Sept.8th, 2015 week with Ms. Selimos

Hello Parents and Students,

We have enjoyed a wonderful second week of Grade 2 with your children!

The math word of the week was ATTRIBUTE.  Ask your child to explain different attributes of patterning (colour, shape, size, direction).  We explored attributes this week using pattern blocks (triangles, squares, trapezoids, parallelograms). The children created patterns using 2 attributes AT ONCE.  Example:  size and color. . . big red square, little black square. . . The children had to explain their pattern rule for each increasing pattern.

We also began our very first PWIM POSTER.  PWIM = Picture Word Inductive Model.  The PWIM poster this month is of a classroom. We played our first sorting game on Friday.  See the photos.  For Social Studies we continued to brainstorm about BELONGING.  How do we belong in the classroom?  How can I help others feel like they belong? How can my teacher help me to feel like I belong? 

Academically, we will be administering Fountas and Pinnell; F&P (Reading Testing for Gr. 2) with your children after Sept. 21st to see what his/her present reading level is.  The F& P is based on fluency, word attack skills and comprehension. 

DNA (Diagnostic Numeracy Assessment) math testing is presently occurring.   We finished administering DNA Part 1 earlier this week.  The purpose of this first task is to check to see if your child understands the idea of balance and things that are equal.  I am continuing with DNA testing Part 2 next, which involves understanding of addition and the strategies your child uses. EXAMPLES:   Does your child use fingers to count?  Does your child bridge numbers to ten?  Does your child know his/her doubles (6+6)?  Does your child know his/her facts automatically?  Can your child count by 5s? 10s?  See Photo DNA; a sample of DNA Math Testing (Diagnostic Numeracy Assessment).

The children enjoyed their first week of Core French lessons with Mme. Selimos.  Ask your child to share about the “Bonjour Song” and “Alphabet Song”. We reviewed colors and counting from 1 to 20.   We played a traffic light action game and reviewed our numbers to twenty playing Number Twister. Some weather words and greetings were also introduced. Here is an alphabet site:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LYy3P2okyw   Here is a number site for numbers to 10:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsc3qLMaCu8 Here is a site for numbers to 20:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsEz58BblMY

On Friday at 2:30, we assembled our paper mache turkeys with our Grade 4 Learning Buddies, in preparation for next week’s fun paper mache extravaganza.  The boys and girls are super excited for next Tuesday afternoon’s messy fun!  Thank you to the grandmas and moms who have emailed that they are helping us next week with this project.

Some friendly reminders:

1. Tuesday the 15^th will be the first Spelling Test for your child.  Please practice words with them.  A wonderful site to use is https://www.spellingcity.com where you can actually plug in the words of the week and do a number of activities.

2.   We will be maaking PAPER MACHE TURKEYS on Tuesday afternoon with our Grade 4 Learning Buddies.  Please dress your child in short sleeved shirts, no jewelry and long hair tied up.  It is a fun, messy art activity.         

3.  Cross Country Club practice #3 will be in “bowl” on Tuesday at 8:30 for Gr. 3 to 8 signed up .

                                     

4.  Ms. Selimos & Miss Dundas are away at INTERNSHIP SEMINAR = Wed. 16^th to 18^th.  A Guest Teacher will be in the classroom.  

           

5.  We hope to meet you on Thursday the 17^th at the OPEN HOUSE:  5:30 to 6:30 p.m.           BBQ:  6 to 7 p.m.               

6.  Fri. 18^th (Day 3)     Return PICTURE FORMS by today please.         

Have a GREAT weekend!  Go Riders!

Ms. Selimos, Mrs. Daniels, Miss Dundas

First Week of School Sept. 1st 2015

Hello Parents and Students of Grade 2,

It has been a wonderful start and a week of learning.  We presently have 23 boys and girls in the classroom. 

Please pay for the school agenda ($4.00) on-line if you have not already done so. 

We hope you enjoy the weekly photos and emails of your children. 

One of our first language arts activities this week was based on the book:  Corduroy.  We read the book with Mrs. Pankewich’s Grade 2 class and discussed our understanding of “BELONGING” which is one of our 4 Circle of Courage Goals.  Whether we are new to the school, new to the classroom, new as a teacher, etc. it feels good to belong. The 5 teachers (Ms. Selimos, Miss Dundas, Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Pankewich and Mrs. Schneider) shared a personal belonging statement with the 50 Grade 2s (Team SST/Science lesson).  On Friday, the children created their own belonging statements about belonging at GRANT ROAD SCHOOL.  Be sure to see them on display during Open House in the hallway.

For Social Studies/Health we brainstormed about BELONGING (one of our Circle of Courage goals).  How do we belong in the classroom?  How can I help others feel like they belong? How can my teacher help me to feel like I belong?  We watched a Tumblebooks episode called:  Game Day.  If you are interested in watching it with your child at home, go to the Tumblebooks site. Instructions are in your weekly agenda note.  We also had fun making “cool” glasses, as you can see in the photos.

University of Regina Intern, Miss Kristi Dundas, did a brainstorming activity with the children where they discussed CLASSROOM RULES .

We began our printing booklets, reviewing lower case and UPPER CASE letters. 

Mathematically, we learned about patterns this week.  A pattern repeats 3 or more times and the term “core” was introduced. Using snap cubes, the children created patterns and then translated them to letters, numbers, colours, shapes, etc.

We were very impressed with a writing activity about summer vacation each child wrote.  I modeled a paragraph on the data projector about my holidays.  The focus was:  creating sentences, using capitals and punctuation.  I was not assessing for spelling for this lesson. Grade 2 goal:  to be able to write a paragraph consisting of 6 or more meaningful sentences.  We will begin Writing Traits lessons next week. The children had the opportunity to use the data projector to orally present their paragraphs, proudly.

When you come to the OPEN HOUSE, FAMILY BBQ on Sept. 17^th, your child will be able to show you his/her work, to date, on the Writing Wall. 

I am hoping that you are able to share these photos and emails WITH YOUR CHILD.  These emails/photos will enable you to initiate and to engage in deeper conversation about your child’s school week. 

Enjoy the photos everyone and the wonderful weather this weekend. 

GOBBLE, GOBBLE! I need YOUR help parents!  We will be making our paper mache turkeys on Tuesday, Sept. 15th. Please make sure your child is wearing a short sleeved shirt today and no jewelry.  Also, please have long hair tied up in a ponytail. 

Please send your LEADERPOST NEWSPAPERS to school if you have any, immediately.  NO FLYERS PLEASE. We will use these for the paper mache.  Thanks in advance.  

________ YES, __________________________________ is available to help with the turkey art project on Tuesday, Sept. 15th from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

________      YES, I have had a recent criminal record check.

________      Sorry, I am UNABLE to help this time!                   

_______________________________________

                                Parent’s signature

NOTE:  We will be DECORATING our paper mache turkeys on THURSDAY, Sept. 24th.  Begin gathering fabric scraps, buttons, feathers, etc. at home to decorate paper mache turkeys.  Dollar Store is a good place to purchase a bag of feathers.  You may begin sending supplies the week of Mon. 21ST.

Hugs,

Ms. Selimos, Miss Dundas, Mrs. Daniels 

Ms. Selimos' Grade 2 2015 / 2016 Timetable

GRANT ROAD SCHOOL                                                     Gr. 2  Ms. S. Selimos                TIMETABLE 2015-16                                                      Room #4
9:00 - 9:30	ARTS ED. Ms. Yim	ELA	ELA	ELA	ELA Spelling Test
9:30 - 10:00	ARTS ED. Ms. Waldron	MATH	ELA	*ELA	MATH
10:00 - 10:30	ELA New Spelling Words	MATH	ARTS ED. Ms. Waldron	*ELA	MATH
RECESS
10:45 – 11:15	ELA	HEALTH	ELA	MATH	ARTS ED. Ms. Waldron
11:15 - 11:45	ELA	FRENCH	ELA	MATH	PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr. C. Chernoff
NOON HOUR
12:45 - 1:15	MATH	PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr. C. Chernoff	MATH	LIBRARY EXCHANGE	*ELA
1:15 - 1:45	MATH	SOCIAL/ SCIENCE	MATH	ARTS ED. Ms. Yim	/ *ELA
1:45 - 2:15	MATH	SOCIAL/ SCIENCE	ELA	PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mr. C. Chernoff	*ELA
RECESS
2:30 - 3:00	HEALTH	LEARNING BUDDIES with Mrs. R. Hammett     Grade 4	TEAM          SC/SST	TEAM SC/SST	HEALTH
3:00 - 3:30	FRENCH	ELA	TEAM SC/SST	TEAM SC/SST	FRENCH

LRT Support with Ms. Phillis ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Tymiak

PREP TIME:  Arts Ed. with Ms. Jen Yim & Ms. Melanie Waldron

PREP TIME:  Physical Education with Mr. Curtis Chernoff

HEALTH SWITCH:  Mrs. Corinne Pankewich teaches my class health.

FRENCH SWITCH:  I teach Mrs. Pankewich’s Core French.

Gr. 4 Learning Buddies with Mrs. Rebecca Hammett

Ms. Selimos' Grade 2 - Room 4 Parent Information

Grant Road School

“Be the best you can be!”

Grade 2 – Room 4

Teacher:  Ms. Selimos       E.A.:  Mrs. Daniels        Intern:  Miss K. Dundas

2015-2016

        

   J  HELLO PARENTS & STUDENTS OF GRADE 2, ROOM 4.  J

I would like to welcome you and your child to our classroom.  I am looking forward to working with your child this 2015 / 2016 school year. There are 24 students in the class; 10 girls & 14 boys.

This year Arts Education will be taught by Mrs. Yim-Rodier and Ms. Melanie Waldron, Physical Education will be taught by vice-principal, Mr. Chernoff, and Health will be taught by Mrs. Pankewich.

I encourage water bottles in the classroom; ONLY WATER.  They are to take the LABELED bottle home at the end of the week for washing.  I DO permit healthy snacking in the classroom throughout the day (fresh vegetables, fruit, crackers, cheese, yogurt, etc. NUT FREE PLEASE.

                           Homework

        Studying for spelling tests and an at-home reading program will be the only regular homework for your child.  At times there will also be math homework to help solidify concepts already taught in the classroom.  Periodically we may do work that requires some extra help from home.  There will be a note in the agenda at these times.

        There will be weekly spelling tests starting the week of September 7th.  Spelling lists will be sent home on Day 1s.  We will have our spelling tests on Day 5s.  See monthly calendar in print and online, as well with these and other important dates. 

EACH DAY 5 your child will write the Spelling Test of the Week.  Their words will be available for you to view in their agendas.  (On Sept. 9^th they will receive their FIRST Spelling List).  They will receive NEW LISTS on Day 1s.  Their first TEST will be on Tues., Sept. 15^th.

More information about the at-home reading program will be sent to you shortly.

Students are given ample time in class to complete their daily work.  If they are unable to complete their work in class, they may be asked to stay in at recess or take it home to finish.

Look in your child’s agenda pocket OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS for the following:

RELEASE FORM:  news media, allergy alert, gaming devices/cell phone contract, lunchroom form, monthly calendar, etc.  (Complete & return to school a.s.a.p.)

September Scholastic Book Orders will be due by­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ FRIDAY, SEPT. 11^th. Make cheques to:  Scholastics Canada Books

We will be making paper-mâché turkeys in mid to late Sept.  Please send one paper towel tube to school in the next week or so.  I am also collecting small styro-foam meat trays. Please send a blue erasable pen & 1 large ziplock bag for language arts.

Please explore our class website which includes:  monthly calendars, educational links, newsletters and much more.  I have already plugged in this year’s Spelling Test dates, Star of Week presentation dates (TBA), Reading Log dates, bowling trips, P.D. Days and much more.

Website address:  http://grantroad.rbe.sk.ca/ NEXT, click CLASSROOMS. Find Grade 2 Selimos & click under CLASS WEB PAGE.  You will find an online calendar, my BLOG http://msselimos.blogspot.ca/, newsletters, sites about each subject area and much more.   

You and your child will be invited to a BBQ (6 to 7 p.m.) and MEET THE TEACHER EVENING (5:30 to 6:30) on THURSDAY, SEPT. 17^th. Details will follow at a later date. 

Term I report cards will be distributed on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20^TH.

Please let me know by means of agenda if your child has any allergies I need to be made aware of immediately.

                               Self-Regulation

          We learn about and practice self-regulation in our classroom.  It has been shown that some students focus more easily if they use strategies like deep breathing, body breaks, and positive self-talk, or tools such as wiggle seats, noise reducing headphones, alternate seating, and things to chew on.  We will learn, practice and use many strategies and tools throughout the year.  Students are encouraged to figure out which tools work best for themselves and make good choices accordingly.

                     Parental Involvement

        How can you help your child reach their potential?

-         Help your child use the agenda on a daily basis.

-         Help your child read 15-20 minutes each day.

-         Encourage a positive attitude toward school and classmates.

-          If you have any questions during the year, please feel free to contact me through the agenda or by email at soula.selimos@rbe.sk.ca

I would also like to know the best way for me and other parents from the class to get a hold of you.  Please return the attached form with your preferred method of contact (phone, cellular, email). 

                       RETURN THE FOLLOWING  TO SCHOOL PLEASE:

Parent Helpers

          If you would like to join the class on a fieldtrip or help out in the classroom, Regina Public Schools requires you to complete a Police Information Check.  You will need to bring your Driver’s License to the office and get a letter from Ms. Campbell before going to the police station. There is no cost to you when the check is done for volunteering purposes.  If you have already had a check done AND have volunteered within the past year, you DO NOT need to have another PIC completed.  Thank you in advance for offering to help out!

YES, _____________________________________________ would like to volunteer in Ms. Selimos’ classroom.

__________ YES, I have had a recent criminal record check.

__________ NO, I do not have a recent criminal record check, but I will complete the criminal record check paperwork for volunteering.

Please state the times available for volunteering:  days of week, a.m. or p.m. etc.  If there is a particular activity you are interested in (reading, math, visual arts, trips, cooking, hobby sharing), please state this below:

_________________________________________________________________

PARENTS; THE AGENDA IS AN EXCELLENT MEANS OF COMMUNICATION!  PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILD’S AGENDA EACH DAY & INITIAL IN THE BOX MARKED “HOME”. 

PLEASE FILL IN THE INSIDE COVER PAGE of the agenda WITH ADDRESS, PHONE # CONTACTS, ETC.

Finally, are you interested in receiving photos of your child and weekly newsletters by means of email this year?  If yes, please clearly PRINT your email address below or send me an email at:  soula.selimos@rbe.sk.ca stating your full name, your child’s name and the emails you would like used.

EMAIL:

“Be the best you can be!”  

          J Ms. Soula Selimos J