This week during our Morning Meeting we discussed the true meaning of Presidents' Day. We learned that the third Monday in February is set aside as a federal holiday to reflect and acknowledge the accomplishments of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. These presidents both have birthdays in February and we shared a few books about their lives for children to explore during their independent reading time.
WINTER IS STILL HERE
Mother Nature was teasing us with the unseasonably warm weather this weekend. Unfortunately, we still have a few more weeks of winter left. Many children did not come prepared to play outside today. Please remember that playgrounds can be muddy so boots help us from tracking that mud into the classroom. Also, even when there is no snow, snow pants keep the kids warm. Snow showers are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. Thanks for your cooperation.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH AND LUNCHEON
February is also African American History Month and we are learning about some amazing African Americans including Ruby Bridges, Bessie Coleman, and Gabby Douglas. On Friday, we will close out this month with an African American History Luncheon. On this day, you will not need to send lunch with your child unless he/she is a fussy eater. We will encourage children (and hope you will too) to politely give some of these new food a try and say "no thank you" if they do not like them. Ty's mom is organizing this event and sent an email to families asking for help. Contact her if you'd like to volunteer. As Shelly writes, "This luncheon is designed to give our children an opportunity to enjoy the long rich history of African Americans through the wonderful experience of food. The food itself has a story and during our celebration students will get a chance to watch a short clip of the 6 hour video "The African Americans Many Rivers to Cross", by Henry Louis Gates. We expect the menu to include: Macaroni and Cheese, Jambalaya, Collard Greens & Sweet Potato Pie."
ICE CONFERENCE
On Thursday and Friday, I will be attending the Illinois Computing Educators Conference in St. Charles, IL. It is a wonderful chance to learn about all the ways innovative teachers and schools are using the latest technology with their students. I can't wait to share some new ideas with the class when I return. Please email Ms. Hamilton with any information about dismissal changes, absences, etc. for those days.
KIDBLOG
The kids wrote another blog post last week and they are now available for you to read, comment and share. The topic for this post is our week at school. Just a reminder - I moderate all posts and comments before they get published. We will never post photos with your child's name or post your child's last name. When you comment, please make sure not to include your last name as well. Under the name box in the comment section, simply write "Mom or Dad, or __________'s Mom/Dad/Grandma, etc. Kids are eager to see comments posted and I will approve them at the end of each day. We invite you to read the other children's posts and make comments too. Kids are welcome to blog from home and can access Kidblog through computer or mobile device.
Find our blogs here: https://kidblog.org/class/MsHarrisonsSecondGrade2015-16/posts
Click on your child’s name at the right to see all of his/her posts.
We will return to Family Message Journal this week so look for them in your child's backpack on Friday.
WHOOPING CRANE PARTY
We had a lovely whopping crane party including grapes (a crane's favorite treat during migration), blue crab juice (a whooping crane favorite) and a beautiful and delicious cake. Thanks to all the parents who helped make this such a special celebration. Here is a little video with all the highlights. You can see more photos and dancing on theflickr site. Be sure to check there for other updates too!
WINTER IS STILL HERE
Mother Nature was teasing us with the unseasonably warm weather this weekend. Unfortunately, we still have a few more weeks of winter left. Many children did not come prepared to play outside today. Please remember that playgrounds can be muddy so boots help us from tracking that mud into the classroom. Also, even when there is no snow, snow pants keep the kids warm. Snow showers are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. Thanks for your cooperation.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH AND LUNCHEON
February is also African American History Month and we are learning about some amazing African Americans including Ruby Bridges, Bessie Coleman, and Gabby Douglas. On Friday, we will close out this month with an African American History Luncheon. On this day, you will not need to send lunch with your child unless he/she is a fussy eater. We will encourage children (and hope you will too) to politely give some of these new food a try and say "no thank you" if they do not like them. Ty's mom is organizing this event and sent an email to families asking for help. Contact her if you'd like to volunteer. As Shelly writes, "This luncheon is designed to give our children an opportunity to enjoy the long rich history of African Americans through the wonderful experience of food. The food itself has a story and during our celebration students will get a chance to watch a short clip of the 6 hour video "The African Americans Many Rivers to Cross", by Henry Louis Gates. We expect the menu to include: Macaroni and Cheese, Jambalaya, Collard Greens & Sweet Potato Pie."
ICE CONFERENCE
On Thursday and Friday, I will be attending the Illinois Computing Educators Conference in St. Charles, IL. It is a wonderful chance to learn about all the ways innovative teachers and schools are using the latest technology with their students. I can't wait to share some new ideas with the class when I return. Please email Ms. Hamilton with any information about dismissal changes, absences, etc. for those days.
KIDBLOG
The kids wrote another blog post last week and they are now available for you to read, comment and share. The topic for this post is our week at school. Just a reminder - I moderate all posts and comments before they get published. We will never post photos with your child's name or post your child's last name. When you comment, please make sure not to include your last name as well. Under the name box in the comment section, simply write "Mom or Dad, or __________'s Mom/Dad/Grandma, etc. Kids are eager to see comments posted and I will approve them at the end of each day. We invite you to read the other children's posts and make comments too. Kids are welcome to blog from home and can access Kidblog through computer or mobile device.
Find our blogs here: https://kidblog.org/class/MsHarrisonsSecondGrade2015-16/posts
Click on your child’s name at the right to see all of his/her posts.
We will return to Family Message Journal this week so look for them in your child's backpack on Friday.
WHOOPING CRANE PARTY
We had a lovely whopping crane party including grapes (a crane's favorite treat during migration), blue crab juice (a whooping crane favorite) and a beautiful and delicious cake. Thanks to all the parents who helped make this such a special celebration. Here is a little video with all the highlights. You can see more photos and dancing on theflickr site. Be sure to check there for other updates too!
SNACK DONATIONS NEEDED
We always try to have extra snacks on hand for times when a lunchbox is forgotten at home, when food falls on the floor, or when a child is still feeling hungry. If you’d like to help, we could use some peanut/tree-nut free granola bars, pretzels, goldfish crackers,etc. that are easy to store. We are fine with the lunch supply. Thanks for your help!
Have a great week!
We always try to have extra snacks on hand for times when a lunchbox is forgotten at home, when food falls on the floor, or when a child is still feeling hungry. If you’d like to help, we could use some peanut/tree-nut free granola bars, pretzels, goldfish crackers,etc. that are easy to store. We are fine with the lunch supply. Thanks for your help!
Have a great week!