Hi 2nd Grade Explorer Families,
It's a busy time of year and I am sure you, too, are probably finding the need to "click" the pause button to take a breath! When I do, I take a look outward, then inward, and realize amidst the mayhem, in the quiet of my mind, there is much to be grateful for! I do believe this is what keeps me going!
First of all, I want to thank the chaperones who volunteered their time and energy to our California Museum Field Trip. It was a challenging trip to chaperone, due in part, unfortunately, to the behavior choices of some of our classmates. At our follow-up Morning Meeting, we discussed at length about unsafe field trip behavior that we observed such as: not listening or staying with our chaperones, impolite museum manners, hiding in the Capitol bushes and running around its grounds, and hurting the redwood trees. Some classmates were inconsiderate bus mates by throwing paper out the window and throwing around a shirt. How disappointing! I am proud of the students whose core values shine despite their classmates' poor choices. Please have a conversation with your 2nd grader to reflect on their personal behavior on this trip. If you would like details or have questions/wonderings about how your child did from my perspective, I would be happy to respond to any email inquiries.
People Who Make A Difference Unit
This very fun unit on biography research, speech writing, and oral performance is under way! Please help support your 2nd grader through this PBL (Project Based Learning) unit that will be conducted primarily in school. You can help by making sure they have at least 1 hard copy biography of their Difference Maker (to be taken back and forth) and getting their costume together for our Living Museum Showcase. Our Living Museum Showcase will be Wednesday, February 7th. Time is tentatively set for 9:00 - 9:45 am. Details to follow closer to the event.
Click here to see the list of Difference Makers we have chosen. Please edit/add to the list as needed.
Class Party!
We have earned 150 class points and that means we have earned a class party! Because I will have a substitute teacher from December 19th---December 22nd, I would like to have our class party on Monday, December 18th. We will be deciding what type of class party we will have at Morning Meeting tomorrow. I will keep you posted via email!
Curriculum Highlights:
We charted our Road of Life Map (autobiographies) and read about Sacagawea and Ruby Bridges. We observed and wondered about historical pictures of people who made a difference in America.
We took a Math Partner Test on double digit subtraction strategies and observed, sketched, and recorded notes on our carrot plants. We enjoyed a visit from Malowoa, a 20 year old Zambian student!
School-wide News:
Candy Grams: Our amazing leadership elective will be creating Candygrams during Kindergarten Dismissal and 1-8 grade dismissal. For Kindergarten Dismissal, the team will be located in front of the kindergarten building. During 1-8th grade dismissal, they will be in front of the Library. Leadership will have a Candygram table on Monday 12/11 and Tuesday 12/12.
Barnes & Noble Bookfair: Westlake’s annual Barnes & Noble Bookfair is coming the weekend of December 15th - 17th. The bookfair will kickoff with Family Night on December 15th from 5:30 - 7:30 at Barnes & Noble. There will be crafts, staff members reading books, and staff members gift wrapping on the 15th. Westlake Is seeking parent volunteers to host the gift wrapping table on December 16th and 17th. Click HERE if you would like to volunteer and support this annual bookfair. Click HERE for more information about the bookfair.
Talent Show: It’s that time of year families! We are gearing up for the spectacular Westlake Charter School Talent Show Extravaganza! ALL students K-8 are encouraged to audition on Wednesday, January 17th. Come sing, dance, perform a comedy act, a gymnastics routine, play a musical instrument, or join us for a WCS group dance. Click HERE to sign up to audition. If you are applying as a group, only one person from the group needs to apply online. Applications are due NO LATER than Thursday, December 21st.
After School LIVE: The first session of LIVE, Westlake's after-school club program, was a huge success! Our next session will run from January 22–March 9. Please Click HERE to sign-up to lead a club and provide our Explorers with joyful learning experiences! Click HERE for the volunteer information flier with more information about what it means to lead a club. If you have any questions, please email Allison Chavez at [email protected].
Parents Go to School Night: Parents go to School Night is on Wednesday, January 31st and we would like your input. Click HERE to let us know what sessions you would like to see during the event.
2nd Grade Quote of the Week:
We are reflecting on the story of Ruby Bridges and I tell the second graders that back then, I may not have been able to be their teacher because I have "yellow skin." This puzzles many, and I say, "Well, I think my skin is considered yellow or possibly light brown..." Dillon ponders and offers this: "You mean, like the Simpsons?"
That's all for now! Have a great week!
Mrs. A