Class Newsletter

Stay in Touch
Read Our Class Newsletter Here

Some of you have seen our chicks, but I'm sure all of you have heard about them. For those of you who didn't get to see them, here are some pictures of our brood. Please be patient. The pictures take a little while to load.

In the incubator

With all the other chicks, ready to leave

Some Student Reflections About Our Chicks:

My Chick Story
by Ben

I liked the chicks when they were eggs. But now they are chicks. I like them. They are cute. I got to hold one yesterday. It was soft. There is a sick one. It is lame. One didn't hatch yet. I love the chicks.

Our Chicks Hatched!
by Kendal

Someone surprised us one day in school, our chicks! They were fluffier and cuter than I thought they would be. First, they peep all during school. The one that is injured peeps the most. Next, we have one black one that is the only one we can tell from the other chicks. Alexis held him and he went to the bathroom on her! Last, we have some that stand in their food! I'm having so much fun!

The Chicks
by Troy

We have chicks. Before they hatched they had to be about 101 degrees. One of them didn't hatch. One of them is sick. The chicks are really fuzzy. They need a lot of food and water. They are so cute. They are really loud! That's what our chicks are like.

About Our Chicks
by Cheyanne

When we first got the chicks I was scared. We had fun flipping the eggs and checking the temperature. The eggs hatched on the weekend. They are so noisy, cute and soft. One did not hatch, and one is sick. We can only keep them until Friday. They are yellow and brown mix. One is sick and it won't stop chirping. It only stops when it is sleeping. We got to touch the sick one this morning. I love to have the chicks.

3/21/05
This week's newsletter: This week I want to focus on our chicks and the kids' reaction to them. So, I'll just write a few quick notes. As usual, you'll be able to find our spelling list for this week on our spelling page. Vocabulary words can again be found on our reading downloads page. Don't forget that there is a science test on Monday. You can find the study guide and some other notes on our science page. Please continue to practice math facts and do the math activities on our page that I've mentioned in previous newsletters. Please remember that there is no school on Friday. Here's wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing spring break. The next newsletter will be written the week after we return, but you'll be able to find the spelling and vocabulary lists where they always are.

3/14/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 23) in case you need a second copy. This week we'll be working on spelling patterns with the "oo" sound: "oo", "ew", and "ue". Please have your child practice additional words with these same patterns besides the ones that are shown on the spelling list for this week.

Math: We will continue our work on chapter 12. This chapter deals with money; counting money, making change,and being able to show a certain amount of money in various ways. We'll also be reviewing the following: geometry; fractions; time; area and perimeter; number sentences and odd/even numbers. There are a number of links on our "Math Activities" page related to these concepts. Please allow your child to practice these skills using some of the activities. Of course we will continually work on math facts (addition and subtraction). It would be most helpful if these were practiced at home as well on a daily basis.

Science: We'll continue our rocks unit. We will have a test on Monday, March 21. A study guide will be coming home this week. The study guide has already been posted on our science page.

Language: This week we'll continue with contractions and we will be starting a discussion of pronouns. We'll also continually work on our journal writing and editing skills.

Reading: Our story for this week is called "Our Soccer League." You can find the vocabulary for this story on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards.

Social studies: Mrs. Monacy sent home a form last Friday that needs to be filled out and returned by Wednesday. An additional copy of this form has been posted on our social studies page.

Monday (14th) is a half day of school. Please plan accordingly.

Our chicks: We hope our chicks will begin hatching on Monday (14th). Feel free to take a peek before or after school. I also hope to post pictures on this website.

If your child is absent, please call the office to let them know. Thanks.

3/7/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 22) in case you need a second copy. This week we will be working on contractions.

Math: We will be working on chapter 12. This chapter deals with money; counting money, making change,and being able to show a certain amount of money in various ways. We'll also be working on the following: geometry; fractions; time; and area and perimeter. There are a number of links on our "Math Activities" page related to these concepts. Please allow your child to practice these skills using some of the activities. Of course we will continually work on math facts (addition and subtraction). It would be most helpful if these were practiced at home as well on a daily basis.

Science: We'll continue our rocks unit.

Language: This week we'll continue to discuss contractions. This goes right along with our spelling unit. We'll also continually work on our journal writing and editing skills.

Reading: This week we'll start our new unit beginning with the story called "The Bremen Town Musicians." This happens to be one of my favorites. You can find the vocabulary for this story on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards.

Monday our eggs will arrive and we hope to have baby chicks by the end of the week or early next week. Stay tuned to our site to find out the details, and hopefully see some pictures. Also, please feel free to come in before or after school to take a peek at our brood. I'm sure the children will be most anxious to show them to you.

If your child is absent, please call the office to let them know. Thanks.

2/28/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 21) in case you need a second copy. This week we will review words containing a variety of spelling patterns. Please have your child practice other words using the same patterns.

Math: We will be completing chapter 11. We'll discuss column addition. We'll also be working on the following: geometry; fractions; money; time; and area and perimeter. There are a number of links on our "Math Activities" page related to these concepts. Please allow your children to practice their skills using some of these activities. Of course we will continually work on math facts (addition and subtraction). It would be most helpful if these were practiced at home as well on a daily basis.

Science: We'll continue our discussion of the 3 main groupings of rocks. Children will be asked to bring in 3 different rocks of their own.

Language: This week we'll be discussing irregular verbs and contractions. We'll also continually work on our journal writing and editing skills.

Internet site of the Week: I have included a great site at the bottom of our "Links for Kids" page. This site covers nearly all the math and language arts skills that second graders need to know. I think it will be well worth it to spend a little time here with your child. If you find a site that you think is worthwhile, please let me know about it, and I will post it here.

Reading: This week we'll be taking our unit test. Included will be all the vocabulary from our new text. You can find this vocabulary on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards.

Please go to our "Student Writings" page to see the progressive story, "The Travels of Frosty."

If your child is absent, please call the office to let them know. Thanks.

2/22/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 20) in case you need a second copy. This week we will review words containing the spellings of "ea" and "ee". Please allow your child to do the activity on our spelling site that goes with the words. Also, have your child practice other words using the same patterns. Note: I have also uploaded the spelling list in "Word" format in the event that "Adobe" is giving you trouble.

Math: We will be completing chapter 10. We'll discuss estimating differences, and checking subtraction by adding. We'll also be working on the following: graphing; fractions; money; time; and measurement. There are a number of links on our "Math Activities" page related to these concepts. Please allow your children to practice their skills using some of these activities. Of course we will continually work on math facts (addition and subtraction). It would be most helpful if these were practiced at home as well on a daily basis.

Science: We'll continue our discussion of the 3 main groupings of rocks.

Language: This week we'll be discussing irregular verbs (go/went; do/did; see/saw; say/said), adjectives, and adjectives that compare. We'll also continually work on our journal writing and editing skills.

Internet site of the Week: I have included a great site at the bottom of our "Links for Kids" page. This site covers nearly all the math and language arts skills that second graders need to know. I think it will be well worth it to spend a little time here with your child. If you find a site that you think is worthwhile, please let me know about it, and I will post it here.

Reading: This week we'll be reading "Time for Kids: Going Batty for Bats." You can find the vocabulary for this story on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards and it includes all the words from the text. This is a non-fiction story, and those are usually more difficult for the students to grasp than fiction. I have included several links to "bat information" on our "On-line Stories" page. Please read some of this information with your child. It's interesting and informative, and at the same time it can help strengthen your child's reading skills if you read and discuss the information with him/her.

Please go to our "Student Writings" page to see the progressive story, "The Travels of Frosty." Go to that same page to see our "Pickle" stories. Our "new student" has had some interesting experiences.

If your child is absent, please call the office to let them know. Thanks.

2/14/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 19) in case you need a second copy. This week we will work with words containing the sounds of "sh" and "ch". Please allow your child to do the activity on our spelling site that goes with the words. Note: I have also uploaded the spelling list in "Word" format in the event that "Adobe" is giving you trouble.

Math: We will continue in chapter 10 with word problems and subtraction with regrouping. We'll also be working on the following: perimeter and area; fractions; money; time; and measurement. There are a number of links on our "Math Activities" page related to these concepts. Please allow your children to practice their skills using some of these activities. Of course we will continually work on math facts (addition and subtraction). It would be most helpful if these were practiced at home as well on a daily basis.

Science: This past week we talked about the layers of the earth. This week we'll begin a discussion of the different kinds of rocks.

Language: We're continuing our discussion of verbs, adjectives, and adjectives that compare. We'll also continually work on our journal writing and editing skills.

Reading: This week we'll be reading "Zipping, Zapping, Zooming Bats." You can find the vocabulary for this story on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards and it includes all the words from the text. This is a non-fiction story, and those are usually more difficult for the students to grasp than fiction. I have included several links to "bat information" on our "On-line Stories" page. Please read some of this information with your child. It's interesting and informative, and at the same time it can help strengthen your child's reading skills if you read and discuss the information with him/her.

Monday (at the end of the day) we'll have our Valentine party. Your child may bring Valentine cards if he/she chooses to do so. Tuesday is a half day of school. Please make sure your child knows where to go for the afternoon. Thanks.

Please go to our "Student Writings" page to see the progressive story, "The Travels of Frosty." Go to that same page to see our "Pickle" stories. Our "new student" has had some interesting experiences.

If your child is absent, please call the office to let them know. Thanks.

2/7/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 18) in case you need a second copy. This week we will work with words containing the sounds of "au", "aw", and "a". Help your child see the patterns in the words and use those patterns to spell a series of words. Also, allow your child to do the activity on our spelling site that goes with the words. Note: I have also uploaded the spelling list in "Word" format in the event that "Adobe" is giving you trouble.

Math: We have completed chapter 9. I'm very excited, because the children have pretty well mastered the concept of subtraction with regrouping! You'll see some homework related to that skill this week. The test will be on Monday We're also working on time, money, fractions, number patterns and story problems. If you remember your child's password, you may wish to log on to the Harcourt site to view your child's text and related activities. If you don't remember it, let me know and I can give it to you. Please also go to the activities on our math page to practice basic facts, money, fractions and time. We go to some of these sites during our computer lab time, so your child should have a good idea where to go once you get on our math page. Finally, ask you child to explain to you how he/she solves a problem. This is an ISTEP requirement, and the more practice the kids get, the better. Thanks!

Science: The children did very well on the test. This week we'll be starting our unit on rocks.

Language: We'll continue to work with verbs, dividing sentences into subjects and predicates, quotation marks, and general capitalization and punctuation skills.

Reading: This week we'll be reading "The Best Vacation Ever." You can find the vocabulary for this story on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards and it includes all the words from the new text.

This Wednesday we'll have our "Chinese New Year" celebration. I'll also be sending home a class list in case the kids want to write valentine cards for our party on Monday, Feb. 14.

Please go to our "Student Writings" page to see the progressive story, "The Travels of Frosty." Go to that same page to see our "Pickle" stories. Our "new student" has had some interesting experiences.

If your child is absent, please call the office to let them know. Thanks.

1/31/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 17) in case you need a second copy. This week we will work with words containing the sounds of "g" and "c" Help your child see the patterns in the words and use those patterns to spell a series of words. Also, allow your child to do the activity on our spelling site that goes with the words.

Math: We are continuing our work in chapter 9. We're also working on time, money, fractions, number patterns and story problems. If you remember your child's password, you may wish to log on to the Harcourt site to view your child's text and activities that go with the pages in chapter 9. If you don't remember it, let me know and I can give it to you. Please also go to the activities on our math page to practice basic facts, money, fractions and time. We go to some of these sites during our computer lab time, so your child should have a good idea where to go once you get on our math page.

Science: Our test on life cycles will be on Wednesday, Feb. 2. A study guide has already been sent home. In the event that a second copy is needed, you can download it from our science page.

Language: This week we'll be discussing "helping" verbs and verb tenses. We'll continue to work with quotations and puctuation in general.

Reading: This week we will start the second story in our reading text. You can find the vocabulary for this story on our "Reading Downloads" page. The vocab. is in the form of flashcards and it includes last week's words as well.

You may want to visit "Inspire", Indiana's Online Research Library. I learned about it at the ICE convention. It has a wide variety of educational sites and activities for students and it's definitely worth seeing. There is a link to the site at the bottom of this page. Sign up for a password. It's free to all Hoosiers.

1/24/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 16) in case you need a second copy. This week we will work with additional words from student writings. These are words that gave them some difficulty in their journal and story writings. Help your child see the patterns in the words and use those patterns to spell a series of words. Also, allow your child to do the activity on our spelling site that goes with the words.

Math: We are now in chapter 9. We're continuing to work on subtraction with regrouping. We're also working on time, money, number patterns and story problems. If you remember your child's password, you may wish to log on to the Harcourt site to view your child's text and activities that go with the pages in chapter 9. If you don't remember it, let me know and I can give it to you. Please also go to the activities on our math site to practice basic facts, money, and time.

Science: We will continue our unit on life cycles. I'm planning a test for next week. A study guide will be sent home and posted on our science page.

Language: This week we'll continue to discuss how to combine sentences that have the same subject. We'll also discuss consistancy of verb tenses as we write our stories and paragraphs, and we'll be working on our writing skills using the Power Writing technique.

Reading: The children did receive their new reading texts, as you know. We will be continuing the same story this week (Charlie Anderson) because we weren't able to finish all the skills last week that went with the story. We spent a fair amount of time reading about MLK last Monday, and Friday we had a visit from the enviromobile. This put us a little bit behind. Don't expect new vocabulary words this week.

Report cards: Please return your child's card as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

1/17/05
Important notice for parents, please be aware: You must call the office directly regarding the absence of your child. The office must collect information required by the state. Special coding is used to determine excused and unexcused absences. Requests for homework are also handled by the office.

Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 15) if you need a second copy. This week's words deal with the two sounds made with the "oo" pattern.

Math: More and more students are beginning to grasp the concept of subtraction with regrouping. We'll continue to work on that this week. Please continue to practice the following skills at home: Name the days of the week; name the months of the year; name the seasons; identify dates on a calendar; identify a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half-dollar; identify the value of a penny, nickel, dime, quarter and half-dollar; name how many quarters there are in a dollar; identify the ones and tens place; name how many items there are in a dozen; count/write the numbers from 1-100; count by 2's, 5's and 10's; tell time to the hour, half-hour and quarter hour. There are lots of good activities on our math page to help with these concepts. Also, please have your child work with the tangrams on our math page.

Science: We will continue our unit on life cycles. We're due for another test in about a week. A study guide will be sent home and posted on our science page.

Language: This week we'll discuss how to combine sentences that have the same subject. We'll also discuss consistancy of verb tenses as we write our stories and paragraphs.

Reading: The children are excited about getting a new reader. They will receive their new text on Monday or Tuesday. Please have your child cover the text to save on the wear and tear. You may want to look through the book with your child. Discuss the contents by reviewing the table of contents together. New vocabulary for the first story is already on our "Reading Downloads" page.

1/10/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 14) if you need a second copy. This week the words are taken from student writings. These are the words that caused them some difficulty as they wrote their journal entries.

Math: We will continue with two digit subtraction and regrouping. This skill is quite difficult for most students so we'll be working on it for awhile. It's not yet time for you to begin this skill at home. When you see related homework, you'll know it's time to start practicing this at home as well. Here are some things you can practice with your child, however: Name the days of the week; name the months of the year; name the seasons; identify dates on a calendar; identify a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and half-dollar; identify the value of a penny, nickel, dime, quarter and half-dollar; name how many quarters there are in a dollar; identify the ones and tens place; name how many items there are in a dozen; count/write the numbers from 1-100; count by 2's, 5's and 10's; tell time to the hour, half-hour and quarter hour. There are lots of good activities on our math page to help with these skills. You can use any of them.

Science: We will continue our unit on life cycles.

Language: Our study of verbs is continuing. We're also discussing adjectives, and various punctuation skill: Commas in a series, quotations, and the various end marks.

Reading: This week is our unit test which consists of skills we've studied for the past 4 weeks or so. Included will be: cause/effect, synonyms, context clues, reference skills, comprehension and vocabulary.

Thanks, as always, for your help and support!

1/3/05
Spelling: The new spelling words are posted on our spelling page (unit 13) if you need a second copy. Some of these are review words. We're looking at patterns and rhyming words. Please stress this concept as you help your child study the words this week.

Math: This week I will continue the introduction to subtraction with regrouping using Inquiry Math. Since we've had a two week vacation period, students probably won't remember too much about this concept and a review will be necessary. Please don't try to do this concept with your children yet. We probably won't get to the actual regrouping part until later. I will keep you posted.

Science: We will continue our unit on life cycles.

Language: We are continuing our study of verbs. Near the end of the week we will begin a discussion of compound sentences (combining sentences).

Reading: This week we will complete a unit. Next week is our unit test which consists of skills we've studied for the past 4 weeks or so. Included will be: cause/effect, synonyms, context clues, reference skills, comprehension and vocabulary.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!

12/13/04 Please begin to bring in the decorated boxes for our Polar Express day which is Tuesday. Also, please don't forget our gift exchange for the party on Thursday (school items for approximately $3.00).

Spelling: We will have spelling words this week as usual. They are posted on our spelling page if you need a second copy. Trial test will be on Wednesday as usual.

Math: This week I will start a brief introduction to subtraction with regrouping using Inquiry Math. Please don't try to do this concept with your children yet. We probably won't get to the actual regrouping part until after vacation.

Science: Test today, Monday.

Language: We are continuing with verbs this week, although we will begin to discuss adjectives on our Polar Express day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAVE A WONDERFUL AND RELAXING VACATION!

12/6/04 Please look for the letter about our Polar Express day. Our "train" (boxes) should be brought in by Dec. 14th. Also, our Christmas party will be on Dec. 16th. We are planning a gift exchange of school supplies only. (Cost about $3.00)

Last week I went to a workshop about the Four Block program. I found it very useful, and I'm beginning to implement the activities into our language arts block. One activity is called "Working With Words." It helps students to write words and sort them by patterns. Please check out "Working With Words" on our language page to try this activity at home.

Math: Many of the children find story problems quite difficult. We'll continue to work on those this week. You can help by going to our math page and trying the story problem activities. Also, please try the clock and money sites. When working with clocks, please practice setting the clock only for the hour and half hour.

Spelling: You can find our new spelling words (short "e" words) on our spelling page. Starting this week, all students will have 20 words.

Language: This week we are working with verbs, and verb tenses. I will try to find some activities related to this skill. However, you could try the parts of speech activity on our language page.

Reading: A number of children still have not completed their 2 AR points. The kids know who they are. Please ask your child if he/she needs to complete this assignment and strongly encourage him/her to get it done soon. I do allow them to stay in at recess when I'm not on duty. However, I don't think this is enough time to get it all done. They must work on this at home as well.

Social Studies/Science: Mrs. Monacy sent home a note last week related to the social studies test for this coming Wed.(Dec. 8) Please help your child study. A science quiz will be coming next week Monday (Dec. 13). For an additional copy of the study guide please see our science page (Life cycles 1 quiz).

11/22/04
Math: This week in math we will continue to work on two digit addition with/without regrouping. We will also continue to work on place value. Some children are having some difficulty with this, so this will be good to review at home. Please also have your child memorize the poem about the number of days in each month of the year. The poem was sent home last Thursday. If you need another copy, please let me know. This is an Indiana standard, and the students will be tested on it.

Reading: We are starting a new unit in reading. Please check out the new vocab. words on our "Reading Downloads" page.

Spelling: Since this is a short week, we won't be taking a spelling test this week. However, I will give the children a new spelling list. We will be working on these words both this week and next. The words are quite tricky since they deal with silent letters. The students will get their own copy, of course, but you can also download it from our spelling page. (unit 10)

Science: We have just started a new unit on life cycles.

I'd like to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving! One of the things I'm thankful for is a truly delightful class. :-)

11/8/04
Monday, Nov. 8th--Science quiz on water pollution. The children have already received their study guide. If an additional copy is needed you can download it from our "Science" page.

Spelling--This week is review. We'll be reviewing words from the last four lessons. A review list will be sent home on Mon. the 8th.

Reading--Practice new and old vocab. words using the flashcards on our "Reading Downloads" page. This week we will complete unit 2. Next week's test will include any of the unit 2 vocab. words.

Language--We are reviewing plurals and common and proper nouns. This week we will also look at possessive nouns. Continue to review last week's activities (see below) and also try the possessives quiz (the last box on our "Language Activities" page).

Math--Continue with the activities from last week (see below). This week we're working on subtraction facts. Near the end of the week we'll also be starting on two digit addition without regrouping. This concept has already been introduced so it won't be new to the students. Very soon we'll continue 2 digit addition with regrouping. The "Base 10" applet on our "Math Activities" page is a good one to help with this concept.

11/1/04
This week in math, work on:
Math Activities Page:
Math word problems (2.3.1)
Math facts drill (both addition and subtraction)(2.2.3, 2.2.6)
Telling time (only to the hour and half hour) (2.5.9, 2.5.11)

Language arts activities:
Commas in a letter (2.6.5)
Parts of speech (nouns and verbs only)(2.6.4)
Plural nouns (2.1.5)
Common and proper nouns (2.6.4)

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws