2nd Grade Team

Hello Parents,

There is hope after all, because it looks like Spring is on its way, for us at least! Most local groundhogs did not see their shadows on Groundhog Day 2010, even though the most famous one of all did. Punxsutawney Phil's Groundhog Day 2010 prediction was six more weeks of winter, as he did see his shadow.But how about Buckeye Chuck, Staten Island Chuck, Jimmy The Groundhog, and General Lee Groundhog? None of them saw their shadows.  All we need is for this rain to stop and the sun to come out again. :)

Magical Math Night 
Coming soon - this will be Union Hill's first ever school wide fun event!  Math night will be on Thursday, February 18, 6:00-7:00 pm.  Come one, come all.  Each grade level will have a variety of fun planned math activities for students to participate in.  In addition, some grade levels will have technology available for you to view math web sites and on line activities that can be used to help support and enhance your child's math skills.  In addition, we are planning a special drawing, based on estimation.  Winners will need to be present to win!  Grade levels will have instructions for card games that students can play at home and each family will receive a deck of cards as they leave to use with these games.  What more could you want?  Wait, there is one more thing.  Our very own Math Magician will be present, so come and meet him. Mark your calendars - it's going to be a fun, magical night!

Saturday School
Second Grade will be participating in Saturday school beginning February 20th, from 9 am - 12 pm.  Students who are having some difficulties in reading and/or math have been invited by their teacher. If you child has been invited to attend Saturday, forms will be sent home today and need to be signed and returned no later than Wednesday, January 27th.  Bus transportation and snacks will be provided.  Saturday school dates are: Feb. 20th; Feb. 27th; March 6th; March 27th; April 10th and April 17th. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions.  If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher.

360 Minutes
Has your child been reading nightly for homework? Well, guess what - they should hav enough minutes to receive a free ticket to Six Flags!! Beginning January 14 - February 26, students will be recording times they have read in 10 minutes intervals at home.  Parents initial it and when complete, send in the form. Students received a form 2 weeks ago to participate in our school wide 360 minute reading club,  Seriously, it's only 6 hours of reading over more than a month. Students who complete the forms and turn them into the library before the deadline of February 26th will receive on FREE ticket to Six Flags Theme Park.  What a great way to motivate them and plan for this summer.  Tickets can be used between June 14 and August 8th. Late forms will not be accepted. If you have lost the form, contact your child's teacher or pick up an extra form from our librarian, Ms. Sevcik or Ms. Joyce.

Accelerated Reader Celebration
Just announced, students who have achieved 100 or more points in AR will be invited to a special celebration at the end of the year!  WOW!!  Check out our library page for a list of AR books.  Students can check these out and then take the tests on them.  There are between 5-10 comprehension questions students answer after reading the book. They can even use the book to check for their answers if they are not sure.  Students should be checking the book they've read and taken a test on in their homework pack.  What a great way to get ready for third grade.

Spelling Bee
This year, second graders will have an opportunity to participate in our grade level spelling bee.  The list of words will be coming home shortly for students to learn.  Each classroom will conduct their own spelling bee until they have two finalists and one alternate.  The top two will move forward to compete with finalists from the other second grade classes.  The event is planned for the first week of May.  Additional details will be available soon.

Academic Highlights
Our Famous American photo stories are coming along nicely.  Students are doing a fantastic job integrating research, technology, language arts and social study skills all into this project. We've been working with higher numbers in math.  Be sure to check out the FirstinMath web site for additional activities at home.

Valentine Day Party and Daddy/Daughter Dance
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 12th.  Class parties will be from 1:30-2:30.  You are invited to attend. We will be exchanging valentines, so if you would like your child to participate, please have them bring in a valentine for each student in our class.  A list is provided on the form.  If you can provide juice, cookies, cupcakes or brownies, please send back the bottom portion of the letter.
The Daddy/Daughter Dance will be held later that night, from 6:30 - 8:00.  What a wonderful way to make your little girl feel special.  PTA didn't forget about the boys, though, they have a special Mother/Son event in the works!

Upcoming Dates:

February

• February 5 - Coffee with the Principal from 8 - 8:30 am in Antarctica
• February 10 - Early Release Day; school ends at 12:45 pm
• February 12 - Classroom Valentine Parties
• February 12 - Father Daughter Dance 6:30 - 8:00
• February 15 - Student Holiday / Staff Development Day
• February 18 - Magical Math Night 6:00 - 7:00
• February 23 - Character of the Month luncheon
• February 26 - 360 Minutes forms due (no late form accepted)

March

• March 3 - TAKS Writing for 4th graders
• March 5 - Coffee with the Principal from 8 - 8:30 am in Antarctica
• March 15-19 -Spring Break!