October 27, 2017

Practicing telling time using an analog clock.

If your child is eager to have more opportunities to explore mathematics, please see the document below created by Tracy Arensberg while serving in the role of our Lower School Math Specialist:

Just like reading, we hope that math is a part of your child’s nightly routine. While there is an expectation of completing the math homework we send home, many children may also be eager for extensions and challenges beyond the assigned homework.  This is great, and we encourage you to foster this interest by engaging with your child around math whenever possible.  What follows are some ideas on how you might do this.

• Visit the All School Problem page!  Not only do I post problems here that are challenging, but there are also links to online resources, such as Bedtime Math and Illuminations, that can help you with ideas on ways extend your child’s thinking in math.

• Mathematize your home! Create graphs and charts for Halloween candy, lost teeth, and budgets for trips and projects.  Make plans for volumes and prices of pet food needed for durations of time. When you are doing math that is more sophisticated (taxes?) find ways to make that visible to your child. It is important that they see math as part of everyday life for adults.

• Use that commute time!  In the car you can toss mental math problems to your child that encourage efficient strategies and multiplicative thinking (such as skip counting).

• Play a game!  The logic, record keeping, and fact fluency involved in playing games can provide many math challenges and promote flexible thinking.  The game “24” is very powerful this way and also very portable.

• Worksheets?  While there are myriad worksheets available for download online, it can also be really enjoyable to make a quick worksheet that is customized for your child’s interest and abilities. She or he will love solving problems that you or a sibling create based on sports, pets, trips, or whatever.

In addition to these ideas you might consider after school options that emphasize math and engineering (such as Legos).  Also, don’t hesitate to contact me if you are looking for something specific to foster your child’s interest in math, I may be able to connect you with a resource or idea.

Using arrays to write addition and multiplication equations.

Kindergarten Buddies Taught us to Doodle and Sketch
This week during our buddy visit, our Kindergarten friends showed us how to "doodle". The children then went outdoors and either wrote or drew what they observed in special little sketchbooks.

What is happening in technology?

Kodable fun in Second Grade

If you haven't heard yet from your second grader we have started our programming unit during this technology rotation. We use Kodable to introduce students to programming. Kodable is more than just another coding game. Our lessons introduce new vocabulary such as: programmer, code, sequencing, debugging, constraints, looping, etc. I know that the students are very eager to play Kodable at home, so if you would like to download and unlock your student’s account you may do that. Please understand that we will be unlocking more levels during the school year for classroom lessons.

Happy coding!

Mrs. Thomas

Class Code:

Schilling: oesschilling

Link to Kodable for parents

Link to iOS app

Homework

This week's homework will be due Tuesday, 10/31.  Please note that homework will be due on Tuesday instead of Monday due to our field trip to the Oregon Humane Society. Teachers need the additional time to correct math homework.  

• Read for at least 15 minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the reading log nightly
• Conduct the reading interview questions throughout the week (parents may help with the writing at the beginning of the year)
• Math Journal: pages 21-22

Next week:

Due to Halloween and conferences next week there will be no homework assigned. I encourage you to have your child continue to read 15 minutes a night to build stamina.

Fall Conferences

I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s strengths, areas for growth and plans moving forward during fall conferences. I sent a conference reminder and a parent questionnaire in this week’s Wednesday Express.  I appreciate you taking the time to complete this questionnaire and returning it by Monday, October 30th.  An electronic copy of this form is available here. If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, please let me know as soon as possible, so that another meeting time can be arranged.  The confidential information you share with your child’s teacher helps us to plan an informative and collaborative discussion.  The conference is a wonderful example of our Parent-Teacher Partnership.

October 20, 2017

This week second graders were introduced to the Pixie Project, a local non-profit using their power for good to support the needs of animals in Portland.  As a class, we explored their website and learned some background information about their organization.  We discovered how they started, read about their goals and learned about some of the animals they are currently helping.  

A representative from the Pixie Project came to campus this week to help deepen our learning.  Students prepared for the visit by recording open and closed questions in their inquiry journals.  They also practiced note taking strategies in preparation for the visit.  

Students learned even more information from listening to the representative, Anna who shared many more details about their good work.  Students then had the opportunity to ask their thoughtfully prepared interview questions.  

After our interview, we observed how much more knowledge we had acquired during our research  through careful listening, asking questions and note taking.  We reflected in our journals by thinking about what we knew before the interview, what we learned during the interview and what we’re wondering now.   Many students shared both practical and creative ways we can support their good work.

Ask your child, “How does the Pixie Project specifically use their power for good?  What can we do to help the animals there?  What else can we do to support the needs of animals in Portland? What do you wonder now about the Pixie Project?”

On October 30, we’ll be heading out to the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) to learn how they are using their power for good.  Second graders are already wondering about the ways in which the Pixie Project and OHS are similar and different.  As a result of our inspiring discussions, one student proposed even bigger questions to explore, “What does the world need most?  What is really important? What do we really need?”  

What has been happening in class this week?
* . Learning about Day of the Dead

Andrea and Lotte Nicholas introduced the class to the traditions about honoring loved ones who have passed....Day of the Dead. Andrea had made sugar skulls for the children to decorate. If your child's has not made it home he/she may have decided to share it in the Spanish classroom soon!

* . Iyla brought in huge apples for us to enjoy.

* We practiced our collaboration and communication skills with our Kindergarten buddies
as the children created an autumn or Halloween mural together.

* . Stuffed animal blessing in chapel this week.

* . Miller introduced her classmates and teacher to her new baby brother, Harrison!  Welcome to the
     world and congratulations to the Bowers family!

* The children continued to practice their reading and writing skills too through the week!

Homework

Your child's homework for next week:

Homework due: 10/23:

• Reading log
• Math: pages 19-20

Next week’s homework will be due Tuesday, 10/31.  Please note that homework will be due on Tuesday instead of Monday due to our field trip to the Oregon Humane Society.  Teachers need the additional time to correct math homework.  

• Read for at least 15 minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the reading log nightly
• Conduct the reading interview questions throughout the week (parents may help with the writing at the beginning of the year)
• Math Journal: pages 21-22

Fall Conferences

We are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s strengths, areas for growth and plans moving forward during fall conferences. You will receive a conference reminder and a parent questionnaire in this week’s Wednesday Express.  We appreciate you taking the time to complete this questionnaire and returning it by Monday, October 30th.  An electronic copy of this form is available here. If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, please let your child’s teacher know as soon as possible, so that another meeting time can be arranged.  The confidential information you share with your child’s teacher helps us to plan an informative and collaborative discussion.  The conference is a wonderful example of our Parent-Teacher Partnership.

Weather Wear

A friendly reminder that with the changing weather that the children go out three times a day and appropriate weather wear is appreciated. Each child should have a hat or hood on rainy days. As temperatures become colder, please be sure that your child has gloves and a warm coat.

Science Requests for Take Apart Items

Your child will need a mechanical item to take apart in their Science class on Monday, November 27th.  These items will be taken apart and will never work again, so keep that in mind when finding an item for take-apart.  They may be sent to school in a sturdy bag marked with your child’s name  Please do not send in items sooner than November 27th since we do not have adequate storage.  If you need more specific information, please contact Mrs. Kenney-Norberg.
ATTENTION SECOND GRADE STUDENTS

Start hunting....
Start searching....
Start saving....
You will need a few items very, very soon.......

Each Second Grader will need a mechanical item to take apart immediately after Thanksgiving Break.  It should have more gears, pulleys, belts, springs and moving parts than electronics.  It will never work again.....!  VCRs, drills, timers, tape recorders, older radios, boom-boxes, pre-digital clocks with the flipping numbers, old dial telephones, wind-up toys, remote control cars, and wind-up clocks are a good choice.  NO TOASTERS, please (too sharp)!  NO VACUUM CLEANERS (too many allergens).  NO T.V.s (disposal issues).  Newer landline phones, cameras, and small battery operated clocks are a poor choice, as they lack good moving mechanical pieces.  ALSO, it must have only regular or Phillips screw heads, or Allen head bolts.  If it has any other type of fastening, you must provide the tools to open it.  Bringing more than 1 item is a good idea, especially if the items are small.  The class will spend 3 hours working on these machines.  The Goodwill, garage sales and your attic are a great place to find these items.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Jane Kenney-Norberg
Lower School Science

October 13, 2017

Tracy Arensberg leading an exploration of the wetlands. (Picture courtesy of Ian Thompson)

This week we launched our study of Portland by brainstorming our ideas to the following questions, “Where have we seen animals in Portland?  What are the needs of animals in Portland?  Who is using their Power for Good to help animals in Portland?”  

In preparation for our first field trip, we learned background information about Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural area, which is about 2,000 acres and one of the largest protected freshwater wetlands in the United States.  Students enjoyed watching a time lapse video of beaver and nutria working together to build a dam.  Each class explored the question, “Why did the city decide to change a dump into a wetlands?”  

During our field trip, students practiced field research skills by using their senses to explore the wetlands and make observations of plants and animals.  They learned about the diversity of life in different habitats. They participated in a “critter catch” of aquatic insects and other small animals with Mr. Arensberg, discovering how these animals make up an interconnected food chain. From the birds flying overhead to the decomposers in the muck, students learned how sophisticated a wetland is.

After the field trip, students reflected on their learning, memories, observations, inspirations and wonderings. They practiced note taking strategies as they recorded their thinking in their inquiry journals.

Ask your child, “What are the needs of the animals at Smith and Bybee?  Who is using their power for good to support these animals?  How?  What can you do to support animals, their habitat and other wildlife?”

Many students were interested in other events Metro offers, including the upcoming Salmon Homecoming on October 21st and 22nd at Oxbow Park. You can find more information about Metro’s programs here.  You can view photos of our field trip here.  

Building Classroom Community-We are a Sum of our Members

Lower School counselor, Melanie Clark visited this week and led the children through a community building activity.  The children worked together to complete a puzzle, finding connections and using the "big picture" for clues.  Next, Melanie gave each child 2 puzzle pieces to decorate to make our own class puzzle. On one piece the children wrote the gifts they bring to the group and on the second piece they wrote what they hope they can learn from their classmates.

What's been happening in:
Math
We have been practicing reading an analog clock, making note of the minute and hour hand and then counting by 5 minute increments around the clock. The children have been learning a variety of games that have them practicing addition and subtraction facts.

Reading
Each child has been learning the routines for practicing their spelling sorts as part of our literacy routine.  They will be searching for words in their own reading that follow the rules along with finding the definitions of some while writing sentences using others. During their personal reading time they practice lengthening their reading stamina and then taking time to write about the book they have read.

Writing
This week the children put the finishing touches on the letters to their pen pals.  We hope to get them into the mail early next week. Today we read the story Roller Coaster by Marla Frazee, that demonstrated how the author was able to expand upon a memorable experience.  The children spent time identifying how she captured their attention and had them remembering their own rollercoaster experiences.

Social Studies
In addition to our exploration about how to help the animals in Portland, we read another article about how people are helping animals.  Ask your child:  What did you learn about flying rhinos?  Why did the scientists fly the rhinos to a new location?

Homework

Your child’s homework for next week:

Homework due: 10/16:

• Reading log
• Math: pages 17-18

Next week’s homework, due 10/23:

• Read for at least 15 minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the reading log nightly
• Conduct the reading interview questions throughout the week (parents may help with the writing at the beginning of the year)
• Math Journal: pages 19-20

Dear Families,

I wanted to tell you all how much I am enjoying the opportunity to get to know your children and work towards making a strong classroom and learning community. Yesterday you received a letter from David Lowell explaining that I will be leaving before the school year is complete, for both personal and professional growth, during the sabbatical that has been extended to me. I wanted you to know that I plan to work closely with Mary Peterson so that your children will have a smooth transition during the latter part of their second grade year. The second grade teachers work closely together in our planning and the execution of our curriculum. Mary has been part of that team in the past and will be an integral partner in the team for those few months. Thank you in advance for your trust, that your children will continue to receive the guidance and support towards building upon and extending their learning.

Respectfully, Janet

Science Requests for Take Apart Items

Your child will need a mechanical item to take apart in their Science class on Monday, November 27th.  These items will be taken apart and will never work again, so keep that in mind when finding an item for take-apart.  They may be sent to school in a sturdy bag marked with your child’s name  Please do not send in items sooner than November 27th since we do not have adequate storage.  If you need more specific information, please contact Mrs. Kenney-Norberg.

ATTENTION SECOND GRADE STUDENTS

Start hunting....
Start searching....
Start saving....
You will need a few items very, very soon.......

Each Second Grader will need a mechanical item to take apart immediately after Thanksgiving Break.  It should have more gears, pulleys, belts, springs and moving parts than electronics.  It will never work again.....!  VCRs, drills, timers, tape recorders, older radios, boom-boxes, pre-digital clocks with the flipping numbers, old dial telephones, wind-up toys, remote control cars, and wind-up clocks are a good choice.  NO TOASTERS, please (too sharp)!  NO VACUUM CLEANERS (too many allergens).  NO T.V.s (disposal issues).  Newer landline phones, cameras, and small battery operated clocks are a poor choice, as they lack good moving mechanical pieces.  ALSO, it must have only regular or Phillips screw heads, or Allen head bolts.  If it has any other type of fastening, you must provide the tools to open it.  Bringing more than 1 item is a good idea, especially if the items are small.  The class will spend 3 hours working on these machines.  The Goodwill, garage sales and your attic are a great place to find these items.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Jane Kenney-Norberg
Lower School Science

October 6, 2017

There was a buzz of excitement in the classroom on Wednesday as the children received letters from their pen pals, who go to school at St. Pius X School in Indianapolis, IN. The letters included a picture of the pen pal and each was filled with information and plenty of queries. We spent time discussing the difference between "closed" and "open" questions as the children started to draft ideas for their replies. Ask your child: What did you learn about your pen pal? What questions are you interested in asking your pen pal?

What has been happening in:

Math

The children have been working with and categorizing math facts into helpful patterns.  Ask your child: What are zero facts?  What are count on facts?  What are doubles facts?  They enjoyed playing a game called "Race to 20", a number line game.We also explored attributes using black and white plates that were square and round. The children found some number patterns that at first appeared to be the same. However, when connected to the attributes the facts took on new meaning.  

Reading

This week we dove into the spelling program "Words Their Way!"  The children will be working on letter combinations that might make the same sound but are spelled differently.  Ask your child: What were the rules you used to sort words this week?

Social Studies

What does it mean to use one's "power for good" at home, school, and on the playground?  The children spent time brainstorming their ideas and writing them down to compile them together. 

Home

• do the dishes or laundry
• feed my pets
• cleaning up
• help empty the dishwasher
• love each other
• helping your mom and dad
• be nice to brothers and sisters

School

• clean up
• if you see someone alone, you could play with them
• be respectful 
• be kind 
• share
• be safe

Playground/Field

• if someone falls and is hurt, get a teacher
• don't exclude
• don't betray people
• stand up for people
• if someone doesn't have anyone to play with....play with them!
• don't be a bully or exclude
• be helpful
• be nice
• if someone does not know how to play a game, teach them

We have also been learning about how children around the world have been identifying problems and designing a way to be agents of change.  Ask your child to tell you about any or all of the stories we discussed this week.  What was the problem?  How was a solution discovered?

• Doggy Dung Disaster-Japan
• Turtle Power-Illinois
• Dolphin Rescue

Homecoming

Today began in the gym with Aarty Aardvark and the entire OES student body.  We had a pep rally to cheer with lots of school spirit for homecoming.  It was wonderful to see so many of you at the event this evening. Thank you all for participating!

Homework

Homework due: 10/9:

• Reading log
• Math: pages 5-6

* I encourage children to use Monday "Choice Time" to correct errors or omissions in their homework.

Next week’s homework, due 10/16:

• Read for at least 15 minutes each night Monday through Friday (weekends are bonus) and fill in the reading log nightly
• Conduct the reading interview questions throughout the week (parents may help with the writing at the beginning of the year)
• Math Journal: pages 7-18, play Thinking About Fives with a family member.  You may remove and keep the game materials at home (pages 9-15).  Complete pages 17-18 after playing.  Please leave all completed pages in the math journal except for the ones needed to play the game.  

    Wednesday Express

Just a reminder that your child will bring home their Wednesday Express folder most Wednesdays with information for parents along with returned homework.  Please empty your child’s folder and return it to school the following day.

Field Trip, Wednesday, October 11th

 Next Wednesday, October 11th, the 2nd grade classes will be going on their first field trip to Smith and Bybee Natural Area.  The children will conduct field research (observational sketches, note taking skills etc.) as they explore the wetlands and learn about the diversity of life in different habitats.  As part of our service focus, students will be thinking about how they can be agents of change by brainstorming solutions to the needs they observe.   Our bus will be leaving OES at 8:15 and return between 1:45-2:00. We will be walking outdoors for most of the day, rain or shine. Please help your child be prepared by:

• Packing the following items in their backpack:
• Warm water-resistant coat
• Comfortable walking shoes, that can get muddy
• Layers of clothes for added warmth, or sun protection, long pants are recommended
• Hat for warmth or sun protection and gloves if chilly
• Sunscreen for skin protection
• Full water bottle
• If your child has seasonal allergies, please make sure they take their medication that morning
• We will also pack journals, pencils, snacks and a sack lunch in students’ backpacks at school.  Please make sure all extra items are left at home so there is plenty of room.
• Depending on weather, you may send a change of clothes for students to change into upon our return.  Disregard if your child already has extra clothes in their cubby.
  
  

A Note From Chaplain Phillip

I had a wonderful time with all the 2nd grade students yesterday, as we explored the new EC3 Design Center.

Following our conversations about St. Francis in Chapel on Tuesday morning, we continued with a theme of love for animals.  After a nature walk, I challenged them to think about an answer to this question:

"If you could be any animal in the world for just one day, what would you be?"

After some deep reflection, they were then invited to draw their animals.

Here is a LINK to a photo folder of the event.  They had wonderful ideas, as you would imagine.  Looking forward to my next visit with them.

The EC3 Center is a great space.  We could spread out, listen to music while we worked, sit on the floor in a big circle, etc.  

Thank you!

Phillip

Science Requests for Take Apart Items

Your child will need a mechanical item to take apart in their Science class on Monday, November 27th.  These items will be taken apart and will never work again, so keep that in mind when finding an item for take-apart.  They may be sent to school in a sturdy bag marked with your child’s name  Please do not send in items sooner than November 27th since we do not have adequate storage.  If you need more specific information, please contact Mrs. Kenney-Norberg.
ATTENTION SECOND GRADE STUDENTS

Start hunting....
Start searching....
Start saving....
You will need a few items very, very soon.......

1.  Each Second Grader will need a mechanical item to take apart immediately after Thanksgiving Break.  It should have more gears, pulleys, belts, springs and moving parts than electronics.  It will never work again.....!  VCRs, drills, timers, tape recorders, older radios, boom-boxes, pre-digital clocks with the flipping numbers, old dial telephones, wind-up toys, remote control cars, and wind-up clocks are a good choice.  NO TOASTERS, please (too sharp)!  NO VACUUM CLEANERS (too many allergens).  NO T.V.s (disposal issues).  Newer land-line phones, cameras, and small battery operated clocks are a poor choice, as they lack good moving mechanical pieces.  ALSO, it must have only regular or Phillips screw heads, or Allen head bolts.  If it has any other type of fastening, you must provide the tools to open it.  Bringing more than 1 item is a good idea, especially if the items are small.  The class will spend 3 hours working on these machines.  The Goodwill, garage sales and your attic are a great place to find these items.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Jane Kenney-Norberg
Lower School Science