2 days until spring break!

Lost and Found
From Dr. Heiden--Our lost and found in the Cafe has gotten too large and it will likely disappear over spring break. So, please let your parents know and students know they should check it if they are missing anything because it will all be donated soon somewhere.

Early Release
Don't forget tomorrow is Wednesday!  That means Early Release day!  Dismissal will start at 1:40

Math
Here is what we are working on in math this week:

• multiplication facts
• comparing fractions
• finding fractions less than 1 and more than 1 on a number line
• plotting fractions on a number line

Superkids
Here is what we are working on in Superkids this week:

• memory words: afternoon, backpack, homework, playground, sunlight, summertime, grasshopper, birthday, popcorn, pancake, toothbrush, weekend
• The next spelling test will TOMORROW.
• prefixes: plural vs. singular pronouns
• fact vs. opinion
• compound words
• comprehension
• Book Club--Pinky and Rex and the Bully 

High Ability
Here is what we are working on in our high ability unit this week:

• hamburger model for persuasive writing
• forming an opinion
• reading: The Girl with 500 Middle Names

Writer's Workshop

Here is what we are working on in Writer's Workshop this week:

• book reviews
• Cursive writing--review all lowercase letters

Upcoming Dates
Here are some dates to add to your calendar:

• 3/22-3/31--NO SCHOOL-SPRING BREAK
• 4/1--School resumes from Spring Break
• 4/2--Deputy Baird Safety presentation at 12pm
• 4/4--Creekside Spelling Bee at 1pm
• 4/12--PTO Spring Carnival 5:30-8pm
• 4/19--C9 Field Trip From 8-10 am (more info TBA)
• 4/25--2nd grade guest day picnic at 5:30-7pm
• 4/26--Snow make up day--NO SCHOOL
• 4/26--PTO vs Harlem Wizards game @7pm
• 4/30--PTO mtg at 6pm
• 5/7--2nd grade field trip to FCHS for Careers on Wheels presentation (more info TBA)
• 5/9--Book Beat at Creekside @9am (more info TBA)
• week of 5/13--BOGO Book Fair
• 5/16--BOGO Book Fair parent night @4-6:30pm
• 5/20--Boomer convo @9am
• 5/21--Chemistry is a blast convo @ 1pm
• 5/23-INDIANAPOLIS ZOO FIELD TRIP (more info TBA--we will need lots of chaperones!!)
• 5/27--Memorial Day--NO SCHOOL
• 5/28--Field Day
• 5/29--Last day of 2nd grade!!!

It's almost spring!!

I'm loving forecast for the warmer weather this week!  I hope it sticks around!  

Early Release
Don't forget tomorrow is Wednesday!  That means Early Release day!  Dismissal will start at 1:40

Math
Here is what we are working on in math this week:

• multiplication facts
• comparing fractions
• finding fractions less than 1 and more than 1 on a number line

Superkids
Here is what we are working on in Superkids this week:

• memory words: (This is the new list of words that we will start THURSDAY) afternoon, backpack, homework, playground, sunlight, summertime, grasshopper, birthday, popcorn, pancake, toothbrush, weekend
• Due to a special program tomorrow afternoon, we will not do Superkids. We will start the next unit on Thursday.  That means that the next spelling test will be next WEDNESDAY, March 20th.
• prefixes: -mis, -dis
• compound words
• comprehension
• Book Club--Love and Roast Chicken (we finished today)
• Book Club--Pinky and Rex and the Bully 

High Ability
Here is what we are working on in our high ability unit this week:

• hamburger model for persuasive writing
• identifying the 8 persuasive strategies
• identifying what strategies both print and TV commercials use to persuade us to buy their products
• compare and contrast two things we have a connection to
• reading: The Girl with 500 Middle Names

Writer's Workshop

Here is what we are working on in Writer's Workshop this week:

• Saint Patrick's day writing
• book reviews
• Cursive writing--review of letters already learned, plus how to write cursive n, m, x, z.

Reminder--PTO Reading Counts Award

Again this year the PTO will be rewarding students that have earned the most Reading Counts Points. The top two students from each classroom (Grades 1-4) will receive a "Creekside Top Reader" t-shirt, get their picture taken, and be recognized at Awards Day. The top two students from each grade level will receive a certificate during awards day and will get $10.00 to spend at the BOGO book fair in May. The cut-off date to earn points for this reward is May 1st.

Upcoming Dates
Here are some dates to add to your calendar:

• 3/14--Kindergarten Registration 4-7pm--let everyone you know that will have a Kindergarten student at Creekside next year know!  We need them to come to this night!
• 3/15--report cards home for 3rd 9 weeks
• 3/15--PTO movie night
• 3/22-3/31--NO SCHOOL-SPRING BREAK
• 4/12--PTO Spring Carnival 5:30-8pm
• 4/25--2nd grade guest day picnic at 5:30-7pm
• 4/26--Snow make up day--NO SCHOOL
• 4/26--PTO vs Harlem Wizards game @7pm

Have a great afternoon!

Happy March!

Shoe Drive
The shoe drive is still going on, and will go through March 13.  We are collecting new or gently used shoes.  They must be a pair with no holes or worn soles.  They can be any kind of shoe-just no wheels.  They can be in any size as well.  Please send in your donations to school!

Early Release
Don't forget tomorrow is Wednesday!  That means Early Release day!  Dismissal will start at 1:40

Math
Here is what we are working on in math this week:

• multiplication facts
• multiplication strategies
• writing two-step number stories
• fractions
• measuring liquid volume.

Superkids
Here is what we are working on in Superkids this week:

• memory words: (This is the new list of words that we will start tomorrow) wrong, write, warm, wash, water, woman, we're, were, want, would, wheel, we'll
• prefixes: -mis, -dis
• editing marks
• comprehension
• Super Magazine--The Inside Story (we finished today)
• Book Club--Love and Roast Chicken

High Ability
Here is what we are working on in our high ability unit this week:

• reading analyzers
• Venn diagrams
• compare and contrast two things we have a connection to
• starting our new book: The Girl with 500 Middle Names

Writer's Workshop

Here is what we are working on in Writer's Workshop this week:

• research projects--we finished research projects.  We typed them and hung them up in the hallway for everyone to read.  If you haven't already looked on Facebook, be sure to check out the pictures of our finished work--including a cool tech piece to animate our work!
• Cursive writing--review of letters already learned, plus how to write cursive b, w, o, and v.

Reminder--PTO Reading Counts Award

Again this year the PTO will be rewarding students that have earned the most Reading Counts Points. The top two students from each classroom (Grades 1-4) will receive a "Creekside Top Reader" t-shirt, get their picture taken, and be recognized at Awards Day. The top two students from each grade level will receive a certificate during awards day and will get $10.00 to spend at the BOGO book fair in May. The cut-off date to earn points for this reward is May 1st.

March Book Order

I am placing the March book order forms in everyone's mailbox. If you are interested in purchasing, orders are due March 12!  Students may order online or return the form with money to me.

Writing
I found this on a blog I follow, and thought it was interesting.  This is exactly why I am introducing cursive, and why we typed our final research reports.  My goal is to expose the class to all different types of writing, both to help them develop the skills of writing, but also a love for it! 

Cursive is a lifelong fundamental skill that is beneficial beyond elementary school. Check out our top five reasons to teach cursive!

1. Cursive promotes speed and fluency in daily assignments and note-taking.
2. Writing in cursive results in higher standardized essay test scores.
3. Vertical cursive encourages legibility.
4. Cursive helps students become better communicators by focusing on content instead of the skill of writing.
5. Cursive provides children with a fresh and engaging approach to handwriting.

Upcoming Dates

Here are some dates to add to your calendar:

• 3/6--K-2 Donuts with Dad
• 3/7--PTO Children's Museum Night at Creekside 5:30-8pm
• 3/8--end of 3rd 9 weeks
• 3/10--daylight savings time--spring forward
• 3/12--spring picture day (only for those that pre-order)
• 3/13--PTO shoe drive ends
• 3/14--Kindergarten Registration 4-7pm--let everyone you know that will have a Kindergarten student at Creekside next year know!  We need them to come to this night!
• 3/15--report cards home for 3rd 9 weeks
• 3/15--PTO movie night
• 3/22-3/31--NO SCHOOL-SPRING BREAK
• 4/12--PTO Spring Carnival 5:30-8pm
• 4/25--2nd grade guest day picnic at 5:30-7pm
• 4/26--Snow make up day--NO SCHOOL
• 4/26--PTO vs Harlem Wizards game @7pm

Have a great afternoon!