Greetings!!
A friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Friday September 2nd and Monday September 5th. Enjoy your long weekend and Happy Labor Day!!
Ciao!
Ms. Hull and Mrs. Helmbrecht
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Yay--Book Orders!
Hello Parents and Students!
Throughout the year you will be receiving many book orders. As in the past, if your child and you choose to order a book you may return the order form and your payment to the homeroom teacher.
Besides the traditional way of ordering a book from a book order we are very excited to extend an invitation to each of you to order your books online. If you are interested in doing so, click on the link below and set up a free account. Once you've entered your information, Scholastic will link you to either Mrs. Helmbrecht (code: GM9WB ) or Ms. Hull's (code: HYYX2 )class ordering forms where you are able place and pay for your book order.
The NEATEST things about ordering online, besides being quick and easy, is that every time a parent places an order online your child's homeroom classroom receives a FREE BOOK and or a $3.00 voucher to buy a book with! Every time!! It is a wonderful way to help build a great library for the students! And the best part is IT IS FREE! You do not pay anything extra! So please, if you are able to, try placing a book order online! If you'd rather not, we still WELCOME all orders in the traditional way of ordering.
Click below to set up a free account on Scholastic:
http://pcool.scholastic.com/parentordering/login.jsp?ESP=SBC/ib//acq/pcool_slimnav_Parents///nav/txtl////
To be linked with Ms. Hull's classroom order you will need to enter the following code: HYYX2.
To be linked with Mrs. Hlembrecht's classroom order you will need to enter the following code: GM9WB.
Thank you for supporting your child's reading and development as well as the growth of their homeroom library!
Cheers,
Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
Throughout the year you will be receiving many book orders. As in the past, if your child and you choose to order a book you may return the order form and your payment to the homeroom teacher.
Besides the traditional way of ordering a book from a book order we are very excited to extend an invitation to each of you to order your books online. If you are interested in doing so, click on the link below and set up a free account. Once you've entered your information, Scholastic will link you to either Mrs. Helmbrecht (code: GM9WB ) or Ms. Hull's (code: HYYX2 )class ordering forms where you are able place and pay for your book order.
The NEATEST things about ordering online, besides being quick and easy, is that every time a parent places an order online your child's homeroom classroom receives a FREE BOOK and or a $3.00 voucher to buy a book with! Every time!! It is a wonderful way to help build a great library for the students! And the best part is IT IS FREE! You do not pay anything extra! So please, if you are able to, try placing a book order online! If you'd rather not, we still WELCOME all orders in the traditional way of ordering.
Click below to set up a free account on Scholastic:
http://pcool.scholastic.com/parentordering/login.jsp?ESP=SBC/ib//acq/pcool_slimnav_Parents///nav/txtl////
To be linked with Ms. Hull's classroom order you will need to enter the following code: HYYX2.
To be linked with Mrs. Hlembrecht's classroom order you will need to enter the following code: GM9WB.
Thank you for supporting your child's reading and development as well as the growth of their homeroom library!
Cheers,
Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
NWEA Testing
Dear Parents,
In second grade, students are given the state tests called the NWEA. These tests helps educators pinpoint each child's individual ability level in math, reading and language arts. The tests are taken at two times during the year (sometimes three) so that we are able to monitor student growth.
Students take the NWEA tests in the fall to give us a base score (where they are at). Then we, the teachers, give each student a target score or a goal score (where they should be at the end of the year).
The students and teachers have talked about setting goals already this year so once the test results are received we will be speaking to the children about how they did, where we'd like to see them be at the end of the year, and how we (the student, parent and teacher) plan to get them to that point. It is important to remember that some students may have a higher or lower base score than others. Because we want to see growth in ALL students, each child will be given an individualized goal for spring that correlates to their fall test score.
In order to give us an individualized reading on each child's ability in math, reading and language arts, the NWEA tests are designed in a very unique manner. What is unique about these tests is that, for every student, the tests questions all begin at the same level of difficulty based on grade level but get progressively harder or easier in accordance to the child's answer choices. Which means, if the child is answering correctly the test will give them harder level questions to see how advanced they are. For children who are not answering correctly the test will automatically adjust the question difficulty to a slightly easier level to determine what level they are at.
Our students are taking the NWEA tests during the afternoon this week (the week of August 22nd) and next week (the week of August 29th). It should take each student about three days to complete all three tests--afternoons only! This is NOT a timed test, students have as long as they need to complete each of the three portions.
We know all the students will do great! As parents, please encourage your child and remind him or her to do their best on these tests! Please contact STRIDE with any questions or concerns regarding these tests.
Best Wishes,
Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
In second grade, students are given the state tests called the NWEA. These tests helps educators pinpoint each child's individual ability level in math, reading and language arts. The tests are taken at two times during the year (sometimes three) so that we are able to monitor student growth.
Students take the NWEA tests in the fall to give us a base score (where they are at). Then we, the teachers, give each student a target score or a goal score (where they should be at the end of the year).
The students and teachers have talked about setting goals already this year so once the test results are received we will be speaking to the children about how they did, where we'd like to see them be at the end of the year, and how we (the student, parent and teacher) plan to get them to that point. It is important to remember that some students may have a higher or lower base score than others. Because we want to see growth in ALL students, each child will be given an individualized goal for spring that correlates to their fall test score.
In order to give us an individualized reading on each child's ability in math, reading and language arts, the NWEA tests are designed in a very unique manner. What is unique about these tests is that, for every student, the tests questions all begin at the same level of difficulty based on grade level but get progressively harder or easier in accordance to the child's answer choices. Which means, if the child is answering correctly the test will give them harder level questions to see how advanced they are. For children who are not answering correctly the test will automatically adjust the question difficulty to a slightly easier level to determine what level they are at.
Our students are taking the NWEA tests during the afternoon this week (the week of August 22nd) and next week (the week of August 29th). It should take each student about three days to complete all three tests--afternoons only! This is NOT a timed test, students have as long as they need to complete each of the three portions.
We know all the students will do great! As parents, please encourage your child and remind him or her to do their best on these tests! Please contact STRIDE with any questions or concerns regarding these tests.
Best Wishes,
Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
Spelling
Hello Parents and Students!
This week we've begun spelling in 2nd grade. There are two levels for spelling, a level 2 (the red level) and a level 3 (the purple level). Students are placed at a level that corresponds with their reading level and class.
We will not have spelling each week. For about the first half of the year if the school week only has 4 days, we will most likely not have spelling. During the second half of the school year we will have spelling even if it is a 4 day week.
Basic expectations for spelling are that each week students will:
1. write their spelling words in their planners
2. work on and finish their spelling packet (torn out of their workbook) by Friday.
3. practice their words every night so they get a great score on their test (ALWAYS on the last day of the week)
Please help your child with their spelling work each week as well as help them practice each night. The sooner you as the parent practice with them the greater the chances are of them doing well on their packet as well as their test. Sometimes students practice their words incorrectly; learning an incorrect spelling habit early in the week makes it hard to relearn the word the correct way :)
Thanks for all your support and help!
Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
This week we've begun spelling in 2nd grade. There are two levels for spelling, a level 2 (the red level) and a level 3 (the purple level). Students are placed at a level that corresponds with their reading level and class.
We will not have spelling each week. For about the first half of the year if the school week only has 4 days, we will most likely not have spelling. During the second half of the school year we will have spelling even if it is a 4 day week.
Basic expectations for spelling are that each week students will:
1. write their spelling words in their planners
2. work on and finish their spelling packet (torn out of their workbook) by Friday.
3. practice their words every night so they get a great score on their test (ALWAYS on the last day of the week)
Please help your child with their spelling work each week as well as help them practice each night. The sooner you as the parent practice with them the greater the chances are of them doing well on their packet as well as their test. Sometimes students practice their words incorrectly; learning an incorrect spelling habit early in the week makes it hard to relearn the word the correct way :)
Thanks for all your support and help!
Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
Social Studies and Science
Greetings!!
Last week we began our first unit in social studies and science class. Currently Mrs. Helmbrecht is teaching science to her homeroom students and Ms. Hull is teaching social studies to her homeroom students. We will have wrapped up the first unit by September 1st and will be ready to flip classes. This means that beginning on September 6th and continuing for three weeks Mrs. Helmbrecht will be teaching science to Ms. Hull's homeroom students and Ms. Hull will be teaching social studies to Mrs. Helmbrecht's homeroom students. It is done this way so that students cover one whole unit in one class before beginning a unit in the other class. This flip happens about every three to four weeks throughout the school year. Your child will not have social studies and science at the same time.
The first unit in science is about life cycles; focusing on the life cycles of butterflies, frogs and chickens. A highlight--students will be able to witness the life cycle of a butterfly at school! In social studies students will be studying ancient India and ancient China during the first unit; focusing on the religion, history, important figures, geography and culture of these two areas.
A lot of information is presented to your children during these class sessions (which are limited in number and length). Please discuss with them what they may have learned that day so they are better able to retain the information. We encourage students to read books on these subjects or do research with their families on the computer or at the library to broaden their understanding of these topics.
Cheers!
Ms. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
Last week we began our first unit in social studies and science class. Currently Mrs. Helmbrecht is teaching science to her homeroom students and Ms. Hull is teaching social studies to her homeroom students. We will have wrapped up the first unit by September 1st and will be ready to flip classes. This means that beginning on September 6th and continuing for three weeks Mrs. Helmbrecht will be teaching science to Ms. Hull's homeroom students and Ms. Hull will be teaching social studies to Mrs. Helmbrecht's homeroom students. It is done this way so that students cover one whole unit in one class before beginning a unit in the other class. This flip happens about every three to four weeks throughout the school year. Your child will not have social studies and science at the same time.
The first unit in science is about life cycles; focusing on the life cycles of butterflies, frogs and chickens. A highlight--students will be able to witness the life cycle of a butterfly at school! In social studies students will be studying ancient India and ancient China during the first unit; focusing on the religion, history, important figures, geography and culture of these two areas.
A lot of information is presented to your children during these class sessions (which are limited in number and length). Please discuss with them what they may have learned that day so they are better able to retain the information. We encourage students to read books on these subjects or do research with their families on the computer or at the library to broaden their understanding of these topics.
Cheers!
Ms. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull
Saturday, August 6, 2011
STRIDE Academy Silent Auction 2011
Hello Parents and Students!
We are writing to remind you of STRIDE Academy's annual Silent Auction. Although the actual auction date has not been specified yet, the teachers have received their classroom donation themes from P.A.T.H.S. As in the past, each classroom is given a theme for which parents and families of the students in that class can purchase and donate items. The donated items are made into themed baskets and kits which are then bid on at our annual auction in the fall. All money that is collected from the auction goes toward school and student needs.
Also, P.A.T.H.S. has decided to have another classroom contest this year in regards to donations for the auction. The contest will be based off of how much participation each classroom has. Although we know it is not always possible, our goal is to have each child and/or family donate an item for their classroom's basket(s) this year. So please be on the watch for items that fit into our themes this year. Our themes are:
Mrs. Helmbrecht- Cooking/Grilling/ Baking
Ms. Hull-Camping
Keep in mind that as the summer season winds down items related to camping and grilling may be going on sale! If you have any questions please speak with either of the 2nd grade teachers. Again, THANK you for all of your support. You are a dynamic part of what makes STRIDE Academy so great.
See you soon!
Mrs. Helmbrecth and Ms. Hull
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)