Nov. 28th-Dec. 2nd

Hello Students and Parents,

      Welcome Back from the Thanksgiving Break!  I know that I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing with my family and eating a lot of turkey and dressing.  Hopefully you all did also.  The only bad thing about having such a great break is that we are all going to have to work very hard over the next month to cover everything before our Christmas Holiday Break. 
     This week in fundations we are learning all about the suffixes s/es/ing/ed.  This will cause a natural conversation about tenses in our writing.  Please be ready to point out to your student the present tense is happening right now (with -ing) where as past tense is represented with -ed.  This can be hard for Second Graders to understand at this time in the year but continued support ensures that they will all understand this by the end of the year.  Don't forget that we will be having our Unit 4 assessment on December 7th so be ready.
     In Writing this week your student is learning about "How To's" such as how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or how to walk in the hall.  Later this week we will write down how to wash your hands and even how to get ready for school.  The main concept for "How To's" is that students use precise language and to write in a sequence.  Encourage your child to experiment with the words "next," "first," "finally," etc.  Not only will this get your student to think in a logical process but this will also impact their writing as the begin to write with a clear beginning, middle, and end. 
     For Reading, we are continuing to explore non-fiction texts.  This week, some students are reading about how dogs find homes when they are in the pound, the impact that insects have on the world, how animal senses help them survive, and trees.  Be sure to ask your student which book they are reading so that they can tell you all about it. 
     We are also going to be having a short Tradition project sent home next week.  Your child will have the opportunity to share about a tradition that your family has and discuss how long you have been celebrating it.  They can even explore why your family has that tradition.  For example, my family eats homemade lasagna and Italian delicacies on Christmas.  This is a tradition that my family has done since 1954 and which I hope to continue forever.   My family does out of reverence for my grandfather who came from Italy after World War II.  Please do not stress this but enjoy it and hopefully make some terrific connections with your Immigration project from the beginning of the year. 
     You all have a terrific week and please contact me with any questions you have. 

                    Sincerely,
                                           Mr. H

Big Events!

     *Our Unit 5 Math Test will be Thursday
   *Our 2nd Grade Spelling Bee is this Friday at 12:30pm.  If you are able to make it, please feel free to come and support your student as well as their classmates.  It will be in the Media Center and the words will be from the list sent home a few weeks ago.  I would love to have a Harvey Hero win so be ready to bring it!
     *The 2nd Grade Canned Food Drive officially kicks off on Thursday!  Every canned food item brought in will recieve 1star ticket with a class goal of 150 items.  The top two students who bring in the most items from my class and from Ms. Durzich's class will be invited to attend an all expense paid afternoon at the IMax.  These lucky students will be treated to lunch and a movie one weekend in January 2012.  I can't wait to see who wins from the Heroes!
     *Unit 4 Fundations Assessment will be on December 7th