December 11, 2009

READING
Next week we will be enjoying doing Christmas Around the world and holiday activities. We will not be reading a new story until January. We will have a spelling unit on holiday words and a test on Friday.
Our next story will be about a girl who loves to draw and paint. To surprise her grandmother on her birthday, she hangs up her artwork up at the subway station where her grandmother works.
In phonics we will be focusing on the the vowel pairs ee, ea and the suffixes -tion and -ture.
Vocabulary words are booth, station, plaque, subway, token, collection.
Comprehension strategies are making inferences and evaluating.
In grammar we will be working on nouns and how they change when they are a plural.

MATH
In math we be finishing our chapter on 2-digit subtraction. We will have our chapter test next week. Our next chapter will be on Data and Graphs. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Social Studies/Science
Next week we will be learning about Christmas Around the World. We will learn about the customs of six different countries in the world. After the holidays, we will start a new chapter on the Earth. We will learn about landforms, crops, climate, producers and natural resources.

Student of the Week
Kyle is the Student of the Week! He likes to play soccer and video games. His favorite color is blue and his favorite animal is a dolphin. When Kyle grows up, he wants to be a Teacher.

Parties/Helpers
We are having a book exchange before our party. Please send in a wrapped children's book leveled for 2nd or 3rd grade to school by Dec. 17th. It should cost no more than $5.00.
On Dec. 18h we will have our holiday party. The helpers will be arriving to set up at 1:50. No siblings are allowed at school during parties, guest readers or helping in the classroom.

Field Trip
We will be caroling at the Fairview Nursing home on Thursday, December 17th. The children are to bring a bag lunch that day. No hot lunch will be served since our lunchtime will be after the caroling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dec. 17 - 2nd grade Christmas Caroling
Dec. 18 – Holiday Party and book exchange
Dec. 21-Jan. 3 – Winter Break
Jan. 4– Classes resume

I am wishing you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

December 3, 2009

READING
Next week we will be having a writer's workshop on persuasive writing. The children will be learning how to persuade someone of something through their writing.
In phonics we will be focusing on the digraphs th, wh, sh, ch and the long vowel sounds of e and a.
In grammar we will be working on combining sentences.

MATH
In math we are continuing to work on 2-digit subtraction. We will be using addition problems to help us solve subtraction problems, estimating differences, problems solving and using mental math to find the differences. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Social Studies
We started Junior Achievement this week. Our teacher is Mr. Coonce. He teaching us about “Our Community” to supplement our social studies curriculum. We are discovering a variety of occupations, developing an awareness of how businesses operate within the community, and increase their understanding of how citizens must take responsibility for the well-being of the community.

Student of the Week
Meera is the Student of the Week! She likes to play soccer and watch TV. Her favorite color is green and her favorite animal is a cheetah. When Meera grows up, she wants to be a Doctor.

Recess
We go outside for recess unless the wind chill is below 20 degrees. The children need to bring snow pants and boots in order to play in the snow. Any child who needs to stay inside for recess will need a doctor's note. For inside recess, no Pokemon cards of any kind are allowed at school. Please keep all cards at home.

Monthly Reading Logs
Pizza Hut coupons and lunch in our classroom with a movie reward was earned for turning in your reading log with 21 days of reading! Congratulations to all who earned the reward! Keep reading throughout the month of December.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dec. 17 - 2nd grade Christmas Caroling
Dec. 18 – Holiday Party and book exchange
Dec. 21-Jan. 3 – Winter Break

November 20, 2009

READING
Next week we will be working on fables, poetry and Thanksgiving activities. There will no no newsletter next week.
After Thanksgiving, we will be reading a photo essay about a boy named David who visits a firehouse with his class. At the firehouse, they see different fire trucks and even help wash one!
In phonics we will be focusing on the the vowel pairs ai, ay and compound words.
Vocabulary words are chief, dispatch, emergencies, fire engine, firefighters, gear, clothes, guess and order.
Comprehension strategies are topic, main idea and details.
In grammar we will be working on special nouns.

MATH
In math we are exploring how to subtract 1-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers and then subtracting 2-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers. Our chapter test will be on Tuesday. After Thanksgiving, our next chapter will be a continuation of 2-digit subtraction. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Student of the Week
Sean is the Student of the Week! He likes to play soccer. His favorite animal is a bear and his favorite color is blue. When Sean grows up he wants to be a Fireman.

Social Studies
We learning about the Pilgrims, the Native American Indians and the First Thanksgiving. We made a Native American Indian scene and next week we will learn about the Pilgrims and how the First Thanksgiving was created.

Music Concert
The children did a great job at the music concert! I am very proud of them!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nov. 20th – End of the 1st Trimester
Nov, 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 1st – Reading Logs are due
Dec. 1st – Report Cards
Dec. 1st-4th – Parent/Teacher Conferences
Dec. 4th – No School

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 13, 2009

READING
Next week we will be reading about a boy from Chinatown and everything that happens in Chinatown – a very busy place. We will learn something about Chinese culture, kung fu and tai chi.
We will be working on the comprehension strategies of summarizing and story structure.
Our vocabulary words are apartment, delivery, handcarts, market and celebrations.
In phonics we will be focusing double consonants, consonant digraphs, and reviewing the vowel sounds ai, ay, ow, ou, ee and ea.
In grammar we will be working on nouns and plurals.

MATH
In math we finished our chapter on 2 digit addition. Our next chapter will introducing 2 digit subtraction. We will be exploring how to subtract 1-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers and then subtracting 2-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Social Studies
We are learning about the first Thanksgiving, Native American Indians and Pilgrims. We are collecting empty paper towel rolls for a project, if you haven't sent one in please do so on Monday. We also need a brown grocery bag, so if you go to the grocery store please ask for a grocery bag for a special Social Studies project. Thanks for your help!

Parent Teacher Conferences
Today your child is bringing home a parent/teacher conference slip. Please sign it and return it to school as soon as possible. Conferences are the week of December 1st through the 4th.

Music Program
On Wednesday, November 18th it will be the second grade music program at Lakeview Jr. High School. Your child should arrive at 6:45. The boys should wear a solid red, white or blue shirt with black dress pants and the girls should wear a solid red, white or blue shirt with black dress pants or skirt with black tights. I look forward to seeing you at the program!

Student of the Week
Yousuf is the Student of the Week! He likes to play outside. His favorite animal is a cat and his favorite color is yellow. When Yousuf grows up he wants to be a Doctor.

Nov. 9th – Meera

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nov. 18th - 2nd Grade Music Program
Nov. 20th – End of the 1st Trimester
Nov, 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 1st – Report Cards

November 6, 2009

READING
Next week we will have theme wrap up for the Nature Walk unit. We will read a fiction and non-fiction selection on owls.
We will be working on the comprehension strategies of predict, infer, question, compare/contrast and monitor/clarify.
Our vocabulary words are clearing, echo, meadow, pumped, owling, shadows, threading, rarely, and curved.
In phonics we will be focusing on the long vowels o, u and e.
In grammar we will be writing telling sentences and questions.

MATH
In math we are continuing to work on adding two-digit problems. Our test will be next week. Our next chapter will be on two-digit subtraction. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Social Studies
We are starting a new unit on our country long ago. We will be learning about the Native American Indians, pilgrims and the beginnings and growth of our country.

Student of the Week
Patrick is the Student of the Week! He likes to play baseball. His favorite animal is a dog and his favorite color is blue. When Patrick grows up he wants to be a Football Player.

THANK YOU to the PTO for purchasing a white board for our classroom. It is an asset to our classroom. The children and I are enjoying it. It is great!

Our room is usually cold. Your child should bring a sweater/sweatshirt that they can keep in school. Dressing in layers is a good idea because other 2nd grade classrooms are hot.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nov. 11th – Veterans' Day – No School
Nov. 18th - 2nd Grade Music Program
Nov, 25-27 – Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 1st – Report Cards
Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 – Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 29, 2009

READING
Next week we will be reading a realistic story about a brother and sister who go blueberry picking around a pond with their dog named Sam. They see many different plants and animals.
We will be working on the comprehension strategies of categorize, classify and monitor/clarify.
Our vocabulary words are bank, crater, edge, moss, path and shallow.
In phonics we will be focusing on double consonants (summer, pocket) and how to divide words into syllables.
In grammar we will be writing exclamation sentences.

MATH
In math we finished our chapter on adding two digits with regrouping. Our next chapter continues two digit addition with regrouping. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Science
We are finished our chapter on the life cycles of animals. Our next chapter focuses on plants, their parts and life cycles.

Student of the Week
Manas is the Student of the Week! He likes to play basketball. His favorite animal is a cheetah and his favorite color is red. When Manas grows up he wants to be a Basketball Player.

Halloween Party
Thank you to Mr. Simpson for organizing our party. Thank you to Mrs. Jarmakowicz and Mrs. Pederson for helping with the party. We had a great time!

Fire Safety Assembly
Lt. Tabisz came to our school on Tuesday and talked about fire safety. We learned about choosing a special meeting place in case of a fire, how to “stop, drop and roll”, and that we should never go back inside to get something we forgot. He also showed us the special gear that firemen wear for protection.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Oct. 30th – Teacher Institute Day – No School
Nov. 6th – Picture Retake Day
Nov. 11th – Veterans' Day – No School
Nov. 19th - 2nd Grade Music Program
Nov, 26-28 – Thanksgiving Break

October 23, 2009

READING
Due to the short week next week, we will be doing various Halloween reading and writing activities and stories. We will have spelling words and a test on special Halloween words.

MATH
In math we started our chapter on two digit addition. We will be using the math vocabulary regrouping. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Science
We are working on putting animals in the categories of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians. We are going to work on the life cycles of animals. Our science test will be on Tuesday. We will then be learning about plants and their life cycles.

Student of the Week
Tyler is the Student of the Week! He likes to play with his Nintendo DS. His favorite animal is a dog and his favorite color is green. When Tyler grows up he wants to be a Farmer.

Halloween Partries/Parade
Thursday, October 29th
Parade-1:30, Party-2:00
Please come and watch the parade The students should bring their costumes to school in a bag. We will put them on prior to the parade starting. No makeup will be applied at school and no toy weapons are allowed. We will not be passing out candy at the party. If you child wishes to bring in something for the party they can bring in non-edible things, such as pencils, erasers, etc.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Oct. 29th – Halloween Parade and Party
Oct. 30th - Teacher Institute Day – No School
Nov. 6th – Picture Retake Day
Nov. 11th – Veterans' Day – No School
Nov. 19th - 2nd Grade Music Program

October 16, 2009

READING
Next week we will be reading about a read park ranger from New York City and the things that he does each day as part of his job.
We will be working on the comprehension strategies of fact and opinion, rereading for understanding and making generalizations.
Our vocabulary words are exploring, protect, tours, habitat, ranger and urban.
In phonics we will be focusing on consonant clusters (r, l, s) and the two sounds for c.
In grammar we will be writing command sentences.

MATH
In math we have been working on number concepts and patterns. Next week we will be finishing our chapter on number patterns. Our chapter test will be on Tuesday. Our next chapter will be on 2-digit addition. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Science
We are learning about mammals and birds this week. Next week we will start learning about reptiles, amphibians and fish. We will be classifying animals according to how they are alike and different. We will learn about the habitats, young and body coverings.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are coming home today. Please sign them and send them back to school.

Art to Remember
Art to Remember packets need to come back to school by Tuesday, October 20th.

Student of the Week
Raiven is the Student of the Week! She likes to play the WII. Her favorite animal is a dog and her favorite color is red. When Raiven grows up she wants to be a Lifeguard.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oct. 21st – Early Dismissal Day
Oct. 23rd – Halloween Fun Fest
Oct. 29th – Halloween Parade and Party
Oct. 30th - Teacher Institute Day – No School
Nov. 9th – Picture Retake Day
Nov. 11th – Veterans' Day – No School

October 9, 2009

READING
Next week we will be working on a Reading/Writing Workshop. We will be concentrating on Descriptive Writing. We will be using descriptive words to write a paragraph about our own Halloween costumes.
We will follow the writing process of topic selection and use our five senses to describe our costumes.
In grammar we will be working on run on sentences.

MATH
In math we will be focusing on odd/even numbers, greater than, less than and equal to when comparing numbers (<,>,=). Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Science
We finished our unit on living things. We planted lima beans in our classroom to watch how plants grow and develop. Our next unit in Science will be a continuation of living things. We will be learning about mammals, amphibians, reptiles and life cycles.

Student of the Week
Shannon is the Student of the Week! She likes to read books. Her favorite animal is a puppy and her favorite colors are pink, black, blue and purple. When Shannon grows up she wants to be a Veterinarian.

Reading Logs
Most of the children did a great job reading and turning in their reading logs for the month of September. We received a reading party in our classroom at lunchtime and we had an ice cream treat and watched a movie. We are now working on achieving 100% participation for the October reading party.
Keep Reading!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Oct. 16th – Gym Night
Oct. 22nd – Early Dismissal Day
Oct. 23rd– Halloween Fun Fest
Oct. 29th– Halloween Parade and Party
Oct. 30th – Teacher Institute Day No School

October 2, 2009

READING
Next week we will be reading a fictional story about a boy named Henry who goes camping with his parents and his dog Mudge. Each one of them enjoys camping, but not for the same reasons.
We will be working on the comprehension strategies compare and contrast.
Our vocabulary words are backpack, campfire, hike, lanterns, camping and tent.
In phonics we will be focusing on the long vowel sounds of a, o and u., and the sounds for g.
In grammar we will be reviewing telling sentences and asking questions.

MATH
In math we will be finishing our chapter on Place Value. We will have a chapter test on Monday. Our next chapter is on number concepts and patterns. We will be learning about ordinal numbers, greater than, less than, odd and even numbers and skip counting. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Science
We learning about living things and non-living things. We are finding out living things and their needs in order to survive. We have started vocabulary cards which will come home for the children to study for their test next week.

Student of the Week
Danny is the Student of the Week! He likes to jump off the high diving board. His favorite animal is a cat and his favorite color is red. When Danny grows up he wants to be a Police Officer.

October 3rd – Peter

Thank you to the PTO for the Kids on the Block Assembly. We learned about children with differences and bullies. If we see a bully we learned to act brave, ignore, stand up for yourself, tell an adult, be a buddy and don't bully back.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Oct. 16th – Gym Night
Oct. 12th – Columbus Day – No school
Oct. 22nd – Early Dismissal Day
Oct. 23rd– Halloween Fun Fest
Oct. 29th– Halloween Parade and Party

September 25, 2009

READING
Next week we will be reading two stories to compare fantasy and nonfiction. The fantasy story is about two hippos named George and Martha, Round and Round. The nonfiction story is from the magazine Ranger Rick called Hippos.
We will be working on the comprehension strategy of connecting and comparing. Phonics lessons will review the short vowels and concentrate on the long vowel a vccv pattern. Vocabulary words will be cross, observed, thoroughly, unmoved, herds, mammal, moisture, nostrils, relatives, moisture, sunscreen and wicked. High-frequency story words are bought, front, kitchen, until and roll. Our grammar lessons will review naming and action part of sentences.

MATH
In math we finished our chapter on subtraction. We have started a new chapter on place value. We will be counting, reading and writing numbers up to 100. We will identify the place value of each digit (ones, tens, hundreds). We will be comparing numbers. Remember to keep practicing the addition and subtraction flash cards at home.

Student of the Week
Joey is the Student of the Week! He likes to play at the park. His favorite animal is a monkey and his favorite color is blue. When Joey grows up he wants to be a Teacher.

Character Counts
The Character Counts pillar for the month of October is Responsibility. Have your child show spirit by wearing green every Wednesday in October. We will be discussing responsible behavior at school and at home.

Reading Logs
Reading logs are due on October 1st. All the children who have read for 21 days in September will participate in a reading party. We will have lunch in our classroom and watch a movie.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 1st -School Pictures
October 2nd - Kids on the Block Assembly
October 12th – Columbus Day – No School
October 16h – Gym Night

September 18, 2009

READING
Our story for next week will be Mrs. Brown Went to Town, by Wong Herbert Yee. This story is about a woman whose farm animal move into her house while she is away. They have a lot of fun.
We will be working on the comprehension strategies of predicting outcomes and connecting and comparing. Phonics lessons will include the long vowels a and i following a cvce pattern (consonant, vowel, consonant, silent e) Vocabulary words will be commotion, wearing, delivered, tire, feathers, releases. High-frequency story words are floor, letter, move, poor and word. Our grammar lessons will focus on verbs.

MATH
In math we are working on subtraction. We are working on fact families, counting back and using addition to solve subtraction problems. Next week we will finish our chapter on subtraction. Our math test will be on Tuesday.
Please remember to review math facts with your child.

Student of the Week
Berkay is the Student of the Week! He likes to play soccer. His favorite animal is a bat and his favorite color is red. When Berkay grows up he wants to be a Doctor.

Book Fair
Thank you to all the children who gave our class a gift certificate to purchase books. We will enjoy reading them! I appreciate your thoughtfulness! Thank you PTO for hosting this special event!

Magazine Drive
The Magazine Drive started on last Friday with a short assembly. Packets went home with the children. If you need more forms, you may pick them up in the office, or e-mail me and I’ll send them home with your child. The first collection day is on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 1st -School Pictures
October 12th – Columbus Day – No School
October 16h – Gym Night

September 11, 2009

READING
We have been working this past week on the writing process. We started out with topic selection, characters, problem and solution. Next we wrote our sloppy copy which was revised. We finished with our final story.
We concentrated on who the character is in a story and what the problem is and how it is resolved in the story.
Next week our story is Julius by Angela Johnson. We'll read about Maya's pig, Julius. Julius and Maya learn a lot from each other – Julius teaches Maya fun activities like trying on hats and dancing to jazz, and Maya teaches Julius how to be polite. The comprehension strategies will be fantasy/realism, rereading for understanding and drawing conclusions.
In spelling, we will be focusing on the short vowel sounds of e, o and u. The children will have a pre-test of the week's spelling words on Monday and study the missed words and challenge words during the week for a Friday test.

Curriculum Night
Thank you for attending Curriculum Night and signing up to help in the classroom. If you were unable to make it to Curriculum Night, I have sent home the information that was handed out that night.

MATH
In math we finished our chapter on adding numbers to 18. We reviewed the strategy adding three numbers and draw a picture to solve a story problem.
We started our next chapter on on subtraction facts and strategies. Please remember to review math facts with your child.

Student of the Week
We will be starting Student of the Week in our classroom. The children are chosen randomly to be our “Student of the Week”. When it is your child's turn please make sure you return the poster to us on Monday. Let me know when you can come to our class to be a guest reader during your child's week. They can also bring a “Show and Tell” item each day during their special week.

Stoplight
We are following the stoplight behavior program in our classroom. You will be notified if you child moves to the yellow or red light. The children who remain on green all week will participate in a special reward at the end of the week.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
September 22nd - Early Dismissal
September 17h_ Book Fair 6:30-8:00
October 12th – Columbus Day - No School

September 4, 2009

READING

We have been working this past week on reviewing consonant sounds, clusters, short vowels a and i and adding the endings -s, -ed and -ing to words. These skills are reinforced through classroom activities and practice book pages.
The comprehension strategies this week were predicting and inferring and summarizing. We concentrated on who the character is in a story and what the problem is and how it is resolved in the story.
Next week we will be following the five steps of the writing process to write a story. We will be choosing a topic, exploring and planning our story and organizing the details to include a beginning, middle and end. We will be concentrating on writing complete sentences and proofreading our story to make corrections and revisions.
In spelling, we will be focusing on the short vowel sounds of a, e, i, o and u. The children will have a pre-test of the week's spelling words on Monday and study the missed words and challenge words during the week for a Friday test.

MATH
In math we worked on adding numbers to 18. We reviewed the strategy adding doubles and doubles plus one, adding three numbers and using a function machine to add numbers following the rule. We will have our first math test on Wednesday, Sept. 9th. Please remember to review math facts with your child.

Happy Birthday!
September 3rd - Berkay

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our library days are Tuesdays and Thursdays to check out books.
Curriculum Night is on September 9th at 7:00 pm (parents only).
September 17th is the Book Fair and Ice Cream Social from 6:30-8:00.
September 22nd is Early Dismissal we will have school until 12:00.

Augst 28, 2009

READING
We have been working this past week on reviewing consonant sounds, clusters, and digraphs, as well as long/short vowels . These skills are reinforced through classroom activities..
The comprehension strategies this week were predicting and inferring. We are connecting what we read to our own experiences, to what we have learned and to other books we've read.
Next week we begin the theme Silly Stories. Our story is Dragon Gets By by Dave Pilkey. We'll read what happens when a dragon who has no food in his cupboard goes shopping and buys more food than he can fit in his car! We will talk about food groups and what makes a balanced diet. The comprehension strategies will be summarizing, cause and effect, and problem solving.
In spelling, we will be focusing on the short vowel sounds of a and i. The children will have a pre-test of the week's spelling words on Monday. The words that they are responsible for learning will come home highlighted on their spelling list. They are to study those highlighted words and they will be tested on them on Friday.

MATH
In math we started out the year with reviewing various addition strategies such as showing different facts for the same sums, identifying and using order property to review facts to 12 and counting on. They should be practicing the math facts each night.
Next week we will work on identifying and adding doubles for sums to 18 and writing number sentences to solve problems.

Thank you to all who volunteered to help in the classroom. I will contact you when you are needed to help. There will be more sign-up sheets at Curriculum Night.

Happy Birthday!
August 26 – Ryan
August 29 - Manas

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Our school year is off to a good start. The children seem excited to be here and are ready to learn.

Our library days are Tuesdays and Thursdays to check out books.

Curriculum Night is on September 9th at 7:00 pm (parents only).

September 22nd is Early Dismissal.

Just a reminder that we need the extra supplies turned in by Monday, August 31st. A yellow highlighter, a package of 3X5 index cards and 3X3 post-it notes.

Scholastic Book Orders are due Sept. 3rd.

June 1, 2009

READING
We will be reviewing the stories from our final theme Talent Show. We will be working on writing activities to reflect over the things we liked about second grade.

MATH
In math we will be learning about multiplication this week.

Thank you to our room mom Mrs. Ermel. She did a fabulous job organizing our parties and making all our copies for the year. Thank you to Mrs. Meyer who helped Mrs. Ermel with the party planning. Thank you to Mrs. Maschio who helped with the computer lab and Math Fast facts. I appreciate all who sent in treats for the parties and those who helped organized the games.

Thank you to the PTO for the school picnic. The children had a wonderful time!

It’s hard to believe that we have completed this school year. The children have come so far since that first day of school in August. I am very pleased with the progress they have made. Thank you for all the support you have given them and me, which has helped make this such a positive experience for all.

I want the children to have a wonderful and restful summer. There are some activities that you can do over the summer to ensure a smooth transition for your child to third grade. Please take your child to the library for frequent visits. Encourage them to read to themselves, to you, and to one another. Continue to practice flashcards, working especially with addition
and subtraction facts, practice counting money and telling time. These activities, which do not take much time, but it will give your child a wonderful boost for those first days of school in third grade.

I have enjoyed teaching your children and watching them grow over the year. I will truly miss them as they move on to third grade. If you would like to write to me over the summer here is my address:
Mrs. Walega
7316 W. Gregory St.
Chicago, IL 60656

ABC Countdown
Monday : Vegetable and Video Day
Tuesday: Walt Disney Day
Wednesday: Xtra Recess Day
Thursday: You're Wonderful Day
Friday: Zoom out of School Day

ANNOUNCEMENTS
June 5 – Last Day of School /Report Cards

Have a wonderful
summer vacation!

May 22, 2009

READING
We will be reading two stories called Join the Circus and Raymond's Best Summer. Both stories focus on special talents of children.
The vocabulary words are athletic, performance, circus, pyramid, contraption, somersaults, ability, intermediate, certificate, laps, paces and demonstrates.
In phonics we will be focusing on the vowel pairs oo, ew, ue and ou.
Comprehension strategy is the author's viewpoint, noting details and problems solving.
In grammar, we will be working on adjectives including a, and and the.

MATH
In math we are learning about adding and subtracting 3-digit numbers. We will be solving problems with and without regrouping. We will have our chapter test on Thursday . Our next chapter is on multiplication.
Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters G, S and L. Please review the letters with your child.

Science
We are learning about energy. We will be learning about heat, light and color.

ABC Countdown
Tuesday: Rock and Roll Day
Wednesday: Sports Team Day
Thursday: Take a Break Day
Friday: Under the Desk Day

Thank you to Mrs. Pakowski, Mrs. Rios and Mrs. Zimmerman who supplied our ice cream, lollipops and push-ups for our ABC Countdown. We loved eating them!

Field Trip
We enjoyed our field trip to the Morton Arboretum. We had a beautiful day filled with learning about ecosystems. Thank you to Mrs. Maschio and Mrs. Zimmerman who helped with our field trip.

June 11 – Brock
June 23 – Antonio
July 9 – Amelia
July 17 - Jeny

School Picnic
On May 29th the PTO will be providing a McDonald's lunch for the students. We will be having a hamburger, chips, fruit snacks and a juice box. If your prefers you can send a sack lunch that day. We will be having a fun-filled afternoon with games and activities.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 25 – Memorial Day – No School
May 29 - School Picnic
June 5 – Last Day of School

May 18, 2009

READING
We will be reading the story called The School Mural. This is a story about a group of children who celebrate their school's 50th anniversary by painting a mural on one of the walls in the school.
The vocabulary words are event, mural, pride, project, scene and sketches.
In phonics we will be focusing on words with the that drop the final e before adding the endings -ed and -ing..
Comprehension strategy is problem solving.
In grammar, we will be working on adjectives.

MATH
In math we are learning about fractions. We are learning how to write fractions, compare fractions and use fractions to solve problems. Our chapter test will be on Wednesday. Our next chapter is on 3-digit adding and subtracting.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters Q, T and F. Please review the letters with your child.

Science
We are learning about energy. We are learning how wind, the sun and water affects energy. We are learning what things are powered by electricity. Next week we will be learning about light and heat.

ABC Countdown
Monday: Movie and a Munchie Day
Tuesday: Neatness Day
Wednesday: Outside Day
Thursday: Popsicle Day
Friday: Quiet Day

Field Trip
We will be going to the Morton Arboretum on Friday, May 22nd. Please make sure your child has a sack lunch and dresses appropriately for the weather.

Thank you to Mr. Kukulski for arranging our assembly on how to stay healthy. We enjoyed it!

June 21 – Endia

ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 18 – Visit to Prairie View School
May 22 – Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
May 22 – Library Books are due
May 25 – Memorial Day – No School
May 29 - School Picnic

May 11, 2009

READING
We will be reading the story called Moses Goes to a Concert. This is a realistic story about a deaf boy names moses, who goes to a concert. The deaf percussionist helps Moses and his classmates realize they can be anything they want.
The vocabulary words are deaf, instruments, signs, hearing, percussion, vibration.
In phonics we will be focusing on words with the long i vowel sound (igh, ie).
Comprehension strategy is noting details.
In grammar, we will be working on adjectives.

MATH
In math we are learning about measurement. We are learning how to measure objects in ounces, pounds, grams, kilograms, liters, cups, pints, quarts and gallons. Our chapter test will be on Thursday. Our next chapter is on fractions.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters X, I and reviewing the capital cursive letters we have done so far. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
We are beginning a new unit on exploring matter. Everything in our universe is made up of matter. We will learn what matter, liquids, solids and gases are and how they can change their physical and chemical forms.

Our High Touch High Tech field trip was fun! We learned about gems, rocks and minerals and where they come from. We were prospectors as we were panning for gems.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
A special thank you to the PTO for organizing all the special treats this week. I love teaching your children. They are very special to me. I have truly enjoyed working with each one of them this year. I will be sad to see them go on to first grade. I will miss them very much.
Thank you to all of you who participated in this week’s meals. The food was very good and it was so nice of you to think of the teachers. It was very much appreciated!

ABC Countdown
Monday: Hair Day
Tuesday: Ice Cream Day
Wednesday: Jump Rope Day
Thursday: Kick Ball Day
Friday: Lollipop Day
We are still in need of lollipops for Lollipop Day, let me know if you would like to donate lollipops to our class.

Happy Mother’s Day!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 15 – Movie Night
May 18 – Visit to Prairie View School
May 22 – Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
May 25 – Memorial Day – No School
May 29 - School Picnic

May 4, 2009

READING
We will not be reading a story next week. We will be doing a reading/writing workshop on letter writing. We will be writing a letter to our 3rd grade pen pals.

MATH
In math we are working on measuring using rulers and yardsticks. We measured objects to the nearest inch, foot, yard, meter and centimeter. Next week we will learn about perimeter and area. We will be finishing our chapter and taking our test on Thursday. Our next chapter is on weight, mass, temperature and capacity.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters Z, V, and W. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Social Studies
We will be learning about the expedition of Lewis and Clark, pioneers and slavery. We will learn about important Americans who helped others escape to freedom.

Science
We let our butterflies out into nature. We enjoyed learning about them and watching them grow and change.

ABC Countdown
Monday: Cookie or Cracker Day
Tuesday: Dance Day
Wednesday: Earth Day
Thursday: Funny Feet Day
Friday: Green Day

We will be celebrating summer birthdays before the end of our school year. Write me a note and we can pick a date to celebrate your child’s summer birthday.

Mother' Day Project and Field Trip
We are collecting $5.00 to cover the remainder of the High Touch/High Tech field trip and a special Mother's Day Project. Please send this to school as soon as possible. Thanks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 7 – High Touch/High Tech in-school field trip
May 15 – Movie Night
May 18 – Visit to Prairie View School
May 22 – Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
May 25 – Memorial Day – No School
May 29 – School Picnic

April 27, 2009

READING
We will be reading the story called The Art Lesson. It is about a boy named Tommy who loves to draw pictures. When he is old enough for art classes at school, Tommy is disappointed to learn that he can only have one piece of paper, and only use eight crayons.
The vocabulary words are crayons, powders, practice, chalk, smock, ruin and copy.
In phonics we will be focusing on words with the vowel pairs oo, ew, ue, and ou. We will review base words with the endings -ed and -ing.
Comprehension strategy is evaluating, understanding, problem solving and making judgments.
In grammar we will be working on irregular verbs .

MATH
In math we a new chapter on measurement. We will be learning how to use non-standard and standard units of measure. We will learn how to measure in inches, centimeters, feet and yards.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters K, U and reviewing the capital cursive letters we have done so far. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Social Studies
We will be learning about our country long ago. We will be introduced to Native American groups, early settlers who came from Europe and explorers who led the way for westward expansion.

We will be celebrating summer birthdays before the end of our school year. Write me a note and we can pick a date to celebrate your child’s summer birthday.

Open House
I enjoyed seeing everyone at the Open House! Thank you to everyone who for the gift certificates for the book fair. I was able to purchase books for our classroom to enjoy. I appreciate your thoughtfulness! The children have been working very hard and it shows in their beautiful work. I’m very proud of them and you should be too.

ABC Countdown
The ABC Countdown will begin on April 30. This is a countdown of fun activities during the last 26 days of school using the ABC’s. We need some edible donations. I am looking for someone to send in popsicles, ice cream cups with spoons, and lollipops. Let me know if you can donate any of those items.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
May 7 – High Touch/High Tech in-school field trip
May 22 – Field Trip to Morton Arboretum
May 25 – Memorial Day – No School

April 20, 2009

READING
We will be taking the OLSAT tests this week. This is not a test that your child can study for, they just have to try to do their best.
We will be reading two stories called More Stories Julian Tells and Slippery Siblings.
In phonics we will be reviewing words that end in -le and -er, contractions, base words that end in -ed and -ing, and the silent consonants b and k (n).
Vocabulary words are advice, curve, instructions, message, travel, bobsled, catchers, course, run, straightaways.
Comprehension strategy is making generalizations, following directions and making judgements.
In grammar we will be working on the past and present tense verbs .

MATH
In math we will be finishing our chapter on patterns. Our chapter test will be on Thursday. Our next chapter will be on length, perimeter and area.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters E and N. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science

Our larvae have now formed a chrysalis, They will will remain in this stage for approximately 7 to 10 days. They are now inside a butterfly pavilion. You can view them at Open House.

Open House
Our spring open house will be on April 23rd from 6:30-8:00. All family members are welcome to attend and see all of our beautiful
work on display.

We will be celebrating summer birthdays before the end of our school year. Write me a note and we can pick a date to celebrate your child’s summer birthday.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 20-21 – OLSAT Testing
April 22 – Earth Day
April 23 – Open House and Book Fair
April 24 – Early Dismissal

April 13, 2009

READING
Thank you to the parents who sent in the Animal report sheets. We will be using those to write an expository report in school. We will be writing a five paragraph essay on our chosen animal. These will be on display at Open House.

MATH
In math we are starting a new chapter on patterns next week. We will be identifying, predicting and extending patterns.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters D and C. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
We are learning about the life cycle of the butterfly. We have two containers of caterpillars (larva) that we are observing with magnifying glasses. We are keeping a journal to record what we are learning and the growth of the butterflies.

Open House
Our spring open house will be on April 23rd from 6:30-8:00. All family members are welcome to attend and see all of our beautiful work on display.

Supplies Needed
We will be doing a special project in April. We need an empty toilet paper tube and an empty egg carton for the projects. Please send in one tube and one egg carton to school with your child.

Character Counts
The pillar for April is Citizenship. Are you a good citizen? “I am a good citizen because I throw away my garbage in the garbage can.” “ I follow the classroom rules.” “I follow the rules when I ride the bus.” We will be wearing purple on Fridays.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
April 15 – Animal Posters Due
April 17 – Science Assembly
April 20-21 – OLSAT Testing
April 22 – Earth Day
April 23 – Open House and Book Fair
April 24 – Early Dismissal

March 27, 2009

READING
After spring break, we will be reading a story called Thundercake. It is a realistic story about a girl who is afraid of thunderstorms. When her grandmother decided to make a cake, they must go outside to get the ingredients. By the time the storm finally arrives, the girl realizes that she is braver than she thought.
In phonics we will be focusing on words that end in -ed and -ing, and the silent consonants b and k (n).
Vocabulary words are bolt, horizon, lightning, rumbled, thunder, weather.
Comprehension strategy is sequence of events.
In grammar we will be working on the verbs is/are and was/were.

MATH
In math we are continuing to work on the plane figures. We will learn about congruent figures and symmetry. We will take our test on Thursday, April 9th. Our next chapter will be on patterns.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive capital letters A and O. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
After Spring Break we will be studying the life cycle of the butterfly, animals from the rain forest, ocean and desert.

Spring Break
Things to do on Spring Break:
Read with your child.
Enjoy Spring activities with your child!

Supplies Needed
We will be doing a special project in April. We need an empty toilet paper tube and an empty egg carton for the projects. Please send in one tube and one egg carton to school with your child.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mar. 30 - Spring Break Begins
Apr. 6 – Classes Resume
April 7 – Teachers' Institute Day – No School
April 10 - No School
April 23 – Open House

March 23, 2009

READING
This week we will be reading a story called Carousel. It is a realistic story about a girl named Alex whose father doesn't get home in time for her birthday. This makes Alex angry, but after a night filled with strange dreams, she awakens to find that her father has returned.
In phonics we will be focusing on words that end in -y and the un- prefix..
Vocabulary words are angry, fussed, groaned, grumbled, grumpily and promised.
Comprehension strategy is making judgements.
In grammar we will be working on past tense verbs.

MATH
In math we started our chapter on plane figures. Next week we will be sorting plane figures and combining plane figures to make new figures.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive letters z and reviewing the lowercase letters. After spring break we will start learning the capital letters. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Social Studies
Next week we will be learning about the federal government, voting and the constitution.

March 19 - Kyle

Supplies Needed
We will be doing a special project in April. We need an empty toilet paper tube for the project. Please send in one tube to school with your child.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mar. 30 - Spring Break Begins
Apr. 6 – Classes Resume
April 7 – Teachers' Institute Day – No School
April 10 - No School

March 16, 2009

READING
This week we will be reading a story called Jalapeno Bagels. It is about a boy named pablo who spends an early morning at his parents' bakery. When Pablo decides which bread he will bring to school for International Day, he chooses one that shows his Mexican-Jewish-American heritage.
In phonics we will be focusing on contractions.
Vocabulary words are bakery, culture, customer, dough, ingredients, recipe.
Comprehension strategy is following directions.
In grammar we will be working on present tense verbs.

MATH
In math we will be finishing our chapter on three-dimensional objects. Our chapter test will be on Thursday. Our next chapter is on plane figures which includes triangle, square, rhombus, rectangle, trapezoid, circle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon and decagon.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive letters y, x, and v. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
We will be reviewing the weather concepts and taking our test on Tuesday. I am sending home the Science book on Monday for your child to study. Please make sure they return the books to school on Tuesday.

Social Studies
We will begin a new chapter on our Country today. This unit will focus on the government. We will learn about the local government and the federal government.

Thank you to the PTO for giving us the assembly called Ease to Tease. We learned about teasing others and how it feels to be teased. We discovered better ways to treat others with differences.

Report Cards/Conferences
Thank you for attending conferences this past week. Please remember to sign your child’ report card envelope and return it to school. Thanks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mar. 17 – Stellaluna Field Trip
Mar. 30 - Spring Break Begins
Apr. 6 – Classes Resume

March 9, 2009

READING
This week we will be reading a photo essay called Brothers and Sisters. It is about younger and older brothers and sisters. As we read, we will share information about our families and make generalizations.
In phonics we will be focusing on two syllable words ending in -er.
Vocabulary words are newborn, distract, twins, pest, teenage.
Comprehension strategy is making generalizations.
In grammar we will be working on verbs.

MATH
In math we will be learning about three-dimensional objects and classifying them according to their attributes. We will be focusing on the shapes of sphere, cone, cube, cylinder, pyramid and rectangular prism.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive letters n, m, and y. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
We will be measuring weather by recording the temperature and learning about the water cycle.

Student of the Week
Matthew is the Student of the Week! He likes cars, the White Sox, dogs and eating soup. His favorite color is green. When Matthew grows up he wants to be a Scientist.

Supplies Needed
We need 3X5 index cards for science. Please send a package to school. Thank you.

Character Counts
The Character Counts pillar for the month of March is Fairness. I am fair when I play games honestly. I am fair when I share my toys with others. Have your child show their spirit by wearing orange every Friday in March.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mar. 10 – Report Cards
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School
Mar. 17 – Stellaluna Field Trip
Mar. 20 - Spring Break Begins
Apr. 6 – Classes Resume

March 3, 2009

READING
This week we will be doing a reading/writing workshop. We will be writing a narrative essay about a personal experience. We will be writing an introduction, beginning, middle, end and a conclusion.

MATH
In math we will learning times of events in the A.M. and P.M., showing how time elapses on a clock, and the calendar. We will be finishing this chapter and our test will be on Friday. Our next chapter will be on geometry, patterns and measurement.

Fast Facts
We are finished with fact facts. Please make sure that you continue to practice flashcards with your child. Thank you to Mrs. Maschio and Mrs. Zimmerman for helping us with the fast facts this year.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive letters o, c, and q. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
Our next unit will be about the weather. We will be observing and recognizing weather patterns, learning about the tools needed to measure weather and the water cycle.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conference slips went home with your child. Please return the slips as soon as possible. I am not meeting with everyone this trimester. If you feel a conference is not necessary you can mark that on the form and send it back to school.

Student of the Week
Adam is the Student of the Week! He likes playing basketball, soccer and reading books. His favorite colors are blue and green. When Adam grows up he wants to be an Illustrator.

Supplies Needed
We need 3X5 index cards for science. Please send a package to school. Thank you.

Stellaluna Field Trip
We are going on a field trip to see Stellaluna on March 17th. Please fill out the permission slip and send it in an envelope along with the $7.00 to school.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mar. 2 – Casimer Pulaski Day – No School
Mar. 10 – Report Cards
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School
Mar. 17 – Stellaluna Field Trip

February 23, 2009

READING
This week we will be reading two stories about dinosaurs. Little Grunt and the Big Egg is a fiction story and Mighty Dinosaurs is a non-fiction story. We will be comparing the literature and discuss cause and effect.
In phonics we will be focusing on words with nd, nt, mp, ng, nk and the vowel pairs ow and oa.
Vocabulary words are disaster, earthquake, erupting, lava, pitch, volcano, fossils, packs, prey, remains and reptile.
Comprehension strategies are cause and effect and drawing conclusions.
In grammar we will be working on singular possessive nouns and plural possessive nouns.

MATH
In math we will be finishing our chapter on money. Our test will be on Tuesday. Our next chapter will be on time. We will be exploring minutes and hours.

Handwriting
We will be learning to write the cursive letters a, d, and g. Please review the lowercase letters with your child.

Science
We will be finding out how to take care of natural resources, pollution and how to reuse materials and not waste them. We will have our unit test on Friday.

Student of the Week
Kyle is the Student of the Week! He likes camping, Christmas and snow globes. His favorite colors are blue, green and red. When Kyle grows up he wants to be a Scientist.

Feb. 20 - Matthew

Supplies Needed
We need 3X5 index cards for science.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feb. 26 – Spring Pictures
Mar. 2 – Casimer Pulaski Day – No School
Mar. 10 – Report Cards
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School

February 17, 2009

READING
Next week we will be reading three biographies. We will learn what makes a good biography and trying writing a biography including a time line of the person's life.
In phonics we will be focusing on the r-controlled vowels and the final syllables -tion and -ture..
Vocabulary words are biograph, event, information, champion, fact and president.
Comprehension strategies are rereading for understanding, evaluating, and visualizing.
In grammar we will be working on nouns and pronouns.

MATH
In math we will be on using money, comparing money amounts and adding and subtracting money problems.
Social Studies
We will be studying government and presidents next week along with doing some Presidents' Day Activities.

Science
We will be finding out how to take care of natural resources, pollution and how to reuse materials and not waste them. We will have our unit test on Friday.

Student of the Week
Megan is the Student of the Week! She likes dogs, Barbies and eating M & M's. Megan wishes that she could have another dog. Her favorite colors are pink and purple. When Megan grows up she wants to be a Teacher.

Iowa Testing
Thank you to the PTO for the delicious tangerines and juice boxes. The children enjoyed the treat!

Valentine’s Day Party
Thank you our Valentine’s Day parties were great! Thank you to all the helpers who organized our games and those who provided snacks. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated! The children had a wonderful time!

Character Counts
Our new pillar for the month of February is trustworthiness. Being honest, completing homework independently, playing by the rules, and being on time are some of the characteristics of a trustworthy person. Please have your child wear blue on Fridays during February.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feb. 26 – Spring Pictures
Mar. 2 – Casimer Pulaski Day – No School
Mar. 10 – Report Cards
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School

Happy Valentines
Day!

February 9, 2009

READING
Due to the Iowa testing all next week, our class will not have a spelling test on a new set of words. We will also not begin a new reading story.
Next week will be busy (and tiring!) for your children, so make sure they get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.
Our class will resume with a new story and spelling words the following week.

MATH
In math we will be finishing our chapter on money and taking our chapter test some time next week. Our next chapter will be on using money, comparing money amounts and adding and subtracting money problems.
We will be studying government and presidents next week along with doing some valentine activities in between the Iowa testing.

Student of the Week
Amelia is the Student of the Week! She likes flowers, candy and chocolate cookies. Amelia wishes that she could have a million dollars. Her favorite color is purple. When Amelia grows up she wants to be a Super Model.

Supplies Needed
wet wipes
donations to a reward bin

Valentine’s Day Party
On Friday, Feb. 13th we will have a Valentine's Day party. Your child may bring one valentine for every child in the class (19 students). Please have your child sign each card, but
DO NOT write individual names on the envelopes. Bring the cards to school in a bag with your child’s name on it.

Character Counts
Our new pillar for the month of February is trustworthiness. Being honest, completing homework independently, playing by the rules, and being on time are some of the characteristics of a trustworthy person. Please have your child wear blue on Fridays during February.

Service Project
We are collecting “spare change”, soup, jelly and peanut butter for the Woodridge food Pantry. We will be collecting these items until Feb.12th. Thank you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feb. 9 -shoe boxes are needed
Feb. 9 – Iowa Testing
Feb. 16 – President's Day – No School
Feb. 26 – Spring Pictures
Mar. 2 – Casimer Pulaski Day – No School
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School

Happy 100th Day of School!

February 2, 2009

READING
Our next story is called The Great Ball Game: A Muskogee Story. It is a fable about how the birds and animals play ball to decide who is better. The birds don't allow the bat on their team, but he ends up winning the game for the animals.
In phonics we will be focusing on the vowels pairs oa and ow.
Vocabulary words are accept, advantage, argument, penalty, quarrel, and guarded.
Comprehension strategies are rereading for understanding, cause and effect, and summarizing.
In grammar we will be working on plural possessive nouns.

MATH
In math we finished our chapter on probability. We will take our chapter test on Monday. Our next chapter will be covering money. Please make sure your child has a small container (with name on lid) with the following coins. 20 pennies, 10 nickels, 10 dimes and 7 quarters

Student of the Week
Jeny is the Student of the Week! She likes money, purses and flowers. Jeny wishes that she could get a black dog. Her favorite color is pink. When Jeny grows up he wants to be a Teacher.

Science
Our next chapter will be on the Earth's natural resources. What they are, how people use them and how to protect them. The children enjoyed making fossils in science today.

Social Studies
We will be learning the concept of government – local, state and federal and explore the history of “the land of the freedom”.

Handwriting
Next week we will be working on the letters f, k, and r.

Supplies Needed
wet wipes
donations to a reward bin

Valentine’s Day Party
On Friday,, Feb. 13th we will have a Valentine's Day party. Your child may bring one valentine for every child in the class (19 students). Please have your child sign each card, but
DO NOT write individual names on the envelopes. Bring the cards to school in a bag with your child’s name on it.

Happy Birthday!
Jan. 31 - Sarah

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feb. 9 -shoe boxes are needed
Feb. 9 – Iowa Testing
Feb. 16 – President's Day – No School
Mar. 2 – Casimer Pulaski Day – No School
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School

January 23, 2009

READING
Our next story is called Ant. It is a photo essay about the different kids of ants that are found throughout the world. We will talk about how ants work together to get food, and about the kinds of things that ants eat..
In phonics we will be focusing on the word endings -nd, -nt, -mp, -ng, -nk, base words and endings in nouns -s, -es, -ies.
Vocabulary words are antennae, colonies, larvae, cocoons, fungus, and tunnels.
Comprehension strategies are rereading for understanding, cause and effect, and fact and opinion.
In grammar we will be working on singular and possessive nouns.

MATH
In math we are beginning our next chapter on probability. We will predict if an event is certain or impossible, record possible outcomes, and solve problems by making predictions.

Student of the Week
Phillip is the Student of the Week! He likes eating hot dogs, guitars and Pokemon. Phillip wishes that he had could win first place in swimming. His favorite color is red. When Phillip grows up he wants to be a Police Officer.

Science
Next week we will be reviewing the Earth's surface. Tuesday we will have a test. Study the vocabulary cards that I am sending home with your child.

Handwriting
Next week we will be working on the letters l, b, and h. I am sending home homework to practice these letters.

Supplies Needed
Your child will need to bring in for math a small container (with name on lid) with the following coins. 20 pennies, 10 nickels, 10 dimes and 7 quarters. Please send this in as soon as possible.
Each child needs to bring in a shoe box for making a valentine holder. The box needs a lid that fits on the box. Make sure your child's name is on the box.

Thank you to the PTO for the “Rockin' Ronald Mc Donald” Assembly. We enjoyed the assembly and learned that Readers are Leaders!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jan. 30 – Movie Night
Feb. 9 – Iowa Testing
Feb. 16 – President's Day – No School
Mar. 2 – Casimer Pulaski Day – No School
Mar. 12 – Early dismissal day
Mar. 13 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – No School