Testing, Testing...1,2,3

Testing, Testing

NWEA testing is starting the week of September 9.  This is a standardized test that your child will take on the computer.  It is divided into three sections: Math, Reading, and Language Usage.  One section is given each week for the next three weeks.  We can work together to make sure that your child has a positive test-taking experience.

The test dates for Mrs. Pelkey's class are:

Wednesday, September 11

Wednesday, September 18

Wednesday, September 25

* There are make-up times available for those who are absent or who need more time. *

Please make sure that your child gets a good night's rest, has a healthy breakfast, and arrives to school on time for the days of testing.  Encourage your child to do their best.

In the past, students have enjoyed receiving an encouraging note from their family on each day of the test.  If this is something that you would like to do, simply place the note in an envelope labeled for your child, and place it in his or her Home Folder the morning of the test.

1,2,3

If you are anything like me, sometimes you have the TV on, but you're not really watching it.  Maybe you're distracted with getting dinner on the table, throwing in another load of laundry, or letting the dog out.  And in.  And out.

So I vaguely remember hearing some lady on TV saying, "You only have to tell me 4 times!", but never really noticed what the commercial was for.  Imagine my excitement when I start to notice (on specially marked packages) 4 Box Tops for Education on one package! Have you seen these?!?

Collecting Box Tops is as easy as 1,2,3!

1. Snip.

2. Send in to school.

3. Earn cash for your child's school!

And we are in competition, families!  Each classroom competes with the others to see who collects the most Box Tops throughout the year.  Winning classrooms receive an extra cash bonus!  This money can go toward classroom books, materials for special projects, and other classroom supplies.  What an easy way to support Center Drive School!  

Pattern Blocks and Headphones

To begin the year in math, we are exploring the variety of math materials that we will be using all year long.  We are also beginning to think about good problem solving strategies.  Another math concept that we have started on is telling time on an analog clock.  Three of our new math vocabulary words are: digital, analog, and o'clock.  We have not only been practicing telling time to the hour, but we are also getting better at being able to explain what the hands on an analog clock look like when the time is on the hour (the minute hand is always pointing at the 12).  Explaining our thinking is an important part of learning; and we will be working on this throughout the entire year.  

Free Explore with Pattern Blocks

"Cover and Count" with Pattern Blocks

How many different ways can you fill each space?

 Please note on the right side of this blog page our Specials are listed.  Don't forget to wear (or bring) sneakers for P.E. on Mondays (beginning September 9).  Also, all students will need headphones for the Computer Lab.  Several of you have already sent a set in; and others still had headphones here at school from last year.  Please check with your child to see if they still need to bring a set in.  

** Thank you to all those who were able to make donations for our classroom!  We have cleaning wipes, pencils, tissues, crayons, and more! **

First Day and Magic Playdough

Who-oo knew we were such a cute bunch?!?  Our bulletin board owls look great, and we are receiving lots of compliments!

Our first day of school was a blur of excitement, as we began to learn classroom procedures and explore some of the materials in the room.  Lots of great learning happened today while students already began to use clever strategies as they figured things out.  They are coming home hot and tired today!

Early in the day, I gave students a ball of Magic Playdough (the secret ingredient is magic).  Magic Playdough starts off white; and comes with a poem promising that if the dough turns color, you will have a good year.  I am happy to announce that everyone's playdough changed color - an amazing year ahead!

** Get your child talking!  Ask them questions like "What was the best part of the day?", "What was challenging today?", "What surprised you today?", etc. ***

Don't forget to check your child's folder and take some time to go over the papers that have been sent home.  Many of those papers need to be filled out and returned.

Success and Paperwork

Success!

Open House was spectacular!  Our classroom had 100% participation - that says a lot for the families of Mrs. Pelkey's second grade!  I am so happy that I had a chance to see old friends and meet new friends Monday night.  Thank you all for your support!

Paperwork

The beginning of the school year means lots (and lots and lots) of papers coming home.  Please take the time to look these over, as they provide a ton of useful information - and some of the papers need to be filled out and returned to me.

In particular, please look for: a packet of papers from the office, a light green paper regarding communication for me, a yellow sheet that highlights what topics your child will cover this year (for you to keep), and an orange sheet that goes into more detail about topics covered for First Quarter in our classroom (also for you to keep).  

Please return all necessary papers to school as soon as you can.  Thank you!

Hoot! Hoot! Hooray!

The school year is fast approaching!  I have been very busy getting our classroom ready for your arrival.  If you are new to our classroom blog: Welcome!  Please be sure to check in regularly for classroom updates.  Better yet: Please enter your email address in the bar above, and hit "submit".  Then follow the directions in the pop-up box by "Feedburner".  By doing this, you will receive an email from Feedburner to activate your "membership".  Once activated, you will receive an email each time I update the blog.  Then there will be no guessing if there's anything new, and no forgetting to check in.  You can also "become a member" of my blog by clicking on the link on the right hand side of this page (scroll down a bit).  This action will not send you email updates, but it is nice for me to see who is visiting :)

I will be making contact with each family before the school year begins, just to check in.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns for me, please feel free to contact me at s.pelkey@cdsedu.org.  

Don't forget:  Open House is Monday, August 26 from 6:00 - 7:00.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

Hello Summer!

Here are some final photos from Field Day.  It may have been rainy, but we had a fun day!

Clean Out Your Backyard - inside version

Dancing

Cooling down from dancing!

Game Time

Scooter Races

Madison was really into cheering on her team!

Fire Safety Relay!!!  Thanks, Orrington Fire Department!

Ice Cream Social - Thank you, PTG!!!
Celebrating summer birthdays - lots of treats!

Thank you, once again, to all of the supportive parents and families!  I appreciate all of the ways you have helped out this year.  Also, thank you for my end of year gifts and cards.  I am amazed each year by all of the thoughtful families in our community!

Have a happy and safe Summer Vacation!

Field Day

Field Day has been postponed for K-2 until Wednesday, June 12.  Although it still might rain Wednesday, it looks to be the better of the two days.  We have indoor activities planned if needed.  Mrs. Wright should be contacting all volunteers.  Thank you for your flexibility!