Author: Melissa Morrier-Turk

Dear 2A Families,

I hope you had a wonderful first week back to school in the new year!  The students and I were active in many learning opportunities throughout the week.  With First Reconciliation just a couple of weeks away, we are working very hard to understand our choices and how they impact our relationship with God and others.  We learned about The Ten Commandments, The Great Commandment, venial sins, and mortal sins.  This week, we will learn about Jesus and His message of mercy and forgiveness.  We will also practice the Act of Contrition and the steps for receiving the sacrament.  I sent home a purple packet including the Steps for Reconciliation, the Act of Contrition prayer, and an Examination of Conscience.  This is for you to review and use as your child prepares to receive this special sacrament.

In math, we learned about graphing concepts.  We will be working with bar graphs, line graphs, and coordinate grid this week.  In writing, we wrote an opinion piece on the topic of our winter break.  In reading, we read a non-fiction text titled Meet Rosina and learned how to tell the main idea and include supporting details.  In science, we started a unit on Investigating Forces and Work.  We learned that force is any push or pull.   We also learned about gravity.  Next week in social studies and writing, we will talk about Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of peace and kindness for all.  We will write our own dream or hope on how we can promote peace and kindness today.

Important Dates

Friday, 1/17/20-Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly and Noon Dismissal (Teacher Accreditation Day)

Monday, 1/20/20-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, No School

Friday, 1/24/20-First Reconciliation Rehearsal-6:30-7:30 pm, Location TBD.

Saturday, 1/25/20-First Reconciliation-10:00 am, Location TBD.

*Reconciliation and Communion meetings and events apply to students who are baptized Catholic.

The students and I enjoyed the Hot Cocoa celebration as we watched Frosty the Snowman.  We may have some frosty and snowy weather this week, also.  Make sure to sign up on the school’s website for Flash Alert so that you are notified in the event of any school closures or delays.  Remember to send a weather-appropriate jacket with your child each day.  Hats and gloves are a good option too.  If your child needs to wear boots for weather-related reasons, please send an alternate pair of shoes in their backpack for use during the school day.  Thank you!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

Dear 2A Families,

Welcome back and Happy New Year!  The students had a great first day back to school for 2020.  In writing and religion, we talked a lot about making the most of the year, ways to show gratitude, and making goals for the year.  I also heard about many adventures over break.  We started a unit on Data, Graphing, and Probability and learned vocabulary words:  survey, data, tally mark, and pictograph.  In science this week, we will begin Unit C, Investigating Forces and Work.  It was so wonderful to see all of the students again.  Their smiling faces are a joy!

I wanted to remind you of the important meeting for First Reconciliation this evening.  This meeting is only for parents of students who are baptized Catholic, preparing to receive First Reconciliation.  The meeting is at 7 pm in the gym.  Thank you for attending.  If you are unable to attend, please notify Rachael Johnson at the parish office (rjohnson@smmparish.org).

Important Dates

Friday, 1/17/20-Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly and Noon Dismissal (Teacher Accreditation Day)

Monday, 1/20/20-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, No School

Friday, 1/24/20-First Reconciliation Rehearsal-6:30-7:30 pm, Location TBD.

Saturday, 1/25/20-First Reconciliation-10:00 am, Location TBD.

*Reconciliation and Communion meetings and events apply to students who are baptized Catholic.

Thank you to many of the students who participated in the Winter Break Hot Cocoa reading challenge.  They will receive a special “snowman soup” later this week.  The whole class will have a Movie & Hot Cocoa celebration at the end of the week.

Have a wonderful evening!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

We have had a wonderful week preparing for Christmas break!  The students did a terrific job on their Holidays Around the World reports and presentations.  We enjoyed the opportunity to learn about many different cultures and holiday traditions.  All reports with grades were sent home this week (some are coming home today).  If you have any questions, please let me know.  Report cards for Trimester 1 are coming home on Friday in your child’s folder.  Please review the report card, sign the envelope for Trimester 1 and return the envelope to school.  You may keep the report card for your record.  I will also be sending home a list of prayers that students need to work on over break and throughout the next few months.  These are important prayers for the students to learn as they prepare for First Reconciliation and First Communion.  I am including important dates and reminders below.

We will be watching a movie tomorrow morning before the Sing-a-long.  It is Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  The movie is rated PG.  If you prefer that your child does not see the movie, please let me know.  Thank you.

Homework and Spelling

There is a Hot Cocoa reading challenge coming home with the students to complete over break.  We will celebrate with a special hot cocoa & movie party the week we return.  Students who complete the challenge and turn it in by the due date will receive a little packet of “snowman soup.”  I know I have a stack of books ready to go and I just hope I have enough time to get through them.  Happy reading!

Homework for the first week back from break will be provided on Monday, January 6^th.  There will also be a spelling list that comes home.  Continue practicing sight words, consonant digraphs, short vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u), and long vowel phonograms (a-e, i-e, o-e, ee).  Math flashcards are also a helpful tool to bring along in the car on the way to your many adventures over break!

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Friday, 12/20-11:00 am Sing-A-Long.  Students may wear red, white, and green.  Classes dismiss at Noon for Christmas break.

Christmas Break is 12/21-1/5.  School resumes January 6, 2020.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Monday, 1/6/20-Parent Meeting with Father Olson in the gym.  See the note coming home today in your child’s backpack/folder.  One parent needs to attend this meeting.  Students do not come to the meeting.

Friday, 1/17/20-Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly and Noon Dismissal (Teacher Accreditation Day)

Monday, 1/20/20-Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, No School

Friday, 1/24/20-First Reconciliation Rehearsal-6:30-7:30 pm, Location TBD.

Saturday, 1/25/20-First Reconciliation-10:00 am, Location TBD.

*Reconciliation and Communion meetings and events apply to students who are baptized Catholic.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

I hope you are having a great week!  The rain and cold weather may be getting you down, so it’s a perfect time to reflect on the light of Christmas!  Speaking of that, our Christmas Program is tomorrow evening (Friday, 12/13) at the Everett Civic Auditorium.  It is a special night to dress up nicely in festive attire.  Students need to arrive at the auditorium no later than 6:45 pm.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7 pm.  Students will sit in a section with the teachers.  You and your family are invited to sit anywhere else in the auditorium that is not reserved for students.  There are many times throughout the program that the students will be performing, so make sure they stay until the end.  Please check them in and out with me tomorrow evening.  I am so excited for this beautiful program.  The students have worked so hard!

Holidays Around the World Report

A reminder that the reports are due tomorrow.  Just to clarify, the recipe included in the report can be a printed copy rather than handwritten.  I apologize for any confusion.  The presentation schedule and presentation template will be sent home with your child tomorrow.  We will not have a homework packet or spelling test for the week of Dec. 16^th-Dec. 20^th.  Presentations will take place during class next week.  Our “Feast of Holidays” is Wednesday, Dec. 18^th during lunch.  There are directions for what to bring on the presentation schedule coming home tomorrow.

Learning Update

This week we practiced for our music program and learned about Holidays Around the World.  We traveled to Scandinavia, Israel, The Netherlands, and Mexico.  We will continue to learn about Sweden and St. Lucia day on Friday, 12/13.  Next week, we will conclude our trip around the world with our home country, the USA!  In math, we reviewed the hundreds chart and used the chart to skip count by 2s, 3s, 5s, and 10s.  We also learned about the number line and the order of numbers.  We will learn about ordinal numbers and repeating patterns next week.  In science, we concluded our Geology unit on Rocks and Minerals.  We will take our test on Monday, 12/16.  A study guide was sent home on Wednesday so please review that over the weekend.  In religion, we focused on creating a “Gratitude List” of blessings to prepare our hearts for First Reconciliation.  The spelling test scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed to Monday, 12/16 due to Christmas Program rehearsal.

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

Dear 2A Families,

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas!  We enjoyed learning this week about St. Nicholas and received a little treat in our shoe.  He reminds us that we are always rich in God’s love, especially at Christmas.  We had a great week and enjoyed many activities.  In religion and writing, we learned about Mary, Mother of God and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  We also learned about the Advent season and learned about the advent wreath.  In math, we expanded our place value understanding to include thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.  Students completed the chapter test today.  Next week, we will focus on skip counting in number patterns.  We will review 2s, 5s, and 10s, and learn 3s and 4s.  It is important that your child has a solid understanding of basic addition and subtraction facts.  Continue practicing math flash cards at home.  In science, students learned about the mineral halite (common name: salt) and about granite.  We learned that granite includes three minerals: quartz (white/grey), feldspar (pink), and mica/biotite (black).  The students will complete the study guide early next week and take the test for rocks and minerals on Thursday.

Homework and Spelling

The homework packet this week includes a day-by-day breakdown for the Holidays Around the World project.  Reports are due Friday, December 13^th.  The presentation schedule will be sent home next Friday.  In spelling, we will review short vowels and long vowels.  The students have shared a bit about their projects and they are making connections as we complete our in-class study of Holidays around the world in a “passport.”

Important Reminder

Friday, December 13^th is the All-School Christmas Program held at the Everett Civic Auditorium.  Students will practice songs in class next week.  Performance is on Friday evening.  Please arrive by 6:30 pm and meet the teachers in the seated area on the right hand side of the auditorium in the front.  We will place your child and then you may enjoy the program.  This is a night to dress up and celebrate the beauty of Advent and Christmas!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

The students were very busy this week preparing for conferences.  They are excited to share their learning with you!  In reading, we worked on comprehension activities with fiction literature.  Students are working to complete a reading menu board to demonstrate understanding of a favorite story from the week.  In writing, we focused on gratitude and wrote a Thankful Acrostic poem.  In math, we continued learning about place value by ordering numbers least to greatest and comparing values.  In science, students learned about the hardness of minerals.  In religion, we gave thanks to God for our many blessings!  In art, students created a beautiful Nativity painting with Mrs. Peinado.  We will display this special project in the hallway in December.

Homework and Upcoming Projects

Thank you for turning in the packet due on Thursday.  No homework packet or spelling over break.  The packet due December 6^th will be sent home on Monday, 12/2 when we return from Thanksgiving break.  We will focus on two more long vowel phonograms:  /i-e/-pine and /o-e/-home.  Directions and information for the Holidays Around the World report were sent home in a stapled packet on Thursday with each student.  I had the students select their country and wrote their country of choice on the packet.  I will be following up at each conference to check in about your child’s selected country.

Important Dates

Book Fair: December 2^nd-5^th:  We will visit the book fair on Thursday, December 5^th.  You are welcome to send money in a labeled bag or envelope for your child to select books for purchase.

Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences:  November 22^nd, 25^th, and 26^th.  I look forward to meeting with each family.

All School Christmas Program:  Friday, December 13^th.  This is a special event held at the Everett Civic Auditorium.  The students are working very hard in music class to prepare for this exciting event.  It is always heart-warming to watch their performance, especially as we prepare for the birth of Christ at Christmas.

Advent begins Sunday, December 1^st.  We will focus on the ideas of Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love for the season of Advent as we prepare to welcome Christ, the Light of the World.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

We had a terrific week in second grade with lots of learning!  In reading, students worked on “shopping” for good-fit books in our classroom.  The students are working on retelling a story in sequence.  In small groups, we worked on similarities and differences between characters.  We continue to read with fluency and practice phrasing.  In spelling, students learned about the long vowel /a-e/.  Next week, we will focus on long vowel /ee/ and learn the “Flip the Sound” strategy.  In math, students are working to identify the value of each digit in a three-digit number.  They are demonstrating their understanding of Standard Form, Base-Ten Model/Picture Form, Number Word Form, and Expanded Form.  Next week, we will work with three-digit numbers and learn to order them from greatest to least and least to greatest.  At home, you can support their math skills by practicing addition and subtraction flashcards and skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s.  In science, we used the physical properties of matter to describe a pebble and learned about minerals.  Students are also learning about bats and nocturnal animals in reading, writing, and art.  In art and writing, we decorated a “turkey in disguise” and wrote a story to convince others not to eat the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.  Our read-aloud model was a personal favorite Thanksgiving story, A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting.  In religion, we learned about God’s love for each of us.  We were reminded of God’s love when he created the earth.  We learned that the Bible is the Word of God and Jesus is also known as the Word of God.  Next week, students will receive their First Reconciliation book that will guide our learning as we prepare to receive this special sacrament.

Homework, Spelling, and Upcoming Projects:

The homework packet was sent home last Friday, 11/8 and is due Thursday, 11/21.  The spelling test covers long vowel phonograms /a-e/ and /ee/.  The test will be given on Thursday, 11/21.  The next report project is coming up next week.  Traditionally, second graders focus on holiday traditions from around the world.  We learn about the holiday traditions of many countries from around the world.  This is accomplished in class and through an at-home report.  This weekend, talk with your child about a country they may want to research.  Please have them prepared to tell me the name of their country by Thursday, 11/21.  It is important that the country has holiday traditions so please help your child in their selection process.  The report directions will be sent home on Thursday, 11/21.  Students may begin working on the project over Thanksgiving break.

Reminder:

Student-parent-teacher conferences are Friday, 11/22, Monday, 11/25 and Tuesday, 11/26.  Please be sure to sign up for a time that works best for you!  https://signup.com/go/wVJjGfs

The students have worked very hard and have some incredible projects to share with you.

I am happy to answer questions you may have.  Feel free to write any time.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

We had a great week to start November!  The students are working very hard and enjoying the projects and lessons we are working on.  We were fortunate this week to welcome Mrs. Peinado as an art docent for a few months.  Mrs. Peinado taught 2^nd grade at St. Mary Magdalen for over 30 years.  She retired just a few years ago and stays involved by volunteering as an art docent.  She has graciously volunteered to help us with the Christmas art show coming up in December and the elements of art.  She will work with us for November and December, March, April and May.  Mr. and Mrs. Chantara have volunteered to be our art docents in January and February.  We are so grateful and excited to have them share their amazing talents!

Here is an update of our learning this week:

In reading, we continued in small groups to work at our good-fit level on reading fluently with good expression.  Students are also learning how to write a retell of a story in sequence including important details.  Another goal for reading is to read with accuracy.  In writing, we wrote poems in honor of Veterans Day.  Students created cards for Veterans that visit the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Seattle.  We also wrote Fall poems using our senses to describe the season of Fall.  In math, we continued learning about place value with Hundreds, Tens, and Ones.  Students are learning to identify the value of each digit and write the values in expanded form as a math expression (example: 600 + 30 + 2).  In science, students completed Assessment Two on magnetic attraction and the physical properties of matter.  We are now applying our understanding of the states of matter to learn about Geology.  We will study rocks and minerals in this unit.  In religion, we learned about right and wrong choices and how our choices impact our friendship with God.  We learned these vocabulary words:  conscience, free will, sin, reconciliation.  It is important to attend Mass and pray as a family as your child prepares for First Sacraments this year.  Also, the name of God is sacred and special.  In class, we are learning to only use the name of God when we are praying, praising, and worshiping God.  It is helpful to keep this a practice at home.  Thank you for your encouragement and support.

Homework and Spelling:

Due to Veterans Day and upcoming conferences, homework coming home today is a two-week packet.  We will use the same spelling words for this week (11/12-11/15) and next week (11/18-11/21) with the spelling test on Thursday, 11/21.  The spelling focus is on two long vowel phonograms /a-e/ and /ee/.  The Fall Repot is due Friday, November 15^th.

Conferences:

Please fill out the pre-conference survey coming home with your child today and return by Friday, 11/15.  This will help me prepare to make sure we allow time for any questions you want to discuss.  The conference link is below.  Please ensure that you sign up for a time in which you can bring your student with you. Conferences are student-led, so it is hard to have the conference without the student!  A reminder that there is no school on Friday (11/22), Monday (11/25) and Tuesday (11/26) due to student-parent-teacher conferences.  Thanksgiving break begins Wednesday (11/27)-Friday (11/29).  I am looking forward to seeing the students at each conference.

Here is the link to sign-up for your conference time:  https://signup.com/go/wVJjGfs

Progress Reports and MAP Data Report:

Your child is bringing home a progress report and a report of their achievement on the MAP assessment.  If you have questions regarding either report, please make sure to include these on your pre-conference survey so that we can talk at our conference.  You are welcome to keep the copy of each report.

Turkey Project:

In writing, we will be creating a “Turkey in Disguise” persuasive speech.  We will be decorating these in class and doing the writing in class.  If you happen to have some items that would be helpful in decorating turkeys, please feel free to send them in by Tuesday (11/12).   Suggested items:  colorful fuzzy cotton balls, googly eyes, colorful craft leaves, feathers, or other items you can think of.

Have a terrific weekend!Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

We had an eventful week, filled with much excitement and celebrating!  Thank you for your donations to ensure our Halloween party was a hit.  Special thanks to Mrs. Cuellar (Benjamin’s mom), Mrs. Keeney (Brandon’s mom), and Mrs. Akashio (Matthew’s mom) for helping us during our party.  I loved seeing the many saints today as well!  We had some great costumes and I applaud all of your efforts for helping your kiddos know more about the saints.  We enjoyed celebrating this feast day at Mass today.

Here is a learning update:

In reading, the students learned an important strategy for reading fluency, Read with Expression.  We read Zoom Broom together to practice this skill.  In small groups, we are reading books to practice phrasing and expression.  In language arts and writing, we started a writing project about the season of Autumn.  We will continue this next week.  In spelling, we learned about other consonant digraphs: /ck/-jack, /wh/-wheel, and /ch/-chair.  Next week, we will learn the FLOSS rule to help us understand how to double the consonant at the end of a word.  In math, we continued our learning of place value.  Next week, we will practice this concept by expanding it into Hundreds, Tens, and Ones.  Students are using place value blocks and mats to build the numbers and understand values.  These are important foundational skills as we prepare for adding and subtracting two- and three-digit numbers in the next few months.  In science, we learned about magnetic attraction and completed a study guide.  The students will take a test on Tuesday (11/5).  The study guide was sent home with your child either Wednesday or Thursday this past week.  In religion, we learned about our loving and forgiving Father in Heaven, discussed many saints, and created a paper skull mask for Dia de los Muertos.  We learned about passing from this life to the next, and that our prayers help those who have died.

Reminders and Announcements:

Student-led conferences are just around the corner!  The school will send out a Sign-Up link in the next couple of weeks for you to choose a slot that works best with your schedule.  The conferences are student-led, so please sign up for a time that allows you to bring your student to our conference.  We will be preparing for our conferences over the next several weeks.  I will send out a pre-conference survey for you to fill out next Friday.

Progress Reports:  Mid-Trimester report cards will be sent home next Friday, 11/8.

Fall Report is due Friday, November 15^th.  Encourage your child to do a little bit each day.  I am happy to answer any questions you may have.  Thank you for supporting your child through this exciting project.

Review the uniform policy here:  https://stmarym.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Parent-Student-Handbook-2019-2020-1.pdf

Please pack a weather-appropriate jacket and a reusable water bottle each day for school.

Upcoming events:

Friday, 11/8-Veterans Day Assembly at 2:00 pm in the parish hall.  Please join us as we honor special veterans from our community and families.

Monday, 11/11-Veterans Day-No School

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher

Dear 2A Families,

We had a great week last week and enjoyed working on many projects.  In writing, we worked on publishing our leaf creature stories.  We worked through the whole writing process (draft, edit, revise, publish) to complete this project.  The students will share their story with you at our conference later in November.  In reading and spelling, we worked in small groups with the sounds of th-thimble and sh-ship.  We used picture books to search for sh words and worked in a group to write these on a whiteboard.  We also continued to work on reading fluently.  In math, students used place value blocks to discuss two-digit numbers.  We named numbers with Tens and Ones and worked to understand the word value.  We learned that the value of the digit is the amount in either the tens place or ones place.  In science, we discovered magnets and magnetic attraction.  We used the book Let’s Play by Henri Tullet to follow a line using a paper clip and a magnet.  It was a terrific opportunity for a hands-on experience!  In religion, we continued to learn about King David’s psalms of praise and thanksgiving.  We also learned the Glory to God prayer that we say at Mass.  Every day, we pray for special intentions and these prayers are very special.

Homework and Spelling-We will focus on the other consonant digraphs (ch, ck, and wh) this week with all of the short vowel sounds.  The Fall Report directions were sent home a couple of weeks ago.  Encourage your child to work on this piece by piece.  The due date is Friday, November 15^th.  I am happy to help answer questions.

Peace Day is Tuesday, 10/29:  Students should wear their blue peace t-shirt or sweatshirt or full uniform.

Uniform Reminder: Please check the uniform policy.  I am noticing quite a few “infractions.”  It is linked here (pp. 15-18):  https://stmarym.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Parent-Student-Handbook-2019-2020-1.pdf

 Halloween is Thursday, 10/31:  We will have a Halloween gathering for the class next Thursday, October 31^st in the 2A classroom from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m.  We are planning to have several activities for the 15 students in the class including: Pumpkin Cookie Decorating, Halloween Bingo with Candy Corn, Pumpkin decorating, and a movie!  Please use the sign-up link to sign-up for items for our party:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050449a9ae22a6f85-2ahalloween

I will need 1-2 volunteers for the party.  Thank you!

Halloween and All Saints Day Expectations: (If you dress up for Halloween, you must dress up as a saint on All Saints Day Friday, November 1)

• Students may come to school in the costume (no need to change mid-day).
• Costumes are not mandatory. Participation is optional.
• No masks
• No weapons of any kind, including weapon replicas and toys, such as a light saber
• No Clowns (I know this may seem extreme, but I would rather be cautious with all this scary clown over the past couple years.)
• Light face paint is O.K. (Please don’t go overboard.)
• The nature of the costume needs to appropriate for all grade levels. Please be mindful of the fit and length of costumes.
• No mouth items, such as fake teeth and lips (We do not want to hinder a student’s ability to participate in class.)
• Students will be participating in classes as normally scheduled. Therefore, if your child has P.E., please choose or alter a costume to allow a student to participate fully in required physical actions.
• All hair dye, face paint, nail polish, etc. must be removed by the next day or a student will be subject to disciplinary action.

All Saints Day (11/1)-Dressing up for Halloween means dressing up for All Saints Day!  Come as your favorite saint for our Saint Parade in the gym before Mass at 11:00 a.m.  While today is First Friday, it will be FULL uniform if your child does not choose to dress as a saint.

• Here are some ideas for Saint costumes:

http://www.catholicicing.com/all-saints-day-costume-ideas-for-boys/

http://www.catholicicing.com/all-saints-day-costume-ideas-for-girls/

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Mrs. Nicole Martin

2^nd Grade Teacher