Dear Second Grade 2011-2012,
     I have truly enjoyed teaching you this year!  You are such amazing learners and critical thinkers.  I am so proud of how much you have accomplished from being responsible citizens, life-long learners, ambassadors of hope, and active Catholics.  It was an honor preparing you to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  I will never forget you.  God bless my children of the Lord.

Ms. Forbush

Second Grade is ready for First Holy Communion.

Here are a few reminders:

     There are two rehearsal days to practice for First Holy Communion.  At least one parent should be present.  The first one is Wednesday, May 2, for those children receiving on May 5th.  The other rehearsal is on Wednesday, May 9th, for those children receiving on May 12th.  Both rehearsals begin at six thirty.

                                                       May Crowning News:
       This Friday, May 4th, will be the Crowning of Mary celebration.  Second Grade is also hosting the Mass prior to the procession.  Mass is at 8:15 a.m.  Please make sure your child is on time.  Parents are welcome to attend.  Also, your child may bring flowers on that day and throughout the month of May to honor our Blessed Mother.  Thank you.

First Holy Communion

Homework for April 30th - May 3rd

Monday:

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Do the assigned math paper.
3. Come to the First Holy Communion retreat in the church at 6:30 p.m.  You may bring a picture of yourself, stickers, lace, etc. to decorate your banner.  The banners are provided and will be given to you at the retreat.  

Tuesday:

1. Do the reading paper on sequencing.
2. Share the Religion paper with your parents.
3. Do the assigned math paper.

Wednesday:

1. Do the reading paper on synonyms.
2. Do the assigned math paper.
3. Study the Religion notes for Friday's test.

Thursday:

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Study the Religion notes.

We reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Homework for April 16-19

Monday:

1. 
   
   Write each spelling word 4x.


2. 
   
   Study the multiplication facts: 2's, 5's, and 10's.


3. 
   
   Work on the Earth Day Project.


4. 
   
   Read the Decodable Book.

Tuesday:

1. 
   
   Do the Earth Day Every Day word search.


2. 
   
   Work on the Earth Day Project.


3. 
   
   Study the assigned multiplication facts.

Wednesday:

1. 
   
   Do the assigned reading paper.


2. 
   
   Finish your Earth Day Project.


3. 
   
   Do the assigned math paper.

Thursday:

1. 
   
   Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.


2. 
   
   Study the Religion notes for Friday's test.


3. 
   
   Study the multiplication facts.

Earth Day Project (Due this Thursday)

We are currently learning about Earth Day which is celebrated on April 22nd. The second graders know the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Please help your child fill his/her recycle bag with items that can be recycled and reused. We will be sharing these items on Thursday and then making art projects with them on Friday. In addition, if you have any arts and crafts materials around the house such as: buttons, beads, ribbons, feathers, stickers, etc. that you wouldn't mind donating, please send them in. Thank you for your help.

Field Trip News!

Second Grade will be going to the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles next Wednesday, April 25th. We will be leaving the school at 7:45 a.m. I would like all students at school by 7:30 a.m. and no later. We do not have to worry about transportation because we have a bus. This is due to the kindness of Ruth Gallarzo. Thank you Ruth! I would also like to thank Angela Serrano for organizing this trip. We are allowed seven chaperones. If you are interested, please let me know. Remember you must be fingerprinted through the Diocese and have taken the Safe Environment Training. I will send the permission slips home tomorrow. Please send them back no later than this Friday.

One last bit of information. I will be testing all the students on the multiplication facts: 2's, 5's, and 10's. Please practice these facts with your child.

Holy Week

Dear Parent,

Here are a few reminders. First, we will be making the "Big Mouth" Bunny on Tuesday morning. Please make sure your child has all the supplies needed, especially the liquid glue. On Spy Wednesday there is the Passion Play presented by Student Council. Parents are welcome to attend. The first performance will be at 8:30 for the primary grades and there will be one at 9:15 for the upper grades. Please remember there is no after school care on Holy Thursday. It is a half day and the students need to be picked up by 12:15 at the latest. Thank you and may you have a very blessed and Holy Easter.

Sincerely,

Ms. Forbush

We pray, fast, and give alms.

Homework for March 12-15

Monday:

1. Write the last fifteen spell-a-thon words 5x.
2. Go online and practice Unit 9 vocabulary words.
3. Study your assigned math facts.

Tuesday:

1. Do the assigned math paper.
2. Read the science story Rocks two times to increase reading fluency.
3. Practice all thirty spell-a-thon words.

Wednesday:

1. Take a spelling pretest for the last fifteen spell-a-thon words.
2. Write any misspelled word 5x.
3. Share the Religion paper with your family.

Thursday:

1. Take a spelling pretest of all thirty spell-a-thon words and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Do the vocabulary paper.
3. Study your math facts.

Notes: We are currently learning about fossils, dinosaurs, and rocks in reading and science. Please have your child collect a small bag of rocks for our science experiment. Also, thank you for practicing the spell-a-thon words with your child. I know all the students will do a fantastic job.

We pray, fast, and give alms.

Homework for February 27th -March 1st

Monday:

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Do the Dr. Seuss activity paper (What is different?).
3. Study your assigned math facts.
4. Read for twenty minutes and record in reading log.

Tuesday:

1. Do the Dr. Seuss word search paper.
2. Do the math paper on regrouping (subtraction).
3. Do the Someone Special Book report and bring it to share with the class tomorrow.

Wednesday: Character Day!

1. Do the Dr. Seuss code activity paper.
2. Study your assigned math facts.
3. Share the Religion paper with your family.
4. Read the Decodable Book.

Thursday:

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Study your math facts.
3. Read an AR book for tomorrow's AR Quiz-taking challenge.

Notes: Our second grade class is participating in the Accelerated Reader Quiz-taking challenge, Read The Most From Coast To Coast, which will take place on Friday, March 2nd. This is the birthday of Dr. Seuss and students from coast to coast will be taking AR tests all day long. That day is also a half day and we have Mass. After Mass and our regular tests, we will dedicate the rest of the time for AR tests. In order to encourage the students to get ready for the big day, I have planned a few fun activities. One activity is Character Day which will be on Wednesday. The students may come dressed as their favorite character from a book. I would also like them to bring the book and book report to share with the class. They may also bring in items that relate to the book or theme. I really hope all my students participate! Mrs. Long gave her permission for the students to dress up. Also, encourage your child to read an AR book or two so that he/she may take a test during the week and on that day. Thank you for your help. Happy reading!

First Reconciliation

Homework for February 13-16

Monday: (First Reconciliation Retreat at 6:30)

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Go online and practice Unit 8 vocabulary words.
3. Study the addition and subtraction facts (everyone).

Tuesday: Valentine's Day!

1. Do the paper on plurals.
2. Read the Decodable Book.
3. Do the math paper on practicing money.

Wednesday:

1. Examine your conscience for confession. Use the enclosed paper.
2. Do the assigned math paper on addition and subtraction.
3. Do the assigned vocabulary paper.

Thursday: First Reconciliation (Wear your Sunday best)

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Study the addition and subtraction facts for tomorrow's test.
3. Relax!

Notes: This is a very special week for Second Grade. I hope to see you at the Reconciliation Retreat on Monday evening. Remember the students may bring 25 valentines for the Valentine's celebration on Tuesday. Also, help your child examine his/her conscience using the guide that will be sent home on Wednesday. Thank you to our Room Moms for hosting the celebration after Reconciliation. If you would like to send the donation, please send it in an envelope with your child's name on it. Thank you.

Please reread the letter from Rose Garcia, sent home last week, concerning the Second Grade Bake Sale on February 21st. You may call her if you have questions or if you would like to help.

One last thing. I will be testing all students this Friday on the addition and subtraction facts. Please help your child practice these facts. It helps the students do regrouping much faster if the facts are memorized. Multiplication tests will be given the following week. We are also practicing with money. I encourage you to help your child practice counting coins.

Talented Second Grade!

Homework for February 6-9

Monday:

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Study your math facts.
3. Do the High-Frequency Words paper.

Tuesday:

1. Read for twenty minutes and record in reading log.
2. Do the Word Search paper.
3. Practice saying the Act of Contrition.

Wednesday:

1. Do the excel math homework #43.
2. Do the paper on Cause and Effect.
3. Study the Religion notes for Friday's test.

Thursday:

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Study your math facts.
3. Practice saying the Act of Contrition.
4. Do excel math homework #44.

Notes: Congratulations Second Grade on your spectacular performance! I am so proud of each one of you!! Also, thank you parents for your time and talent in making this performance a success. Broadway, here we come!

Dear Parents,

As you know, First Reconciliation is next Thursday. Please remember your child may wear his/her Sunday best to school on that day. Also, please make sure to read the letter from our wonderful Room Mom, Rose Garcia. She has information concerning the First Reconciliation Retreat next Monday, February 13th. It starts at six thirty in the Church. She also mentions the luncheon directly following First Reconciliation on Thursday, February 16th. Lastly, she has information about Valentine's Day.

One last bit of information concerning next Friday, February 17th. There is going to be noon dismissal due to the funeral of Mrs. Mahina Chang Wo, a beloved, past teacher's assistant of our school.

Catholic School's Week

Homework for January 30th -February 2nd

Character Matters!

Monday: Career Day

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Do excel math homework #37.
3. Go online to practice Unit 7 vocabulary words.

Tuesday: Generation Day (70's)

1. Read for twenty minutes and record in reading log.
2. Study your assigned math facts.

Wednesday: Lazy Day

1. Do excel math homework #38.
2. Do the assigned vocabulary paper.
3. Share the Religion paper with your family.

Thursday: Culture Day and PTG Performance!

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Be in the second grade classroom, in costume and ready to perform for your parents, no later than 5:40 p.m.

Notes: As you know, our spectacular PTG performance, Character Matters, is on Thursday. We have a dress rehearsal for the school after lunch. Please make sure your child brings his/her costume to school that morning. I will have the students change into their costumes at lunchtime. As mentioned above, please make sure your child is on time for the evening performance. I will escort the students to the Hall when it is time for us to be on stage. After, I ask that you meet us at the back of the Hall to take your child. I do not let students go by themselves to look for parents.

I am extremely proud of all my wonderful students for their hard work and dedication. They are truly a joy to teach!! Thank you for your support and help in this matter. Character really does matter!

I also have First Reconciliation news. The date for First Reconciliation is February 16th at 10:00 a.m. I will walk the students over to the Church at that time. All parents are welcome to attend and we will have a small reception in the classroom afterward. Because it is such a special sacrament for the students, all of them may come dressed in their Sunday best on that day. Even if a student is not receiving this sacrament, he/she has been learning and participating in Religion. Therefore, this is a celebration for all. Once again, I am so proud of my students for all their hard work in learning the importance of this special sacrament. Please continue to assist your child in memorizing the Act of Contrition. Thank you.

One last thing, I promise. Remember the students may bring in a full size deodorant for the Sweet on Soldiers program. It is due by February 3rd. All students participating will have free dress on February 9th.

Character Matters!

Homework for January 23-26

Monday:

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Read for twenty minutes and record in reading log.
3. Study your assigned math facts.

Tuesday:

1. Read the story Sibling Stories two times to increase reading fluency.
2. Practice the Seven Steps to a Good Confession.
3. Do the assigned math paper.

Wednesday:

1. Do the vocabulary paper.
2. Choose a Spelling Skill Builders activity to practice the spelling words.
3. Practice the Seven Steps to a Good Confession.

Thursday:

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Study your math facts.
3. Study the Religion notes for Friday's test.
4. Read the Decodable Book.

Notes: Thank you parents for all the wonderful costumes! I truly appreciate all your hard work. I can't wait for you to see the students shine on that stage. They are spectacular!!!

Penguins are amazing!

Homework for January 17-19

Tuesday:

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Read the Decodable Book.
3. Study your assigned math facts.
4. Practice the Character Matters songs using your CD.

Wednesday:

1. Practice saying the Act of Contrition.
2. Do the Types of Sentences paper.
3. Do the excel math homework #33.
4. Practice the Character Matters songs.

Thursday: (Family Reading Night at 6:00 p.m.)

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 5x.
2. Study your math facts.
3. Do the Following Directions paper.

Notes: Friday is the Jog-a-thon. Free dress for participants. Also, Ms. Cheryl will be doing P.E. every Friday for thirty minutes. The students may wear their P.E. clothes, except on Mass days.

Happy New Year!

Homework for January 9-12

Monday:

1. Write each spelling word 5x.
2. Work on your science paper "It's All Relative." Have your parents help you find pictures and glue them on the construction paper. Complete the form to see if you have traits that are alike or different than your family member. This is due on Friday.
3. Study your assigned math facts.
4. Read the story The Perfect Pet two times to increase reading fluency.

Tuesday:

1. Put these U-Pick Words in ABC order: suddenly, found, eighth, people, should, before, afraid, and heard.
2. Do excel math homework #28.
3. Work on your science assignment.
4. Read the Decodable Book.

Wednesday:

1. Do the assigned vocabulary paper.
2. Do excel math homework #29.
3. Study your math facts.

Thursday:

1. Take a spelling pretest and write any misspelled word 7x.
2. Study the Religion notes for tomorrow's test.
3. Study your math facts.

Notes: There is no school on Monday, January 16th, because it is Martin Luther King Day. However, there is a Parent Reconciliation Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Also, our Jog-a-thon is Friday, January 20th. Free dress for all participants. Speaking of January 20th, that is the day all PTG costumes are due. Thank you to the parents in charge of the group costumes and for contacting the other parents. The students are busy practicing and I think it is going to be spectacular! We have such talented second and third graders! Character really does matter!!

A very big thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Merlos, parents of Danika in third grade, for their generosity in providing a Character Matters CD for each student. Please have your child practice the songs.

One last thing I forgot to mention. Our Family Reading Night will be held on Thurday, January 19th, at 6:00 p.m. in the second grade classroom. Please bring your favorite books, a blanket or pillow, and your family. I will be giving reading strategy tips and we will be sharing our stories.