Math

In math we are working hard.  We are learning how to use some place value concepts to add and subtract.  We are also practicing our mental math facts so we can be more fluent with numbers.

Blog written and submitted by second graders Kiara, Xavier, Zaida and Cooper.

Note from Mrs. Schultz:  Parents you can help at home by practicing math facts within 20.  Many children still need practice with quick ten facts (1 + 9, 2 + 8 etc.) double facts (especially 7 + 7, 8 + 8, and 9 + 9), practice with time to the hour and half hour, and coin names and values.  Thank you.
                       

Crazy Hair Day - Student written blog post

Cooper, Zueda, Kiara and Maizy show off their crazy hair

Tuesday was crazy hair day at Academy School.  There were a lot of wacky hairstyles.  A great time was had by all! 

Delia and Xavier

This blog entry was written and submitted by second graders Lincoln, Maizy, Caden and Elexis.

Election

The second graders completed a unit on the Presidential Election process.  They had some strong opinions about who they felt should be our next President.  They learned a bit about the electoral college and about the two main political parties.  On Tuesday, November 8th the children took part in a mock election hosted by Chris Szpila's fifth grade.  Our students voted and the winner of the Academy School election was Hilary Clinton. 

Eason and Xavier proudly cast their ballots

Zaida, Zeke and Cooper

Cooper and Kiara proud voters

Lincoln checks in at the polls with 5th grader Lily Carignan

Delia in the voting booth

Zueda in the voting booth

Elexis places her ballot in the ballot box

Halloween

 Halloween at Academy School was a lot of fun.  Not only did we have a pumpkin display in the annual pumpkin display contest, but we also participated in the annual parade to Melrose Terrace.  A great time was had by all.  Thank you to the parents who joined us for our parade.

Quidditch field - pumpkins are quaffle and bludgers

the snitch (mini pumpkin!)

Hagrid's Hut

Math

Hi Parents,  I just found this great website for parents about our new math curriculum Eureka Math (also known as Engage NY).  Although we have chosen not to send home homework this year, this website is a great resource for parents to get an idea of some of the math concepts and standards that are addressed in the curriculum.

https://greatminds.org/

Science in Grade 2- States of Matter

 

     The second graders are scientists!  We have been studying the states of matter.  There are three...can you name them?  Your second grader can!  Ask your child what they know about matter.  Not only should he or she know the names of the three states of matter, he or she should also know the definition of each state (or phase) and how these states can change.  We have done several experiments where we have developed a hypothesis, written our observations and come to conclusions about matter.  Over the 6 week study,  not only did the students work with me, Mr. Kathy and Mrs. Carignan, but they rotated to each of the other two second grade classes where the students also worked with Mrs. Cusimano, Ms. Casarella and Ms. Behling to do more experiments!  We are states of matter experts!  

This is a link to a States of Matter Rap song that the kids just love.

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBBmdqti_Kg 

First School Sing - Happy Second Graders!

Check out our awesome second graders leading the school in the song "HAPPY" at the first All School Sing of the year!  They did an amazing job!

Back to School Night

Back to School Night was a big success!  Thank you parents and family members for coming out.  If you didn't make it or need a refresher, these are the bullet points we discussed! 


*Homework:  Book Bags will be the only homework for second graders.  Please be sure your child reads at least 20 minutes daily! (See procedure for book bags below on Sept. 18th post. 

*Stickers on completed work - If it has a sticker keep or recycle.  Incomplete work without a sticker should be returned to school once the work has been completed.

* BEST way to reach me is by email: jschultz@wsesu.org

I rarely have time to get to the phone to return calls.  AVOID trying to catch me in the classroom before school.  That is my preparation time I need to get geared up for the day. It is important to respect this so I can bring my "A game" for your children!

Before school routine:  Children may drop off their backpacks outside the classroom door prior to having breakfast or heading outside to the playground.

Rewards – Class rewards (marbles in the jar) and dojo rewards are positive reinforcements used in the classroom as a classroom management system.

Birthday treats are welcome but PLEASE remember NO TREE NUTS are allowed in the room due to allergies.  ALSO PLEASE email me in advance so we can plan ahead for the treats.  Healthy snack is provided for the children each morning.

Changes in afterschool plans – after 12:30 PM leave a message with the office or on voice mail.

Attendance is important but keep ill children home.  Please be sure to get your child to school on time as we have important morning work and meeting activities that you don’t want your child to miss!

Math practice at home – 10 facts, doubles, addition and subtraction within 20 fluently, coins- names and values, clocks to the ½ hour.

Chapter Books We Read - Charlie and Choc. Factory, Because of Winn Dixie, Harry Potter and Sorcerer Stone, Poppy, Granny Torelli Makes Soup

News from the class will be posted here!  Check back frequently.

Pinwheels for Peace Event

Pinwheels for Peace line the driveway and front garden at Academy School.  Our second graders made purple pinwheels with Mrs. Carignan and placed them under the ACT news board out front of the school!

Nightly Reading / Book Bags

      We had a great first couple of weeks.  I love the enthusiasm from this group of kids.  Book bags for nightly reading have started to go home already.  This will be the only homework requirement for grade 2 this year.  PLEASE make a commitment to  making sure your child reads every evening at home.

     I really can't stress the importance of nightly reading enough.  

     Your child should be bringing home a book in their book bag every day.  CHECK BACKPACKS and remind your child to read.  He or she should read for at least 20 minutes EVERY night.  You should initial one box (no date necessary) after your child has read and then return the book bag to school EVERY day.  Only one box should be initialed on the weekend, even though the expectation is that your child will read each day on the weekend.  Please understand that the initials and stickers are an incentive to get the books and book bags back to school....it is NOT to keep track of how much the child has read.  It is expected that your child will read at least 20 minutes daily.  If your child forgets his or her book bag at home or at school, or if they miss school, then they will not receive an extra sticker if you sign two spots.  No worries.....every child gets a prize eventually.  Remember....the IMPORTANT THING IS THAT YOUR CHILD READS!  Thanks for your support!

Off to a terrific start in grade 2!

     We are off to a terrific start in grade 2!  In the first few weeks of school, we spend a lot of time getting use to routines and setting classroom rules.  Becoming respectful citizens of our second grade classroom is our social studies theme.  This includes respecting personal space when we are at our desks, sitting in the meeting area and even when we are in line to leave the classroom to go elsewhere in the building.

Practicing our STAR line 

   Renewing friendships and making new friendships is also part of being a citizen in Grade 2!

McKenzie and Maizy on the playground!

Great Websites for Kids

Hi Parents!  There is a way you can access the websites your second grader is using at school!  Use this link:   http://www.portaportal.com
Once you are on the home page, just sign using the Guest name sign in password: jeans

All of the sites listed can be played at home as well.  I try to update as I find new sites.  I will be sending home the Sumdog passwords soon.  This is a fun math site that the kids LOVE!  I also recommend abcya.com and Elsa's Spanish site Ms. Carreno recommends for Spanish practice.  Have fun!

         

Welcome! Weekly Schedule

Welcome to Second Grade!  It is going to be a fantastic year!  Here is our weekly schedule:

Classroom Teacher:  Jean Schultz     AST: Kathy Cassin    Para: Mary Leary           

	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri
8:25 to 9:30	Morning meeting/read aloud	All School Sing 8:40 to 9:10	Morning meeting/ read aloud	Morning meeting/ read aloud	Morning meeting/ read aloud
	9:00 to 9:35 Skills	Morning meeting	9:00 to 9:30 Skills	9:00 to 9:30 Library	9:00 to 9:30           Skills
9:30 to 10:30	Fundations 9:30-10:00	Fundations 9:30-10:00	Fundations      9:30-10:00	Fundations      9:30-10:00	Fundations      9:30-10:00
	10:00-10:15  Snack	10:00-10:15 Snack	10:00-10:15        Snack	10:00-10:15       Snack	10:00-10:15       Snack
10:30 to 11:30	10:15-11:15         Math	10:15-11:15 Math	10:15-11:15  Math	10:15-11:15         Math	10:15-11:15         Math
	“	“	“	“	“
11:30 to 12:30	11:15-12:00 Guided Reading	11:15-12:00      Guided        Reading	11:15-12:00 Guided Reading	11:15-12:00      Guided         Reading	11:15-12:00 Guided Reading
	Lunch/Recess   12:00-12:50	Lunch/Recess 12:00-12:50	Lunch/Recess 12:00-12:50	Lunch/Recess 12:00-12:50	Lunch/Recess   12:00-12:50
12:30 to 1:30	“	“	“	“	“
	12:55-1:25       Writing	12:55-1:30  Story/Writing	12:55-1:45  Story/Writing	12:55-1:45   Story/Writing	12:55-1:25       Writing
1:30 to 2:30	“	1:30-1:45 Chapter Book	“	“	1:25-1:35 Chapter Book
	1:25-1:55 Spanish	Science     1:45 – 2:30	Technology/     Engineering      1:45- 2:30	Science 1:45-2:30	1:35 to 2:10 Music
2:30 to 2:50	2:00 to 2:40 Art	2:15 to 2:45 PE	Chapter book 2:30-2:45	Chapter book 2:30-2:45	2:15 to 2:45 PE