NOVEMBER MCMONTHLY NEWS

      ***Please wear Patriotic colors this Thursday, Nov. 7^th

       and next Monday, Nov. 11^th to honor our Veterans***

         ***BOOK FAIR this Wednesday through Friday***

 

 

We welcomed Halloween with open arms and had a fantastic time celebrating!  Now, our thoughts focus on being thankful and embracing this wonderful time of year.

 

 

 

Writing

We have been working on Informational writing, beginning with “How To” books.  We are experts at many things, so we’re excited to continue writing “All About” books revolving around topics we know well, as well as topics which we will research.  (Many of us have been doing this already during our extension block as a special interest!)

Reading

Our reading also takes us to non-fiction topics.  We continue working on strategies for tricky words, but we’re also paying attention to non-fiction features and how we can learn so much more than we imagined by really paying close attention!

Math

 

2-D and 3-D shapes have been our recent focus, and we’ve made some cool creations with pattern blocks (geoblocks).  We’re also adding to our vocabulary, as we learn about quadrilaterals, measuring the area of a rectangle (by pretending it’s a chocolate bar!), the difference between rows and columns, and much more!  We are moving on to more sophisticated work and explaining our thinking with adding “strings” of numbers, breaking apart bigger numbers to add and subtract, and using real-life story problems to help us understand and think through these concepts.

Social Studies, Science,

and other News

We have begun our Time for Kids issues and love learning about some important current events (and ways to understand magazines and other non-fiction text.) 

Our recent science enrichment program was fantastic, with many experiments with force and motion.  We learn more about composting soon! Spanish is also muy bien! There’s so much going on!

 

 

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

 

Wed, Nov. 20:  Gregory Garabet

Fri., Nov. 22:  Bo Vrooman

Sat., Nov. 30:  Sofia Schimmeck

 

 

REMINDERS

Tues., Nov. 5:  Election Day,

No School for Students; Staff Dev.

Wed. – Fri., Nov. 6-8:  Book Fair

Thurs., Nov. 7:  Veterans Day Program

Fri., Nov. 15:  Scholastic Orders due (just in case you didn’t find anything at the Book Fair!)

Wed., Nov. 27:  Progress Reports Home; Early Dismissal

Thurs. – Fri., Nov. 28 – 29:  Thanksgiving Break, no school

SPECIAL NOTES

 

• Thank you, Everyone, for participating in Fall for Math last month!
    
  
• Thank you for helping with the Soldier Care Packages, Unicef collection, and Unicef Boograms!

 

 

 

·         Thank you, Families, for your help in making our Halloween celebration a success!

• Continued thanks to our Room Moms, Jane Glassmeyer and Elizabeth Svedlund!
• Continued thanks to all volunteers and for all the work you do with your children at home!
• Scholastic Book Clubs: There are many other wonderful book choices listed in specialty catalogs, in addition to the usual 2 or 3 catalogs which are sent home in the children’s school mail.  If any catalogs for which you are searching do not appear as the top recommended, they are still available by selecting the “Shop By Flyer” option at the top of the Parent’s page next to your child’s name.  (For example, if you’d like to order an older catalog, you can still do so.)
• Dreambox Info is attached from Central Office

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a Terrific Team!

BOO!

Halloween is just around the corner!
Boograms are due this Friday, October 18th!

MR. FORSHAW'S INFO

Please check The Hoot for Mr. Forshaw's link to some information on our Investigations program!

A free parent workshop is being offered at Teachers College for project schools on Tuesday, October 29^th.   If you're interested, please contact Jean Clinton or Jackie Doty.  Here is a link to the event description: http://readingandwritingproject.com/workshops-study-groups/event-details.html?id=523

Overview of K-5 Curriculum

Meet the Literacy, Math and Technology Curriculum Coordinators for the elementary schools.  Learn how curriculum has been adjusted for the Connecticut Common Core State Standards, how instruction is shifting to prepare students for the Smarter Balance assessments in 2014-15, and how technology is supporting students in this learning.

Sponsored by
Darien Public Schools K-5 Parent Workshop Series

Save The Dates

Darien Public Schools K-5 Parent Workshop Series 2013-2014

OVERVIEW OF K-5 CURRICULUM October 15 at 7:00 PM* & October 16 at 9:30 AM Hindley School *note change in date

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE IN MATHEMATICS November 20 at 9:30 AM & December 11 at 7:00 PM Holmes School

READING & WRITING CONNECTIONS January 8 at 9:30 AM (snow date 1/22) & January 29 at 7:00 PM (snow date 2/12) Royle School

TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT LEARNING March 26 at 9:30 AM & April 2 at 7:00 PM Ox Ridge School

OCTOBER MCMONTHLY NEWS

HAPPY FALL!

Thank you for a wonderful first month of school!  We are getting into the swing of things with all the new routines at Ox Ridge!

Reading – we are remembering what makes a book Just Right and are thinking about the whole story before, during, and after reading, We continue to tackle tricky words with many word strategies and are remembering how important it is to distinguish between basic short and long vowel spellings.

Word Study – We are so excited to have begun our new Word Study (Spelling) lists.  It’s important to remember the patterns instead of just memorizing words. 

TIP:  At the end of every week, save your words! Keep the words in a journal or place them in an envelope at home.  Keep the envelopes inside of a shoebox and review your old lists, along with your new words. 

You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll become an expert at many word patterns!

 

 

Writing – we have been writing stories about small (important) moments from our lives, how to stretch sentences and stories, and what to include in our stories.  We are also setting goals in how to be even better writers than we already are!

We are finishing our first writing unit on Small Moment stories.  We have been setting goals, stretching our sentences, and are beginning to study the craft and technique of amazing authors such as Jane Yolen, Ezra Jack Keats, and Donald Crews.  We’ll try some of their cool stuff in our own writing.  We will also work on learning to make our writing better so others will want to pull it off the shelves and read it – like they do with other favorite authors!

Math – We have beem doing lots of “investigating” with our new Investigations program through lessons, games, and sharing with each other how we figure out the answers.  We’ve reviewed addition and subtraction, odds and evens, tens place, and the tricky fact families.  We are now doing more complex problem solving and have become experts at doubling. 

Science and other News – We made observations outside and noticed how the seasons are changing.   We have begun Spanish in our World Language Program.  We are just beginning to get into our Computer Lab routine.

BIRTHDAYS

 

Mon., Oct. 14:   Sadie Stafford

Mon., Oct. 21:  Caroline Jack

Mon., Oct. 21:  John Caliendo

 

 

REMINDERS

 

 

Mon., Oct. 7:  Scholastic Orders due

Mon., Oct. 14: Columbus Day, no school

 

 

Oct. 15 – Oct. 28:  Fall 4 Math

           (details to come)

 

Thurs., Oct. 31:  Halloween Activities

***You may wear your costume on Halloween (but no masks please)***

 

 

Tues., Nov. 12:  Photo Retake Day

**Please bring your original photos to the photographer on that day.  More payment details at Lifetouch.com



 

 

SPECIAL NOTES

·         I can’t thank you enough for sending in all the supplies in September.  The 2^nd graders have quite a lengthy list, so we appreciate all you have sent in!

·         Thank you for  coming to Open House.  It was pleasure to see the families who were able to attend.  If you were not able to, I certainly understand.  If you did not receive the paperwork, please let me know (and another time, I can show you the children’s photographs!)

A few items I wasn’t able to mention at Open House:

·         Extra lunch choices:  If your child does not care for the main Hot meal or the Alternate, they can always order Salad, Pizza, Bagel, or Deli Sandwich

·         A few students still need to bring in a few family photos for our rotating frame, classroom activity $$, as well as a favorite book from home.

 

·         If you didn’t get a chance to sign up for Conference Week, I will send a reminder with the open slots later this month.

 

·         Thank you advance for volunteering in our classroom.  The students and I are excited that most activities are starting this month, especially with Mystery Guests and our Halloween celebration later this month.

 

·         Continued thanks to our Room Moms, Elizabeth Svedlund and Jane Glassmeyer!

SEPTEMBER MCMONTHLY NEWS

Greetings, Moms and Dads!  We had a great first week of school!  The children really seemed to settle into 2^nd grade quite quickly.  Thank you for all the supplies, emails, and notes. 

The 2^nd grade team does some corresponding with all 2^nd grade families, as we did on our First Day letter.  I will be sending home a monthly newsletter specific to our classroom.  Today’s newsletter will include important dates and info about how our class handles birthdays and some other special events.  Open House is not until the end of the month, so I wanted to be sure to spread the word about a few items ahead of time.

This year, our class Room Moms are Elizabeth Svedlund (ersvedlund@gmail.com) and Jane Glassmeyer (janiewatson@yahoo.com).  I thank them in advance for this huge undertaking!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Thurs., Sept 5^th:                  No school, Rosh Hashanah

Sun., Sept. 8^th:                  Family Picnic, 4:30-6:30

Mon., Sept. 9^th:                  Scholastic Orders due

 (*you can place your orders online, or send the hard copies back to me by 9/9/13)

Mon., Sept. 9^th:                  First 2^nd grade official homework home (due Fri.)

Tues., Sept 10^th:                  Photo Day (class and individual)

Tues., Sept 10^th:                  2^nd Grade Coffee for Parents, 9:30 a.m.

Fri., Sept. 13^th:                  Favorite books and family photos due

Mon., Sept. 23^rd:                  Word Study begins

Thurs., Sept. 26^th:                  Open House for Parents, time to be announced

AUG/SEPT. BIRTHDAYS

Thurs., Aug. 29^th:                  William Bonner

Wed., Sept. 4^th:                  Kate Brown

Sat., Sept. 21^st:                  Matthew Aronsohn

Mon., Sept. 23^rd:                  Lila Debano

SPECIAL NOTES

v

•    The students are doing a great job learning our 2^nd grade routines.  Occasionally, some mail ends up back in our mail slot that has not been seen at home, or it falls out of a mailbox.  If you are missing the following papers, please let me know:
•               pink first day letter from whole 2^nd grade team, with 2-Mc August/September “specials” schedule on the back
•       Birthdays:  I will send a birthday note home a few weeks prior to your child’s birthday, asking if you would like to come to the classroom to help us celebrate.  You are welcome to read a book or play a game (such as 7-up).  You are also welcome to bring clear popsicles, stickers, or other small goodies if you wish, but please don’t feel like you have to.  It’s up to you and your child how you’d like to celebrate!  July and August birthdays will be celebrated in January (just in time for a ½ year birthday celebration).
•     Mystery Guest:  Mystery Guest is a separate visit from birthdays.  When you choose a time for the year, I would recommend choosing a time a few months away from your child’s birthday, to spread out the classroom visits.  Typically, a Mystery Guest will read a few favorite family books, or, if they’d like to show us something they love (such as props from a hobby or job), that’s fine too!  The children will guess who the Mystery Guest is every Tuesday, so please stop at the office before coming to the classroom so the secretary can announce that you have arrived.  Both Birthday/Mystery Guest celebrations are approximately 25-30 minutes. 
•     Superstar Sharing will occur throughout the year.  It’s a chance for a student to be “superstar” for 3 days of the week where they bring in a special treasure and have a short, 5-minute share time.  The rest of us will make a book for the superstar later in the week.  A note will go home when it’s your child’s Superstar week (picked at random on Thursdays or Fridays for the next week.)
•     Regular sharing will be on Fridays on a sign-up basis, so that everyone gets a chance to share a treasure throughout the month if they wish.  In order to share, the sharers should write up a short description of their treasure (2 to 3 sentences).
•     Ox Ridge Snack:  The children have the opportunity to order an afternoon snack from our cafeteria.  I have encouraged the children to talk to their families about how often, and if, they can buy this extra snack.  The snack money will be deducted from the students’ lunch accounts.  (This snack choice is different than extra snacks in the cafeteria that students are allowed to buy at the end of their lunch shift.)
•     If you still have your child’s summer reading journal, please send it in to class this coming week, so we can send along the good reading news to the Library!
•     Photo Day is this coming Tuesday, September 10^th.  Please take a peek at the photo packet that comes home this week.
•     Please check our blog periodically for class updates and photos.  (I never put names with the photos, but if you don’t wish me to post your child’s photos, please let me know.)
•     Please feel free to call me at school with any questions or concerns (655-2579, ext. 1142).   You can also email me at cmcgettigan@darienps.org; I will respond as quickly as possible, but sometimes, due to our class schedule, duties, or meetings, I might not be able to respond until the end of the day.
•     I hope to see you all at the Open House evening when I will explain in more detail about our schedule, curriculum, homework, and class routines.  Please bring your calendars, as I will have our Conference sign-up sheet available that evening.
•     I have included a list of our amazing students (that you'll see with Tuesday's newsletter that goes home)! I hope you have a chance to attend the Class Coffee next week.  If you cannot attend, please let our Room Moms know so they can let you know about our volunteer schedule for the year. 

Thank you so much!  I look forward to working with your children during this exciting, second grade year!    - Cathy McGettigan

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL LETTER

August 26, 2013

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the second grade community at Ox Ridge!  We hope you all enjoyed the summer and are excited about a new school year.  We have been collaborating over the summer to get ready for the start of school and will continue to plan together throughout the coming months to make this a terrific year.  We are providing some initial information for you today and will continue to keep you apprised of our grade level news going forward.

Enclosed is a specials schedule.  Please make note of scheduled PE days so your child will have appropriate footwear.  Library books should be returned on the day we have library.  Also, please send in a smock labeled with your child’s name, which will be kept in the classroom for art.  (An old shirt would be great.)

We will be having snack on a daily basis (parent provided, or students may sign up to buy snack from the cafeteria).  Please be sure to send in a snack every day or let your child know if he/she has permission to buy snack.  Remember, healthy snacks will give our students the energy to be the best that they can be.  Due to specific food allergies of students in our classroom, please speak with your child about not sharing snacks at school because of health concerns.

If there is a change in your child’s transportation home, please be sure to send in a note that morning.  We also require a note if your child will be picked up, attending after school activities, etc.   Please send in a note as soon as possible confirming your child’s bus number that he/she will take home from school.

To cover the cost of special activities and projects throughout the year we are requesting that each student contribute $15.  This money will be allocated for Time for Kids Magazine, special craft supplies, etc.  If you have questions or concerns regarding this contribution please let us know.  Cash is preferred.  If you need to send a check please make it payable to CASH or your child’s teacher.  Please place the contribution in an envelope marked with your child’s name.

In the near future, we’ll send an explanation about homework.  Homework will begin the week of September 9^th and we will add in the word study component starting the week of September 23^rd.

We are so excited that our year has begun.  We look forward to helping your children grown in academic strength, as they take on greater responsibility.  At our Open House on Thursday, September 26^th we’ll be discussing curriculum and daily routines.  We are looking forward to a great year together!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Frawley, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. McGettigan

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Dear 2nd Graders,

Welcome to second grade!

Please pardon our website. 
Since Mrs. McGettigan's classroom moved, the website is still under construction.

Thank you, and please check back soon!

SPRING CLEANING!

Greetings, and Happy Spring!
The 2nd grade bloggers became extremely busy this winter, so we are sorry for the lack of updates.

Hopefully, some spring photos will make up for lost time.

Before we share our recent happenings, here are a few important reminders you may have noticed in the McMonthly News:

• Friday, May 24th:  all-school Patriotic Day
• (wear red, white, and/or blue combos for honoring Memorial Day)

• Friday, May 31st:  2nd Grade Musical at 2:30pm "Sing Me A Story"  
• (All Family members welcome!  Come early for good parking!)

• Wednesday, June 5th:  Field Day from 10:00 - 11:30 
• (All family members are welcome!)

• Thursday, June 13th:  2nd Grade Breakfast at 9:15am 
• In cafeteria for Moms and Dads with their children;
• Same day - Memory Share 9:45 - 10:30 in 2-Mc classroom  (All family members are welcome!)
• * You are welcome to come to both events on Thursday, June 13th 
• (or you can come to one if you wish - whatever your schedule permits !)

• Friday, June 14th:  all-school Tropical Caribbean Day: 
• Students, please wear "island" type clothing.  Bring a beach towel for some outdoor lessons!

• Thursday, June 20th:  Last day of school for students (1:30 dismissal)

Whew - That's a lot of info!  And now, please enjoy ....

Earth Balloon

 

Team Work in the Garden

Antics in the Classroom

Selleck's Woods Nature Preserve

 

Reader's Theater