March 31, 2014

Dear Parents,

            The students are beginning new units this week, finishing the year off with a strong science focus in both grades.  The second grade students will learn to identify and sequence life cycles of animals and record observations of life cycles.  The butterfly larvae for this adventure have arrived and will be in the room as soon as the students arrive on Monday.  They will compare and contrast fiction and nonfiction text, along with using nonfiction text features to analyze information. 

            The third grade students will complete their body system writing while beginning to learn about the geography in the Midwest and climates around the world.  They will use mathematics and computational thinking to observe and record local weather data over time and analyze the data to identify day-to-day variations, as well as long-term patterns. 

            In math the second grade students are focusing on the algorithm.  They are regrouping in addition and subtraction using 2 and 3-digit numbers.  The third grade students are moving back into multiplication and division strategies to help solidify their understanding of inverse relationships.

            I hope the students came home talking about developing the Seven Habits.  If not, to give you some background knowledge I have been in a Leader in Me book study at Castlio.  The book is written by Sean Covey, Stephen Covey’s son.  The premise of the book is developing leaders in our kids, by teaching the 7 Habits.  Over spring break I had the opportunity with a handful of teachers to visit a school that was a Leader in Me school, it was absolutely amazing to talk to kindergarten students sharing how they were proactive, creating win-win situations, etc.  After the visit, I knew this was something the kids deserved to learn about; it fits perfectly with character education and helping kids become independent learners, thinkers and leaders.  Hopefully last week you heard about Habit #1-Be Proactive.  This week the students will learn about Habit #2-Begin with the end in mind.

            Finally, due to time and the MAP test coming up I have ended our WIN time with the guest third grade students.  The focus during this time will be work completion, extra practice on any areas that need strengthening and Leader in Me lessons. 

            I am looking forward to another fantastic week!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Carrie Hepburn

March 23, 2014

Dear Parents,

     Welcome back from spring break to our final quarter of the school year.  It's hard to believe we are finishing up the year, when it seems as though we just began.  I look forward to the learning that will take place over the next ten weeks or so.  The second graders will finish their historical fiction unit this week and have the opportunity to publish their writing.  We will not have an opportunity to complete this writing project digitally, but I plan on them creating an "old-fashioned" book.  On Monday they will start a science unit on life cycles.  This weekend I ordered painted lady larvae, so the students could observe the life-cycle of a butterfly.  This unit will be about a month long, studying living things and their characteristics.
     The third grade students are working on their health unit.  They have currently studied the circulatory system, respiratory system and the digestive system.  They have researched and written a couple of paragraphs about each system, along with created a hands on example demonstrating how the systems operate.  This week the goal is to complete the muscular system and skeletal system, but we may have difficulty due to Spectra and Wednesday's field trip.  Then next week they will finish up with the nervous system.  Once they complete this unit they will move into science, force and motion, and magnets.
     This quarter bring the MAP test.  I will send home the official dates but I believe it begins April 22nd and ends on May 9th.  During this time the second grade students switch schedules with the fifth grade students.  Their special time during these three weeks will be at 10:15-11:15 and lunch will be at 12:35-1:25.  The third grade schedule will not switch.  The third graders will take the MAP test in our classroom, beginning first thing in the morning.  On the days I give the MAP the second grade students will go to Mrs. Parker's room.  I will make sure they have something to work on that goes along with what we are doing in class.  They will return to our room at 11:15 when their specials are over.  It worked out well last year, it was just a bit hectic, but the kids understood it was due to the MAP test.
     This week the third grade students will go on their field trip to Bush Wildlife on Wednesday.  The schedule for the rest of the week will stay the same.  A final announcement for the second grade parents a note is coming home about tickets for the second grade musical.  Make sure you fill that out and return it as quickly as you can, tickets go quickly and are a hot commodity.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn

                                                                                                                                                                                              March 7, 2014

Dear Parents,

     It is hard to believe we begin spring break on Thursday!  Since our return in January we have seen a multitude of snow days and holidays causing us to have a broken schedule, but we have persevered through.  I have been pleased with the progress we have made in spite of the missed days and look forward to seeing the progress the kids make when we return on March 24th.  
     This week the kids will focus on completing their units or getting very close.  The second grade students will begin their historical fiction texts and the third graders will complete their body system research.  Some of the third graders will have a cave exhibit available on Tuesday for visitors to check out.  Our class will visit from 10:30-11:00.  If anyone is interested in visiting feel free to check it out with us.  
     It was nice seeing everyone this week during parent teacher conferences.  If you have any questions let me know.  

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carrie Hepburn