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