Wow! What a Winter Break! We could not have planned that any better. I know St. James second graders had lots of fun playing in the snow. We all shared all about sledding, snow angels (and a snow penguin), and some funny stories about snowball fights. The Monday we returned to school, presented itself with small amounts of snow remaining on the ground and the students were very excited to make a few snowballs and then on Tuesday we played outside in short sleeves and even started to sweat. What a weather turnaround.

This week we began Spring Musical practice with the other grade levels. This musical show will be one to remember. I am very proud of the hard work the second grade has demonstrated to learn their song parts and all their dance combinations.

Lately, in class, we have been learning how to choose the most efficient math strategy to solve addition and subtraction problems within 1,000. The kids get very excited when they have a sum or difference close to the number 1,000. We have also been studying objects in the sky, such as the moon, and we have learned much about the phases of the moon. We even made exploding moon rocks and moon dough.

This week students brainstormed what it means to be a good citizen to launch our unit study on Citizenship. Below is a list of some things the students said.

Reagan - “Helping a friend when they’ve had a bad day.”

Westin - “Picking up trash you see on the ground.”

EmmaLynn - “Helping someone when you see they need help.”

AnnaScott - “Being kind and helping others even if you are in a rush.”

Sander - “Giving a band aid to someone who is hurt.”

Colin “Building houses for homeless people.”

The information we learned about the immigration process this week included taking an oath, signing documents, and singing the National Anthem. Over the next 5 weeks will learn more about democracy and why our country’s founders chose this system of government. Ask your child what it means to them to live in the United States and also what makes a good citizen.

Happy Grandparent’s Day to all our St. James Day families.

”Grandparents are a little bit a parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend” - Unknown

Second grade has been working hard the last couple of weeks creating personal cards and paintings for their beloved grandparents. We appreciate all the grandparents in our lives.

This week, second grade also celebrated Valentine’s Day with a “Fanta Float” and valentine exchange. There was enough candy to last a lifetime and the students had a blast. Before the party, all the students participated in a compliment circle. We passed around art-hearts and complimented one another on what we love about them the most.

Next week is Winter Break here at SJDS and we dismissed today with some faint snowflakes falling. Well wishes and a restful holiday to you all!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas Break! I know I did. Returning to school and seeing the second grade smiling faces was such a happy moment for me! These kiddos truly are the best. This month has been very busy. Two of the weeks in January involved a teacher quarantine, virtual math lessons, and Mrs. Kandice as the 2nd grade teacher. She was so sweet to the kiddos and communicated often about what a kind and bright group of students are in 2nd grade this year. Mrs. Kandice also bragged on what hard work and perseverance was demonstrated during my absence. Fun STEM Friday was taken to the next level when Kandice had the students explore how to use baking soda and shaving cream to make snow. The class also researched types of paper airplane designs, created their own paper airplanes, and competed in a distance contest. Since then, all indoor recesses involve some type of paper airplanes. Thank you, Mrs. Kandice for inspiring 2nd grade to become scientists and engineers!

This week, students participated in a Writer’s Conference. During the conference, students are required to listen to each others writing pieces and give positive and constructive feedback. We established a set of rules that included being good listeners and respecting each others accomplishments and areas of improvement. Writer’s Conference encourages taking ownership of writing and promotes face-to-face constructive conversations. Each student was required to compare and contrast two different animals and they were excellent researchers. We learned facts about the walrus and harp seal, Guanaco (related to the llama) and Fennec Fox, Dracorex (extinct dinosaur) and the Boa Constrictor, and even the Regal Horned Lizard that shoots blood from its eyes and the Red Bellied Piranha. Way to go kids!

In technology, students started a month-long group project. Ms. Kirkland had the students create storyboards that included: characters, setting, plot and climax of a story. After story boards were completed, students then designed and constructed a scene from their story. The students are currently creating movies of their story by taking series of photos using I-pads and green screens.

Upcoming events include:

-Grandparent’s Day (be on the lookout for precious art for grandparents and a video)

-Winter Break: February 15-19 (early dismissal Feb. 12 @ 11:15)

Merry Christmas from SJDS 2nd Grade! We have had an excellent first half of the year and we are looking very forward to a long break! Recently in 2nd grade, we have studied landforms and bodies of water. Students were challenged to create a playdoh model of a landform or body of water last week. They did an exceptional job!

Students also participated in this year’s Candlelight through video recorded songs and readings. Click the link below to see our very special, yet unconventional Candlelight program. Our very own Reagan Goodman and Thomas Quinn were chosen to participate in one of the readings. Good job Reagan and Thomas!

https://youtu.be/XYp6dfc2KH8

We’ve had some Christmas fun the last couple of weeks as well. Students have been very busy creating presents for their parents. They even wrapped them and put the bows on themselves. They were very proud to do this independently!

We ended our Christmas fun with a friendly STEM competition of building the tallest STANDING Christmas tree using gumdrops and toothpicks.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

How is October almost over? This month has flown by with lots of learning and lots of fun. Students are very excited about the Friday Fall Fun on October 30th which is also Book Character Day. Check back for photos of these two events soon.

Last week, second graders carved a pumpkin and counted the seeds they found inside. Some students really enjoyed getting their hands dirty while others were more inclined to watch the seed counting. We discovered there were a whopping 397 pumpkin seeds. I took the seeds home to clean and roast. Students were NOT very fond of roasted pumpkin seeds, but they did like store bought pepitas.

Last week, in technology, students were challenged to build structures that would roll. At the end of class they were allowed to use a type of robotic software to move their structure. Some students found they needed to rebuild, focusing on stability and wheel size/similarity. This was a really neat time for the kids.

Second graders received their chrome books! This has been a hot topic for many weeks. Ms. Kirkland was finally able to issue the Chromebooks and we have spent much time learning all about google classroom, Jamboard , and internet safety. Students are currently creating their own Jamboards and using the Chromebooks for an animal research project.