Tom the Turkey

Your child's homework this week will be to disguise Tom the Turkey so he doesn't get eaten for Thanksgiving dinner.  We went over this in class on Monday afternoon.  Students can use absolutely anything they can find around the house to decorate their turkey (dried pasta, cotton balls, construction paper, tissue paper, gemstones, fabric scraps, etc.)  I only ask that the turkeys are not simply colored in as that does not disguise the turkey.  In the past, kids have chosen to disguise their turkey as Superman, a princess, an army man, a peacock, a pirate, a monster, etc.  Use your imagination and be creative!

Please disregard the part of the note that asks students to write a story about their turkey.  This will be done in class on Thursday, November 20.  On this day, your child will complete a persuasive writing prompt (Common Core Standard CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.21) convincing the reader why turkey should not be eaten for Thanksgiving dinner.

Have fun with this!  I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with to disguise their turkeys!  Please have them turned in no later than Wednesday, November 19.

Thanks!

Weekly Newsletter (November 17-21)

Additional Reminders:  

Tuesday, November 18--PTO meeting, 6:30--Family Health Night

Wednesday, November 19--Fall Picture Make-Up Day

Fall Festival

Come out and join us Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. for our annual Fall Festival! There will be food, drinks, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, and lots and lots of fun!  This is a huge fundraising event for our school, so please come out and support WCES!

Social Studies (Nov. 3-7)

Due to the practices we have been having each morning for our Veteran's Day performance, there will be no social studies test on Friday.  

No School!!!

No School on Tuesday, November 4!  

                                                                    http://primarychalkboard.blogspot.com/

Veteran's Day Performance

This is just a reminder that next Tuesday, November 11, 2014, the 2nd grade students will be having a Veteran's Day performance at 1:00 in the afternoon and at 6:30 at night.  The kids and Mrs. Hunter have been working so hard to get ready for this!  At some point during the performance, we will be showing a slideshow of pictures of veterans in our families.  If you have someone in your family who has served or is currently serving in any branch of the military, please send us a photo of them so that we can scan it and add it to our slideshow.  All photos will be returned as soon as they have been scanned and uploaded.

We also want to encourage you to invite those veterans to come see our 2nd graders perform.

Thanks for all your help!

Weekly Newsletter (November 3-7)

Reminders:  

No School on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 (Election Day).  

All Fall picture money is due Wednesday, November 5.

Read your story and study your spelling and vocabulary words every night!

Pumpkin Globes

Our pumpkin globes turned out so cute!  Creating a globe with a pumpkin really helped them understand the difference between maps and globes, which was our goal.  This was something they had been struggling with and creating the globes themselves really helped them to grasp the concept of how globes differ from regular, flat maps.  Thank you so much for sending in the pumpkins and helping the kids grasp this difficult concept.

Our Ocean Habitat

I am sorry it took so long to get this up here, but I definitely wanted to make sure everyone has the chance to see our AMAZING ocean habitat!  These turned out to be soooooo good!!!  I am so proud of my kids and how hard they worked to turn our hallway into a scene straight out of the ocean!  (This will stay up in the hall until at least Fall Festival, maybe longer, so you should have plenty of time to come in and see what a great job these kids did with this project!)

Weekly Newsletter (October 6-10)

Please Note:  all of our weekly tests (reading, spelling, language, vocabulary, and math) will be on Thursday, October 9 due to Fall Break on Friday, October 10.

Picture Day is Tuesday, October 7!

No School on Friday, October 10 or Monday, October 13--it's FALL BREAK!!!

Science Fair/Habitat Assignment

This is just a reminder that if you are participating in the science fair, your child's project is due tomorrow, Monday, October 6.

Also, all plants and animals in our ocean habitat are due in class tomorrow, October 6.  We will be building our habitat on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Have a great Sunday!

Book It Program

Our class will be starting the Pizza Hut Book It program this month.  All you have to do is make sure your child reads for at least 20 minutes each night and colors in the corresponding day on their Book It calendar that they received in their folders today.  At the end of the month, you and your child should sign the calendar and return it to me.  For doing this, your child will receive a FREE personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut!  Read every night!!!

http://www.ycs.wednet

Scientific Method

Here is the scientific method that your child must follow if he/she decides to do a science fair project.  Remember, this is totally optional, but your child does have the opportunity to earn two extra 100's in science for completing a project that follows these guidelines.

Habitats!

Ok, so for some clarification, we are studying habitats this week and next week (along with last week) in science.  Each class has chosen a habitat to build.  My class will be building the ocean.  Mrs. Peppard's class is building the desert, Mrs. Lockerman's class is building the temperate (seasonal) forest, and Mrs. Durard's class is building the rain forest.

Your child will be assigned a part of the ocean to build.  They must work on this at home, as well as in class because we just do not have the extra class time to do it all here.  On Friday, we will have some computer lab time for them to do some research on their assigned part of our habitat.  Any additional research that could be done at home would be an exceptional help, as well.

Next week, October 6-10, is a four day week, as Oct. 10 starts our Fall Break.  So, our plan is to do a more in depth writing assignment on the ocean on Monday (Oct. 6), spend Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 7-8) constructing our habitat out on the wall in the hallway outside of our classroom, and spend science time on Thursday (Oct. 9) swapping classes to talk about the habitat each class built.

Now, for grades...

Your child will receive 3 grades from this project.  First, they will be graded on the building and index card writing of their assigned part of our habitat.   Second, they will be graded on their participation of the entire assignment.  And  finally, they will be graded on our writing assignment that we do on Monday.  So, please let me be clear--if your child does NOT build their assigned part of our habitat and have it turned in to me on Monday, October 6, they will receive a 0 in the gradebook for both their part AND participation.  That's two 0's in the gradebook.  That will reflect heavily on their science grade.  So it is very important that this is done and turned in to me in a timely manner (MONDAY, OCTOBER 6!)

I have attached a copy of the habitat letter that was sent home on Monday.  If you have any other questions, please call me, email me, or leave a note in your child's folder.

Thank you!

Science Fair Letter

This is just a reminder that the science fair is NOT required.  I will however be giving your child two additional 100's in science for completing it, provided all of the steps of the scientific method are followed.  I apologize for that second letter not coming home today (9/30).  It will, however, be in your child's folder tomorrow (10/1).  

Weekly Newsletter (September 29-October 3)

Please remember to study your spelling and vocabulary words each night and read your story! There will be a reading, language, spelling, and science test on Friday!

Grandparent's Day

Don't forget: our Grandparent's Day celebration is this Thursday, September 18 from 8:00-8:45.  Invite your grandparent's to come and share this day with us!

PTO Meeting

This is just a reminder that we have a PTO meeting tomorrow night at 6:30.  Our wonderful 2nd graders will be performing at this meeting, so please try and attend.  They have all been working very hard on their songs for this performance!  Hope to see you there!

Book Fair

It’s BOOK FAIR week!

Come and visit the book fair this week, 

September 15-19.  

You can also send money with your child to school and they can visit the book fair at some point during the day.   

Fundraiser

This is just a reminder that the fundraiser order forms AND money are due on Thursday, September 11.  There will also be a reminder in your child's folder on Tuesday.  

Thanks!

Weekly Newsletter (September 8-12)

Additional Info:

*Read your story and study your spelling and vocabulary words EVERY NIGHT!

*Don't forget to do your homework!  

*We will also be doing our Discovery Ed. testing this week.  I will let you know when I find out the definite dates.  

New Lunch Time

Parents,

I wanted to make you aware that our lunch time has changed.  We now go to lunch from 11:30-12:00.  Please know you are welcome to eat lunch with your child any time!

Timed Doubles Test

Parents,

Please practice adding doubles with your child this week.  On Friday, there will be a two minute timed test for all of the doubles up through 10.  I have added the ones to be studied below.

1 + 1 = 2

2 + 2 = 4

3 + 3 = 6

4 + 4 = 8

5 + 5 = 10

6 + 6 = 12

7 + 7 = 14

8 + 8 = 16

9 + 9 = 18

10 + 10 = 20

Thanks!

Weekly Newsletter (September 1-5)

Here is this week's newsletter.  (Finally!  This four day week has thrown me off!)

Remember to study the spelling words and the vocabulary words.  There will be a test on Friday.  Also, remember that the optional homework assignment is due by Friday for two punches on the HOT card.  

Highlights Note

Parents,

You've probably already seen the two notes from Highlights magazine in your child's folder (thank you to those who have already signed and returned them!).   This is just a reminder that you do not have to buy these magazines.  All I need is for everyone to have them signed and returned by Friday, September 5, and then I'll fill out the form and Highlights will provide free stuff for our classroom.  You may see these periodically throughout the year.  Please, don't feel any obligation to buy these.  (Although Highlights is great reading for kids!  And you do get a great price for it through these offers!)  All I need is your signature so I can turn them in and get some cool and FREE stuff for our room.

Birthday Friday!

The days have gotten away from me!  I forgot that this Friday, August 29, is the last Friday of the month.  If your child has an August birthday, please feel free to send in cupcakes, drinks, or other treats to help us celebrate.  We will eat these snacks when we come in from recess at 2:00 that afternoon.  Thanks!

Weekly Newsletter (August 25-29)

Here is a copy of our weekly newsletter for the week of August 25-29.

Spelling and Vocabulary Word Information

Parents,

I wanted to clarify a few things about our spelling and vocabulary words.  Each week your child will get 15 spelling words.  The first 12 are labeled as “Spelling Words”.  These are the 12 that will count against them if they misspell them.  The last three, labeled as “Challenge” or “Bonus” words do not count against them if they misspell them, but do count as bonus points if they get them right.  So for each spelling test, your child has the potential to earn a grade as high as a 103.  (I will encourage every child to at least try to spell the bonus words.  Like I said, they won’t count against him, but it does give him the chance to earn extra points.  It can’t hurt to try!) 

As for vocabulary words, they will not necessarily be tested on the spelling of these, but rather for the meaning (although correct spelling is important and emphasized).  These words are connected to our story or topic of study in reading each week.  Students will get tested on a separate vocabulary test, and it’s usually given with the reading test.  The test will usually be either multiple choice, fill in the blank, or matching. 

We practice both sets of these words all week long.  Students complete spelling and phonics pages, write sentences with both their spelling words and vocabulary words, and use them in class discussions.  The words can be found on the weekly newsletter, on the classroom website, on the back board in our room, and students will also receive a copy to keep at their desks at all times for practice.  It is also very important for them to practice these words at home, as well. 

I hope this clears up some of the confusion.  If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime!

~Mrs. Stevens

Class Schedule

Here is a copy of our class schedule.  

Mrs. Stevens’ Class Schedule

(Monday—Thursday)

7:45-8:45—Literacy (Social Studies and Science, rotated on a weekly basis)

8:45-9:30—Related Arts

                    Monday—P.E.

                    Tuesday—Library or Guidance 

(rotates weekly)

                    Wednesday—Music

                    Thursday—Computer Lab

                    Friday—P.E.

9:30-11:10—ELA

11:10-11:55—Lunch (Mrs. Stevens’ class: 11:25-11:55)

11:55-12:45—Math

12:45-1:30—RTI

1:30-2:00—Recess

2:00-2:30—Math (continued)

2:30-2:45—End of Day Activities

Friday Schedule

7:45-9:45—ELA/Literacy

9:45-10:15—Recess

10:15-11:15—Math

~Lunch is the same~

11:55-12:45—Math (continued)

12:45-1:30—RTI

1:30-1:55—Literacy (continued)

1:55-2:25—P.E.

Week 1

Wow!  I  hope everyone had a great first week of school.  I know I did.  I have some amazing kids in my class this year and I can't wait to get started.

First of all, I want to go ahead and post some reminders on here in case you didn't see the letters that were sent home this week with all of the craziness that was going on.

*Class Donation
In order to get everything we need to have a successful year, we are asking for a $25.00 class donation.  This is not a required fee, but please keep in mind that the money goes to help fund our classroom so that everyone can have the tools they need to be successful learners.

***Please send this in by Friday, August 22!***

*Ice Cream

We will get ice cream on Friday afternoons--starting this Friday, August 22--between 1:45 and 2:30 in the afternoon.  Please note that the cost of ice cream has gone up to 75¢.

*P.E. Days

We will have P.E. twice a week (the exact days will be in our weekly newsletter).  Please make sure that on these days your child is wearing appropriate clothing and tennis shoes.  Students will not be allowed to change clothes before/after gym.  Please make sure they understand that whatever they wear to school that day is what they must participate in when we have gym.  

*Snacks

We will have snack every day during recess (1:30-2:00 Monday-Thursday and 9:45-10:45 on Friday.  Ice cream is Friday afternoon.)  Please send your child a snack every day.  I am also asking parents to send in a class snack.  Please make sure to send in items that can be stored at room temperature in the room.  Items can include goldfish crackers, dried fruit, individual cereal boxes, etc.  

~Thank you to the parents who have already donated some snacks to our room!~

*Water Bottles

Please send your child a water bottle to keep at his/her desk.  Make sure it has a top that can be securely sealed.  Our water fountain in the classroom does not work very well at the moment, so students have to leave the room to use the fountain in the hall.  Because of this I am encouraging students to bring in their own water bottles.  Please also note that soft drinks are not allowed, per school policy.  

*Sweaters

Please send your child a light sweater or long sleeve shirt to wear in the classroom.  It does get kind of chilly in here at times.  

*Supplies

If you haven’t already done so, please send in a crayon box and 2 composition notebooks (the black & white ones) for your child.  They also need crayons, and 2 plastic folders.  

I think that about covers everything for our first week.  Remember to check this site regularly for more updates.  I will also be posting a copy of our weekly newsletter beginning next week.  

Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

~Mrs. Stevens

Welcome to 2nd Grade!

Welcome to our classroom blog!  You can visit this page anytime to find out more about what's going on in our classroom.  I will keep this blog updated with everything from what we're doing in class to important dates and happenings at our school and will also link to fun and educational websites that you and your child can use at home.

But first, let me tell you a little bit more about myself.  My name is Stephanie Stevens.  I graduated from Austin Peay State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 2013. I worked with 3rd graders and kindergarteners during my student teaching and I also worked as an interim 2nd grade teacher here at WCES last school year.  I have lived in Cheatham County my entire life and even attended WCES as a child.  

I truly believe that I have the absolute BEST job in the world.  There's nothing better than getting to spend the day with a wonderful group of kids, learning and growing together.  I know that we are going to have a ton of fun this year and we're going to learn a lot while doing it.  If you need anything, my door is always open.   Get ready for a fantastic school year!

http://lynniepinnie.com