Highlights of the Week 12.19.14

Dear Families,

We've had a busy, spirited week! We all worked on some secret holiday gifts that you'll learn about sometime soon! We also read many holiday books about various December holidays--Hannukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. We've also been talking about the Winter Solstice which will take place this weekend. It's an important holiday from long ago and the true beginning of winter. We'll celebrate the solstice with a party on Tuesday.

Please remember to bring in your Secret Snowflake gift on Monday or Tuesday, wrapping and labeled with your child's name. We'll exchange gifts on Tuesday at the party.

This week, and last week, I did a winter sight word reading assessment with all students in the class to see which words they've mastered this fall and what we still need to work on for the rest of the year. This Friday and Monday first and second graders are also doing a computer based math screening with their math teachers. This screening is being done in all the elementary schools in WCSU--it is not impacting student grades.

In second grade math we've begun using the regrouping strategy while adding, using the traditional vertical setup for adding two numbers. We used cuisenaire rods to model what is really happening and show concretely why we carry a ten into the tens column. We're practicing how to show work adding by place value this way and it's going great so far! (We have not introduced this strategy for subtraction yet. One step at a time!)

On Friday we had our first Four Winds science program on rocks and minerals. Thanks to Honi who came to our class to present this program. Four Winds is only available with the generosity of volunteer's time. If you'd like to  join in the fun and be a part of our Four Winds, please contact me or Honi!

Also, the Storytelling event that was to occur next week has been postponed until January.

This will be my last posting before vacation. We have two school days next week. I hope you all have a great holiday break. School returns on January 5th.

HOW 12.15.14

Dear Families,

Last week was a strange school week for sure. The early release and two days off makes it hard to remember what day today is! Well, sorry to get this out to you on a Monday, I'm sure some of were looking for this information on Friday. I hope you all stayed safe and warm on our snowy and powerless days.

Here are some important notes, dates, and reminders:

• Cartoon Residency: This coming week will be the Primary Unit's time to learn about and create comic strips! We will have a session every day, from 9:20-10:00, with cartoon artist Peter Basch, a Master's candidate at the Center for Cartoon Studies. Please help your child come to school ready and on time each day!
• Pajama Day: Since we had a snow day on the original date, pajama day has been rescheduled for this coming Wednesday, December 17th. Kids are welcome to wear pajamas to school on that date. (If a night gown is worn, leggings or pants must be worn underneath.)
• Storytellers: Mrs. Woodard has arranged for storytellers to come to Rumney on Monday Dec. 22nd. The Primary Unit will hear their fantastic tales from 1:00-1:45 that afternoon.
• Solstice Party: Our Solstice party and gift exchange is Tuesday Dec. 23rd at 2:30 pm. So far I've received offers for paper goods and cookies so far. Could someone also donate a bottle of juice? Maybe some cheese and crackers? Cut fruit? Or popcorn? Let me know!
• Holiday Break: There will be no school from Wednesday Dec. 24th to Friday Jan. 2nd. School will resume on Monday January 5th.

HOW 12.5.14

Dear Families,

We had another great week together. We finished writing our science books on traits and heredity and continued writing narratives during Writer's Workshop. We finished reading Charlotte's Web by E.B. White just in time to see the play at the Flynn in Burlington. I'm so grateful that the weather cooperated. It was a fantastic play and a very special day for all of us. Thanks to all the chaperones who came and made our day such a success!

In second grade math students completed pre-assessments to show me what they already know about addition using the standard (vertical) algorithm. We'll all be learning more about this and how to use it to simplify adding two and three digit numbers by place value. (We won't use this strategy for subtraction yet--one step at a time!)

Next week in science we'll begin a new unit on light and shadow. For some of the lessons we plan to do we'll need a few items. Perhaps you have a shoebox you can give us? (We need 5-10 shoe boxes.) Or would you be able to lend us a flashlight for December/January? (If so, please send it in labeled with your name so we can easily return it!)

On Thursday we talked about the Winter Solstice party we'll have the final Tuesday before break. As part of the celebration we'll have a Secret Snowflake gift exchange. I hope you saw my letter home to you about this--we chose names on Thursday so you'll have plenty of time to prepare. I know how busy this time of year can get! If you have any questions, please contact me! Also, if your child won't be in school on the Tuesday before break please let me know! I hope everyone will be there!

Today I write to you from home. I went home sick yesterday and just talked in a whisper when I needed to--I am so thankful to have such a caring and helpful class! Just a bad cold--I'll be back on Monday. Have a fantastic and restful weekend!