Free Dress

Free Dress Tomorrow!

Christmas Program

The yard will be open for parking at 6:00pm. The gym doors will open at 6:15pm to allow students to enter their classrooms and for parents to enter the gym. Everyone is asked to line up in an orderly manner until the gym doors open. All students need to arrive by 6:30pm at the latest. We will begin the program promptly at 7:00pm.  All students will be "dismissed" from the gym after the finale song. 

Homework Dec. 10th- Dec. 13th

Monday, December 10th

Spelling Test on Friday

Mr. Johnson's group- Backpack pages due Friday
Bridges Homework- due Thursday

Santa Story due Friday

Writing Process:

1. Plan: Think of what you want to write

2. Draft: Write your first draft. (On binder paper)

3. Revise: Make your ideas clearer.  (Ask an adult or  an older student to help you.)

4. Edit: Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. (Use a dictionary to look up words.)

5. Publish: Make your work look nice and share it with others.  (Write your published copy on the white Santa paper. )

Compliments due Friday

Goal due Friday


Social Studies test tomorrow (Review packet)



Tuesday, December 11th

Math 8-7



Wednesday, December 12th 

Spelling Test on Friday

Mr. Johnson's group- Backpack pages due Friday
Bridges Homework- due Thursday

Santa Story due Friday

Writing Process:

1. Plan: Think of what you want to write

2. Draft: Write your first draft. (On binder paper)

3. Revise: Make your ideas clearer.  (Ask an adult or  an older student to help you.)

4. Edit: Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. (Use a dictionary to look up words.)

5. Publish: Make your work look nice and share it with others.  (Write your published copy on the white Santa paper. )

Compliments due Friday

Goal due Friday

Thursday, December 13th 

Compliments due tomorrow.

Goal due tomorrow.

Santa Story due tomorrow.


Christmas Show at 7! Wear nice clothes. 

Merced Library book is due on Dec. 26th at any SF library.

No more homework for 2018! 

Gingerbread houses

We will be making Gingerbread Houses on Monday, December 17th. Please sign up below/comment if you can help bring in supplies and/or help with the gingerbread houses. Please write what you are bringing and how much.

Thanks!

Merry Christmas!

1. Graham Crackers ( I think we need about 12 boxes.) Maybe a few people could sign up for this one.
1. Gabriel will bring 4 boxes of graham crackers.
2.Mason will bring 4 boxes of graham crackers.
3. Bella & Peter - 2 boxes of graham crackers.
4. Gavin will bring 4 boxes of graham crackers.


2. White Frosting
1. Mrs. Byrne
2. Sophia 



3. Gum Drops
1. Caira



4. Peppermints
1. Caira


5. Assorted Sprinkles 
1. Madilyn


6. Miniature Marshmallows 
1. Mason


7. Chocolate Chips 
1. Peter & Bella

8. Licorice 
1.Tristan will bring 2 packs of licorice.

9. Aluminum Foil-
1. Sara


10. M& Ms ( No peanuts.)
1. Chloe


11. Skittles
1. Caileigh


12. Plastic Knifes ( 25) to spread the frosting
1. Chloe


13. Hard/Thick/ Sturdy Paper Plates (25)
1.  Roman 


14. Mini cups (40)
1.  Jay 



15. Candy Canes
1. Amanda

16. Sour patch kids
Sophia

17. Jelly Beans
Caileigh

18. Parent Helpers/Volunteers  1:00-2:45
1. Mrs. Presa 
2. Mrs. Yao 

Homework

Monday, December 3rd

No homework if you went to mass on Sunday or brought in sandwiches for the needy on Friday. If you didn't attend mass or bring in sandwiches, please read a chapter book and draw a picture of your favorite part.

We are going on a field trip to the library tomorrow. Students need to bring a lunch in a paper bag with food containers that can be discarded at the end of their meal. Students are to wear their uniform. If students already have a SF library card, please bring have them bring it.


Tuesday, December 4th 

Field trip
No homework.


Wednesday, December 5th 

Spelling Test on Friday 
Mr. Johnson's group- Backpack pages due on Friday
Bridges Group- homework due tomorrow

Math page 8-5 & Santa color by number addition sheet

Compliments due Friday

Goal due Friday

Social Studies- Continue to study the social studies packet 
Test next Tuesday the 11th 


Thursday, December 6th

Spelling Test tomorrow
Mr. Johnson's group -Backpack pages due tomorrow

Compliments due tomorrow

Goal due tomorrow

Math page 8-6

DECEMBER 2
FAMILY MASS, PANCAKE BREAKFAST, HOLIDAY FAIR & CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTION!
We look forward to seeing you all here this Sunday. Please join us at 10:00am for our Family Mass where we will present all our Confirmation and First Communion candidates. Before and after Mass, check out the Holiday Fair and Pancake Breakfast (9:00am/11:15am) in the gym. They will also offer pictures with Santa.

Homework Nov. 26th- Nov. 30th

Monday, Nov. 26th 

Superkids- finish pages 53 & 54

Mr. Johnson's group - backpack pages due on Friday

No Bridges Homework 

Spelling Test on Friday 

Star of the week compliments due on Friday

Goal due on Friday



Tuesday, Nov. 27th

Superkids-  finish pages 55 & 56

Math page 8-1

Social Studies- Review Questions (Stapled packet)
Social Studies multiple choice test on Tuesday Dec. 11th 



Wednesday, Nov. 28th 

Superkids-  finish pages 57 & 58

Math page 8-2

Practice using coins and dollars for Santa's shop.



Thursday, Nov. 29th  

Spelling Test Tomorrow 

Mr. Johnson's group - backpack pages due tomorrow

Star of the week compliments due on Friday

Goal due on Friday

Practice using coins and dollars for Santa's shop.

Bring in sandwiches for the needy tomorrow! 

2nd grade & 7th grade Family Mass on Sunday!   2nd grade students will sit as a class in the first 2/3 pews of the church.  No homework on Monday if you attend mass or bring in sandwiches for the needy. 

Homework

Monday, Nov. 12th 

Superkids- End of Unit 2 test on Friday  (Review Unit 2 spelling words and workbook pages)

Bridges homework due on Thursday

Turkey Writing handout due Friday (Write a story to go along with the Turkey picture. Skip lines.)

Writing Process:

1. Plan: Think of what you want to write

2. Draft: Write your first draft. (On binder paper)

3. Revise: Make your ideas clearer.  (Ask an adult or  an older student to help you.)

4. Edit: Correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. (Use a dictionary to look up words.)

5. Publish: Make your work look nice and share it with others.  (Write your published copy on the white Turkey paper. )

Math- page 5-5 & Math Topic 5 test on Friday

Compliments due Friday

Weekly Goal due Friday





Tuesday, Nov. 13th 

Math -page 5-6





Wednesday, Nov. 14th 

Math- page 5-7

Bridges homework due tomorrow




Thursday, Nov. 15th

Superkids- End of Unit 2 test tomorrow


Turkey Writing handout due tomorrow

Math Topic 5 test  tomorrow 


Compliments & Weekly Goal due tomorrow


Please bring in a favorite book to read.  You will be reading the book to a TK student on Monday.



No homework next week. 
Happy Thanksgiving! 

2nd Grade Thanksgiving Party- Tuesday, November 20th

Please respond below/comment if you would like to bring in food. Write what you will be bringing to the class party. Please bring all food at arrival. You must bring in enough food for 21 students. All food should be washed, cut, and easy to serve. Only one item from each category will be allowed. Also only parents who signed up on this blog ahead of time may bring in treats for the party. Thank you for your cooperation.

Happy Thanksgiving! * No homework Thanksgiving week*

Food for Thanksgiving Party

Cultural Food
1.

Fruit

1. 
   

Vegetables

1. 
   

Sweet Treat

1. Mason- donuts

Salty Treat

1.  Assorted chips - Gavin

Drinks

1. 
   

Plates

1.  Bella 

Napkins
1.  Peter 

Homework

Monday, Nov. 5th 

Superkids page 49-50
Spelling Test on Friday

Mr. Johnson's group- backpack pages due Fri.
Bridges group- homework due Thursday.

Math- Finish page 5-3 & Turkey Math (add numbers, color by number, cut out Turkey square, glue onto orange paper) Write name in pencil on back of side of orange paper.

Star of the week-  10 Thoughtful compliments due Fri.  Remember to decorate the paper.

Weekly Goal due Fri.


Tuesday, Nov. 6th

Math- workbook pages 5-3 & 5-4

Social Studies-  Today is Voting Day. Talk about the election and why it is important to vote as a family.


Wednesday, Nov. 7th 

Turkey handout

Bridges homework- due tomorrow


Thursday, Nov. 8th 

Spelling Test tomorrow

Mr. Johnson's group- backpack pages due tomorrow

Star of the week-  10 Thoughtful compliments due tomorrow.  Remember to decorate the paper.

Weekly Goal due tomorrow

Important Dates

2nd Grade Family Mass is Dec. 2nd at 10AM


Reconciliation- TBA


Mandatory Parent Sacrament Meeting- Feb. 26th 


Communion is May 11th at 10 A. M. 

Homework for parent teacher conference week/Halloween

Superkids- Spelling Test on Friday

Mr. Johnson's group- backpack pages due on Friday 

Bridges Program- homework due on Thursday

Please bring an old recycled bag or bucket for Trick or Treating on Wednesday. 

Find Books that Match Your Child’s Measure

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to Lexile.com/fab.

2. Enter your Lexile measure. If you don’t know your Lexile measure, you can

search for books based on your grade level.

3. Choose interest categories.

4. View and refine the search results. As you browse books, click the “Find This

Book” button next to the book title to check for availability at the local public

library.

5. Add books to your reading list. You can print the list or email it to yourself, librarians or anyone else you choose.

Choosing Books Above or Below Your Child’s Lexile Range

For the most part, it’s best to choose books within your child’s Lexile range. Your child

will comprehend them better without getting frustrated. However, there are times when

you might want to choose books below or above a Lexile reader measure.

● Materials with a higher Lexile text measure can be a good challenge for

advanced and enthusiastic readers. A hard but interesting book can open the

door to other books on the same subject.

● Materials with a lower Lexile text measure often helps struggling and reluctant

readers to build confidence and skills with less challenging books on their topics

of choice.

If Your Child Doesn’t Have a Lexile Reader Measure

You can still find books and build reading lists without a Lexile reader measure. Find a

Book can estimate a starting Lexile range based on your child’s grade and comfort with

the reading materials at that grade level. Then, based on the book search results, you

can further refine the Lexile range to select books that best support successful reading.

Is it Age-Appropriate?

Lexile Codes

Lexile measures are a quantitative measure for text complexity. They don’t address

whether the book is appropriate for your child’s age. Some books also have a two-letter

designation that appears before a Lexile measure called a Lexile Code . This code (for

example, AD580L) provides more information about the book’s developmental

appropriateness, reading difficulty and common or intended usage.

Stem Supplies Needed

Each student should start collecting the following items for  STEM on Monday, Nov. 5th:

1. pack of straws
2. masking tape
3. pumpkin that can fit into your hand

Homework Oct.22nd- Oct. 25th

Monday, October 22nd

No homework if you came to the Fall Festival.  If you were unable to attend the Fall Festival, write one page skipping lines about what you did over the weekend.


Tuesday, October 23rd 

Superkids- Spelling Test on Friday. 

Mr. Johnson's Group- backpack pages due on Friday

Bridge's Program- homework due on Thursday.


Math- practice on binder paper spelling number words 1 to 30.

Social Studies-  Fix and Finish # 11 CA Studies weekly

Star of the Week Compliments due on Friday.


Wednesday, October 24th 

Math- practice on binder paper spelling number words 30 to 60.


Thursday, October 25th 

Read library book.

Study for Spelling test tomorrow.

Email From Superkids

We are on Unit 2 in Superkids. Backpack pages and Spellings lists for Unit 2 on are the Superkids website. 

Homework- October 15th- October 19th

Monday, October 15th

Superkids- workbook page 30 due tomorrow And Backpack pages due on Friday

Or  Bridges Homework


Spelling Test On Friday 

Star of the Week Compliments due on Friday (It should consist of 10 thoughtful compliments. Remember to decorate and color the page. )



Tuesday, October 16th

Math page 5-1

Social Studies- CA Studies Weekly # 11



Wednesday, October 17th

Math  Finish page 5-2 & workbook page 5-2





Thursday, October 18th

Spelling Test Tomorrow 

Read Library book. 

Friendly Reminder to keep Money Safe at School

When giving students money to use at school for a bake sale, book fair, etc., please do the following:

1. Tell students how much money they have.

2. Place it in a wallet, or an envelope, or  a sandwich bag. 

( Show them how to use the wallet, bag, or envelope so money doesn't fall out. )

3. Write student's name, grade, and purpose of money.  

    i. e. John Brown  

           2nd grade 

          Bake Sale 

4.* Practice using money

Halloween Party

2nd Grade Halloween Party- Wednesday, October 31st

Please respond below/comment if you would like to bring in food or craft items. Write what you will be bringing to the class party. Please bring all food at arrival. You must bring in enough food for 21 students. All food should be washed, cut, and easy to serve. Only one item from each category will be allowed. Also only parents who signed up on this blog  ahead of time may bring in treats for the party. Thank you for your cooperation. Happy Halloween!

Food for Halloween Party

Fruit

1. Grapes & Apples - Sara

Vegetables

1. 
   

Sweet Treat

1. cupcakes or donuts- Brandon

Salty Treat

1. Mason 

Drinks

1. Oliver 

Plates

1. plates and napkins Peter & Bella

Napkins
1. plates and napkins Peter & Bella

Other- Non- Food item

Example: pencils, or stickers, or glow sticks, or erasers

1. stickers- Marcus
1. glow sticks- Amanda
1. pencils & erasers- Maddie

Crafts for Halloween Party/Day
See link http://lemonlimeadventures.com/building-structures-candy-pumpkins/#_a5y_p=2473418

20 Mandarin Oranges  (We will be using them as mini pumpkins and decorating them with a sharpie.)

1. Mandarin oranges- Gavin

Bag of candy pumpkins
1.

Bag of mini marshmallows
1. Bag of mini marshmallows - Gabriel Presa

Bag of gumdrops
1.

Boxes of toothpicks (100 toothpicks)
1.  Jay 

Hello Second Grade Parents,

I will be sending home Scholastic book orders with your student each month or so. This is a great way to get your child involved in reading and build their personal collection of books.  Books for all reading levels can be ordered online.  Book orders normally take two weeks to be delivered.  An added benefit to this program is that Scholastic gives our classroom free books depending on how many books are ordered by our students.  While you build your library at home, we build ours at school! Please let me know if you would like to help with book orders. Help would consist of putting together the packets and stapling.

Shop Online: scholastic.com/readingclub
One-Time Class Activation Code: MWLYT  



Thanks,
Mrs. Byrne

Homework Oct. 9th-Oct.11th

Tuesday, Oct. 9th

Math- pages 4-2 & 4-3
Math Topic 4 Test on Friday

Social Studies- Discuss with an adult who was Christopher Columbus.
Extra Credit: Write a paragraph about Christopher Columbus.


Wednesday, Oct. 10th

Math page 4-4 and Math Review Sheet



Thursday, Oct. 11th

Math pages 3-1, 3-3,  & 3-5 Practice Side Only ( Not Reteaching side)

Please sign planner if student goal is completed. 

*Sometimes there might be different homework assigned just as bridges homework or Superkids backpack pages.  Please check with your child if he or she has extra work to do. 

Homework- Oct. 1st- Oct. 4th

Monday, Oct. 1st

Superkids- Review Run on Sentences sheet.
What is a run on sentence?

Math- Review Topic 3 test. Fix mistakes.

Social Studies- Review CA # 7 & 8. Fix mistakes.

Do not turn any papers back into me. 



Tuesday, Oct. 2nd 

Math- workbook page 4-1

Social Studies- CA #9



Wednesday, Oct. 3rd

Math- workbook page 4-2

Superkids Writing-  Important vocabulary to practice using at home:

Run on sentences
Complete sentences

Autobiography

Homonyms

Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives

The Writing Process
1. Plan
2. Draft
3. Revise
4. Edit
5. Publish



Thursday, Oct. 4th 

No homework. Have a great Weekend!

Helpful links/videos

Hi Second Grade Families, 

Below is some links to help with concepts being taught in second grade. 

Thanks,

Mrs. Byrne 

Math 

 telling time 


Social Studies 

video/song about Christopher Columbus 

Story of Thanksgiving 

National Geographic for Kids 

 video/song on MLK


Language Arts 

punctuation video 

punctuation video 

video on homophones 

when two vowels go walking 

vowel song 


Growth Mindset 

i statement video 

Reminder from STM Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Next Wednesday is the Feast of St. Francis. Click here to learn more about the life of this well loved saint. Did you know that St. Francis designed the first Nativity set? In honor of his feast day and his love of animals we will have an opportunity to have our pets blessed. Please join us next Thursday, October 4th, directly after the 3:00pm dismissal in the school yard. You are welcome to bring your family pets, pictures of your pet, or anything else that represents your pet that you wish to have blessed. Sorry, we cannot accommodate your pets in the classroom during the day.



YARD POLICIES
We do need to remind you that when it comes to adults being present in the schoolyard after school, the directives from our insurance company are specific. In the afternoon, the schoolyard is reserved for students who have checked into extended care only. Parents waiting to pick up students from the later dismissal need to wait outside the gate. Only parents picking up their TK/K students or children from extended care may enter the schoolyard at dismissal. If your child takes after school classes such as guitar or band, or they have sports practice, we ask that you remain outside the gate and wait for their activity to end.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS PRACTICE
Students with practices later in the afternoon are required to either leave the campus at dismissal or check in to Extended Care. They may be checked out by either a parent or a coach (with written permission) when it is time to attend their scheduled practice.

Homework Monday, Sept. 24th- Thursday, Sept. 27th

Monday, Sept. 24th

Superkids- Study for Spelling test tomorrow. 
( The spelling list should be in the red folder. Spelling words are written in the planner by Friday, Sept. 21st date. )

Math workbook page 3-2

Write weekly goal in planner.

• Read 15-20 minutes a day, which equates to 105- 140 minutes per week. However, depending on the ease with which your second grader reads, parents can encourage more or less reading at home. 

Tuesday, Sept. 25th

Superkids- Review all Superkids spelling words and workbook pages. Superkids End of Unit 1 I-pad test is on Monday. 

Math workbook page 3-4

Social Studies- CA Studies Weekly #6



Wednesday, Sept. 26th

Math workbook page 3-6

Social Studies- CA Studies Weekly #7



Thursday, Sept. 27th

Math- Topic 3 Test tomorrow. Review homework and classwork.

Please sign planner if student achieved his or her goal.

Social Studies- CA Studies Weekly #8

Homework - Sept. 17th - September 21st 


Monday, Sept. 17th

Superkids- Spelling Test on Tuesday. Finish pages 23 & 24

Social Studies - California Studies Weekly  # 3

Work on Goal for this week.



Tuesday, Sept. 18th

Social Studies-  California Studies Weekly  # 4  & California Studies Weekly # 5

Wednesday, Sept. 19th

Superkids- Finish pages 25 & 26

Math- Practice Math rap at home. Bring props in backpack.

Math- Extra Credit: Come up with your own math song to present to the class. It can be about arithmetic, geometry, etc. Due on Friday.





Thursday, Sept. 20th

Superkids- Study for Spelling Test on Tuesday! 


Weekly Goal due tomorrow.  Parents, please sign your name next to the goal if it is completed.

Bring in sandwiches for the Needy tomorrow (led by Grades 2 and 6)

Free dress for students tomorrow. 



Friday,  Sept. 21st Fun Run Day! 

Here are the Run Times for Friday:

8:45 to 9:35 - PS, TK, K

9:45 to 10:35 - 1, 2, 3, 4

10:45 to 11:35 - 5, 6, 7, 8

Homework

Monday, Sept. 10th - Thursday, Sept. 13th - Go To Back to School Mass and Go to the Book Fair (at any time during the week) and receive No Homework for the Week!  If you can't come to back to school mass or go to the book fair,  read a book of your choice and draw a picture of it. 


WASC Day this Friday= Student Holiday


Superkids Spelling test # 3 (Level 5, Unit 1 week 3) on Monday
Please keep all old Superkids workbook pages and spelling lists to review daily especially for Superkids End of the Unit test. ( End of the Unit test TBA. It's after 20 lessons. )

Math- Math topic 2 test on Monday

Weekly Goal is due on Monday.

Homework 9/4-9/14

Tuesday, Sept. 4th

No written homework.

Study for Spelling Test on Friday

Work on Goal.

Please bring in an empty box for STEM class on Monday.  Any box will do. 


Wednesday, Sept. 5th 

Superkids- workbook pages 11 &12

Math- workbook page 2-4


Thursday, Sept. 6th 

Superkids- workbook pages 13 & 14

Spelling Test tomorrow.

Math- workbook page 2-5


Remember to bring Mass Card to Back to School Mass this Sunday! 


Monday, Sept. 10th - Thursday, Sept. 13th - Go To Back to School Mass and Go to the Book Fair (at any time during the week) and receive No Homework for the Week!  If you can't come to back to school mass or go to the book fair,  read a book of your choice and draw a picture of it. 

Homework Week of Aug. 27th

Question about Star of the Week 
Each child has been selected a week at random. Stars are due when your child is the star. On Friday, before your child's assigned week, the class will attempt to guess who the next star will be based on the baby photo.  All that is required now is a baby photo. ( I am missing about four baby photos.) You may start making a star now, but it is not due nor will it be seen until it is your child's week.

Question about Superkids log in
The Superkids site has been down and that may be why there has been difficulty accessing it. I too could not login for awhile. Mrs. Wong has contacted the company.


Monday, August 27th

Superkids-
1. Finish writing spelling words in planner
2. Study for Spelling Test on Friday
3. Extra Credit: Log on to Superkids parent portal, print backpack page 2, and complete it.

Math- 
1. Finish writing in math journal
2. Discuss new words as a family
3. Do Review what you know (3 math problems)
4. Extra Credit: Math addition game

Start your new weekly goal today. Have parents sign their name on Thursday if you completed your weekly goal.

Tuesday, August 28th

Superkids-
1. Finish workbook pages 3 & 4
2. Extra Credit: Log on to Superkids parent portal, print backpack page 3, and complete it. (If the Superkids site is down, don't worry about the extra credit. )

Math-
1. workbook page 2-1

Social Studies- 
1. CA Studies Weekly Being Responsible (Read and answer questions)


Wednesday, August 29th

Superkids-
1. Finish workbook pages 5 & 6

Math-
1. workbook 2-2


Thursday, August 30th

Superkids-
1. Finish workbook pages 7 & 8
2. Study for Spelling Test tomorrow!

Math-
1. workbook 2-3

Back to School Night 2018

Dear Parents,  

I am thrilled to be teaching your child in second grade this year!! As a former student of Catholic schools in San Francisco, I decided that I wanted to teach for a community that raised me and has had a big impact on my life. I even met my husband in grammar school.

My name is Mrs. Byrne. I am a San Francisco native that has been teaching special education for five years and general education for eight years. I have a BA in Psychology from Sonoma State, teaching credential from San Francisco State, and clear credential from UC San Diego. As a dual citizen, I also studied abroad at University of London and taught secondary school in Scotland. Thus I have a fun and challenging curriculum planned for the students.

More than anything else, I want your child to have a marvelous learning experience this year!  It is my goal that your child will LOVE coming to school each day and while here will gain new knowledge, skills, friends, self-confidence, and an appreciation for learning.  I will seek to foster and further a love for books and reading.  Moreover, I want each child to feel safe, loved, and appreciated in my classroom.  Such important expectations will call for much effort and time on my part as well as on yours and each child in the class.  I am certain that as a team we will be able to reach our goals during the upcoming year.

I invite you to email me with questions you may have about your child’s classroom experience. (kbyrne@saintthomasmoreschool.org) I will gladly discuss what we might pursue to better meet your student’s needs.  I have found that most concerns can be solved quickly if handled as soon as they arise. You can also send a note to school with your child. I will reply to all communication as soon as possible and within 24 hours.  It is my pleasure to be of help and lend support at any time.  

The information shared tonight is of importance to you and your second grader.  Please visit the web portal for the detailed BTSN packet and keep it for your reference throughout the year.

Thank you for all of your support to make this year a terrific learning experience for your child!  I  appreciate the opportunity to work with you and to teach your child!!


Sincerely,

 Mrs. Kathleen Byrne

Important Information  

Mandatory Meetings & Sacraments

In second grade, there will be a mandatory meeting for 1st Reconciliation and Communion.
There will also be a Reconciliation celebration after the confessions in Carrol Hall. Please let me know if you can help organize it.

Mass Card

You will be given a Mass card. You must attend at least 10 masses with your child. After each mass, the priest must sign the card. All families are required to attend Back to School Mass.

Vacation/ Absences

There will be no classwork or homework given out ahead of time. There will be no make up tests. All missed work will be in the child’s desk for when they return to school.

Early Departure

Please do not take your child out of school early. If need be, your child is responsible for packing up for themselves. Homework may not be passed out and assigned yet.

Tardy/ Absence
Please bring your child to school on time everyday. It is imperative to your child's learning that they have time to socialize with friends at arrival, pray with the class, and unpack without disrupting the lesson. If your child is gong to be absent, please email both the office and teacher before school.

Blog and Student Planner

Please check the second grade blog and your child’s planner every night!

Homework

• Homework will be on the second grade blog and on the whiteboard all week long.
• We will have time in class everyday to copy the homework from the whiteboard to their planner.
• It is your child’s responsibility to write down their homework and to ask questions if they don’t understand.  
• Homework must be complete, correct, and have their name on it in order to receive full credit.
• If homework is not finished or is incorrect, it will affect your child’s grade.
• There will be a red homework folder in which it is the child's responsibility to bring homework to and from school using the "right back to school" side of the folder.

Wednesday folders

All Wednesday folders must be signed, read, and returned on or by the following Friday.

Birthday books

You must purchase a birthday book through the office before bringing in a birthday snack. Once you purchase a birthday book though the office, the office will contact the teacher. Only one birthday snack will be allowed. See the Saint Thomas More website and handbook for further information regarding birthdays.

Lost Items

Write your child’s name on everything. (sweaters, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc.)

Communication

I will try and respond to all emails within 24 hours. Please do not email me time sensitive information because I am probably away from my computer.

Be Courageous is our theme for this year.  Think is our school wide learning expectations. Please help reinforce this at home as well. There will be a Think Journal at school that will also help reinforce it.

Promoting Literacy

"There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all."

— Jacqueline Kennedy

Fostering a love for literature is one of the best ways to help your child prepare for success in school and later in life. Studies show that when children pick their own books, their motivation and academic success improve.  We hope that together we can create that magic for your child this year!

Here are some activities we will be participating in to help promote literacy:

• Book Orders

I will be sending home Scholastic book orders with your student each month or so. This is a great way to get your child involved in reading and build their personal collection of books.  Books for all reading levels can be ordered online.  Book orders normally take two weeks to be delivered.  An added benefit to this program is that Scholastic gives our classroom free books depending on how many books are ordered by our students.  While you build your library at home, we build ours at school! Please let me know if you would like to help with book orders. Help would consist of putting together the packets and stapling.

• Book Donations

If your child is outgrowing his/her books and you don’t know what to do with them, I  would love to include them in our classroom collection.

• Library

We will visit Saint Thomas More School’s library each week to check out a book. Students may bring their library book home to read. Library books are due back at school on Tuesday. Students may not check out a new library book until they have returned the previously checked out book.  I encourage you to take your child to your local library too!  Not only is it free, but the entertainment lasts when you return home!

"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookshelf on the wall." — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Shop Online: scholastic.com/readingclub One-Time Class Activation Code:(MWLYT  - 

Dear Families,

Encouraging reading is one of the most important things we can do to help your child succeed. Studies show that motivation to read increases when kids choose the books they read. It can be tough finding the right books to keep them interested, which is why we are so excited that our class will be participating in the Scholastic Reading Club this school year. There is no obligation to order any of the books. This is simply a service provided for our students in hopes that it will promote reading as a lifelong habit.

With the Scholastic Reading Club:

• Every book you buy earns FREE books for our classroom library
• You can choose from grade- and reading-level-specific books for your child
• You'll find the best values on a variety of formats, including eBooks
• Each month or so, your child will bring home Reading Club flyers. There are MANY more titles that can be found online at the website below. You can either order online or you can return the order form with a check made out to Scholastic Book Club.

If This Is Your First Time Ordering Online:

REGISTER at scholastic.com/readingclub

ENTER the Class Activation Code MWLYT 

CHOOSE from thousands of print titles, value packs, and Storia eBooks

SUBMIT the order to us by the due date listed on the website/ note home

EARN FREE books for our classroom just by ordering for your child!

WAIT approximately 2 weeks for the order to be processed and delivered to the school

ENJOY!

I  am thrilled to have the chance to involve your children in my excitement for literature! Happy reading!

Strategies For Success

Here are some tips to help your child with their homework.  Please remember that your child should always initially try to do the work independently.  However, if he/she is struggling with a concept or the directions, these are some ways you can appropriately help.

Spelling:

1. Ask them to sound out the word phonetically.
2. They may look on their homework sheet for spelling help.
3. When creating sentences:
• Have them try to think of the sentence on their own.
• Looking up the definition online or in a dictionary may help spark creativity.

* Have a student dictionary handy for reference.  The Scholastic Student Dictionary or Webster’s Student Dictionary are both excellent choices.  

• If they are struggling, give them big ideas (e.g. swimming, birthday, basketball, coloring, etc.)
• Give them sentence examples, but have them use their own idea.
• Ask questions that guide their sentence making.

* What would you like your sentence to be about?

* Who would you like your sentence to be about?

* What are they going to do in your sentence? What’s the action?

• Remember to let them try to spell words on their own first.
• If they write a word and are unsure of the correct spelling, have him/her circle it.  After writing all the sentences, they can ask you or consult a dictionary for the correct spelling clarification.
• Model a similar spelling word or sentence

Math:

1. Read the directions.
2. Ask them guided questions until they arrive at the correct answer.
3. You can always “make a mistake” yourself, so that they may correct it (e.g. “Is this 2 animals?  They should tell you “no” and realize they need to change the answer.)
4. Model the concept with a similar one.

Reading:

Reading can be to or with a sibling (older or younger), relative, mom, dad, neighbor, etc.  It can be built into a routine (e.g. after dinner, after bath, before bed, in the car, etc.) and should last at least 15 minutes.  These minutes can be broken up into chunks throughout the day if your child is having difficulty staying engaged for 15 minutes straight.  If you are reading chapter books, pause and illustrate the words you have read. You can also take the role of a character and read all of the quotes that this character says.  Ask your child comprehension questions as you read and get them to “quiz” you as well!  Here are some examples:

1. Who is the story about?
1. What lesson can we learn from this?  
2. Who are the characters?
1. How are you similar/different to this character?
3. What happened in the story?
1. Why do you think the author chose this event to happen?
4. What do you think will happen next?
1. How would you have written this part if you were the author?
5. What happened first? Second? Last?

When your child comes to unfamiliar words, please help them break the word down into manageable chunks instead of just telling them the word.  This helps give them learning strategies to have the confidence to solve reading “problems”.

If you have any questions, or would like more ideas to make the homework process easier or more fun, please feel free to contact me!  I would love to help!

☺  

Excerpts from:

Helping Your Child With Homework

A US Department of Education Document

Foreword

Research shows clearly that children are more likely to succeed in learning when their families actively support them. When family members read with their children, talk with their teachers, participate in school or other learning activities and help them with homework, they give children a tremendous advantage. One important way that families can lend this support is by taking an interest in the homework that their children bring home and by finding the most effective ways to help their children with that homework.

But helping children with their homework benefits families as well. It can, for example, be a way for families to learn more about what their children are learning in school and an opportunity for them to communicate both with their children and with teachers and principals.

Your interest in your children’s education can spark their enthusiasm and lead them to understand that learning can be rewarding and is well worth the effort. We hope that you and your child find this booklet helpful.

How to Help

Set a Regular Time for Homework

Having a regular time to do homework helps children to finish assignments. The best schedule is one that works for your child and your family. What works well in one household may not work in another. Of course, a good schedule depends in part on your child’s age as well as her specific needs. For instance, one child may do homework best in the afternoon, completing homework first or after an hour of play and another may do it best after dinner. However, don’t let your child leave homework to do just before bedtime.  Your child’s outside activities, such as sports or music lessons, may mean that you need a flexible homework schedule. Your child may study after school on some days and after dinner on others. You may find it helpful to write out his schedule and put it in a place where you’ll see it often, such as on the refrigerator door.  

Pick a Place

Your child’s homework area doesn’t have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is nice, but for many children, the kitchen table or a corner of the living room works just fine. The area should have good lighting and it should be fairly quiet.  

Remove Distractions

Turn off the TV and discourage your child from making and receiving social telephone calls during homework time. Some children work well with quiet background music, but loud noise from the CD player, radio or TV is not OK.

Look over Completed Assignments

It’s usually a good idea to check to see that your elementary school child has finished her assignments.

Provide Guidance

The basic rule is, “Don’t do the assignments yourself.” It’s not your homework—it’s your child’s. “I’ve had kids hand in homework that’s in their parents’ handwriting,” one eighth-grade teacher complains. Doing assignments for your child won’t help him understand and use information. And it won’t help him become confident in his own abilities.

Give Praise

People of all ages respond to praise. And children need encouragement from the people whose opinions they value most—their families. “Good first draft of your book report!” or “You’ve done a great job” can go a long way toward motivating your child to complete assignments.  Children also need to know when they haven’t done their best work. Make criticism constructive, however. Instead of telling a sixth grader, “You aren’t going to hand in that mess, are you?” say, “The teacher will understand your ideas better if you use your best handwriting.” Then give praise when the child finishes a neat version.

Talk with Teachers to Resolve Problems

Homework problems often can be avoided when families and caregivers value, monitor and guide their children’s work on assignments. Sometimes, however, helping in these ways is not enough. If you have problems, here are some suggestions for how to deal with them.

• Tell the Teacher about Your Concerns

• Work with the Teacher - Continuing communication with teachers is very important in solving homework problems.

• Talk with each of your child’s teacher early in the school year. Get acquainted before problems arise and let each teacher know that you want to be kept informed.

• Contact the teacher as soon as you suspect your child has a homework problem
• Request a meeting with the teacher to discuss homework problems.
• Don’t go to the principal without giving the teacher a chance to work out the problem with you and your child.   

The full text of this report can be found online at: http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework/index.html

Dear Parents,

Here are some ideas that will utilize your child’s strengths to help them in the area of spelling!  Please help your child have FUN with spelling!  Each of your children has unique areas of interest.  Use these ideas to help take advantage of this!

MY CHILD LOVES: IDEAS TO UTILIZE THIS STRENGTH:

HANDS ON - Most children are very tactile at this age.  Have your child form letters using clay, play dough, pipe cleaners, yarn, spaghetti noodles, or anything else you can find!

- Let your child make alphabet flashcards.  Keep them for later use.  Arrange the cards to spell the words.  Start by giving him/her the correct letters put in order.  As familiarity increases, let him/her choose the correct letters independently.

ART - Paint the spelling words.

- Illustrate pictures for each word or stories to help remember the letters. (Ex: “steer” draw two e’s steering a car down the road.)

- Have him/her write the letters in the word that are easy for him/her to identify.  Draw each tricky letter to look like something with the same beginning sound (Ex: S is formed like a snake, O looks like an octopus.)   

READING/WRITING   - Identify root words or chunks of other words inside each word.

  - Write little stories/rhymes about the chunk or order of letters. Ex: For the word “friend” -> I am a friend to the end.  For the word antonym -> Why (“Y”) is the “ant” “on” him (“M”)

MATH - Graph the spelling words according to the number of syllables, letters in the word, vowels in the word, etc.  Use bar graphs, pie graphs, Venn diagrams, etc.  

- Make addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems using these #s.  

(Ex: costume (7 letters) + youth (5 letters) = 12).  

HISTORY - Look up the word’s origin

MUSIC/DANCING - Have your child think of an easy tune to a familiar song (ex: London Bridge, ABC’s) and spell out the word using this tune.  

- Have child shake hips back and forth saying a letter at each side.

SPORTS - Kick a soccer ball back and forth while saying a letter for each kick.  You can also throw or roll a ball back and forth.  

- Write each word on a piece of paper.  Sort each paper into “correctly spelled” and “need to be edited” piles.  Let him/her edit the words necessary and karate chop or kick the papers that have the correctly spelled words.

KINESTHETIC - Set out pillows/t-shirts/etc. to correspond to the number of letters in the spelling word.  As each letter is said, hop to the next pillow.  As soon as an error is made, return to the beginning and start again.  

  - Use arms, fingers, or full body to bend into looking like each letter of the word.

  - Move body in different ways as break words down into syllables.

COMPUTER   - Type the words out

- Make graphs on the computer to list words by # of letters, syllables, vowels, etc.

- Sort the words alphabetically

- Find definition/pictures of each word on the internet.  Copy and paste them to make a Spelling Dictionary.

NATURE - Grab a stick and write spelling words in the sand or dirt.

- “Paint” words on the sidewalk using a paintbrush and water.

- Use sidewalk chalk and write spelling words outside.

GAMES - Hangman- take turns being the ‘guesser’ and the ‘hanger’.

- Pictionary- one person draws out the word, the other has to spell the word to guess it.

- Make flashcards of each word and play “Word War” by each drawing a card, quizzing the other person on the spelling, then deciding which card ‘wins’/ has the most # of letters (or syllables, etc.)  The person with the most cards at the end wins!

LET YOUR CHILD EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVITY AND COME UP WITH THEIR OWN GAMES AND WAYS TO PRACTICE THEIR SPELLING.  NOT ONLY WILL THEY ENJOY IT MORE, CHANCES ARE THEY WILL CHOOSE SOMETHING THAT WORKS FOR THEM!

GENERAL SPELLING IDEAS:

Allow your child to hang his/her spelling art, graphs, or other creations in the bedroom or bathroom each week so they are constantly being exposed to the words.

* HAVE KIDS CORRECT THEIR OWN SPELLING!  Have them read the word they wrote by sounding out each letter.  This will help them analyze their own spelling areas to improve and increase their ability to self-correct in the future.

* Begin by telling your child how many letters are in each word.  Have them write lines for each letter and then go back and fill in the correct letter.

* IDENTIFY SYLLABLES- Remind them that each syllable will have at least one vowel.  Consider quizzing them by breaking down the word by syllable and correcting after each one.  Ex: instead of having them write “museum”, you say “mu” then check, “se” then check, and last “um” and check the complete word.

* Point out patterns of other words that they have learned or are trying to learn.  Ex: value, rescue, avenue

* Keep the spelling words on the fridge—make a tally mark next to each word every time you use it, read it, or hear it throughout the week.  See which word is used the most.  Try to set a new record every week!  The more familiar your child is with the words the more he/she will remember them!  

Consider using these ideas to help them study for any subject area!  The more they are engaged in their learning process, the more apt they will be to remember the content!  

We’d love to hear what is working well for you and your speller and will continually add to this list on the web portal and include ideas from you!

Warmly,

Mrs. Byrne