We will be having our “Positive Thinking” day on Friday, May 4^th.  Our goal is to focus on each child’s strengths and get to know the various things that make each and every one of us special! Not only does this day focus on teaching students more about acceptance of others but of themselves as well. We want to continue to foster a self-love and confidence in each child.

1. We will conclude the day with a talent show to showcase each child’s unique abilities! All students are expected to take part in this talent show. It will begin around 2:30.  Please help your child prepare for the show by practicing what they will be doing for the talent show. If they are presenting a video, artwork or creation, they should still prepare a short introduction for it. Your child should have brought home a paper explaining what they plan on doing for the show, what to practice, and what they must bring. Please make sure that your child is practicing for the talent show. If your child would like to change their talent, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can change the program.

We hope that you can join us for this exciting show!

“People don’t believe that their actions really and truly are going to make a difference. But kids get it. They know and they get all excited about the difference they’re making.” – Jane Goodall

The students have worked extra hard throughout the last few weeks learning how to write a book report. After writing a book report together, students read their own chapter books. After they finished reading it, they wrote their own book reports. The students did these all completely independently and I could not be more proud of them!

You can see all of the finished book reviews here!

Mrs. Means will also keep the book of our book reviews in the library for students to reference when they would like a book recommendation.

Just a reminder that our field trip is this Friday, April 20th. Here are a few helpful tips!

• All students should be here when the bell rings to attend our field trip.  We will be leaving right after announcements.
• Each student should bring a completely disposable lunch. We will be throwing the lunch bag and everything else away once we finish lunch. Your child may pack peanut butter and jelly.
• Your child should not bring any money or a camera. We will not be stopping at the gift shop.
• Even though we will be going on the field trip, please send your child in with his/her backpack since we may have notes from the office to take home.

We are looking forward to a wonderful trip full of exploration, learning, and fun!

I am ecstatic at the love of reading that my language arts kiddos have been showing recently. Today, I told the students about a fun project that we are going to be starting and they are all so excited about it! Our class, with the help of Mrs. Means and Mrs. High, is starting a book review book to keep in the library. I know that when I go to a bookstore, I love to browse the “Staff Picks” section. I also know that some students struggle to pick out books that they are really excited to read because there is such a big selection. For this reason, I thought it would be fun to start a book where students could look when they are struggling to choose a book. This book will be full of book reviews that students can browse to get some suggestions about great books to read.

It is my hope that other grade levels, classes, and faculty members will join in to add to our book review book. It is something that the students and I are very excited about!

Today, the students were able to choose a chapter book from the library to read and then review. The students were so excited about their new books that all of them wanted some time to free read! I cannot express how excited this makes me. I hope that they are able to be carried away on an exciting adventure as they delve into their books.

“Books aren’t just made of words. They’re also filled with places to visit and people to meet.” – Author Unknown

Purchased items are in red. Reserved items are in green.

Our class will be sponsoring an eleven year old girl for Christmas.  You may wish to purchase something for her that you think an eleven year old would enjoy.  We also have a wish list of some items she needs and would like for Christmas. Please send all items into school unwrapped.

I plan to update my blog daily with gifts that have been purchased for our child. You can also look for updates in our homework folders on Fridays. If you would like to purchase a specific item off the list, feel free to send me a quick note to check if someone else has already purchased it.  If no one has then I will reserve that item for you, if you desire.

Any money that is collected will be compiled to purchase remaining items off her wish list.  Thank you for helping to make this a merry Christmas for her.

Wish List of Needs:

• Sweaters (size 14/16)
• Shirts (size 14/16) 1- Long Sleeve gray shirt
• Socks 
• Personal Hygiene items- Shampoo/Conditioner, Deodorant

Wish List of Wants:

• Earbuds
• Lip gloss kit
• books (5^th-6^th grade reading level) “Bailey’s Story” by W. Bruce Cameron
• perfume
• craft and art kits –Rainbow Jewelry Studio, Paint Sticks, Deluxe Planner
• anything that has to do with electronics
• squishy

*You may also send in small items to be used as stocking stuffers

 Coat Size: Large                                                    Top Size: 14/16

Pant Sizes: Size 16/Large  –1 pair jeggings      Shoe Size: 8

Favorite color: Purple

Snacks

As you know, we have currently been talking about addition with and without regrouping in math class. This is a fun song that we made to help students remember how to add two numbers with and without regrouping. Make sure that your child shows you the hand motions that go with it!  (I apologize in advance for it getting stuck in your head! :P)

Enjoy!

Today we went to the fire prevention program with our language arts class. The students learned what to do in case of a fire or another form of emergency. They were able to go in an ambulance and fire truck as they learned about what to do in emergencies.

Brecknock Elementary Red Ribbon Spirit Week

October 23-October 27, 2016

“Your future is key so stay drug free!”

Monday, 10/23– “Your future is KEY,” for you and me. Role Reversal- Students dress like staff and staff dress like students.

Tuesday, 10/24– “Your future is KEY,” so eat healthy. Apple crunch day- Wear red.

Wednesday, 10/25– “Your future is KEY,” so dream what you could be. Dress like someone you want to be in the future.

Thursday, 10/26– “Your future is KEY,” so be safe when being silly. Dress in something mismatched.

Friday, 10/27- “Your future is KEY,” so fitness is a priority. Staff and students walk around Brecknock before the start of school. Wear your favorite sport team’s shirt and sneakers.

Last week we started our new unit which focuses on problem solving. If you need a new study guide, go to the math tab of my blog and click on the unit 1 study guide.

Last week we focused on learning how addition and subtraction facts are related in fact families.  On Friday we did an activity where students had to walk around the room looking for other students who were in their fact family.  You know facts are related if they use the same numbers (example: 2+3=5, 3+2=5, 5-2=3, 5-3=2). Once students found their family they posed for a “family photo”.

                      “Bee” a “bright” kid!

This week, the second graders participated in a Think! Energy with E-power Bright Kids program. At the assembly, students learned about energy and natural resources. The students were told which of our resources were renewable and which were nonrenewable. They were also told a few new tricks on how to save energy as well as the importance of saving energy.

The assembly also discussed open and closed circuits. We did a fun experiment to learn that we were all conductors of energy! Each second grader stood palm to palm to make a closed circuit which made the “energy stick” light up. We then tested paper and aluminum foil to see if they were conductors or insulators. Each teacher was given an energy stick for their classroom.

Each child that returned their permission slip took home a Bright Kids Energy Kit. Inside of the kit is light bulbs, a night light, stickers and a pamphlet. All that PPL asks is that you complete and return the family worksheet. Please send in the family worksheet no later than October 18th.