Weekly Newsletter October 7, 2019

Dear 2A Families,

Happy October!  The second graders had a terrific week and we are excited for the many events that this month brings.  The cool, crisp fall air is definitely here so make sure to pack a weather-appropriate jacket each day.

Here is an update of our learning this week:

In reading groups, we worked on fluency-reading smoothly with good phrasing and expression.  We worked on noticing quotation marks and how they help us sound like strong performers as we are reading.  Mo Willems, a favorite author, taught us how to pay attention to how words are printed on the page.  Many of the students enjoyed learning from this talented author and illustrator.

In writing, we wrote an acrosstick poem using the word “apple.”  It was a great activity for students to understand the rhythm and phrasing of a poem.  Their poems are well-written, creative, and beautiful!  Come and take a look in our hallway the next time you visit the school.

In math, we began our review of basic subtraction facts (0-20).  We worked to apply our understanding of addition as it relates to subtraction.  Ask your child to tell you about our fact family mix up activity!  We are using the term fact family (Papa bear, Mama bear, and Baby bear) interchangeably with number bonds.

In science, we took our test on the physical properties of matter.  The students did a great job on the review and the assessment.  Thanks for supporting your child!  Next week, we will learn about two other states of matter, liquid and gas with some hands-on experiments.  We will learn new vocabulary for the physical properties of liquids and gases.

In religion, we learned about two favorite saints, St. Therese of Lisieux (Oct.1st) and St. Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4th).  We learned in our religion book that saints are heroes in heaven who help us along our journey.  We made a spiritual bouquet of little ways that we can show love to God and others through our prayers and acts of service.  We also went to Mass and celebrated the feast of the Guardian Angels.  We are all really holy this week, thanks be to God!

Important Reminders:

We will finish our MAP testing on Monday 10/7 (Math) and Wednesday (10/9) Reading.  Remember to eat a good breakfast, pack a healthy snack/lunch, and get a good night sleep.

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip-Our trip to Carleton Farm is Tuesday, October 15th.  I will be emailing parent chaperones soon.  I am still waiting for a few permission slips.  Please turn these in as soon as possible.  The cost for the trip is $7 per student (cash or check made out to SMM).  Please send this in to the office labeled with your child’s first and last name and grade (2A).  If you have any questions about payment, please contact the office.

Fun Run Update-The final numbers for our Boosterthon Fun Run show that our class has earned another incentive/prize.  Congratulations!  Students can wear their favorite athletic team hat/socks/jersey on Tuesday, October 8th.

Vision Screening-Our annual vision screening will take place on Monday, October 14th.  See the attached letter for more information.  If your child typically wears glasses, please make sure they have them at school on our vision screening day.

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2nd Grade Teacher

Published by

Melissa Morrier-Turk

My name is Melissa Morrier-Turk, I am a graduate of SMM (class of 1986) and have been a member of the parish community much of my life. I have a B.S. in Business with an emphasis in Human Resources from Central Washington University and have spent my 23 years working in this field, traveling all over the USA and Canada as an HR Director, as well as a corporate trainer. My husband Mike and I have two kids, our son is in college and our daughter is a Junior at AMHS. In my off time I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, anything outdoorsy really. I have absolutely loved working with and getting to know so many of the families here at SMM and am looking forward to getting to know you all better as part of your school community!