Math Update!

Our second grade mathematicians have been working hard to build their math strategies.  We are learning about math facts through the use of math mountains.    Below please find a parent letter for more details.


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As children are introduced to strategies and new topics/instruction, they have an opportunity to practice using games, hands on activities, math journal work, partner practice and fact fluency through each of their work sites.  Our learners visit all of the work sites each day and have done a FABULOUS job getting to work quickly and quietly.

Growth Mindset

Mrs. Reagan posted the below information on the school blog regarding our growth mindset approach to learning.   We are so excited to begin this journey!

Staff book study for the 2018-19 school year is GROWTH MINDSET COACH. It is a month by month guide that helps us shift our teacher  and student thinking to a GROWTH mindset approach to learning.  Teachers know that the actions they take (body language, word choice) show our students what we expect of their learning.  Sometimes the words we use give children the impression that their ability to learn is fixed or pre-determined.  This happens when we make statements like:  “You’re so smart! or “You’re a math genius”  or “Spelling comes easily to you.”  These statements imply that some kids are born smart, genius like and/or that learning comes easily.  This reinforces a FIXED MINDSET.

Many of us were raised in these messages, so we must intentionally shift toward a GROWTH MINDSET approach to teaching and learning.  By doing this, our word choice reflects the philosophy that our brains are always growing and as a result, with lots of practice and support, every child and adult is a learner.  To help you understand this approach, I encourage you to visit MINDSET WORKS parent tips page.   It is FILLED with helpful information about this approach.

Each month, we’ll introduce a new GROWTH MINDSET PHRASE to our students and expand their beliefs about their own ability to learn through practice, mistakes, failures and more practice.  This months phrase is above — Everyone Can Learn. 

This week, we will continue to focus on welcoming all the children by building routines and relationships.  We know that Tuesday could be a little tricky for some of our kindergarteners (and maybe a few Gr 1-5 kids) after four days at home.  We’re resting up to provide extra TLC to help them out!

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!

Mrs. Reagan

First Week Fun!

The first two days as a second grade family have been AMAZING!  We have been learning about classroom procedures, expectations and getting to know one another.  Setting the classroom climate is key for our learning this year.

Together we created a classroom promise and the children created mini faces to make their pledge to one another.  Thanks for sharing your children with me, I am really enjoying getting to know them!

Reminders for the First Day

Thank you for coming to our Open House! Before our exciting first day, here are three important reminders…

Student Information Forms – Please send the student information forms (received at Open House) back to school on Tuesday. Double check to make sure that your contact information is correct for our files.

Me Bags – At Open House, your child also received a Me Bag. We will enjoy sharing these bags during the first week as we get to know one another. Please make sure that your child’s name is on his/her bag before sending it to school on Tuesday.

Water Bottle and Snacks – Your child should bring two healthy nut free snacks and a filled water bottle (no juice please) to stay fueled every day. Morning and afternoon snacks are essential for maintaining energy and attention. Please do not send candy or sugary snacks. High sugar foods cause an energy crash that makes learning difficult. If your child ever forgets a snack, we have a great supply of graham crackers (thanks for your donations!). For more information on snack ideas, you can check the Nut Free Snack List found on the left side of our blog. 

**Finally, with the start of a new school year many students experience some anxiety. Here is link to an excellent blog post to help children through these stressful moments. Above all, we will have an exciting year and we are going to have fun learning together.

13 Powerful Phrases Proven to Help an Anxious Child Calm Down  

Looking forward to seeing those wonderful second graders on Tuesday. 🙂

Open House Tomorrow!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow for Open House!  Here are a few reminders:

  • Open House is from 6:30 – 7:30
  • Feel free to bring your child’s supplies and unpack them into their desk.
  • Clean PE shoes will be stored on the top shelf of their locker.  They can be brought tomorrow too :).

I can’t wait to meet you!

 

School Directory

Hi Families!

Georgetown Elementary is working on a school directory.  Please read below for more information.

The purpose of this directory is to help parents connect with other parents for child get togethers (playdates, birthday parties).

We do not share parent emails at the office or teacher level. If you would like to connect with other parents to arrange child get togethers, you must complete this SCHOOL DIRECTORY FORM. Once it is completed, the form will be emailed to all parents who completed the form. This form will not be published on the school website nor will it be printed and distributed.

Second Grade Supply List

Happy Summer!    Our classroom is full of materials that will help us grow as learners, but there are a few supplies that we ask children to provide if possible.

You may bring these to supplies to the Open House on Wednesday August 22.

Here is the suggested list of materials your child will need for second grade:

  •  Composition Book, wide ruled
  •  4 Dry Erase Markers labeled with your child’s name 
  •  1 Pencil box
  •  Sticky Notes (3×3 size)
  • 2 Glue Sticks
  • A pair of blunt child’s scissors labeled with your child’s name
  • A clean pair of tennis shoes for gym ( they don’t have to be new)
  • A pair of earbuds/headphones labeled with your child’s name( a piece of tape on the cord works well).
  • 1 game (to keep at school for the school year) your child can teach the rest of the class how to play during indoor recesses.  It can be returned at the end of the year.  Please write your child’s name on the box or bag.

Here are some other supplies that we use quite a bit within our classroom and would appreciate any donations.  These same items will be posted on our giving tree as we get closer to the fall as well.

  • Antibacterial Wipes
  •  Kleenex
  •  Dry Erase Markers ( We use these EVERYDAY :))
  •  Red ink pens
  • Gallon Size Ziplocs
  •  Sandwich size Ziplocs
  •  Sidewalk Chalk
  •  Band Aids
  • Twistables Colored Pencils
  • Washable Markers

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at lkuieck@hpseagles.net.

Mrs. Kuieck 🙂

Summer Learning

Dear Parents,

 

Studies have shown that students can lose up to 50% of learning during the summer vacation.   Georgetown is challenging you and your child to “KEEP ON LEARNING” this summer to prevent summer slide.  There are two ways to record your learning time:

 

Our goals for students over the summer are below. Students who reach or exceed goals will be entered in a drawing for an Amazon Gift Card (1 per grade). This is for their grade next year.

 

Reading Minutes Mobymax
  • First Grade: 100 minutes
  • Second Grade: 200 minutes
  • Third Grade: 300 minutes
  • Fourth Grade: 400 minutes
  • Fifth Grade:  400 minutes
  • First Grade: 100 pts
  • Second Grade: 200 pts
  • Third Grade: 300 pts
  • Fourth Grade: 400 pts
  • Fifth Grade:  500 pts

 

    • Reading:  Log into  this form  to record the number of minutes you read.  You can record each day or enter the total for each week.

 

  • Login will be username@hpsstudents.net

 

 

If your child is new to the school and you would like login information, email Mrs. Reagan.  treagan@hpseagles.net

 

Have a great summer…and keep on learning with READING and MOBYMAX!

We Need Your Box Tops & Coke Caps!

COLLECT BOX TOPS & COKE CAPS

Did you know that every BOXTOP and every COKE CAP collected earns money for our school?   This summer we would like you to work hard to collect both. The money we earn will go toward a basketball hoop on our K/1 playground!

 

BOXTOPS:  Every completed BOXTOP sheet is worth $5.00.  If every child from Georgetown (approx 570) fills  one sheet this summer, our school will earn $2,750.   Many thanks to Lori Simpson and all of you who are on her team of BOX TOP counters, trimmers and packers.  This is a great program that pays off because of all of YOU! Download your form here:  Summer Box Tops

 

COKE CAPS:  Super easy. Save the caps and go online to enter collection!  COKE WEBSITE  (https://us.coca-cola.com/give/)   Select Georgetown Elementary and enter the code on the cap.   Now you can recycle the cap. No need to send it to school.