School will be back in session tomorrow, but next Monday, January 15, we are closed in recognition of King Day.  

Hello students and families!  I hope you have had a restful and fun-filled holiday time.  I am very excited to return to school on Monday and see all of you again!  I had hoped to stay in touch over vacation, but unfortunately, my computer was not working until today.  I have been thinking about all of you and look forward to the stories of all that has happened over the three weeks.

 

I have been hearing a lot about exciting events at the Los Angeles County Library.  The San Fernando branch is having an excellent program on January 31 at 4:00 on volcanos that was highly recommended by a special Childrens' Librarian I know (yes, my daughter).  Each branch has special offerings for elementary students that are free, but may require signing up in advance.  Look them up on line to find out all that is available.

 

The same librarian has also recommended a great read-aloud chapter book that I look forward to sharing with all of you when we are together again.  She says it is lots of fun!  We will also be concluding our Unit 4 Benchmark study and quickly proceeding to Unit 5.  We will be looking at reviewing our math skills and learning how our place value system, addition, and subtraction relate to geometry, multiplication and more!    What are all the animals doing this winter?  We will take a look at how different habitats have been affected by the intense cold in other parts of our country.  How does our lack of rain affect our habitat? we will be talking about that, too...hopefully listening to raindrops fall on Tuesday.  We will be talking about Dr. King and his important role in our country's history as we prepare for the King Day celebration.  We will get up and enjoy physical education inside and out this week, resume practice for our musical, and explore other ideas in the arts.  I know I also look forward to returning to the story of Inch and Miles so we can be inspired to reach for our Personal Best every day!

 

Only Saturday and Sunday to go!  Practice getting up and going to bed on a school schedule, get some reading in, and review those math skills!  See you on Monday!

Due to our unexpected closure, we have made some adjustments to our schedule.  We will be going to the PTA holiday shop on Wednesday and Thursday after lunch.  If you wish to have your student shop, please send the spending money in a sealed envelope with his or her name on it.  The spelling test from last week will be held on Wednesday of this week.  We will still have YMCA P.E. on Friday.  We will have early dismissal on Friday at 1:45.  Your student is welcome to bring a snack to share with the class on Friday at 10:30.  

 

I look forward to seeing you at the winter show on Thursday.  Have a joyous and peaceful winter break!

Our class will be visiting the PTA sponsored gift shop twice!  We will be going shopping on Friday, December 8 at 9:15 and again on Wednesday, December 13 at 12:45.  There are many inexpensive and lovely gift items that your student may purchase for special individuals on his or her gift list.  Please send money in an envelope with your student's name and "PTA Shop" on it.

 

Thank you for your assistance.  If you have any questions about the gift shop, please stop by the school office!

Our holiday show is coming on Thursday, December 14!  We have a fun program planned for you.  If possible,  on the day of the show, please send your student wearing any baseball clothes or hats that he or she might already have.  Please do not buy anything for the show!  If your student does not have baseball related clothing, a solid colored shirt or festive clothing will be great!  Thank your for your assistance!

Today, your student will be bringing home their book that was used in Unit 2.  These stories are about how different characters face challenges.  Please ask your student to share the learning with you!  Encourage your student to read their favorite selection aloud and then ask your student why that was a favorite.  What was an important lesson learned in this unit?  

 

Thank you for your support!

Please be reminded that the Halloween Parade will take place at 8:15 in the morning.  Your student, if participating, should come to school in costume.  Make-up, if any, should be minimal as after the parade, we will resume our regular school day.  Students may keep their costumes in a bag at school so the costume is available for after school activities.  Parents may attend the parade and assist in changing into school clothes after the parade is over.  Parking will be available on the neighboring streets only.

 

Students not participating in the parade may arrive at 9:00.  Breakfast will be served at approximately 9:15 on this day only.

 

Thank you for making sure your child wears an appropriate costume.  The face should not be completely covered and there are no weapons or pretend weapons allowed.  Any further questions?  Give the office a call and they will be happy to provide you more information.

We are excited to begin our regular sessions in the science lab on October 9! Each Monday, we will spend some special time focusing on the science objectives for second grade in a truly interactive environment.  Be sure to ask your student about the weekly learning experience!

Next week is a regular school week with dismissal at the usual times.  The following week (Monday, Oct. 16 start) is a week of minimum days with dismissal at 12:40 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Tuesday will be our regular Tuesday schedule ending at 1:40.  I look forward to seeing you during this time for conferences!

 

If your student attends one of our after school programs, you may want to send an extra snack to eat before attending the program.  We will be eating brunch on the minimum days so the students are often hungry before going into the after school program.  Thanks for your help!

Picture day is tomorrow!  We will take our class picture and individual pictures as well.  If you want additional information, please stop by the school office and pick up a flyer!

The annual Halloween Parade will be take place at 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31.  You are welcome to watch your student during this event!  If your student is participating, please send him or her to school costumed (no makeup is permitted).  A bag will be provided for your student to take the costume home for evening use as regular school attire will be needed for the rest of the day's activities.  Please check with the school office for more information regarding this activity.

Conferences are coming up in just about 2 weeks.  I will be sending home a time during which I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress so far this year.  I hope you can come in at the scheduled time, but if you are not able to attend, please send a note or an email so we can reschedule.