We are back in the swing of things as we return to school with the mindset that this is the year we become 3rd graders!
Curriculum Highlights:
Reading and Language Arts: We read about the Difference Maker, Betsy Ross, identified non-fiction text features, and answered comprehension questions. We made concept maps about what we enjoyed during Break. We defined resolution, a promise one makes to oneself to improve in an area of life, and wrote down our New Year's Resolutions in our Writer's Notebooks. We revisited and reflected on our 2nd Grade Hopes and Dreams. We worked on some grammar and spelling (long i patterns).
Math: We played "Math around the World" in teams to review 2 digit and 3 digit addition and subtraction strategies and concepts. Please continue to review with your mathematicians. We also played Math Bingo to review fact fluency; again, please continue to review as well.
Science: We had a fun time reviewing the Phases of the Moon with our Little Buddies in Mrs. People's class. We created the moon phases with Oreos on a mat and then taught our buddies how to use Google Slides, showing them our informational writing and tech skills.
Difference Maker Unit:
Mark your calendars--our Difference Maker Showcase Event will take place on Wednesday, February 6th @ 9:00- 9:40 am. Second graders will be enlightening our Westlake community on their chosen Difference Maker! Hope you and your family members can join us! Click here for a PDF of our flyer.
Our research work is underway! You can help support your researchers by asking them how far along they are in the process. Are they reading? Note-taking on their concept maps? Drafting their scripts? Revising and editing? Memorizing? How are they feeling about their research work? Click here to see their chosen Difference Maker. Please email me if you have any questions.
Last Wednesday, five Difference Makers visited the 2nd Graders to help inspire their research work. They were Elizabeth Blackwell, Malala Yousafzai, Sonia Sotomayor, Andy Warhol, and Coco Chanel. They had an uncanny resemblance to yours truly, Ms. Furden, Mrs. Simental, Mrs. Morgan, and Ms. Tillinghast!
NWEA Testing: We took our NWEA Reading Test on Friday. All finished except for two; they will finish the test on Monday. Upcoming Test Sessions:
Tuesday, January 15th @ 10:30 am - NWEA Language Test
Wednesday, January 16th @ 10:30 am - NWEA Math Test
Please make sure your 2nd grade explorer is present, well-rested, and breakfasted on these days. All tests will begin after our mid-morning snack time. Thank you for your support!
Progress Reports:
Look for them in this Friday's Blue Folders. Review, sign, and return one copy.
School-wide News:
GATE Testing: The goal of Westlake Charter School’s GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) Program is to provide differentiated learning opportunities during the regular school day for our students. All current 2nd graders and referred 3rd-8th graders will be given the opportunity to take the GATE qualification test. Click HERE for more information.
- Referral forms for students currently enrolled in grades 3rd-8th will be accepted from January 7, 2019 - February 1, 2019. Click HERE for the parent referral form. Click HERE for more information about the GATE program at WCS.
ATS Testing: Academic Talent Search (ATS) Testing will be held February 5th from 3:45-4:45. If you have a 4th-8th grade student interested in taking this optional test to participate in a summer program at Sac State please look for a flyer sent home this week to get details on this testing.
After-School Live Clubs: This winter session, middle schoolers are leading five after-school clubs for our Explorers. Click HERE for more information and to enter your student in the lottery for their first choice club. **We are still in need of adult chaperones for the two Tuesday clubs. The commitment is four hours over the course of four weeks (Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 26). Email [email protected] to support our program and earn volunteer hours.
That's all for now!
Have a great week!
Mrs. A (AKA Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell)