Winter days!

 Hello Second Grade Families,

Here's to the second week of January!  Last week was a complete whirlwind of a week!  Your amazing children and I accomplished all of our learning tasks last week.  Also, we were able to settle into our new beautiful classroom and get all of our materials organized and ready for the second half of the school year. This week will be another busy adventure inside the second grade classroom.

So, please continue reading to discover all that will be transpiring both inside our classroom and right here at ACS.

ELA

Essential question that the students will answer:  

Why is it important to follow safety rules?

Target Skills:  Cause and Effect, Humor, Monitor/Clarify

Writing Focus:  Opinion Writing 

Grammar Focus: Abbreviations

Spelling Focus:  Compound Words

Bonus Words for this week's Spelling List:  into, inside,  nobody,  everywhere

Sometime this week, the students will also begin learning how to write in cursive.  

This was the one learning activity we weren't able to get to last week.

Math

The students will continue to focus on double digit subtraction with and without regrouping.

Science

The students will begin learning about solids, liquids and gas.  

These three things are known as the properties of matter.

Religion

The students will have their second sacramental preparation lesson sometime this week.

The students will focus on the unit "The Holy Family!" utilizing the Jesus Our Life religion series. 

The students will pray throughout their school day and this includes at daily Pledge/Prayer, before lunch, and prior to dismissal.

The second graders will continue praying for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel per Father Chad's request.  All of the ACS students will be saying the prayer each time we attend Mass on Wednesday mornings and in our second grade classroom.  However, the students are now also focusing on memorizing and learning the "Act of Contrition" in order to best prepare them for the holy sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Here are the Second Grade Specials:

Monday ~ Art at 12:10

Tuesday ~ P.E. at 2:25

                  Spanish at 12:00

Wednesday ~ Mass Day at 8:15 a.m. 

                        Spanish 9:40 and Music at 1:00

Thursday ~    P.E. at 2:25

Friday ~ No special area classes

Computer Corner

Don't forget that your child has access to several academic computer sites to enhance their learning at home.

Here is a quick list to assist your child in their academic growth at home.

• RAZ kids ( Your child may utilize this site to complete their nightly reading homework.)
• IXL (Section G focuses on double digit addition with and without regrouping)
• Class Dojo!  This site can be accessed each day to allow your child to gain insights on their behavioral decisions from the day.  The students will earn points that then allow them to upgrade their site's avatar and the site will allow the students to view social/emotional developmental videos that were viewed in class from that specific day.  It's such an engaging behavioral tool and it motivates and empowers the students to give their very best efforts each day.

Upcoming Events

• January 12, Tuesday:  Dine Out Fundraiser at Oregano’s.  Dine in or take out. Join ACS families for lunch or dinner and support this scrumptious fundraiser!  Flyer attached.
• January 18, Monday: Observance of Martin Luther King.  No school.
• January 27, Wednesday: National Junior Honor Society Inductions.  To be held in the church at 6:30 p.m. Additional information will be sent to the parents of the inductees.
• January 29, Friday:  Noon dismissal, Staff In-Service. No lunch service.  Please RSVP if you need extended care in the afternoon.
• January 31 –  February 5: Catholic Schools Week begins!
  • 1/31 ACS Family Mass, 10:30a.m.  
  • 1/31 Open House 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • 1/31 Blood Drive –  Be a hero and donate blood.  Bloodmobile from 8 – noon.  Contact Joe Rostowsky at 480-241-0406 or visit bloodhero.com (sponsor code: gabriel).  See attached fliers for more information.  
  • Full Calendar coming.  
  • Collecting school supplies for St Michael Indian School.  See attached Service Project flyer.
• February 3, Friday:  Group and Retake Pictures (rescheduled from January 6)  Students in blue polo (K-7), light blue polo (8th).  Approved hair accessories only.

Homework

This week, the students will need to read each night for at least 15 minutes and log their reading utilizing their reading log. 

 The reading log is due on Friday.

The students will also need to study for their Spelling Test that will take place on Friday.