Peek at the Week for November 16

In reading, we are wrapping up our nonfiction unit. This week we will begin to study fiction more closely - looking at characters and their motivation, the setting's role in the story, and problems and solutions.


We will be publishing some of our hard work in writing this week! We can't wait for you to see what we have created in out nonfiction unit!

BIG NEWS IN MATH!
We started a new chapter on Friday with regrouping in addition. This is a brand new concept to most second graders. It involves some abstract thinking and new strategies they aren't very familiar with. The have done a WONDERFUL job so far. This week there will be HOMEWORK coming home on Wednesday. It will be in the form of a worksheet that actually says "My Homework." Since it is early release, I figured this would be a good day to give it a try. This should only take about 5-10 minutes to complete.

Early Release Wednesday!

Dismissal will be at 1:40 pm. Lunch will be served as usual. If your child has a different plan for dismissal, please send a note or email by Wednesday morning.  

It's also Wonder Wednesday, which means we will have Genius hour at the end of the day. Has your child shared their topic with you?

Leadership Binders will also be coming home this Wednesday. Please look at it with your child on Wednesday night and send it back on Thursday! 

Zoo Field Trip

Thank you for sending in your child's permission slip and money for the zoo trip in the spring! I know it's quite a ways off, but they require early reservations and payment when booking. 

Six Flags Read to Succeed Program 

Last week, a yellow packet came home from Six Flags. Your child has the opportunity to earn free tickets to Six Flags St. Louis! They need read at leas 6 hours by February 23rd. They should easily be able to accomplish this with their nightly reading. Their weekly reading log can count towards both their homework minutes and the Six Flags program. 

Dates to Remember:

Tuesday, November 17: PTG Meeting (6:00 Party Planing; 7:00 General Meeting)
Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27: No School, Happy Thanksgiving!

If you have any questions or concerns, let me know! 
Have a great week!

Genius Hour

GENIUS HOUR!!!!

Go to these places to explore new ideas:

www.kidrex.org

http://www.kidzsearch.com/kidztube/

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

Coding in the Classroom

Coding is something we have added to our math workstations. 

You might wonder... what is coding?? How does it benefit my child? 

Here is an excellent article all about it!

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/5-unbeatable-reasons-your-kid-should-coding.html

Interested in coding opportunities for your child outside of school?

Check out these websites and apps:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daisy-the-dinosaur/id490514278?mt=8

http://www.scratchjr.org/

https://www.kodable.com/

http://www.code.org

Peek at the Week November 8th

Last week, a yellow letter came home about our new adventure in 2nd grade - GENIUS HOUR!

I showed this to the kids - it inspired ideas and they are SO excited!

This is one part of our week where the kids are completely in control of their learning. They are choosing a topic that is important to them, researching, and creating something to share their learning.  Genius Hour is based on Google's 20% time. Here is a video that explains a little bit about where the idea made it's way into the classroom:

Imagination Playground Blocks:

The children are beyond excited about the arrival of the Imagination Playground big blue blocks.  We thank you and the financial support of the PTG for this incredible donation.  These blocks will be available during recess and will be stored in a shed purchased from the iDiscover project.  They promote creativity and collaborative thinking.  

Check them out!

Jammies and Blocks!

We also had inflatables last week! They were a blast!!!

Monday is Library Day!  Please help your child remember to return their books. 

Veteran's Day is this Wednesday! 

Concord is celebrating the veterans in our community! We will share thank you letters, poems, songs, and invite the veterans and their family to breakfast at Concord. Please come celebrate with us!

DOC's Mom's Night Out is happening on Friday, November 13th 6-9PM! Only $5/child. Register here: http://dadsofconcord.org/moms-night-out/

Concord Spirit Wear November 2015 Order Form -- click here!

 Please submit form and make payment by PayPal or by sending money to school.  DEADLINE TO ORDER IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH. Orders that have not received payment, will not be filled. You should expect to have items come home by the week of December 14th. All orders will be delivered before the holiday break.

Helping Hands 2015:

Concord has had a great start to our Annual Helping Hands Campaign. The program will run through Dec. 11th. All proceeds from the Winter Festival on December 5th also go directly to our families. The money collected during this program will go towards Ameren UE cards and/or grocery gift cards so that the families can buy perishable food items. The Giving Tree will begin on Monday, November 2nd! The tree is an opportunity for you to provide toys, clothing, and gift cards specific to the family’s needs. The Giving Tree will be sent to you through SignUp Genius or you can find the link on the PTG website and the PTG Newsletter. We appreciate your family’s participation in this Concord tradition

This week we are collecting Paper Products. 

 We are so proud of all the amazing donations that students have already sent in.  This week we will be collecting paper products such as toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, plates, etc.  Keep up the great work

Monday, November 9: 7:00 p.m. DOC meeting

Wednesday, November 11: 9:00 a.m. Veterans Day Assembly  

Friday, November 13: Mom's Night Out, 6:00-9:00

Friday, November 13: Picture Retake day

Tuesday, November 17: 6:15 Party Planning Meeting

Tuesday, November 17: 7:00 PTG General Meeting in Library

Wednesday, November 18: Early dismissal and Leader in Me Assembly

If you have any questions or concerns, let me know! 

Have a great week!

Check this out!

Check out the awesome video that was taken during our all-school photo shoot!