Weekly Newsletter

Week of March 9th-13th

Character Trait for March: Cooperation

Parent Teacher Conferences: It was a pleasure meeting with all of you. Please remember that if any other questions or concerns come up, do not hesitate to contact me.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here.

Important Dates:

Monday, March 16th: Professional Development Day: No School

Thursday, March 19th: Project Cornerstone

Friday, March 20th: Art Vistas

Monday, March 23rd: Clay

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We’re Doing in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: We are continuing to work on opinion writing. This week we talked about how to include multiple examples from a text and when to use capital letters. We also wrote a special spring poem using adjectives, nouns, verbs, and adverbs.

Math: This week we finished Module 6, Foundations of Multiplication and Division. We also started Module 7, Problem Solving with Length, Money, and Data.

Next week we will be returning to our normal schedule for Library, Music, and P.E.

Week of March 2nd-6th

Character Trait for March: Cooperation

Parent-Teacher Conferences: I enjoyed meeting with some of you this week and I look forward to meeting with the rest of you next week. Remember that conferences continue through Friday, March 13th. Students are dismissed at 1:15 during this time.

Read Across America Day: This past Monday, we enjoyed celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday with some extra reading time. The kids enjoyed sharing their books with friends, making a Dr. Seuss bookmark, and learning a bit more about Dr. Seuss.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here.

Important Dates:

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:15 dismissal)

Monday, March 16th: Professional Development Day: No School

Thursday, March 19th: Project Cornerstone

Friday, March 20th: Art Vistas

Monday, March 23rd: Clay

Wednesday, March 25th-Thursday, April 1st: Spring Book Fair

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: This week we continued our unit on opinion writing. We talked about how each opinion piece should have reasons (to support your opinion) and also examples (from the story). We also talked about how to keep your audience in mind as you write. Though we are currently writing our opinions about books, we will eventually also write our opinions about more general topics.

Math: We are continuing with Module 6, Foundations of Multiplication and Division.

Social Studies: Our unit on geography continued this week. Students began creating their own Island Map.

Music, P.E. and Library times: Because of conferences, some of our music, P.E., and library times are a bit different than normal next week. Please see below for the changes in our schedule.

Library: Monday, 3/9 (11-11:30)

P.E.: Thursday, 3/12 (10:50-11:20) and Friday, 3/13 (10:50-11:20)

Music: Tuesday, 3/10 (11:25-11:55)

Week of February 24th-28th

Character Trait for February: Perseverance

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Conferences begin on Wednesday, March 4th and continue through Friday, March 13th. Students are dismissed at 1:15 during this time. I am looking forward to meeting with you. Please refer to the online sign ups (tab at the top of our website) for your time.

Read Across America Day: On Monday, March 2nd we will be celebrating Read Across America Day by spending extra time reading for pleasure. Students are welcome to bring in some of their favorite books on this day to read and share with others.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here.

Important Dates:

Monday, March 2nd: Read Across America Day

Wednesday, March 4th: Cougar Pride Assembly (Please have your child wear their blue Alta Vista school t-shirt.)

Wednesday, March 4th - Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday, March 16th: Professional Development Day: No School

Thursday, March 19th: Project Cornerstone

Friday, March 20th: Art Vistas

Monday, March 23rd: Clay

Wednesday, March 25th-Thursday, April 1st: Spring Book Fair

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We’re Doing in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: This week we continued our unit on opinion writing about books. We talked about how each opinion piece should have reasons (to support your opinion) and also examples (from the story). Though we are currently writing our opinions about books, we will eventually also write our opinions about more general topics.

Math: We are continuing with Module 6, Foundations of Multiplication and Division.

Social Studies: Our unit on geography started this week. Students learned about different types of landforms.

Music, P.E. and Library times: Because of conferences, some of our music, P.E., and library times are a bit different than normal the next few weeks. Please see below for the changes in our schedule.

Library: Monday, 3/2 (2-2:30-normal time); Monday, 3/9 (11-11:30)

P.E.: Thursday, 3/5 (8:45-9:15); Thursday, 3/12 (10:50-11:20) and Friday, 3/13 (10:50-11:20)

Music: Tuesday, 3/2 (11:25-11:55); Tuesday, 3/10 (11:25-11:55)

Week of February 10th - February 14th

Character trait for the month of February: Perseverance

Penguin Day: Thank you to everyone that attended the show. A special thank you to families that provided supplies and/or treats for our celebration afterwards. The kids had a wonderful time performing and learning all about penguins. They were so proud to perform for you all!

Clay Volunteers Needed: Thank you to Christy Li, Isaac's Mom, for organizing our clay art this year. We will be doing clay on Monday, March 23rd and Monday, April 27th first thing in the morning. Christy will need help setting up (when school starts) and then running the clay activity with the kids starting around 9:00. Please email Christy directly (christy@piyoplay.com) if you are able to volunteer for either or both of the dates.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: If you have not already done so, please sign up for a spring conference time. signup.com/go/cfkCfqd Conferences begin on Thursday, March 5th and continue through Friday, March 13th. Students are dismissed at 1:15 during this time.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here.

Important Dates:

Friday, February 14th: Family Dance, 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, President’s Week

Friday, February 28th: Spring Pictures

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:15 dismissal on these days)

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level. (Some skills we've been working on: asking questions during reading, author's message, author's purpose, making connections, and character analysis.)
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writer's Workshop: Opinion writing, specifically writing our opinions about books and characters.

Math: We continued learning about equal groups and arrays in Module 6- Foundations of Multiplication and Division.

Science: We finished up our study of Penguins this week.

Buddies: When our buddies came in on Thursday afternoon, we did a special science activity about our hearts.

Project Cornerstone: Thank you to Rohit, Samyak's Dad, for coming in and reading our book (Enemy Pie) on Friday morning.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every other Friday and every Thursday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Have a wonderful week off!

Week of February 3rd-7th

Character trait for the month of February: Perseverance

Penguin Day: On Wednesday, February 12th at 9:45 AM, our class will be putting on a special Penguin Day program. All parents are invited to attend this special show. Students will be singing songs, sharing facts, performing short skits, and participating in a reader’s theatre performance of the story, Tacky the Penguin. This event is one of the highlights of second grade. Parents: please mark your calendars and plan to attend this special event. Please sign up to bring some items for our after show celebration. https://signup.com/go/oJScAJa . Parents and students should dress in black and white, if possible.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Please sign up for a spring conference time. signup.com/go/cfkCfqd Conferences begin on Thursday, March 5th and continue through Friday, March 13th. Students are dismissed at 1:15 during this time.

Valentine’s Day: We will be having a valentine card exchange at the end of the day on Friday, February 14th. This is optional, but if students choose to participate, they need to bring a valentine for every student in the class. Class list I know many valentines come with treats. However, the kids can enjoy the treats at home, not in class.

Anything to drop off? If your child forgets their lunch or if there is anything throughout the day that you may need to drop off, there is now a table outside the office that you can leave belongings at. Vicki will call the classroom to let me know. This encourages independence and also minimizes classroom disruptions.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, February 12th: Penguin Day Program, 9:45, parents are invited.

Friday, February 14th: Family Dance, 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, President’s Week

Friday, February 28th: Spring Pictures

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences (1:15 dismissal on these days)

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Math: We have started Module 6, Foundations of Multiplication and Division.

Science:We are continuing our study of Penguins. Our unit will culminate in a special “Penguin Day Program” on Wednesday, Feb. 12th.

Global Play Day: The class had a wonderful time participating in Global Play Day on Wednesday. Thank you for bringing in so many games. I was impressed with how well everyone took turns, shared, and were problem solvers. We had a great time! Check your child's See Saw for a picture of them participating.

Art Vistas: Thank you to Snigdha, Mika, and all the parent volunteers that came in Friday morning to help with our clay lesson for Art Vistas.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every other Friday and every Thursday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of January 27th-31st

Great Kindness Challenge: This week our class participated in the Great Kindness Challenge. We did some special activities to promote kindness in our classroom and beyond.

Valentine’s Day: We will be having a Valentine card exchange (not a class party) on Friday, February 14th. This is optional, but if students choose to participate, they need to bring a valentine for every student in the class. We have 24 students in our class. Class list

Penguin Day Treat Sign Up: Please click on the following link to volunteer to bring treats for the kids to enjoy after our penguin day performance. https://signup.com/go/oJScAJa

STEAM Night: On Tuesday, February 4th our Makerspace lab will be open to families from 6:00-7:30 PM for a family night of STEAM! Check out the Makerspace and enjoy some STEAM activities led by Alta Vista teachers.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here.

Important Dates:

January 28-February 2: Frozen play presented by AV Drama Club

Tuesday, February 4th: STEAM Night, 6:00-7:30 PM

Wednesday, February 5th: USD Family Night

Wednesday, February 12th: Penguin Day Program, 9:45, parents are invited

Friday, February 14th: Family Dance, 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, President’s Week

Friday, February 28th: Spring Pictures

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Math: We are finishing up Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Science:We are continuing our study of Penguins. Our unit will culminate in a special “Penguin Day Program” on Wednesday, Feb. 12th.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every other Friday and every Thursday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of January 20th-24th

Character Trait for the month of January: Kindness

San Jose Tech Museum Field Trip: Thank you to all the parents (Kym, Snigdha, Surbhi, Ariel, Mika, and Jay) that chaperoned on our trip on Tuesday. The kids had a wonderful time learning about matter and then exploring the exhibits at the museum.

Project Cornerstone: Thank you to Rohit, Samyak's Dad, for coming in this morning to read our Project Cornerstone book, Long Shot. The class had a chance to talk about what they want to be when they grow up and how they can achieve their dream.

Kindness Challenge Week - Next Week: We will be performing different act of kindness throughout the week. We had an assembly on Wednesday where we learned all the different ways to be kind at school, home, and in our community.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Wednesday, February 12th: Penguin Day Program, 9:45, parents are invited. More details will be coming home soon

Friday, February 14th: Family Dance, 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, President’s Week

Friday, February 28th: Spring Pictures

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week:

-Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Science:We are continuing our study of Penguins. Our unit will culminate in a special “Penguin Day Program” on Wednesday, Feb. 12th.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of January 13th-16th

Character Trait for the month of January: Kindness

San Jose Tech Museum Field Trip: On Tuesday, January 21st, our class and Mrs. Pugliese's class will be going to the Tech Museum. Students will be learning about the building blocks of the universe, matter! Students will explore and experiment with the properties of matter using everyday chemicals and compounds.

All students will need to bring a lunch. Please send your child’s lunch in a disposable bag with their name written on the bag. Students should wear their Alta Vista t-shirt. We plan to leave school by 8:45 and will return to school around 2:00.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

Tuesday, Jan 21st: Tech Museum Field Trip

Wednesday, February 12th: Penguin Day Program, 9:45, parents are invited. More details will be coming home soon.

Friday, February 14th: Family Dance, 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, President’s Week

Friday, February 28th: Spring Pictures

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week

-Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

-Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

-Science:We are continuing our study of Penguins. Our unit will culminate in a special “Penguin Day Program” on Wednesday, Feb. 12th.

-Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

-P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every other Friday and every Thursday.

-Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of January 6th-10th

Character Trait for the month of January: Kindness

Homework: On Monday a special homework assignment will be coming home for your child to complete. As part of our Penguin Performance, we will be doing a Tacky play. Your child's job is to explain which role they would like in the play. Please keep an eye out for this homework. It will come home Monday and will be due by Thursday.

Smart Start Day: On Monday, we had a district-wide “Smart ReStart Day,” which was a fun day of activities to get children excited about returning to school. Second graders visited all of the second grade classes and enjoyed special activities that included: penguin art, mindfulness, and basketball.

San Jose Tech Museum Field Trip: On Tuesday, January 21st, our will be going to the Tech Museum. Students will be learning about the building blocks of the universe, matter! Students will explore and experiment with the properties of matter using everyday chemicals and compounds.

All students will need to bring a lunch. If possible, please send your child’s lunch in a disposable bag with their name written on the bag. Students should wear their Alta Vista t-shirt. We plan to leave school by 8:45 and will return to school around 2:00. We are set with our chaperones. Thank you to everyone who volunteered. I tried to give priority to parents who have not already joined us on a field trip.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Wednesday, January 15th: Family Science Night, 6:30-8:00 in the cafeteria

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

Tuesday, Jan 21st: Tech Museum Field Trip

Wednesday, February 12th: Penguin Day Program, 9:45, parents are invited. More details will be coming home soon.

Friday, February 14th: Family Dance, 6:00-8:00 in the cafeteria

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, President’s Week

Friday, February 28th: Spring Pictures

Thursday, March 5th-Friday, March 13th: Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences

Monday, April 6th-Friday, April 10th: No School, Spring Break

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: This week we worked on writing our wishes and goals for the new year.

Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Science:We are beginning our study of Penguins this week. Our unit will culminate in a special “Penguin Day Program” on Wednesday, Feb. 12th.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of December 16th-20th

Character Trait for the month of December: Patience

Holiday Party: Thank you to Mallory (Kyla's Mom) for organizing our holiday party. Thank you also to Kym (Cooper's Mom) and Jessica (Alysen's Mom) for preparing materials for our crafts and activities. A special thank you to all the parents that came in to help out during the party.

Holiday Traditions Google Slides: We have been working hard this week on making a Google Slide presentation about our holiday traditions. You are able to view your child's slideshow by logging onto their Google Docs or Google Classroom from home.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Monday, Dec 23rd- Friday, Jan. 3rd: Winter Break

Tuesday, January 7th: Mrs. Haughney will be out due to a training at the district office

Wednesday, January 15th: Cougar Pride Assembly (Remember to wear blue Alta Vista shirts.)

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

Tuesday, Jan 21st: Tech Museum Field Trip

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: This week in class we read about different holiday traditions around the world.

Writing: Students worked on a special Joy book that they brought home on Thursday. We also worked on our holiday traditions paragraphs.

Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Social Studies: Students finished up their timelines this week.

Buddies: Our buddies came in on Thursday to help us with some tips and tricks on Google Slides.

Project Cornerstone: Thank you to Rohit (Samyak's Dad) for coming in and reading Today I Feel Silly. We discussed different emotions and the class even had a chance to do some role playing trying to read how someone was feeling based on their body language and facial expression.

Music: No music this week.

P.E.: Students have class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Have a wonderful and relaxing winter break! I will see you all on January 6th!

Week of December 9th-13th

Character Trait for the month of December: Patience

Thank you: A big thank you to all the parents that helped chaperone on our field trip on Thursday - Kym, Surbhi, Jessica, Erica, and Mika. The kids had a great time experiencing what life would have been like in the past.

Secret Pal Gift Exchange: Thank you to the families that have already brought in their secret pal gift. Please remember to bring this in by Wednesday, 12/18 and label it girl or boy.

Hour of Code: This week students all over the world dedicated some time to learn computer coding. We had fun exploring different coding activities throughout the week. Here is a link to the Hour of Code site so you can learn more about this event.

Class Gift Exchange/Pajama Day: On Friday, December 20th, we will have a class gift exchange. Students should bring in their wrapped gift by Wednesday, December 18th. It is also pajama day, students may wear their pjs and they may bring in a favorite stuffed animal.

Holiday Party (Wed, 12/18 from 11-noon) - Thank you to Mallory, Kyla's Mom, for organizing our holiday party. Pizza will be provided at the party so you won't need to send lunch for your child that day. They will still head to the lunch tables at noon and to sit like usual, but they probably won't be too hungry after our pizza party.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Wednesday, Dec. 18th, 11:00-noon: Room 6 Holiday Pizza Party

Friday, Dec. 20th: Secret Pal Gift Exchange, Pajama Day/Movie Day

Monday, Dec 23rd- Friday, Jan. 3rd: Winter Break

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: Students used their holiday traditions homework assignment to write about paragraphs about their special family holiday traditions.

Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Social Studies: Students worked on putting together their timelines.

Technology: Throughout the week students had different opportunities to explore coding activities.

Art Vistas: Thank you to Samyak's Mom, Snigdha, for our Art Vista lesson on Tuesday. Thank you also to all the parents that came in to help.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of December 2nd - December 6th

Character Trait for the month of December: Patience

Homework: This week the class brought home a Family Holiday Traditions homework. If you have not yet returned this homework, please make sure your child brings it back on Monday. We will be using this to write paragraphs and create a Google Slide presentation.

History Park Field Trip: Thursday, December 12th, our class will be going on a field trip to History Park in San Jose. Students will be learning what life was like in San Jose in the early 1800s. Our class will be leaving school around 8:45 and returning to school by 12:00. Students should wear their blue Alta Vista school t-shirt. Thank you to Mika (Mio's Mom), Kym (Cooper's Mom), Surbhi (Saheesha's Mom), Erica (Bryson's Mom), and Jessica (Alysen's Mom) for volunteering to come on our trip.

Class Gift Exchange/Pajama Day: On Friday, December 20th, we will have a class gift exchange. It is also a special Pajama Day and Movie Day for our class. Students are welcome to wear their pjs, they may bring a stuffed animal, and we will watch a special movie. Please read the notes that came home today in your child's folder for more information.

Hour of Code: Next week our class will be participating in the Hour of Code. Click here to read more information - https://hourofcode.com/us/how-to/parents

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Monday, Dec. 9th: Holiday Traditions assignment due

Thursday, Dec. 12th: Field trip to History Park

Wednesday, December 18th: Holiday Party, details coming soon

Friday, Dec. 20th: Secret Pal Gift Exchange, Pajama and Movie Day

Monday, Dec 23rd- Friday, Jan. 3rd: Winter Break

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: This week we learned the structure of an academic paragraph: topic sentence, details, and conclusion sentences.

Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Social Studies: We are continuing our study of Life Long Ago. We are focusing on life in the 1800s and comparing/contrasting it to life today. Our trip to History Park this week will fit in nicely with our study of life long ago.

Clay Glazing: Thank you to Christy (Isaac's Mom) and all the parents that helped out with our clay glazing on Tuesday. The rain stopped just long enough for the kids to glaze outside.

Project Cornerstone: Thank you to Rohit, Samyak's Dad, for coming in today to read our latest Project Cornerstone book called The Day You Begin. The class spent time talking about differences and similarities we have. We talked about how to be accepting of others even though they may be different from us.

Notice and Note: Our TOSA (teacher on special assignment), Christy Mills, came in and did a lesson with the class on Thursday called 'Notice and Note'. The class was introduced to three different questions you might think about while you are reading a nonfiction text. We will be using this strategy in our guided reading groups next week.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of November 18th-22nd

Character Trait for the month of November: Gratitude

Thank you to all the parent volunteers that helped out at our potluck on Wednesday. Also thank you to EVERYONE for sending such delicious dishes for our class to share. The kids had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the yummy food.

Thank you to everyone that was able to come to our writing celebration today. The authors of room 6 were very excited to share their stories with you.

History Park Field Trip: On Thursday, December 12th, our class will be going on a field trip to History Park in San Jose. Students will be learning what life was like in San Jose in the early 1800s. Our class will be leaving school around 8:45 and returning to school around 11:30. Students should wear their Alta Vista school t-shirt. Thank you to Mika (Mio's Mom), Kym (Cooper's Mom), Surbhi (Saheesha's Mom), and Erica (Bryson's Mom) for volunteering to come on our trip. We will not be having a snack that day so please make sure your child eats a big breakfast to get them through until lunch.

Celebrations from Around the World: This time of year is filled with different holidays celebrated around the world. I love to take time out of our regular curriculum to learn about some of these holidays and the cultures that coincide with them. If you are interested in coming in to share age appropriate information about a holiday your family celebrates this time of year, please let me know. We would love to have you.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Monday, Nov. 25th-Friday, Nov 29th: No School, Thanksgiving vacation

Monday, December 2nd: Special holiday traditions homework sent home (due back by Monday, 12/9)

Thursday, Dec. 12th: Field trip to History Park

Wednesday, Dec. 18th: Winter Party

Friday, Dec. 20: Special Second Grade Pajama and Movie Day and Class Gift Exchange (Information will come home about these special events later.)

Monday, Dec 23rd- Friday, Jan. 3rd: Winter Break

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

What We Did in Class this Week:

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

*This week we also used our Scholastic News to learn what life was like during the time of the Pilgrims.

Writing: We took time to think/write about what we are thankful for. We also finished publishing our narrative stories.

Math: We are working on Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100.

Technology: Students used VR goggles in the MakerSpace to experience what life is like in Antarctica.

Social Studies: We continued our study of Life Long Ago. We are focusing on life in the 1800s and comparing/contrasting it to life today. This week we sorted items from now/long ago. We also did an inquiry walk where students looked at images from long ago and jotted what they noticed and what they were wondering. Students continued to share their family history and artifacts.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Enjoy the week off!

Week of November 11th-15th

Character Trait for the month of November: Gratitude

School Wide Food Drive: Our school is collecting food for the food drive through Thursday, November 21st. There are big cans in the cafeteria to place your donations.

Alliterative Potluck: On Wednesday, November 20th our class will be having a special “Alliterative“ potluck lunch. Details about this fun event came home on Tuesday. Thank you to everyone that signed up to help. Please remember to send your child's dish with them on the morning of the 20th, or you can bring it in at 11:30.

Writing Celebration: Please join us to celebrate your child’s writing at our Narrative Writing Celebration on Friday, November 22nd from about 8:15-9:00 a.m. in our classroom. We have been working hard during Writer's Workshop and can't wait to share our favorite piece of writing and the process we took to get there.

Ancestry Assignment: Last week students brought home an assignment which needs to be completed and returned on Monday, November 18th. Parents, thank you for helping your child with this assignment!

History Park Field Trip: Permission slips will be coming home Monday for our field trip to History Park on Thursday, December 12th. The trip will be from about 8:45-11:45. We are able to take 5 chaperones on the trip. Please email me if you are interested.

Hearing Testing: On Tuesday, all second graders had their hearing tested. Parents will be notified if their child did not pass the hearing test.

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Monday, November 18th: Ancestry assignment due

Wednesday, Nov. 20th: Alliterative Potluck (11:30)

Friday, November 22nd: Writing Celebration, 8:15-9:00 in room 6

Monday, Nov. 25th-Friday, Nov 29th: No School, Thanksgiving vacation

Thursday, Dec. 12th: Field trip to History Park

Monday, Dec 23rd- Friday, Jan. 3rd: Winter Break

Friday, Jan. 17th: No School, Professional Development Day

Monday, Jan. 20th: No School, MLK Day

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: Students are finishing up their narrative piece for publication. They have been working really hard and are very excited to share their favorite story with you.

Math: This week we began Module 4, Addition and Subtraction within 200 with Word Problems to 100. In this module, students learn different ways of solving addition and subtraction problems. So far we've learned the arrow method, number bonds, and tape diagrams.

Art Vista: Thank you to Snigdha, Samyak's Mom, for our wonderful art lesson today. Thank you also to all the parents that volunteered during art time. The kids loved doing their watercolor painting.

Week of November 4th-8th

Character Trait for the month of November: Gratitude

Parent-teacher Conferences: I enjoyed meeting with many of you this week and look forward to continue conferencing next week. Just a reminder that conferences continue through Thursday, November 14th. Please remember students are dismissed at 1:15 during this time.

Ancestry Assignment: Soon we will begin a social studies unit on Life Long Ago and Today. Students will learn what life was like in the 1800s and compare/contrast it to life now. As part of this unit, students will be learning about their own family history. Today your child brought home an assignment which needs to be completed and returned to school no later than Monday, November 18th. Parents, thank you for helping your child with this assignment.

Changes to our schedule for Conference Weeks: Due to the 1:15 dismissal, our library, music, and P.E. times will be different than usual.

-Music: Friday, 11/15 (10-10:30)

-P.E.: Tuesday, 11/12 (10:50-11:20); at our normal time on Friday, 11/15 (1:30-2)

-Library: Thursday, 11/14 (9:30-10)

Alta Vista Landing Page: You may access online programs at home by clicking here

Important Dates:

Mon, Nov. 4th-Thurs., Nov. 14th: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:15 dismissal

Friday, Nov. 8th: Ancestry assignment sent home

Monday, Nov. 11th: No School, Veterans’ Day

Monday, Nov. 12th-Thursday, Nov. 21st: Food Drive (more details coming soon)

Tuesday, Nov. 12th: Alliterative Potluck assignment sent home

Monday, November 18th: Ancestry assignment due

Wednesday, Nov. 20th: Alliterative Potluck

Friday, November 22nd: Scholastic Book Orders due (Class Code is TQPXR)

Monday, Nov. 25th-Friday, Nov 29th: No School, Thanksgiving vacation

Thursday, Dec. 12th, (8:45 - 11:30): Field trip to History Park

What We’re Doing in Class this Week

Language Arts- During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level. This week all groups focused on the concept of main idea and detail.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: We are continuing our work on narrative writing. This week each student picked their favorite piece to publish. We focused on editing, revising, and rewriting the pieces this week.

Math: We are finishing up work with Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. Students are using Reflex Math to practice math facts. We also started Module 4 this week (addition and subtraction within 200).

Project Cornerstone: Thank you to Samyak's Dad, Rohit, for coming in today and reading our new book My Secret Bully.

Art: Today we completed a Thanksgiving cut and paste art project.

Week of October 28th-November 1st

Halloween Party: Thank you to Kym, Cooper's Mom, for planning our amazing Halloween party. The kids had such a great time! Thank you also to Snigdha (Samyak's Mom), Sara (Mila's Mom) and all the parents that helped with the planning, decorating, providing snacks, and running stations.

Halloween Yoga: A special thank you to Christy, Isaac's Mom, for coming in on Monday and doing Halloween Yoga with the class. It was a great start to our week exercising in such a fun and festive way.

Conferences: Thank you all for signing up for a fall conference time. Please let me know if something comes up and you are not able to make your scheduled time. Also please keep in mind that conferences are scheduled back to back and are 20 minutes so we will need to end each conference on time. I look forward to meeting with you all.

Changes to our schedule for Conference Weeks: Due to the 1:15 dismissal times the next few weeks, our library, music, and P.E. times will be different than usual.

-Music: Monday, 11/4 (8:30-9); Friday, 11/15 (10-10:30)

-P.E.: Tuesday, 11/5 (10:50-11:20); Tuesday, 11/12 (10:50-11:20); at our normal time on Friday, 11/15 (1:30-2)

-Library: Thursday, 11/7 (9:30-10); Thursday, 11/14 (9:30-10)

Important Dates:

-Mon, Nov. 4th-Thurs., Nov. 14th: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:15 dismissal

-Cougar Pride Assembly - Wednesday, 11/6: Please have your child wear their blue Alta Vista school shirt.

-Friday, Nov. 8th: Ancestry assignment sent home

-Monday, Nov. 11th: No School, Veterans’ Day

-November 12th - November 21st: Second Harvest Food Drive at Alta Vista

-Tuesday, Nov. 12th: Alliterative Potluck assignment sent home

-Wednesday, Nov. 20th: Alliterative Potluck

-Monday, Nov. 25th-Friday, Nov 29th: No School, Thanksgiving vacation

-Thursday, Dec. 12th: Field trip to History Park

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: During reading time, students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities. We are lucky enough to have Jane Findley working with our word work groups on Wednesday and Thursday.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: We are focusing on narrative writing. Students have been working on adding details to their writing. We are studying mentor texts and using these texts to help us add meaningful details to our writing.

Math: We are continuing with Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. Students are using Reflex Math to practice math facts.

Science: We are learning about bats. This week we learned how bats help disperse seeds, bat adaptations, and bat habitats.

STEAM: We worked with our fifth grade buddies on Friday to design and build pumpkin towers.

Week of October 21 - October 25

Alta Vista Focus for the month of October: Growth Mindset

Halloween Parade and Party: Next Thursday, October 31st is our school-wide parade and party. Please plan to come and watch. Students who wish to wear costumes, should wear them to school. Please remember that costumes cannot have any weapons. Also, fake blood or masks that prevent children from being able to see are not allowed. Please bring a change of clothes for your child to change into after the parade. The parade will be held on the primary blacktop right at 8:30. Our class party will begin right after the parade, around 9:00. Thank you to Kym Joseph for planning the party and to all the parents that are helping out!

Homework Projects: In November and December there will be three different homework projects coming home . We've tried to space the projects out as much as possible, but just wanted to give you a heads up that those will be coming home soon. Please see below for some more information.

Copy and Laminating help - I am in need of some copying and laminating help on Monday. If you have an hour to spare anytime on Monday, please let me know. Thank you in advance!

Important Dates:

Thursday, Oct. 31st @8:30: Halloween Parade and Party, USD Family Night

Mon, Nov. 4th-Thurs., Nov. 14th: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:15 dismissal

Friday, Nov. 8th: Ancestry assignment sent home (due by Monday, November 18th)

Monday, Nov. 11th: No School, Veterans’ Day

Tuesday, Nov. 12th: Alliterative Potluck assignment sent home (due by Friday, November 15th)

Monday, November 18th: Holiday traditions homework sent home

Wednesday, Nov. 20th: Alliterative Potluck

Monday, Nov. 25th-Friday, Nov 29th: No School, Thanksgiving vacation

Thursday, Dec. 12th: Field trip to History Park

What We Did in Class this Week

Project Cornerstone: Thank you to Samyak's Dad, Rohit, for coming in to read the book Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon.

Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Math: We are continuing with Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. Students are using Reflex Math to practice math facts.

Science: We have started our unit on Bats.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons with Mrs. Threet.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of October 14th - October 18th

Walk-a-thon: The walk-a-thon runs from 9:00-3:00 this Saturday, October 19th. There will be food for sale, face painting, and a crazy hair booth. Even if you can only come for an hour or so, please join in for a fun day that supports all of the enrichment programs at Alta Vista. A very special thank you to Kristen Leach, Oliver's Mom, for painting our class canvas for the walk-a-thon....it looks amazing!

Conferences: Please click on the above tab labeled 'Conference Sign Up' if you still have not signed up for a fall parent teacher conference .

Union Middle School Foods Class Field Trip : We will be walking to Union Middle School for a field trip on Thursday, October 24th. We will be working with Mrs. Peers and her students in her cooking class to create some delicious Halloween treats. We will be leaving school around 9:00 and will return to school by noon.

Scholastic Book Fair: There will be a Book Fair set up in the cafeteria from Thursday, Oct. 17th-Wednesday, October 23rd. Please see the schedule below:

Friday, October 18, 2019

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (2nd, 4th shop at lunch)

1:40 pm – 3:30 pm

Saturday, October 19, 2019 (open during Walkathon)

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Monday, October 21, 2019

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (all grades welcome at lunch)

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (all grades welcome at lunch)

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (all grades welcome at lunch)

Important Dates:

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walk-a-thon, 9:00-3:00

Thursday, Oct. 24th: Walking Field Trip to Union Middle School

Thursday, Oct. 31st @8:30: Halloween Parade and Party

Mon, Nov. 4th-Thurs., Nov. 14th: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:15 dismissal

Monday, Nov. 11th: No School, Veterans Day

What We Did in Class this Week:

Language Arts: Language Arts: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

Writing: We are focusing on narrative writing during writer's workshop. We are also finished our Fall poems.

Art and Writing: This week we read the book Creepy Carrots. Each student created their own creepy carrot and then wrote how they would stop the creepy carrots.

Math: We are continuing with Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. Students are using Reflex Math to practice math facts.

Clay: A special thank you to Christy Li, Isaac's Mom, for organizing the clay project the students completed this week. Also thank you to all the wonderful parent volunteers that came and helped out during that time.

Music: We have music with Mrs. Threet on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of October 7th-11th

Alta Vista Focus for the month of October: Growth Mindset

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Conferences begin on November 4th. Please click on the above tab if you still need to sign up for a time. I am looking forward to meeting with you all!

See Saw: I noticed many of you have still not connected to your child's See Saw account. If you are not yet connected, I put an extra QR code in your child's folder. Please connect as soon as you can. See Saw is a great way you can have a peek into some activities we do in class.

Union Middle School Foods Class Field Trip: We will be walking to Union Middle School for a field trip on Thursday, October 24th. We will be working with Mrs. Peers and her students in her cooking class to create some delicious Halloween treats. We will be leaving school around 9:00 and will return to school by noon. Thank you to George (Alexander's Dad), Mika (Mio's Mom), and Kym (Cooper's Mom) for being our chaperones on this trip.

Spirit Week is next week: Though Spirit Days are optional, they are a fun way for your child to show their Alta Vista school spirit! Please see the schedule below:

*Monday, 10/14: Mustache Monday *Tuesday, 10/15: Twin Tuesday *Wednesday, 10/16: Pajama Wednesday

*Thursday, 10/17: Crazy Hair Day *Friday, 10/18: Color Friday (2nd grade color is blue)

Scholastic Book Fair: There will be a Book Fair set up in the cafeteria from Thursday, Oct. 17th-Wednesday, October 23rd. Please see the schedule below:

*Thursday, October 17: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (1st, 3rd, 5th shop at lunch); 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

*Friday, October 18: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (2nd, 4th shop at lunch); 1:40 pm – 3:30 pm

*Saturday, October 19: (open during the Walkathon)10:00 am – 3:00 pm

*Monday, October 21: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (all grades welcome at lunch); 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

*Tuesday, October 22, 2019: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (all grades welcome at lunch); 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

*Wednesday, October 23, 2019: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (all grades welcome at lunch)

Important Dates:

Monday, 10/14- Friday, 10/18: Spirit Week

Tuesday, 10/15: Clay (in the afternoon)

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

Thursday, October 24th: Walking Field Trip to Union Middle School

Thursday, Oct. 31st @8:30: Halloween Parade and Party (Please see the link below with regards to our Halloween party.)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45ADA72DA3F85-haughneys

Mon, Nov. 4th-Thurs., Nov. 14th: Parent-Teacher Conferences, 1:15 dismissal

Monday, Nov. 11th: No School, Veterans Day

What We Did in Class This Week:

-Reading: During our reading time students are working on the following Daily Five activities:

Work with Teacher: Teacher works with a small group of students using reading materials at the students’ reading level.
Read to Self: Students practice independent reading by reading a selection of reading books at their individual levels.
Word Work: Students complete word building activities.
Work on Writing: Using a variety of materials, students select writing activities.
Computer: Students listen to reading and complete quizzes, or use the online program Lexia.

-Writing: We are focusing on narrative writing. This week we focused on the mentor text Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. We analyzed what Jane Yolen does as an author and we tried those different writing tricks in our writing.

Science: This week students did two activities in our Animal Adventures Unit. First we learned about the calls different types of frogs make. Students identified which species of frogs are found in a pond based on their call. Then in the Mystery Science activity, Design a Bird Feeder, students drew their own bird feeder design to attract a specific type of bird. Then they built a prototype of their bird feeder using available materials in the Makerspace. It was a fun week learning about animals!

Math: We are continuing with Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. Students are using Reflex Math to practice math facts.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every other Friday and every Thursday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of September 30th-October 4th

Alta Vista Focus for the month of October: Growth Mindset

Thank you! Thank you to Mika, Christy, Ariel, Surbhi, and Yufi for volunteering their time to help out at the Cardboard Challenge today. The kids had a great time creating! I posted a picture on your child's See Saw account of their fun time at the challenge.

Thank you! Thank you to Snigdha Mahto, Samyak's Mom, for leading our Art Vista lesson on Thursday. The class learned about background, middle ground, and foreground and created an art piece out of tissue paper and starch. A huge thank you to all of our volunteers that came in to lend a hand - David, Kym, Mika, Supi, and Surbhi.

Union Middle School Foods Class Field Trip: We will be walking to Union Middle School for a field trip on Thursday, October 24th. The permission slip will be coming home in folders on Monday. We will be working with Mrs. Peers and her students in her cooking class to create some delicious Halloween treats. We will be leaving school around 9:00 and will return to school by noon. We will need 3 parent volunteers to join us. Please email me if you are interested.

'Be Seen and Be Heard' Assemblies - Going home in folders today is a green informational sheet about an assembly we will be attending on Wednesday. Please make sure to read this form.

Important Dates:

Friday, Oct. 11th: Picture Retakes (forms went home in folders today)

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

Thursday, 10/24: Walking Field Trip to Union Middle School

Thursday, Oct. 31st @8:30: Halloween Parade and Party

What We Did in Class this Week

MakerSpace: The students had a chance to create a tower in the MakerSpace this week. We read the book "After the Fall" about Humpty Dumpty. The kids were in small groups and their job was to create a tower that held a plastic egg on the top of a tower for at least 10 seconds. It was fun to watch all the creative ideas!

Reading: We continued to practice the different stations of our Daily 5 activities. The class worked on word work, Lexia, Read to Self, and RAZ kids on the Chromebooks. We will start Guided Reading groups during Daily 5 next week.

Writing: We continue to focus on narrative writing. Students have been working on adding details to their writing and reading their writing “like a detective” as they check for run on sentences and ending punctuation. We also looked at a second grade checklist so that the students can start to revise and edit their writing.

Science: This week we started our Animal Adventures Mystery Science unit. The class used animal cards to classify animals in the following catetories: mammals, invertebrates, birds, and reptiles. We spent time talking about the characteristics of each category.

Math: We continued work with Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. On Monday students created “measurement monsters”.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every other Friday and every Thursday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Have a great weekend!

Week of September 23rd-27th

Alta Vista Character Trait for the month of September: RESPECT

Slight Change to Nightly Reading Log In an effort to save paper, I have decided to switch to a monthly reading log rather than a daily log. I will continue to check the read log every morning so please continue the habit of signing the reading log every evening. However, there will be a new log every month rather than every week. The new log will come home Monday (9/30) and will be the reading log for the entire month of October. I appreciate your flexibility with this.

Thank You! Just a quick thank you to the Monday prep volunteers that have been coming in. They have been such a time saver for me - making lots of copies, cutting paper, and prepping materials. THANK YOU!

Monday Sub There will be a substitute teacher in the class on Monday. I will be on campus assessing reading.

Cardboard Challenge: All second grade classes will be participating in this global event. This event is inspired by the short film, Caine’s Arcade. It is an annual event presented by the Imagination Foundation to celebrate child creativity. Children are invited to build anything they can dream up using cardboard, recycled materials, and their imagination. Mrs. Lynch, our S.T.E.A.M. teacher, has invited us to bring our classes to the Maker’s Space. During this time students will be using their imaginations to make things out of cardboard. Please collect cardboard at home and send it in during the week of Sept. 30th. We will be visiting the Makerspace in the afternoon on Friday, October 4th from 1-2:15.

Important Dates:

Tuesday, Oct. 1st: USD Family Night (no homework)

Friday, October 4th: Global Cardboard Challenge

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

Thursday, Oct. 31st @8:30: Halloween Parade and Party

What We Did in Class this Week

Language Arts: We continued to practice the different stations of our Daily 5 activities. The students have worked through rotations of Daily 5 stations. They did a great job working independently during the stations.

Writer's Workshop: This week we had our official start to our narrative unit. We talked about how to gather ideas, how to stretch out a small moment, how to zoom in and focus in on details, and ideas for how to end a story.

Math: Last week we completed our unit on measurement. This week we began Module 3, Place Value, Counting, and Comparison of Numbers to 1,000. We started our work with hundreds, tens, and ones.

Reading: This week we focused on point of view. We read the book The Day the Crayons Quit and analyzed the different points of views of all the different crayons. The students were able to pick a crayon to respond to in a persuasive letter convincing them not to quit.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Please remember to bring your books!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Week of September 16th-20th

Alta Vista Character Trait for the month of September: RESPECT

Logging onto Alta Vista apps from home: Going home in folders today, I included a green sheet with directions on how your child can log onto some classroom apps and websites from home. Stapled to the instructions, I also included their RAZ kids password card and their username and password for other sites. (I handed out your child's username and password at Back to School Night, but included another copy just in case.) RAZ kids is a great place for your child to read books at their level. Some kids said the books were 'too easy', but then they were not scoring well on the quizzes. Remember that your child should not only be able to read the books, but also answer comprehension questions about the text as well. Your child should only be going on B at home to catch up on lessons we've covered on class. They should never go beyond where we are at. We are currently on lesson 2.10 so you child should not go beyond this. (They know this as we've talked about it a lot in class.) Lexia is also a great resource to use at home to help with reading and phonics.

Cardboard Challenge: All second grade classes will be participating in this global event. This event is inspired by the short film, Caine’s Arcade. It is an annual event presented by the Imagination Foundation to celebrate child creativity. Children are invited to build anything they can dream up using cardboard, recycled materials, and their imagination. Mrs. Lynch, our S.T.E.A.M. teacher, has invited us to bring our classes to the Maker’s Space. During this time students will be using their imaginations to make things out of cardboard. Please collect cardboard at home and send it in during the week of Sept. 30th. We will be visiting the MakerSpace in the afternoon on Friday, October 4th from 1-2:15. Please email me if you’re able to help with this fun activity.

Important Dates:

Friday, Sept. 27th: Crazy Sock Day

Tuesday, Oct. 1st: USD Family Night

Friday, October 4th: Global Cardboard Challenge

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

What We Did In Class this Week:

Language Arts: We are continuing to practice the different stations of our Daily 5 activities. This week the students worked through three rotations of Daily 5 stations. They did a great job working independently during the stations. We started a word work station this week where the kids completed a sort with 'short a and short o' and completed different activities to go along with the sort.

Writer's Workshop: Over the past few weeks we have been preparing to roll out Writer’s Workshop by completing a number of writing mini lessons. This week we had a mini celebration where kids were able to share their stories with each other. We were excited to officially begin Writer’s Workshop on Friday. This narrative unit will last about 6 weeks.

Math: This week we continued with Module 2: Addition and Subtraction of Length Units. Students are doing lots of measuring using centimeter rulers and meter sticks. Please continue to work on basic fact practice at home.

Science: Our Mystery Science Material Magic unit concluded this week. During one of our final two activities, students learned how new materials are invented. Kids came up with ideas for inventions that used an exciting futuristic material that bounces and stretches like rubber. In the final activity, students learned how large structures, like houses, are built from smaller pieces. Students designed their own structures using index cards and paper clips. In this activity students were challenged to build a paper tower that was strong enough to support a hardcover book!

Art: We completed a directed drawing of our class mascot, a hummingbird.

Music: We have music with Mrs. Threet on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: Students look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of September 9th-13th

Alta Vista Character Trait for the month of September: RESPECT

Cardboard Challenge: All second grade classes will be participating in this global event. This event is inspired by the short film, Caine’s Arcade. It is an annual event presented by the Imagination Foundation to celebrate child creativity. Children are invited to build anything they can dream up using cardboard, recycled materials, and their imagination. Mrs. Lynch, our S.T.E.A.M. teacher, has invited us to bring our classes to the Maker’s Space. During this time students will be using their imaginations to make things out of cardboard. We will be visiting the Makerspace in the afternoon on Friday, October 4th from 1-2:15. I would love some parent volunteers to help. Please email me if you’re able to help with this fun activity. Thank you to those parents that have contacted me already.

Important Dates:

Friday, Sept. 27th: Alta Vista Spirit Day- Crazy Sock Day

Friday, October 4th: Global Cardboard Challenge

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

What We Did in Class this Week:

Writer's Workshop: This week we continued our narrative unit. We talked about how to get ideas, characters in our stories, and we also reviewed how to plan for our stories.

Reading: We are continuing to introduce and practice the different stations of our Daily 5 activities. This week we practiced our 'Word Work' station with a 'short a, short o' sort. We also practiced 'Listen to Reading' on our Chromebooks with Lexia.

Math: This week we continued Module 2: Addition and Subtraction of Length Units.

Science: Our Mystery Science Material Magic unit continued this week. Students learned about melting and the solid and liquid states of matter as they tested the “meltable” property of candy.

Digital Citizenship: This week we talked about our online community and who we connect with on the internet.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: We have P.E. with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30. Remember to bring your books!

Week of September 3rd - 6th

Library: On Monday we will go to the library for the first time. Our library time is from 2:00-2:30. Students are allowed to check out 2 books each week. Please remind your child to bring his/her library books to school each Monday.

Cardboard Challenge: All second grade classes will be participating in this global event. This event is inspired by the short film, Caine’s Arcade. It is an annual event presented by the Imagination Foundation to celebrate child creativity. Children are invited to build anything they can dream up using cardboard, recycled materials, and their imagination. Mrs. Lynch, our S.T.E.A.M. teacher, has invited us to bring our classes to the Makerspace. During this time students will be using their imaginations to make things out of cardboard. We will be visiting the Makerspace in the afternoon on Friday, October 4th from 1-2:15. I would love some parent volunteers to help. Please email me if you’re able to help with this fun activity.

Alta Vista Character Trait for the Month of September - Respect - At our monthly Cougar Pride assembly on Wednesday, Mrs. Bailey announced our character trait for the month of September. Alta Vista will have a new character trait we are focusing on every month.

Important Dates:

Friday, Sept. 6th: Family Movie Night

Friday, October 4th: Global Cardboard Challenge

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

What We Did in Class this Week

Daily 5: This week we continued to practice our Daily 5 station of 'Read to Self.’ We also worked on our 'Work on Writing' station. This is different than Writer's Workshop. During Work on Writing, the kids are allowed to create any writing pieces: letters, cards, fictional stories, and informational writing, just to name a few.

Reading: This week we practiced reading with expression, reading in bigger scoops, and we also learned how we should stop and think as we read.

Writer's Workshop: We are continuing to work on personal narratives. This week we reviewed how to plan for our writing and learned how adding dialogue can add to your story. We also practiced turning and talking to a rug partner.

Math: We finished up Module 1 this week and also began Module 2 (measurement). Please continue to have your child practice their basic + and - math facts at home.

Technology: We visited the Makerspace on Friday and had a chance to explore Adobe Spark on I-pads.

Buddies: On Thursday, we met with our fifth grade buddies from Mr. Lueck's class for the first time. I hope you enjoyed the See Saw video your child did introducing their buddy.

Science: We continued our Mystery Science Material Magic unit this week. We started the week finishing up our hats. I hope you enjoyed the See Saw video your child did sharing their hat. We also did an activity where students tested different materials to determine which material is best for making oven mitts. Thank you for bringing in the socks for this activity.

Music: We have music on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: We look forward to having class with Coach Thomas every Thursday and every other Friday.

Library: Our library day is Monday from 2:00-2:30.

Please be sure and contact me if you have any questions or concerns haughneym@unionsd.org.

August 26th - August 29th

Classroom Donations: We will need lots of 3 x 5 index cards and regular sized paper clips for a science lesson in two weeks. Any donations are greatly appreciated! Thank you for those families that have already donated these materials.

Reminder - Please make sure that you are reading for 20 minutes at night with your child and signing the nightly reading log.

Basic Math Facts: In our current math unit, we are working with adding and subtracting larger numbers. Many students are still having a hard time subtracting and adding facts less than 10. If you see in your child's classroom work that they were having a hard time, please take some time to practice those basic facts at home, especially ways to make 10 (i.e. 6 + 4= 10; 7 + 3 = 10; 10-7 = 3; 10 - 8 = 2).

Important Dates:

Friday, August 30th: No School for Students (Professional Development for Staff)

Monday, Sept. 2nd: No School, Labor Day Holiday

Friday, Sept. 6th: Picture Day, Family Movie Night, Book Orders due

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

What We Did in Class this Week

Reading: This week we continued to practice our Daily 5 station of 'Read to Self' and we talked about the 'Work on Writing' station. We learned how a reader chooses how to read their books (adding expression) and talked about reading stamina and how we can improve our reading stamina.

Writer's Workshop: We continued to talk about how writers gather ideas this week. We also talked about how writers plan for their writing by telling their story on their fingers and then sketching. We even talked about revising our writing this week. The kids have done a great job diving right in!

Math: We are continuing with Module 1 this week. This module sets the foundation for students to master sums and differences to 20. You can help at home by having your child practice their basic + and - math facts.

Technology: Using Zearn during math

Science: We began our Mystery Science Material Magic unit this week. We explored the different properties of materials used for clothing. Students selected materials they needed to construct a hat that protects them from the sun. We will finish these hats up next week.

Music: We started our music class with Mrs. Threet. We have music on Thursday afternoons.

P.E.: We enjoyed Rhythm and Moves P.E. with Coach Thomas. We look forward to having class with him every other Friday and every Thursday.

Please be sure and contact me if you have any questions or concerns at haughneym@unionsd.org.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

August 19th - August 23rd

Thank you all for attending Back to School Night. I enjoyed meeting you all and sharing with you a little bit about our year ahead. Just a reminder if you have not yet filled out the 'Parent Contact' survey and the 'Getting to Know Your Child' survey, please do this as soon as possible.

Thank you for those of you that filled out and turned in the volunteer form. I will contact you in the next few weeks as soon as I am ready to have volunteers come into the classroom.

A quick note about math work that comes home- Please look over the math work that comes home, but do not be alarmed if your child does not finish the front and back side. Usually the front side is required and the back side is finished if there is extra time or for a challenge. Having a student complete the front side is enough practice for the skill in the lesson.

Book Order: Our first book order is coming home today. Book orders are a great way to build up more books in your home library. Please let me know if you have questions.

Classroom donations: We will need 3 x 5 index cards and regular sized paper clips for a science lesson in two weeks. Thank you in advance for this donation!

What we did in class this week:

Reading: This week we talked about picking just right books and the different ways to read a book. We continued to work with “Growth Mindset” and discussed what it means to have a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset. We also read a humorous story about a Dragon who makes some poor food choices. Students will work this week and next week on putting the events of the story in order and drawing pictures to go with each part.

Writing: We began Writer's Workshop this week. We talked about how Writer's Workshop should look and sound in second grade and started to talk about how to think of ideas.

Math: We started Module 1 this week in our Eureka Math curriculum. This module sets the foundation for students to master sums and differences to 20. You can help at home by having your child practice their basic + and - math facts.

Science: Students focused on two scientific practices: making observations and asking questions. We completed an activity where students “train their brains” by observing an everyday object and asking questions like a scientist would.

Chrome Books: logging on, using Seesaw, Zearn

P.E.: We had our first Rhythm and Moves P.E. lessons on Thursday and Friday. We also continued to practice our new school dance, the Cupid Shuffle!

Important Dates:

Friday, Aug. 30th: No School, Staff Development Day

Monday, Sept. 2nd: No School, Labor Day Holiday

Friday, Sept. 6th: Picture Day, Family Movie Night

Saturday, Oct. 19th: Walkathon

Please be sure and contact me if you have any questions or concerns haughneym@unionsd.org.

Have a wonderful weekend!

August 14 - August 16

We had a great first week in Room 6! These first few weeks of school are always exciting. It is during this time that I try to build a strong community within our classroom. Also during these first few weeks, I will be performing beginning of the year assessments with each student. This helps me understand where your child is at and where I can take them to next. Some of the fun activities we did this week included silent puzzles, talking about fixed vs. growth mindset, a new friend scavenger hunt, and using our classroom set of Chromebooks for the first time!

Thank you to the many families that have completed the 'Getting to Know You' and 'Parent Contact Form' surveys on our website. If you have not yet had a chance to complete these, please do this as soon as you can. Also if you have not yet brought in the suggested list of supplies for your child, please also do this as soon possible.

Next week's Special Homework Assignment - Name Story Writing - In class Monday we will read the book Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. It’s about a little mouse who is made fun of because of her unusual name. During the course of the story, she learns how to love her name and becomes proud of it. The homework is for your child to ask you their “name story.” How was their name picked? Then they are to write a paragraph explaining how they were given their name. Please read over their paragraph with them. I don’t expect 100% proper spelling. But do encourage them to sound out the words, or help to chunk them out/break them down so they are able to hear the sounds in the word. Students are expected to write in complete sentences using proper punctuation and capitals. I do have additional copies of their page if needed. Just let me know. Here is a link to the story in case you would like to watch it with your child. Chrysanthemum. Again, this will come home Monday and will be due by Friday, 8/23.

It was wonderful to meet so many of you this week. I am excited to begin the journey of second grade with your child! Have a restful weekend!

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21st

Grades 1-2-3: Classroom presentations 6:00 - 6:45

General Meeting (Principal Welcome & Home and School Club - Cafeteria) 6:45 - 7:15

Grades 4-5: Classroom presentations 7:15 - 8:00

I look forward to meeting you all on the first day of school, August 14th!

The first bell rings at 8:10 and school begins at 8:15. Don’t forget that school is dismissed at 1:15 on Wednesdays.

Each week I will update the class website with important information. Please be sure to check it out weekly to see what is going on in class.

School Supplies: Students should bring a backpack each day. Please be sure and label backpacks, lunchboxes, jackets, water bottles, etc. with your child’s name. I will provide each student with a folder, scissors, and crayons. Please click on "Supply List" on the top bar to see which supplies are requested. Throughout the year I will ask for donations of items, as our class supply gets low.

Back to School Night is Wednesday, August 21st. This is an important meeting for parents only.