your child's face light up as we create new learning adventures each day. Please ask your child about what they learned in school each day and what they still wonder about concepts being taught. Explore together new ideas and work to review what was introduced in class each week. Please read my newsletter to update yourself on the curriculum and upcoming dates. Don't hesitate to call the school or stop by if you have any questions or concerns. My door is always open to you and I want your child to have a fun and exciting year in second grade. I feel communication is key for a positive learning experience and I'd love any input you have on how to better help your child. Have a great week!
Love, Mrs. M

Welcome to Second Grade!

Welcome to second grade at La Paloma Academy Lakeside. This is a place where you can come for important school and class updates. Please visit my blog frequently to keep yourself informed of the latest news.
Also, be sure to check your child's Homework Folder nightly for important papers.
On Mondays, look for your child's homework packet which is due on Fridays and look for their spelling words to be studied for the test on Friday. You will also see my class newsletter and the school's newsletter "The Link."
You will see your child's Responsibility Card come home each night. Please go over it with your child and discuss behaviors if it is signed.
On Fridays, look for your child's Friday Folder. This contains their graded assignments from the week. Please help them go over any mistakes and correct them together.
Thank you for all your support so far this year.
Mrs. McConahey