Watershed Exploration!

Today we had a very special guest, Mrs. Hickey, from the Lake Champlain Basin Program. With her we talked about all of the ways that we use the lake, things that harm or pollute the lake and ways we can help decrease or prevent water pollution. We also got to see first hand how run off and erosion impact lake health using a watershed model that Mrs. Hickey brought in.

Here are some of the ideas that the students came up with during Mrs. Hickey's lesson.

Things that we love to do with the lake:

• Fishing
• Parties on the beach
• Swimming
• Boating
• Tubing
• Ice Fishing
• Skating

Things that pollute or harm the lake:

• Oil from leaky cars
• Factories that dump into the lake
• Construction
• Farms - fertilizer and animal waste
• Run off from roads
• Pet waste

Things we can do to help the lake:

• Take care of our cars so they don't leak
• Clean up after our pets
• Be responsible with toxic waste
• Build fences to keep cows out of streams
• Don't cut down trees on the banks of rivers

Check out our student blogs to see what else we learned!!

Read to Self

Today in Second Grade we discussed what our 'Read to Self' rotation should look like and sound like as part of our Daily Five.

Students modeled how to get their book bags, find a place to read and settle in reading. We discussed how important it is to read the whole time in order to build our reading muscles! I was very impressed with the second graders today!

Internet Safety

Last week we reviewed internet safety and what it means to be safe while using all of the fun tools the internet offers. As part of this, we watched "Router's Birthday Surprise" from the NetSmartz website. This video teaches students four simple rules for being safe online:

1. Tell a trusted adult if anything makes you feel sad, scared or confused
2. Ask a trusted adult before sharing personal information like your name, address or phone number
3. Don't meet face to face with anyone from the internet
4. Always use good 'netiquette' and don't be rude or mean online

Each student signed a pledge to follow these rules that they brought home with them on Friday. The NetSmartz website offers many internet safety activities or videos that can be accessed at this link:

NetSmartz Kids Online .

Fun with Math!

This week we have officially launched our math routine! The second graders have been participating in whole group mini lessons and have had time to practice and apply their skills through a series of small group rotations. So far we have been learning about telling time, counting money and counting by fives and tens!

Today students practiced working together and addition by playing Addition Top-It with partners. Ask your second grader to teach you this game at home! All you need is a deck of cards.

A Note from Ms. Maddie

Dear PPS Parents, Guardians, Caretakers,

My name is Maddie Sivo (Ms. Maddie to the kids, and formerly Maddie Grandgeorge).  I’m the school social worker at PPS.  I work with kids and families with varying needs and challenges .  I often meet with kids during lunch in my office, and will sometimes allow them to invite a friend or two to work on social skills and help build positive friendships.  If you are not comfortable with your child being invited for these small groups, please let their teacher know, or you can contact me directly at grandgeorgem@csdvt.org or 264-5918.

Also, as cold weather approaches, it can be a challenge for some families to pull together enough warm clothing (especially with the amount of stuff kids misplace at school!).  If you have warm clothing or boots to spare, send them my way!  It is also ALWAYS helpful to have gift cards to grocery stores on hand for families who are having a hard time making ends meet.  Your generosity is much appreciated.

Thank you!

--Maddie Sivo

Memo From Mr. Marshall

Lunch Process Sept 2013 (2) by twarren11

Week 2

It's hard to believe that Week 2 is already underway! The second graders are continuing to dive into their blogging! I love how many students are working on their blogs from home!

Thank you to all of you for submitting your lunch orders online! It is a huge help and time saver for us here at PPS!