Debbie Taylor, the author of Sweet Music in Harlem, visited the 2/3 classrooms on February 11, 2010.  The students learned about her experiences as an author and the process she went through to get a book published.  The students recited a poem, I have a Hat, reviewed the story elements and how important  “revision, revision, revision” was when writing a story.

Please make sure that your child is studying their words at home during the week. 

Our first spelling list is coming home today!  Your student, especially the second graders, will need help practicing the words for the test on Friday.  Some ways to practice were discussed in class and include but are not limited to:

• Write your words in alphabetical (abc) order
• Write your words in colors, each vowel red and each consonant blue
• Write your words 3 times each
• Write each word in a rainbow of colors first write in red, then trace over it in blue, then trace over it in green… each time you trace it say the letters out loud and then say the word (r,e,d spells red)
• Type your words five times each on a computer or typewriter
• Write the words with all the letters mixed up, then ask someone to unscramble the words, finally, check their answers to be sure they are right
• Use your words to write sentences.  Correct spelling and punctuation count!
• Cut our your words from the newspaper or from a magazine.  Glue them onto another piece of paper
• Use your words to write a short story (not more than one page).  Your story must include all of the words
• Write a mnemonic sentence to help you remember each of your words.  Each letter of the word should start a word in the sentence.  For example, a sentence for the word throw might be Ted has rented one wheelbarrow

Thank you for helping us be successful spellers!

News Items

Cold Weather

Please help your student remember to dress for the weather  we have, not the weather they wish or hope we have.  Each morning during recess there are several students huddling together to stay warm (we don’t know what they’re going to do in February!).  Please talk to your child and help them make good choices about what they are wearing for recess.

Water Bottles

If your child is in Tammy’s or Salli’s room they are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school.  The trick is remembering to take the bottle home once each week for cleaning.

Mondays:

Art @ 10:30

Music @ 12:30

Tuesdays:

Tech @ 8:30

Swimming @ 1:30

Wednesdays:

PE @ 9:30

Thursday:

Library @ 11:00

MARY’S CLASS

Tuesday

Art……………8:30

Technology……9:30

Wednesday

Music………….9:30

Thursday

Swim………….2:15 – 3:07

PLEASE PICK YOUR CHILD UP FROM THE POOL

Friday

Gym…………..1:25

Salli’s Class

MONDAY

Music: 1:25-2:15

TUESDAY

Swim: 8:30-9:20

Technology: 10:30-11:20

WEDNESDAY

Art: 8:30-9:20

THURSDAY

Library: 12:30-1:00

FRIDAY

Physical Education: 12:35-1:25

Salli Kropp  skropp@hc.wash.k12.mi.us

Mary Bassett sbassett@hc.wash.k12.mi.us