Dear Parents,                                                                                  8-25-08

It was so nice to meet so many of you at Parent Night. I hope the packet of information we sent home was helpful to you and further explained what we discussed in class that night. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Be sure to send back the papers for Mystery Reader and the Volunteer sheet that were included in the packet. As of now, our room does not have a head room parent, If I do not have anyone who feels they want to take on this job then I will be the room parent for our class. The volunteer  sheets say Ms. Haskamp at the top but they are for my room too. When I made them I ran off double copies of hers and none of mine. Oh well! 2H and 2R usually have interactive class parties so my parents would work with her parents for both classes.

We had our first Spelling test on Friday and it looks like we had some great papers. This week we will have Unit #2 (short "i" words.) Students did well getting their homework in for this first week. We add math and reading to the homework schedule this week.

"Autobiography in a Can Project" - I sent all of the directions for our project , and the Pringles cans, home last Friday. Projects are due for presentation on Thursday, Sept. 4th. Be creative! We look forward to learning more about each other.

Please be sure to send Gym clothes to school on Monday.

Compliment Chain- The class has already received two compliments from other teachers and have earned two chains so far. When we reach 10 chains, Mrs. Ridley will treat them to a surprise! All students have already earned "Blue Apples" and will be in the drawing for something from the Treasure Chest on Friday. I went shopping this past weekend so we are ready for business!! Blue Apples are earned when I see acts of kindness, good behavior and other good deeds.

Please be sure to review the VMA Dress Code , in the Villa handbook, with your child.

"Super Star"- Our first class "Super Star" is Thomas Fuller. Congratulations!

 Please be sure to check our web pages weekly for class news and events, They are usually updated by Monday morning. 

Gym Class- Students will need gym shoes that fit and a change of clothes for class. Shoes will be kept in our lockers . We have Gym on Mondays.

Snacks and Treats- Students may bring a small snack to class each day. We usually eat these in the afternoon. Please make sure they have some type of nutritious snack and not just candy.

Blue Apple Awards-  Students may earn "Blue Apples" for good behavior and acts of kindness throughout the year. They will turn in their blue apples and fill out their names for a drawing from my "Treasure Chest".

Star Student- A student will be chosen each week for this honor. Names will be drawn by other students on a random basis. I will send a poster home to be completed and returned to school. Posters usually go home on Friday and should be returned to school on Monday. Students will present their posters during Morning Meeting and we will display it in our classroom. We love to see these and learn more about each other!

What's Happening in Class?

Reading-  We were so busy last week that we enjoyed many read aloud books and free choice books but not our Ronald Morgan story. We will begin Ronald Morgan Goes to Bat on Monday. It will be from our 2nd grade literature series. We will be reading for vocabulary recognition, oral reading skills and comprehension. This will give us time to do some student assessing before we get into our trade books. Please be sure to have you child read each night.

Spelling- Spelling Unit #2 (short "i" words.) The lists are sent home at the end of each week. They are also listed on our website. Students should turn in their ABC order page on Wednesday. The words should be in ABC order but written three times each. On Fridays, students should turn in the spelling sentences with spelling words underlined.These papers should be neatly done and contain 5-7 words per sentence.  Spelling work may be turned in early. Points are taken off for late work.

Phonics-   We began  reviewing beginning and ending sounds and will continue to short and long vowels. Students will bring an introductory note home at the beginning of each new unit.

Math-  We will review basic addition and subtraction facts. Second graders will need to know their facts to 20 this year. Please be sure to begin using flashcards with your child at least 2-3 times a week.

Writing-   We will begin reviewing and practicing the manuscript alphabet.  

Science- We are going to begin with a lesson on "Matter" and "Staes of Matter". In September, our first unit will be Plants and Living Things.

Health- Mr. Ridley will teach Health. Last week he discussed Bullying and techniques to help handle various situations should they arise.

Religion-Ms. Haskamp will teach Religion to all second graders.

Social Studies- We have had a wonderful time learning about the 2008 Olympics. I have been very impressed with the information the class has brought to share. They know a lot about what is going on. We will be completing an Olympic Scrapbook to help us remember these wonderful games.

Cool Math Web Sites- 
www.mathfactcafe.com
www.superkids.com
www.kidzone.com
www.aplusmath.com

Hope all of you have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Ridley

Important Information:

Lunch and Recess- (10:45-11:30)

Student Snacks- Small snacks may be brought each day.

Gym Class - Students must bring a change of clothes and gym shoes on Mondays. Failure to do so will result in lowering of the gym grade.

Water Bottles- Students may bring a water bottle to class. Please be sure it has a spout or screw top so water won't spill if knocked over.

Math Homework- Students will have assignments on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays.The work is due the next day for a grade.

Contact me at sridley@villamadonna.net or send a note. The VMA number is 331-6333. Ext. 206 ( Notes or e-mails are best as the phone does not always work properly.)

Important Dates to Remember:

Sept. 1st- Labor Day ( School Closed)

Sept. 3rd- Faculty Meeting- Early Dismissal (2:15)

Sept. 19th- Fun Fest

Sept. 22nd- Picture Day- Dressy Causal clothes. (No jeans)

CLASS SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL CLASSES: For 2-R