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!