Saturday, November 13, 2010

November News

Charlotte's Web

Sadly, we have come to the end of our chapter book read-aloud, Charlotte's Web.  We have become enchanted with sweet, innocent Wilbur (the pig), and kind, loving Charlotte (the spider).  The time has come for closure as we retell the story with an ABC Book.  We have recorded important words relevant to the story on an ABC Chart.  Students chose a letter, an important word, and then illustrated and wrote about why it was important to the story.  When these masterpieces are finished, we will post them on the bulletin board outside the classroom.

Pennies for Peace

We are moving on to a new social studies theme for the remainder of November. By learning about other cultures and their needs, we will be focusing on helping others through philanthropy.  We will read the children's book, Listen to the Wind, A Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson, a man who brought education to Pakistan by way of his personal philanthropic nature and nonprofit funding.  This is the companion children's book to Three Cups of Tea, the story about the same man lost in the Andes mountains, healed and befriended by the villagers.  Through his mission to promote peace one penny at a time, he has established over 500 schools in Pakistan.  The Manatees will be collecting pennies during the month of November to donate to Pennies for Peace from Tuesday, November 16 to Tuesday, November 30.  Please view the following video for more information.
 

Soup Fest
Wednesday, November 24 from 10:30 - 11:20

In keeping with our social studies theme, we will also be learning about the homeless, less fortunate, and the function of soup kitchens.  We will read several books on this topic in order to gain a greater awareness of the needs of other cultures.  We are having a Soup Fest to further our understanding of the homeless, less fortunate, and soup kitchens.  Please contact Tonya Danosky at danosky@hotmail.com, if you would like to contribute to the event.  

Conferences
We look forward to meeting with you for conferences during the next week. 
Reminder:  If you are a 2nd Grade parent, please bring your child to the conference, as they are performing the Student Led Conferences.  Thank you for taking the time to attend, and discuss your child's academic progress.

November's Character Development Theme ~                       This month we are focused on kindness, friendship, and including others.                                             

Popcorn Fridays
Don't forget that popcorn is available every Friday after lunch for 50 cents.  The sales support the 5th Grade end-of-year trip to Camp Seymour.


Upcoming Events:

Scholastic Book Fair         Monday, Nov. 15 - Tuesday, Nov. 23 (Purdy Library)
Nutrition Night                    Tuesday, November 16 - 6:30
Spell-a-Thon Kick-Off       Tuesday, November 16th
Spell-a-Thon Day              Thursday, December 2nd 
Early Dismissal                 Thursday, Nov. 18 - Wednesday, Nov. 24  (12:00)
No Late Start                      Wednesday, November 24 (Start at 9:00)
Picture Retake Day           Tuesday, November 30
General PTA                      Tuesday, January 11, 7:00
Membership Mtg
Make-it, Take-it                  Wednesday/Thursday, Dec. 15/16, 3:30 - 5:30