Second Grade Scoop
November 20, 2009
Dear Parents,
The past two weeks we have been learning about Thanksgiving. The children
heard many stories about how difficult life was for the Pilgrims living in
England under the rule of King James. The Pilgrims then decided to move to
Holland. However, they were unhappy because they wanted to be in a land
where they could speak their own language and have their own traditions. The
children were fascinated to find out about the trip across the Atlantic Ocean
to America in the Mayflower and about all of the obstacles the Pilgrims
faced. It was exciting for the children to hear that despite all of these
struggles on the Pilgrims’ long journey a baby was born on the Mayflower.
We discussed what America was like when the Pilgrims arrived and how many of
them got sick and died. The Pilgrims were so fortunate to meet the Native
Americans who taught the Pilgrims how to hunt, plant corn and other
vegetables and build houses. The children didn’t realize that the first
Thanksgiving didn’t take place until a year after the Pilgrims arrived in
America, and that it was a three day long celebration with food, songs, and
games. They were surprised when they found out that sweet potatoes, a staple
at our traditional Thanksgiving tables, were not present at the first
Thanksgiving.
The children wrote what they are thankful for. This week we read the story
Molly’s Pilgrim to the students. Molly’s Pilgrim is a sweet story about a
Russian Jewish girl who just migrated to America and her struggles fitting in
at school. The children realized that there are all types of “Pilgrims” and
that throughout American history there are many stories of families coming to
America to find freedom and opportunity. We hope the children realize how
fortunate they are to have loving families, a place to live, food to eat, and
a country to live in where they can be free.
Shabbat Shalom!
Fondly,
Mrs. Jaime Leonard
Mrs. Kim Bass
The Second Grade Team
Second Grade Scoop
November 6, 2009
Dear Parents,
We can hardly believe it is November already. Time flies when you are having
fun and working hard. Since the beginning of the year, we have finished two
units in math, one unit in our reading book, turned in two book reports, and
completed several pieces of writing. Our reading groups are running smoothly
and the students are very enthusiastic about writer’s workshop.
In math, we are moving towards more challenging work. In order to continue
this progression, it is extremely important that students master their basic
addition and subtraction math facts. We encourage you to practice these facts
with your child. Flashcards are a great way to do this.
The November book report was passed out last week. If your child cannot find
a book to read, please tell him or her to see Mrs. Rosen in the library. She
has pulled some wonderful books. A copy of the book report form is posted on
our websites should your child misplace it. Also, we ask that you check to
see that your child is using his or her best handwriting, is writing in
complete sentences, and using correct spelling. We would like the book report
to be cut out before handed in.
Two quick reminders…
• Please check your child’s homework folder each night and remove any
graded work. Some of their homework folders are ready to burst!
• If you are sending water bottles to school with your child, we would
like them to have a sports cap (not a twist top). We are having quite a few
spills ☺
We truly appreciate your partnership!
Shabbat Shalom,
Kim Bass and Jaime Leonard
The Second Grade Team
October 16, 2009
Dear Parents,
We hope you had a wonderful holiday break with your families. It has been
great being back in school and getting back into our class routine.
This week we began learning about Christopher Columbus and his amazing
voyage. The children were amazed to hear about how long he had to wait to get
permission from the king and queen to take his voyage. We will continue
learning about Columbus next week as well.
Mrs. Jacoby came into 2A’s class for our first Writer’s Workshop. She will be
in with 2B on Monday. The children were so excited for her to come into our
classroom! She taught us about the different parts of a published book; the
author, illustrator, publisher, spine, end pages, title page, about the
author, and dedication page. She also showed us many examples of published
books from other second graders. The children already have great ideas for
their first stories and they began writing in their new portfolios.
We also began Topic 2 in our math, Addition Strategies. The children enjoyed
playing the math game in class. We are working on becoming more proficient in
learning our math facts and learning tricks to learn the math facts without
adding on fingers or a number line.
The October Scholastic Book order was sent home today and the money is due
next Friday, October 23rd. The October Fiction book report is also due on
October 29th. Please make sure your child is working on his/her book report.
Shabbat Shalom!
Fondly,
Jaime Leonard
Kim Bass
The Second Grade Team
Second Grade Scoop
October 2, 2009
Dear Parents,
This was a short, yet productive week!
• In math, we continued to work on addition and subtraction sentences
and learned the relationship between the two.
• In Language Arts, the students finished their stories about Rosh
Hashanah and wrote acrostic poems about fall. Their writing is proudly
displayed on our classroom bulletin boards.
• In Social Studies, the students have read about different types of
communities. Please take some time to talk with your children about your
community, and discuss what makes it special.
Before we break for Sukkot, we want to give you a few reminders:
1. The October book report was given to the students. Your Sukkah would
be a wonderful place for your child to read his or her book!
2. The weather is getting cooler, so please remember to send jackets and
for the girls, leggings.
3. Please make sure to pack a full lunch. Many students have expressed
that they are still hungry after eating everything in their lunch bag.
4. We try to update our websites frequently, so check for important
information, announcements, handouts, forms, or changes to the homework
schedule.
We hope you have an enjoyable Chag and enjoy your time with your friends and
family.
Sincerely,
Kim Bass and Jaime Leonard
The Second Grade Team
Second Grade Scoop
September 25, 2009
Dear Parents,
We hope you had a wonderful Rosh Hashanah with your families. The children
were excited to write about how they celebrated Rosh Hashanah. They started
with a graphic organizer for the prewriting stage to help organize their
thoughts. The children then wrote a rough draft in their writing notebooks.
Each child then had a one-on-one session with a teacher to edit and revise
his/her writing. Finally, the children rewrote their corrected Rosh Hashanah
stories on beautiful paper which they enjoyed decorating. These wonderful
stories are now proudly hanging in our classroom.
The children are learning new ways to understand addition and subtraction in
math. We also discussed the different strategies children can use to come up
with the correct answer. When solving a subtraction problem some children use
their number line, some count back on fingers, and some count up.
In art the children are learning about patterns. The children are working on
a project where they traced their hands in three different positions and then
created their own patterns. They are very excited about their artwork!
The October book report form was passed out today. It is due on Thursday,
October 29th. The children need to read a fiction book on their level that
they have never read before. Mrs. Rosen will have a special display for
second grade in the library with appropriate books for the children to check
out. The children will also be able to check out books from the class library.
We hope you have a Happy and Healthy New Year as well as an easy and
meaningful fast.
Sincerely,
Jaime Leonard
Kim Bass
The Second Grade Team
September 11, 2009
Dear Parents,
What a great second week of school! The students have transitioned nicely
into second grade and are learning the classroom routines. The children are
getting to know each other and are creating a positive classroom
atmosphere. They are working hard and have written in their journals about
their first week of school and also created an autobiography that we are
displaying in the classroom. We are currently assessing the children to
learn their strengths and help us find the appropriate reading group that
best fits his/her needs. We will start reading groups next week.
This year we will be working on enhancing your child’s writing skills. We
will incorporate the “6 Traits of Writing” into our Language Arts. The first
trait we are practicing is IDEAS. The children are learning how to choose a
clear topic and create an exciting idea to write about. The children will
have monthly book reports. Below is a schedule of the book reports for the
year. It includes the type of book to read and the date the book report is
due (it will also be posted on our teacher web page). We will provide a form
to complete for each report. The first book report is on one of our summer
reading books: Frog and Toad are Friends.
Finally, we have provided you some tips for a great year:
• Label all coats, mittens, gloves, boots, and other personal items
• If there is a reason to send money, please enclose it in an envelope with
your child’s name and the purpose written on the outside.
• Send a note explaining absences.
• Read carefully any flyers and complete any forms that are sent home.
• Be prompt in returning forms.
• Send a fresh fruit or vegetable snack for morning and afternoon break.
• Make sure lunches are sealed carefully to avoid spills.
• Have your child dress appropriately for changing weather (jacket, gloves,
hat, scarf…)
• Make sure your child has gym shoes for gym days. Girls are required to have
shorts or pants for gym class. It is helpful if they wear pants under their
skirts.
• Please send a complete change of clothes to be kept in your child’s locker.
• Please read with your child nightly and complete his/her reader’s log. We
will start this next week.
• Your child may have a water bottle in class. It needs to have a sports top
that can be easily closed to prevent spilling.
• We encourage an open line of communication. Please email us with any
questions, concerns or comments you may have.
Just a reminder, Open School Night is this Monday evening, September 14th. We
look forward to meeting all of you!
Sincerely,
Kim Bass and Jaime Leonard
Second Grade General Studies Team
September 2, 2009
Dear Parents,
We are very excited to welcome you and your child to second grade. This year
will be filled with wonderful opportunities for your child to grow and
develop. Second grade is a fun, friendly and happy environment! With your
cooperation and much valued help, we can make the transition from first grade
to second easy and rewarding.
Throughout the year, we will be communicating with you about our class
activities, school events, and your child’s progress. We would like you to
know that we are always available to discuss any questions, comments or
concerns. The best way to reach us is via email (Kim.Bass@hilleltorah.org or
Jaime.Leonard@hilleltorah.org). We check our email daily.
Attached you will find the schedule of our specials. It is important to make
note of gym days so that your child is dressed appropriately. We also have
attached two pages for you to complete so that we can learn more about your
child. Please have your child turn in the attached sheets by Friday.
Our school is going paperless this year, therefore, our weekly letters and
communication will be emailed.
We are looking forward to having a strong partnership with you and a
successful year with your child.
Sincerely,
Kim Bass and Jaime Leonard
Second Grade General Studies Team
