We have two students celebrating birthdays in January: Wilder on Jan. 24 and Caroline on Jan. 27.

Words of Wisdom

On Dec. 11, students wrote about pursuing goals, and what it means not just to themselves, but also to the world. Here is a student’s response:

“My dream is to spread joy, happiness, and courage to the world because then people would be happy, joyful and have courage. So dream big dreams.” C.H.

Local Holiday Performance

Mabel recently performed in The St. Augustine Ballet’s production, The Nutcracker. Outstanding!

Homework-Wk. of Jan. 8-12 (with standards)

Reading: Mon.-Thurs. nights-Students read from an appropriate-level, just right, good fit AR book for 20+ minutes and record the title in the AVID planner/agenda. (LAFS.2.RF.4.4.a)

Social Studies and Reading: Students read their current Scholastic News, A Hero’s Story, and complete page 4. They choose at least two paragraphs to practice oral reading fluency 2-3 times during the week. The Scholastic News is due on Fri. (LAFS.2.2.RI.2.5, LAFS.2.RF.4.4, LAFS.2.RI.1.1, and LAFS.2.RI.1.2).

Writing: Students choose at least two topics in their journal and write to respond (LAFS.2.W.2.5, LAFS.2.L.1.2.d, and LAFS.2.L.1.1.a). Due by Fri., Jan. 12..

As schedule permits: Students practice math skills online in Prodigy and/or Khan Academy (various standards, including MAFS. 2. OA.2.2, MAFS.2.NBT.1.2).

KETTERLINUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM NEWSLETTER MS. BALLINGER GR. 2

KETTERLINUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOM NEWSLETTER MS. Wk. of Jan. 8-12, 2018

Every student in our class reached their personal goal the second grading period and will be invited to Game Day on Jan. 10.

AR Update

Congratulations to Santi, Mary, Camryn, Finn, Gabe, Nevaeh, Kaila, Remi, Sawyer, Clara, Dylan, Caroline, Mabel, Wilder, Mallory, and Savannah for their perseverance. As of Dec. 20, the class has read a combined total of 951 books and read 2,138,702 words, as shown by passed AR tests, 80% or higher.

Voracious Readers (# of books read): Savannah (111), Gabe, (92), Mabel (82), Caroline (81), and Wilder (79).

Word Wizards (# of words read): Finn (404,777), Gabe (373,758), Kaila (238,055), Mary (214,242), and Caroline (191, 738).

Snowflake Bentley

On Dec. 20, the second-grade teachers held a seasonal reading rotation, and read aloud to each class. I selected Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, born 1865, was a self-taught scientist who photographed thousands of individual snowflakes in order to study their unique formations. The book has many opportunities for discussion about character and setting and achieving goals, as well as meteorology and photography.

You and your child can investigate more about the life of Wilson Bentley by visiting the official site www.snowflakebentley.com.

Wishing you and your family a beautiful new year in 2018. I’ll see my students back again on Jan. 8.

Specials-Wk. of Jan. 8-12, 2018 (I will notify you in Class Dojo

if there are changes in this schedule.)

Mon., Jan. 8-PE with Coach Allen, 1:45-2:25. Wear socks and sneakers, and pull back hair.

Tues., Jan. 9-Music with Mr. Gafford, 1:45-2:25.

Wed., Jan. 10-Art with Mr. Lewis, 10:10-10:50.

Thurs., Jan. 11-Computer Lab with Ms. Rhodin, 1:45-2:25.

Fri., Jan 12-PE with Coach Allen, 1:45-2:25. Socks and sneakers, please.