Week 11 was great!

Dear 2B Families,

Happy Friday! Next week we have Read-a-Thon Day! Please be sure to submit your costume proposal by today.

I will be reading at the Book Fair tomorrow at 1pm! I hope to see you there!

Scholar Shout-Outs:

Congratulations to our virtue award winner for October (Honesty): HUDSON!

Thank you Lucia and Cherie for helping Miss Monk at the board! You did great!

Winter Concert:
Our Winter Concert is quickly approaching! It will be at Higley Center for the Performing Arts on November 14th. Students’ attire for our performances is NOT school uniform. Gentlemen are expected to wear a plain white collard shirt, black pants, black socks and black closed toed shoes. Solid dark colored vests and ties are optional for gentlemen. Ladies are expected to wear a white top, black skirt, black tights and black closed toed shoes. Please have your 2nd graders at Higley Center for the Performing Arts by 5:00pm.

Please visit aretek-2music.blogspot.com or email jweddle@archwayarete.org for questions regarding the concert!

Next Week in 2B...

Literature: We will read Chapters 3 & 4 from The Boxcar Children. We will also work on writing an essay about courage (one of our core virtues) and making connections (text to text, text to world, and text to self). 

Grammar: Ask your child if they know the difference between an adverb and an adjective! We will learn about singular and plural nouns.

Writing: Next up in Writing with Ease is a passage from Pilgrim's Progress. We will continue with our weekly procedure of narration, copy-work, and dictation.

Spalding Words (Only 20 due to Read-A-Thon Day):
Monday: begun, collect, file, provide, sight, stood, fixed, fix, born
Tuesday: goes, does, Tuesday, hold, drill, army, pretty, stole, income, bought 

Wednesday: None (Read-A-Thon)

Math: We are beginning our weight unit! While you are out this weekend, point out in the grocery store the scales used for produce and that it is used to see how heavy something is. Bathroom scales bring out the same kind of curiosity (weighing books, toys, etc.)

History: Next week we are finally digging back in to Ancient India after a long break. The students will learn how Siddhartha became Buddha and begin to learn about Buddhism. They will also understand the lesson in a Buddhist Jataka tale. Here is a website with more Jatakas Tales, if you would like to read some at home this week.

Science: This week we will continue our exploration of the water cycle. We will recap what we have learned about evaporation, condensation, and precipitation and explore four different types of clouds: cirrus, stratus, cumulous, cumulonimbus.

Love,

Mrs. D

Conference Week ~ Thank you!

Dear 2B Families,

It was a pleasure meeting with each of you this week to discuss your child's strengths, their virtuous hearts, their uniqueness, and areas for growth. Thank you for taking the time to conference with us. It was a joy! Miss Monk and I are looking forward to working with your children on their goals this quarter. Thank you for also supporting them at home. It makes a big difference!

Can you help us?

Friday Folder/Copying Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ea8af2e5-2bfriday

Reading Groups/Math Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA8AF2E5-2breading

This week Ms. Shunk, our school counselor, came in to talk to the kids about conflict-resolution. It was awesome!

We released our butterflies!

Next Week in 2B...

Literature: Please send your child to school with their copy of The Boxcar Children. We will dive right in on Tuesday and are excited to embark on our next chapter book! We will be introduced to the Alden children and follow them on quite an adventure!

Poetry: Please practice Merry Autumn Days by Charles Dickens at home. We will recite this poem in class the week of November 5th.

Grammar: We will be adding something new to our "Question & Answer Flow" as we look for the complete subject and the complete predicate when classifying our sentences.

Writing: We will read an excerpt from the original book 101 Dalmatians written by Dodie Smith. Fun fact: The Disney version was a very simplified retelling of this wonderful story. We will also add question marks and exclamation points to our sentence dictation.

Spalding Words Next Week:
Tuesday: fence, funny, going, honey, letters, orange, pocket, shoes, shoe, stairs
Wednesday: stream, talks, tiny, words, trust, extra, dress, beside, teach, happen

Math: We are beginning our math groups this week! It will be a pure joy to have parents helping in the classroom during this time. On Tuesday we will be doing a short review before taking our "Inches" quiz (it will look similar to the Test 5 B packet sent home Friday). Our Unit Test will be this Friday covering units 1-3, so please be on the lookout for a study guide later in the week.

Science: This week we are starting a new unit on the water cycle. First we are going to learn about the states of matter (liquid, solid, and gas), and then our second grade scientists will explore evaporation, condensation, and precipitation through a series of experiments.

History: We will pause from Ancient India next week to focus on science.

With Grateful Hearts,

Mrs. D and Miss Monk

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Dear 2B Families,

Happy Fall Break! I hope you all have a lovely break!

Our Charlotte's Web Celebration:

Lima Bean Experiment:

Spirit Day Fun:

Parachute Day in PE:

BUBBLES after Popsicles!

Costume Proposal: In an effort to save paper, we have made our costume proposal digital! Please submit your child's proposal by Friday, October 26th: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSLGxfoQqC0dq8paUnOCvDIxuArMn-xE9Ps5MI8_HCr4Qjvg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Read-a-thon: Mark your calendars for our fifth annual Read-a-thon! This special day will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 31st. Students have the option to come to school dressed as their favorite classical literary character, scientist, or historical figure. Costumes need not come directly from the grade level curriculum, though they must be classically aligned. Additionally, costumes should allow students to engage in regular school day activities such as recess, lunch, and P.E., and shouldn’t impede their instruction. Violent images or weapons of any kind will not be permitted. It is sure to be a full, fun day celebrating the beautiful enjoyment reading brings!

Book Fair: Our fall book fair will be hosted by Barnes and Noble at Dana Park on Saturday, October 27th, from noon to 4:00 pm. Stop in to hear Archway Arete teachers read their favorite books aloud (see schedule here), and be sure to check out their classroom wish list baskets. Artwork and literary essays from our own Arete scholars will be on display throughout the store, and a special “Chargers Chip” drink will be featured in the cafe. There will also be classical literature scavenger hunts, STEAM activities, and more!

Q1 Report Cards: Over Fall Break I will be working through our first quarter checklist. Here is more information about what to look for: Please note that these numbers in no way represent a “grade” (such as A=4, B=3, etc.) We do not use letter grades in K-2. The standard explanation of numbers is as follows:

Assessment Scale
Exceeds expectations for skill with consistency and without teacher guidance and direction	4
Meets expectations for skill with consistency and without teacher guidance and minimal direction	3
Inconsistent demonstration of the skill; the skill is in development but needs improvement and more independent expression	2
Below grade level expectations and achievement of peers	1
Skill has not been covered or assessed	NA

With that in mind, these numbers could also indicate my proximity to your child and help answer the question: How close does this student need me to be in order to complete that skill successfully?

"4" would look like: Your child displays confident success in that skill without any further support. I can be at my desk, or working with another student, and your child is able to independently show accurate proficiency without further instruction.

"3" would look like: Your child is showing proficiency in this skill, and benefits from occasional support. I am walking throughout the classroom, occasionally stopping by his/her desk to monitor progress, and when I do so, he/she is successful.

"2" would look like: Your child is able to complete that task, but is in need of additional support. I am sitting right behind him/her, looking over his shoulder, whispering reminders, and with that support your child is able to be successful.

"1" would look like: Your child needs my full attention and continual support in order for him/her to be successful in that skill. I am sitting right beside them, holding their hand, pointing with my finger, giving reminders, etc.

When reviewing your child’s evaluation please keep in mind that these scales were put into use when applying a number to any given skill. We look forward to discussing your child’s growth this quarter during our conference.

Sign-Ups:

Sign-Up for a Parent/Teacher Conference: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ea8af2e5-quarter1

Friday Folder/Copying Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ea8af2e5-2bfriday

Reading Groups/Math Groups: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EA8AF2E5-2breading

Next Week in 2B:

Literature: We will begin reading The Boxcar Children the week of October 23rd. Please send a copy of this to school as soon as you can!

Writing and Grammar: We will read an excerpt from Nurse Matilda and practice writing commas in a series. We will continue to classify sentences, adding "Declarative Sentences" to our question and answer flow. We will also spend time reviewing parts of a complete sentence.

Spalding Words Next Week:
Monday: leave, early, close, close, flower, flour, nothing, ground, lead (the way), led (the way), lead (pencil)
Tuesday: such, morning, however, mind, shall, alone, order, third
Wednesday: push, point, within, body, field, belongs, cheese, earn, edge, feather

Math: We will be doing a few days of review to get us warmed up, then continuing into our length unit with the metric system and how to identify different metrics!

Science: We are wrapping up our life cycle unit when we return from Fall Break. Watch for a study guide coming home. Reading minutes may be substituted for study time, if needed.

History: There is no history due to half days.

With Grateful Hearts,

Mrs. Dombrowski and Miss Monk

Conference Sign-Ups!

The sign up you've been waiting for! They are LIVE!  

2B Parent/Teacher Conferences with Mrs. D and Miss Monk: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ea8af2e5-quarter1

If you wish to sign up to meet with our Specialists (French, PE, Art, Music): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4ea8a92aa7fe3-25specials2

Please remember that conferences are mandatory. We are looking forward to meeting with you!

Thank you parents!

Mrs. D & Miss Monk

Goodbye September ~ Hello October

Dear 2B Families,

It's almost October! Can you believe it? I hope you enjoy the long weekend ahead.

Scholar Shout-Outs:

Congratulations to Paige! She was our virtue award winner for September (Citizenship).

Happy Birthday to our three September boys: Tristen (9/3), Micah (9/4), and Aria (9/24)! We enjoyed a fun birthday lunch on Wednesday.

Sign-Ups:
Friday Volunteering: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ea8af2e5-2bfriday
Parent/Teacher Conferences:10/15-10/18: Coming soon!
Reading Groups: Starting 10/22 *Coming soon! Stay tuned!
Math Groups: Starting 10/24 *Coming soon! Stay tuned!

Next Week in 2B...

Literature: We are all done with Charlotte's Web and plan on finishing up work in our literature folders next week. We will also watch the movie and enjoy popcorn with our friends!

Poetry: We will introduce our new poem ~ Merry Autumn Days by Charles Dickens.

Grammar and Writing: Our story next week is from Pippi Longstocking. We will focus on commas in a series. During grammar time we will classify sentences and review the adverb and adjective questions.

Spalding Words Next Week:
Monday: indeed, four, herself, power, wish, because, cause, world, country, meet (see), meat (eat)
Tuesday: another, tripped, trip, list, people, ever, held, church
Wednesday: once, one, own, before, know, no, were, where, there, here, dead

Math: This week we are measuring up to success! Encourage your child to start looking at different items around the house for comparisons. "How many paper clips long do you think this book is? How many pencils long do you think your door frame is?" We will have a lot of fun beginning our Length Unit!

History: This week we will begin our studies of ancient cultures with Ancient India. Your student will be able to locate India on a map and explain why the Indus River was important for the civilization to form. We will also learn about Hinduism as a world religion by discussing the three most important Hindu gods and the caste system.

Science: We are fluttering into our next life cycle study ~ can you guess what it is? It's the life cycle of a butterfly! Ask your child if they can identify the stages of life in the animals we've learned about so far: a chicken, a frog, and now a butterfly.

With Grateful Hearts,

Mrs. D and Miss Monk

Happy Grandparent's Day

Dear 2B Families,

What a beautiful week we had in 2B! Thank you for making me feel extra special on my birthday Tuesday. On Wednesday, we enjoyed a plant presentation from the Farm Bureau. Miss Tori taught us SO much!

Grandparent's Day was also super sweet!

Please read this post about Recommended Reading: https://bdombrowskiarete.blogspot.com/2017/09/recommended-reading-list.html *Please e-mail me if you would like to know your child's Lexile level!

Scholar Shout-Outs:

More Beautiful Island Projects:

Next Week in 2B...

Poetry: We will recite Something Told the Wild Geese by Rachel Field. Thank you for practicing with your child at home.

Literature: Charlotte's Web will come to a close next week (insert tears here)! We have LOVED reading this beautiful novel with your children and learning about the virtue of friendship. We will also finish up some work in our literature folders. The week before fall break we will enjoy the movie and complete a compare/contrast activity.

Only 20 words next week due to no school on Friday 9/28:
Monday: express, turn, lesson, half, father, anything, table, high, June
Tuesday: right, write, wrote, date, road, rode, ride, March, march, next

Writing and Grammar: We will solidify our understanding of nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, and article adjectives. Our sentence classification experts are hard at work identifying these parts of speech. We will also be reading an excerpt from The Jungle Book!

Math: We will end our renaming unit. Encourage your child to take their time on the homework this week, every step counts. Our next unit we will go through great "lengths" sharpen our skills!

History: Next week your children will review for and take the test over Modern Japan. The study guide will be sent home on Monday. Please help them study for this test by quizzing them, making flashcards, or having them teach you about Japan. The test will be on Wednesday.

Science: We will continue the botany unit. Ask your child about the life cycle of plants and about our lima bean lab experiment!

Love,

Mrs. Dombrowski

Week Six

Dear 2B Families,

Happy weekend! Next week we have two important events:

Thursday, September 20th: Picture Day

Friday, September 21st: Grandparent's Day! Please send me pictures of your child's grandparents (preferably by Monday 9/17) for a special project next Friday!

Archway Arete's third annual Grandparent's Day is Friday, September 21st. The morning will begin in the gym with refreshments and a brief assembly. Following that, grandparents will be escorted by their grandchild to the classroom for a lesson/activity. RSVP times are separated by grades K-2 and 3-5. Overflow parking is available at The Falls Event Center just east of the campus.

Island Projects: It was SO much fun seeing the creativity of our scholars. Rubrics are in your child's Friday folder.

Second Grade Homework Survey: Thank you for taking the homework survey. We have received the data and comments and would like to share some feedback.

We had a 36% response rate (from all three sections).

In response to the question, "On average, how much time does your child spend on homework each night?" From our 36% of parents who responded we have this data to share:

• 22% spend 15-30 minutes on homework
• 41% spend 30-45 minutes on homework
• 19% spend 45-60 minutes on homework
• 19% spend 60-75 minutes on homework

You have our permission to "sign off" on homework if it is exceeding the dedicated minutes of actively sitting down and working. Reading/Studying/Projects (these are interchangeable): 20 minutes, Math & Spalding 20-30 minutes. If your child is consistently going over the time suggested, please reach out to us! You can e-mail us or write a note in your child's math workbook or planner. We are here to help and want homework to be a fruitful time for your child. Thank you!

Leveled Readers: These will come home on Monday. Please let us know if you feel your child's book needs adjustment at all. I encourage you reread the book for fluency, have your child retell you the story, and if there are discussion questions at the end to talk about please do those :-).

Poetry: We will learn the last stanza of Something Told the Wild Geese. Thank you for practicing this poem at home with your child. We watched this video of a chorus SINGING the poem and the children LOVED it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5KVIi_kqyU

Literature: We will read chapters 18-20 in Charlotte's Web. Ask your child to retell the story events they read in class. Ask them what is happening at the fair and how Templeton has played a role in saving Wilbur's life.

Writing and Grammar: We will continue to classify sentences and will add a new jingle to our repertoire: The Adjective Jingle! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFJHOrTvXjQ We will also learn about article adjectives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJbqt-LImEE. Ask your grammar professional to sing you their favorite jingle this week!

Spalding Words Next Week:
Monday: began, begin, beginning, able, gone, go, done, do, suit, track
Tuesday: watch, dash, fell, fight, buy, by, stopping, stop, walk, talk, chalk
Wednesday: grant, soap, news, new, small, smaller, smallest, war, summer, above

Math: We are finishing up renaming with addition and introducing renaming with subtraction. This unit requires a lot of observation (and patience) so encourage your child to take their time and go through problems step by step with the homework practice. Slow and steady equals a successful solution! 

History: We are continuing our study of Japan! Students will be able to identify the kimono as traditional Japanese clothing, and explain the importance of nature in Japanese traditional crafts. Your child will be able to discuss how Japanese school differs from American school.

Science: This will be an exciting week of botany (the study of plants)! We are very lucky to be borrowing resources from the AZ Farm Bureau this week! On Wednesday, your children will be treated to a presentation on the parts of a plant. We also have some wonderful books and lessons on flowers and agriculture in Arizona. Be sure to ask them about the parts of a plant and about what they learned from our special presentation!

With Grateful Hearts,

Mrs. Dombrowski & Miss Monk