Weekly Newsletter, March 2, 2020

Dear 2A Families,

Happy Leap Day!  I won’t be able to write this date for another four years, so I thought I should write to all of you today. 😊  We watched an interesting video from Mystery Doug Science this week.  In the video, we learned that it takes the Earth 365 days plus about 6 hours to orbit the sun.  So, every four years, we get an extra day.  We skip counted by 4s until we reached 24 and discovered the multiplication fact 4 x 6 = 24.  It is always so great to see deep thinking in action.

Next week, we will take a test on two-digit addition with regrouping (carrying) on Monday.  We will begin two digit subtraction and learn to regroup (borrow).  In math daily 3 activities, students have been practicing addition and subtraction facts and skip counting.  In science, we will continue our study of simple machines.  We have learned about an inclined plane, wedge, and screw.  Next week, we will learn about levers, wheel and axle, and pulley.  We have some great experiments planned, too!  In writing, we will write letters to family and friends and learn how to mail them.  In religion, we will continue our journey through Lent.  I sent home a letter explaining a meditation program called Sacred Story Youth.  We will be meditating using the Examen (St. Ignatius) as we think of memories in our lives.  The meditations will be about 5-10 minutes, once a week, for the season of Lent.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  In addition, we are reflecting on Lenten Promises so that we can grow closer to Jesus through acts of service.  We are also learning about First Communion as we prepare for this special sacrament.  In spelling, we will learn the phonograms ir-girl, or-corn, and ur-burn.  In reading classes, we are working on improving our reading fluency and comprehension.  Students are reading multiple texts and passages each week and complete activities to help with comprehension strategies.  We are also beginning a research project unit.  Students are working in class to learn about a favorite animal.  They are writing reports in reading class.  In small groups, we will learn about inventors and historical famous figures.   This connects us to our Biography Report Project and Presentation that is a homework assignment.

Biography Report and Presentation Project

Your child received a packet explaining the Famous Person Biography Project.  This weekend, please make sure to read the cover letter and use the list of famous people to select three top choices.  On the yellow slip attached to the packet, please write the names of the top three choices (in order of preference).  I will try to give everyone their first or second choice.  On Monday, March 2nd, I will circle the famous person that has been selected for your child to complete their report.  Monday evening’s homework is to go through the directions for the report and begin gathering websites and books.  We have included the directions for accessing the Proquest database through the school library.  I have several biography books that I will check out to students for this project.  We will also visit the library on Thursday and students will be able to select a book on their famous person.  To better help your child throughout this process, please leave their biography packet on the bring back side of the take-home folder so that I can check progress and assist throughout the project.  Thank you for your support as we partner in this learning experience!

Reminders

-Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent-Full uniform (including sweater vest or cardigan). No free dress for First Friday.  We will collect food for our neighbors in need for St. Vincent de Paul (Cereal).

-No School-Friday, 3/13.  The teachers will be at an in-service workshop.

-Save the Date for the School Auction-Saturday, April 4th at the Everett Yacht Club!  I hope to see you there.

-The end of Trimester 2 is upon us in a couple of weeks.  I will be creating report cards to update you on your child’s progress as a second grader.  If you have any questions as we approach the end of the trimester, please reach out and we can chat.

Have a wonderful weekend!

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!