News from Mrs. Drudy's Class
We exist so children can excel.
The Week at a Glance
Next week will be crazy busy, so we will be extending our story Baby Bears and the vocabulary activities that go along with the story. The spelling words, however, will be related to the national parks.
Spelling: Parks-related words
National Parks
Spelling List
parks
ranger
hike
boots
lake
dunes
mammals
reptiles
birds
fish
visit
falls
bison
insects
habitat
Challenge Words
nature
camera
footprints
backpack
America
Don't forget...students can practice this list by visiting Spelling City (Grade 2 National Parks Words)
National Park Research Projects
Speaking of National Parks...this week's story, Baby Bears, really piqued the students' interest in our national parks. So...we ran with it! Each kiddo selected one and has begun a long-term research project finding our basic information such as the size, location, year established, animals you'd see, things to do, and fun facts. Let me tell you, we must not ever underestimate what these intelligent little minds can accomplish. It's been downright amazing to watch them do their thing and organize their findings. Shockingly, conducting research is something required of all students...right down to kindergartners! For second graders the standard reads as follows:
"With support, conduct short research on a topic.
· Find information on a topic of interest (e.g., cardinals).
· Identify various visual and text reference sources
Organize, summarize, and present the information, choosing from a variety of formats"
Distinguished Guest: Harlan Kredit
I've always tried my best to engage students early in their academic journeys in order to increase interest in and build positive attitudes toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical) disciplines. Yesterday was one such attempt when we hosted Yellowstone National Park Ranger Naturalist Harlan Kredit in our classroom. I met Harlan over the summer during my time at the American Wilderness Leadership School in Wyoming. He was hands-down the most dynamic speaker I'd ever heard, and he touched my heart and soul. I was determined to bring that to my students, and yesterday that happened. Trust me, it's not easy to hold the interest of 40 2nd graders, but this man captivated them for over two hours and had them longing for more. Please spend some time this weekend talking to your child about his stories from Yellowstone.
Math Whizzes
It tickles me that over half of our class has already passed their addition facts and are very close to passing subtraction. Students will earn their license plate once they've passed addition, subtraction and mixed (+/-). This will not happen without consistent at-home practice. Because our in-class math practice time is not enough, students must consider math facts practice and spelling list practice their homework. Click here to find the K-5 Learning Math and Reading Enrichment website that offers these printables.
Be Drug and Bully-Free
"Real heroes don't do drugs!" As we launch Red Ribbon Week, we are inviting our students to dress up as a superhero on Monday. We will be attending an all-school convocation with Batman that afternoon!
Halloween Special Snack
At the beginning of the year, several of you volunteered to send in treats for either Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine's Day. If you signed up for Halloween, I have sent a confirmation sheet in today's folder. If you do not receive one of these slips, then you may consider yourself "off the hook" for this one. You will be hearing from us about one of the others coming up during the year. As always, we thank you for your generosity.
Book Fair
Don't forget book fair next week. This is a great opportunity to line those at-home bookshelves with quality reading for your child. Our class will visit on Wednesday at 2:20 and again on Friday at 8:30. You are more than welcome to meet your child in the library during that time to shop. If you wish to set up eWallet, a secure, cash-free way for your child to shop the fair, then click here. This is a way to simply create a free account, pre-authorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available.
Star Lab
Also this week, students were treated to a portable planetarium known as Star Lab. Mrs. Migoski hosted the budding astronomers for Monday's informational sessions. Check us out in the photos below.
Speaking of science...we've had a ball continuing our "Mystery Mammal" investigations this week. Be sure to ask your child which ones (s)he could successfully identify based upon fur samples, footprints, habitat photos, food photos, real skulls, scat replicas, etc.
Next Week's Share Topic: Free Choice
Next week your child may share about anything he or she likes as long as the presentation has been adequately prepared and stays within the time constraints. This is one students always look forward to!
Coming Up:
Tuesday, Oct. 15 & Thursday Oct. 17 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 16 & Fri. Oct. 18 Book Fair
October 21-25 Fall Break No School
Our Weekly Related Arts Schedule
Monday Art
Tuesday Music
Wednesday Art & Library
Thursday P.E. & Computer
Friday P.E.
**Remember...your child must wear gym shoes on the days we have P.E.
Star Lab 2019!
Adam's Authority!
Cute and Cuddly Colten
Hard to Resist Hope
Alien!!!!!
We are Bully Free
Mystery Mammals Continued
Park Ranger Hoskins
Marissa Models
Gregarious Garrett
Mystery Reader
Here He Goes Again
Don't Forget...
About Us
Email: tammy.drudy@uc.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.uc.k12.in.us/liberty-elementary/liberty-elementary/
Location: 501 Eaton St, Liberty, IN, United States
Phone: 765-458-5521