Only 24 days left of school!

Reminders
**C9 field trip---THIS TRIP HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, MAY 2ND FROM 8-10AM.  We will be back for specials and lunch so your child does not need a sack lunch. We will have a normal schedule in the afternoon.  

**Don't forget about our Second Grade guest day Thursday, April 25th!  The whole family is invited to bring their picnic dinner to Creekside that evening and enjoy each others company!  The playground will be open after dinner.  Hope to see you there from 5:30-7!  THE 2ND GRADE TEACHERS ARE MONITORING THE WEATHER.  We will let you know ASAP if we have to cancel Thursday.  If we do, we will try our best to reschedule.

***Don't forget, no school Friday!  Have a great 3 day weekend!

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

Math Test
Units 8 and 9 are short units (8-9 lessons in each).  The Unit 8 test also has a large cumulative test part on it, so I will be breaking the test up into 2 days.  We will test on Wednesday and Thursday this week.  Make sure to let your child do the review packet if not already completed!


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

• multiplication/division facts
• missing factors
• factor pairs
• sharing money
• solid shapes
• using multiples of 10

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

• memory words: open, ocean, clothes, close, sew, so, hole, knows, nose, both, whole, own
• The next spelling test will be next Tuesday, 4/30, due to no school on Friday.  We will take the end of unit Superkids test next Monday.
• adjectives
• long 'o' spelled different ways
• capitalization and punctuation
• comprehension
• fluency
• Book Club--Jenny Archer, Author

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

• completing posters with our research about bullying and preparing oral presentations
• working in groups to complete a research project on anti-bullying strategies
• reading: The Tale of Despereaux 

Writer's Workshop

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

• the month of April we will be working on poetry and will be writing all different kinds of poetry.  At the end of the month, your child will have published their very own book of poetry!
• We are working on the following types of poems and poetry elements this week: typing our own poem, publishing our book of poetry
• Cursive writing--W, X, Y

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

• 5/2--C9 Field Trip From 8-10 am  (rescheduled date)
• 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
• 5/8 and 5/10--DIBELS end of year testing
• 5/9--Book Beat at Creekside @9am 
• week of 5/13--BOGO Book Fair
• week of 5/13-- NWEA end of year testing
• 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!!!
• 5/29--Creekside awards day program @9am

Happy Spring!

Reminders
**Don't forget we will be touring C9 Friday morning from 8-10am!  We will be back for specials and lunch so your child does not need a sack lunch. We will have a normal schedule in the afternoon.

**Don't forget about our Second Grade guest day next Thursday, April 25th!  The whole family is invited to bring their picnic dinner to Creekside that evening and enjoy each others company!  The playground will be open after dinner.  Hope to see you there from 5:30-7!

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

Math Test
Units 8 and 9 are short units (8-9 lessons in each).  Therefore, we will be ready for the unit 8 math test next week already!  I will be sending home the unit 8 review packet on Thursday this week.  The Unit 8 test also has a large cumulative test part on it, so I will be breaking the test up into 2 days.  We will test on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. 


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

• multiplication/division facts
• missing factors
• factor pairs
• sharing money
• solid shapes
• using multiples of 10

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

• memory words: white, polite, quite, quiet, buy, by, idea, promise, sign, eye, final, island
• The next spelling test will be Friday.
• onomatopoeia 
• tricker words
• long 'i' spelled different ways
• context clues
• comprehension
• fluency
• Book Club--The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

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

• learning the elementary research model
• working in groups to complete a research project on anti-bullying strategies
• reading: The Tale of Despereaux 

Writer's Workshop

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

• the month of April we will be working on poetry and will be writing all different kinds of poetry.  At the end of the month, your child will have published their very own book of poetry!
• We are working on the following types of poems and poetry elements this week: acrostic poem about Spring, acrostic poem about a firefly, zip code poem.
• Cursive writing--K, N, M, V, U

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

• 4/19--C9 Field Trip From 8-10 am 
• 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
• 5/8 and 5/10--DIBELS end of year testing
• 5/9--Book Beat at Creekside @9am 
• week of 5/13--BOGO Book Fair
• week of 5/13-- NWEA end of year testing
• 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!!!
• 5/29--Creekside awards day program @9am

Beautiful spring day!

I am loving this weather!  There is no math or superkids homework tonight, so enjoy some time outside after completing nightly reading!!  Some of the class said they were going to read outside tonight. :)

Snack attack
Our snack attack from the Super Magazine on Friday is a cute, but big one.  If you would be willing to send in any of the following by Friday can you let me know?  Let me know if you have something specific, or email me and I can let you know what I still need.  I am looking for the following:
*cool whip
*blue food coloring
*whipped cream cheese
* 28 mini bagels
*raisins
*goldfish crackers
Thanks in advance!

C9 Field Trip permission slip
On Friday, April 19th, Mrs. Daudy and Mrs. Dunn’s classes will be taking a tour of the Central Nine Career Center. (The other 2 classes are going Thursday).  I have all 4 chaperones for this field trip.  Thanks!  (I'll be emailing you separately soon.)  I am still missing a couple permission slips.  Please get those in ASAP.

Careers on Wheels Field Trip--permission slip coming home today!
In your child's folder, there is an orange paper permission slip for our field trip to the high school on May 7th.  We won't need chaperones for this trip, and the trip is free.  You will need to check the appropriate box if your child will bring their lunch, or if you want them to get a sack lunch from the cafeteria that day.

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/division facts
• comparing fractions
• Our unit 7 test was this morning!  I'll get those graded ASAP.  
• measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch
• using multiples of 10

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

• memory words: leaf, leaves, leave, team, people, repeat, deer, dear, bean, been, complete, either
• The next spelling test will be Friday.
• suffix: -ness
• adjectives
• homonyms
• fluency
• Super Magazine--Splish, Splash!

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

• writing an action plan for a PBL (problem based learning) scenario with a fictional school having problems with bullying.  Our job is to help them create a plan to solve this problem at their school.
• working in groups to complete a research project on anti-bullying strategies
• reading: The Tale of Despereaux 

Writer's Workshop

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

• the month of April we will be working on poetry and will be writing all different kinds of poetry.  At the end of the month, your child will have published their very own book of poetry!
• We are working on the following types of poems and poetry elements this week: adjective-noun-verb-adverb poem, simile poem, onomatopoeia poem, alliteration poem 
• Cursive writing--P, B, H

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

• 4/12--PTO Spring Carnival 5:30-8pm
• 4/19--C9 Field Trip From 8-10 am 
• 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
• 5/8 and 5/10--DIBELS end of year testing
• 5/9--Book Beat at Creekside @9am 
• week of 5/13--BOGO Book Fair
• week of 5/13-- NWEA end of year testing
• 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!!!
• 5/29--Creekside awards day program @9am

Welcome Spring!

I hope you all had a great spring break!  Welcome back to the last stretch of the school year!

math test
I sent home the math review packet for unit 7 yesterday.  Please help your child work through this sometime this week.  Our test over unit 7 will be on Tuesday, April 9th.  Thanks!

April book order
I am sending home the April Scholastic book order today.  This will be the LAST book order for the school year.  I don't like to send any home in May and worry about the books arriving in time.  Be sure to stock up now for summer reading!

guest day picnic
Your child is bringing home a paper invitation today in their folder for our 2nd grade guest day picnic!  This event will take place Thursday, April 25th from 5:30-7.  The whole family can attend!  Be sure to bring a picnic blanket and your dinner.  The playground will be open to play on after dinner until 7pm.  Hope to see you then!

spring picture orders
If you ordered spring pictures, those are coming home today.

C9 Field Trip permission slip--coming home tomorrow!

On Friday, April 19th, Mrs. Daudy and Mrs. Dunn’s classes will be taking a tour of the Central Nine Career Center. (The other 2 classes are going Thursday).  This is a great way for students to learn about future job opportunities they can pursue in high school.

The buses will leave Creekside at 8:00 a.m. and return at approximately 10:00 a.m.  Since this field trip happens in the morning, your child will not need to pack a sack lunch.  We will be limiting our chaperones to 4 per class for this trip.  In the event that we have more than 4 requests, we will draw 4 names.  Chaperones must complete a background check in the office each year.  We also ask that you make other arrangements for younger siblings if you wish to join us.  Chaperones may ride the buses with us.                  

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/division facts
• comparing fractions
• solving fraction number stories
• finding fractions of collections
• plotting fractions on a number line

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

• memory words: afternoon, steak, great, break, child, children, parent, straight, danger, stranger, explain, today, yesterday
• The next spelling test will be Friday.
• capitalization
• comparative and superlative adjectives
• adjectives with irregular comparatives
• comprehension
• fluency
• Super Magazine--Splish, Splash!

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

• hamburger model for persuasive writing
• using a rubric to self evaluate our writing (this was a HUGE AH HA! moment for some of them today!)
• working in groups to complete a research project on the heart
• comparing our heart (feelings) to our actual heart
• reading: The Tale of Despereaux 

Writer's Workshop

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

• the month of April we will be working on poetry and will be writing all different kinds of poetry
• Cursive writing--C, A, Q, E

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

• 4/2--PTO meeting @6pm
• 4/4--Creekside Spelling Bee at 1pm
• 4/12--PTO Spring Carnival 5:30-8pm
• 4/19--C9 Field Trip From 8-10 am (permission slip coming home tomorrow)
• 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 
• 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!!!

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!