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Classroom News May 2, 2008

                                                         

                   Mrs. George's Class is Curious About Butterflies

We received our Painted Lady butterfly larvae at the end of last week and the children are excited about observing the different stages of their life cycle. They are writing about and illustrating their observations in their butterfly journals.  We are anxiously awaiting the emerging butterflies.  A few days after they reach the final stage in their life cycle, we will release them in our outdoor classroom.  You will see below a photograph taken with our ELMO on May 1st. You will notice one still crawling on the bottom of the lid.  Two are hanging in the J shape and two have changed into  the chrysalis stage.  One caterpillar is out of view.

We have "boarded" our jet, left Japan and have landed in the "Land Down Under!"  The children are so excited about learning more about this country. "Japan Day" was such a hit, that we are planning on having  a mini "Australia Day" on May 14th!  We currently have a guest speaker lined up and several other activities planned.  Here are a couple of interesting web sites that your child might enjoy  visiting:

Animals of Australia and Australia Downunder

Congratulations to Jami, our May Character Winner for the word Accomplishment. 

Special Thanks To:

• All parents who sent in children well rested and prepared for the testing.  I know we are all excited that we have that milestone behind us.
• Thanks to all who participated in the many Relay for Life activities.  Thus far, $8,552 has been raised!!!
• Thanks for those who have sent in completed enrollment forms. Please make sure that all forms have been signed before sending them back and that you have placed three stamps on the envelope.  We will use these envelopes to mail report cards. 

Upcoming Dates:

May 5: "Drumming Up Stories"-Performing Arts program here at Mt. Bethel featuring interactive stories from around the world

May 9: All library books due - Please look around your home for any missing library books!

May 11: Mother's Day (The children are working very hard on a "special" project  especially for you!)

May 12: Reader's Theater (various teachers will present favorite stories.)

May 14: Australia Day (morning)

May 14:  Representative from Cobb County Library will present information regarding  their Summer Reading Program (afternoon)

May 20: Field Day (8:00-10:30) Please remember class t-shirts, sunscreen and water bottle!

May 20: Yearbook  Signing (Outdoor Classroom, 1:10-2:00)

May 21: End of Year Celebration

May 21-24: Reading is Hot , Hot, Hot (More information will follow)

May 22: All supplies will be sent home

May 23: Last Day of School (Do not bring backpacks or lunch bags. Lunch items from home need to be in disposable containers)

Classroom News March 28, 2008

                                                                                                        

                          

                         Our class is curious about Multiplication!

We started our study of multiplication yesterday and everyone seems excited about it.  Instead of studying multiplication facts,we will focus on the concept of multiplication through manipulatives,pictures, arrays, and multiplication charts.  Please have them look around to see where they can find examples of multiplication.  For example: An egg carton shows 2 x 6 = 12 or 6 x 2 = 12.  To earn an extra sticker, have them write down and bring in to class, the multiplication problem that shows how many daisy petals  are pictured on this blog.

Thank you to:

• All who have returned report card signature cards
• All who have returned forms for Ms. Jordan indicating whether your child will be able to participate in the music program next Thursday.
• Amy's mom for being our recent Mystery Reader

Congratulations to:

• Audrey Lersch, our Character Education Winner for COMMITMENT

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

• March 31 - April 4:  Book Fair in the Media Center  7:15 - 4:00 Monday through Thursday and 7:15 - 10:00am on Friday --- Please note  it will also be open on Thursday from 5:30pm - 6:30pm so that you can stop in after the ART Show and before the  PTA  meeting and 2nd grade musical performance.
• April 2:  Kindergarten Registration
• April 2:  Deadline for ordering Spring Thing tickets
• April 3: PTA and Art Show    Children should be here at 6:30pm  to get ready for their performance
• April 7 - 11:  SPRING BREAK:  We are ready!
• April 22:  Staff Relay for Life Kickball game  2:30
• April 23, 24, 25:  CRCT   8:00 am

The ART SHOW is coming !!!!

The ART SHOW is coming !!!!

Thursday, April 3^rd

3

–

7 p.m.

In the Multi-Purpose Room

Family and friends are invited

to view the Art work

created by Mt. Bethel

’

s talented students !

The homeroom with the highest attendance

will receive a free popsicle party.

See you at the ART SHOW !!!!!!

Classroom News March 14, 2008

                                                       

     Mrs. George's class is curious about St. Patrick's Day!

Special thanks to:

• Colin's mom for a wonderful art mom lesson -- The children created  adorable "Wee Leprechauns" while I attended a second grade teachers' planning meeting.
• Natalie's mom and Reid's mom for being our parent volunteers while I was in the planning meeting
• Riley's dad and Rachel's mom for being our recent Mystery Readers
• Collins' mom for joining us on our field trip to the Fox Theater for Charlotte's Web
• Your children for their great behavior on both of our field trips last week. I hope they told you all about both performances.  Although several children  were not excited about going to La Sylphide, all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the show.

                                                      Japan Day

All of second grade had a wonderful adventure traveling to Japan for the day on Thursday.  Each class rotated to every second grade classroom for different lessons about Japan.  They enjoyed a Japanese tea party  complete with rice balls, rice cakes, and chopsticks.  They made origami samurai warrior hats, practiced calligraphy with brush and ink, toured a Japanese "museum," and  played a Japanese math game called Gomoku. They also played sudoku, bingo with Japanese numbers, and a Jeopardy Smart Board game  with facts about Japan .  They enjoyed having their passport stamped at each stop on their journey.  Please get them to tell you about their day!

Dates to Remember:

• March 17 - 21:  Exceptional Children's Awareness Week
• March 20:         Report Cards go home

Special Notes:

• Please check red behavior folders for flyers about the Big Help Book Drive, Spring Thing 2008, and Fingerprinting and Ident-A-Kid opportunities
• Please mark Thursday, April 3 on your calendar for two special events.

From 4:00 - 7:00 pm you are invited to an art show to view your children's art work on exhibit.  The class with the highest class attendance will win a POPSICLE PARTY. 

A PTA meeting will be held at 6:30 with a special  musical performance by all second graders under the direction of our music teacher, Ms. Jordan.  More information will be coming home soon.

Have a great weekend!

                  

Classroom News February 28, 2008

                                                         

                        Mrs. George's class is curious about Japan!

       We have started our new unit of study on Japan and the children are excited about learning about life in a different country.  They were amazed to learn that Japanese children go to school six days a week and only get a six week summer vacation.  We will continue our study over the next few weeks.  If you have anything to share pertaining to Japan, please  let me know so we can arrange a visit or feel free to send it in with your child.

Special thanks to:

• All who have sent in the lunch choice form for next Friday
• Audrey's mom for being our Mystery Reader

Congratulations to:

• Taylor for being selected by her classmates as Character Education winner for the month of February for TOLERANCE
• Colin - Jump Rope for Heart winner for second grade

Dates to Remember:

• February 29:  Reading Calendars due
• March 3 -7:  Read Across America -- See both sides of the green flyer in the red folders for information about the week's events including the book swap.
• Monday, March 3:  Field trip to performance of Charlotte's Web at the Fox Theater -- Please encourage your child to dress up for this special event.
• Tuesday, March 4:  Early Release -- Dismissal at 12:20
• Wed. March 5:  School Picture Day for K-2 -- Order forms for individual and class photos went home today.
• Friday, March 7 : Ballet Performance of La Sylphide at the Cobb. Co. Civic Center -- Please have your child dress in their yellow class t-shirt.
• Mt. Bethel Spring Book Fair:  March 31 - April 4 -- If you would like to volunteer to help with this event, please look for yellow volunteer form in your child's  red folder.

Have a nice weekend! 

    

    

Classroom News February 14, 2008

                                        

We've had a very special Valentine's Day!  The children enjoyed bringing in their Valentine boxes and sharing valentines with each other.  Thank you for all of your help with that.  Thank you also to Collins' mom for bringing a Valentine snack for everyone today.

IMPORTANT: Date Change for Relay for Life Faculty Kickball Game 

                                      New date is   APRIL 22nd

Special Thanks:

• Blaine's mom for planning a special Valentine craft and game for the children during the 2nd grade teachers' planning meeting
• Caitlin's mom for coming in to be a parent volunteer during the teachers' meeting
• Collins' mom for sending in a special Valentine treat for the children on Thursday

                                                  Six Flags Reading Log Due

Although the deadline for the Six Flags Incentive was Feb. 15th, I can extend it to Thursday, Feb. 21st.  If anyone is interested in earning a Six Flags ticket, just fill out the reading log for the hours read at home and return signed by  Thursday.  Six hours or 360 minutes is the minimum.

Special dates to remember:

• Feb. 18  No School    Presidents' Day
• Feb. 19  Teacher Workday
• Feb. 29  February Reading log due
• March 3-7th  Read Across America Week    More details to follow
• March 3:  Field trip to the Fox Theater to see Charlotte's Web. We will be dressing in our Sunday best for this performance.
• March 4:  Early Release      Children are dismissed at 12:20
• March 5:  School Picture Day
• March 7:  Field trip to the Cobb County Civic Center for a Performing Arts Series production. You signed permission slips and sent in donations at the beginning of the school year for this performance.  We will be wearing our yellow class T-shirts on this day.
• APRIL 3:  More information to follow, but you may want to go ahead and mark your calendars:  All of the 2nd grade classes will perform at the PTA program under Ms. Jordan's direction.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Classroom News January 31, 2008

                                           

                                                   

                   Mrs. George's is curious about

                     our solar system !   

     We are looking forward to our visit from High Touch High Tech Monday Morning.  We will be learning all about the phases of the moon, the planets,  and our closest star (the sun).

Special Thanks to:

• All of you who were so prompt and supportive during Conference Week
• All who came to our presentation on our 21st Century Technology.  Your children did a great job of showing you the many ways we use the Smart Board to enhance learning.
• Our recent mystery readers:  Ian's mom and Wyatt's mom
• Anyone who helped PTA provide snacks for teachers during Conference Week
• All who made donations to the Cobb Schools Foundation for GIMME 5 FOR EDUCATION
• Everyone who turned in donations and permission slips for the performance of CHARLOTTE'S WEB at the Fox on March 3rd.  If you have not done so, please turn in as soon as possible.

Congratulations to:

• Rachel Mills: Our Character Education Representative for January for Resilience

Dates to Remember:

• February 4: Scholastic Book Orders due
• February 6:  Early Release (Dismissal at 12:20) Spanish and Chess still meet
• Feb. 13 and 15:  Jump Rope for Heart
• February 15:  Six Flags Reading Log due

Special Requests:

• Please send in a blank,stamped, business-sized envelope for a special writing  project. You may lightly pencil in your child's name in the return address area so that each child will know which one belongs to them.
• Please have your child decorate some type of container for Valentine's Day.  We are not having a contest, but they  all enjoy having something special to put their Valentine cards in.  It may be as simple or as elaborate as your child chooses.  I will send a class list with the homework packet on Monday for your child to use when addressing  his/her valentines so that no one is left out.

Have a great weekend!

Mary Alice George

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Classroom News January 17, 2008

  Happy New Year!

I'm looking forward to meeting with all of you next week at our conference. Don't forget that it is Early Dismissal (12:20).  You will receive your child's report cards during our conference.

You are all invited to a brief demonstration of our new 21st century technology that was provided by SPLOST funds. We are one of six schools piloting this new technology and the children are very excited about using it. They will be showing you all of the wonderful things that we have been learning with our new Smart Boards.  Please mark your calendars for Thursday, January 31st, from 8:15 - 8:45 in the morning in our classroom.

Special thanks to:

• Colin's mom for an awesome art lesson on George Washington. 
• Collins' mom and Ian's mom for being our parent volunteers during the second grade teachers' planning meeting.
• Recent mystery readers -- Collins' dad and Niki's dad

Congratulations to:

• Natalie for being our December Character Education representative for being the child who most represents the character trait of compassion .

Important Dates to Remember:

• Monday, January 21:  No school, Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
• Tuesday, January 22 through Monday, January 28:  Conference Week, Early Dismissal
• Wednesday, January 23:   100th day of school
• Thursday, January 31:  21st Century Technology demonstration, 8:15 in our classroom

Classroom News December 6, 2007

                                           Mrs. George's class is curious about our

                      WINTER WORKSHOP!

As I am sure you have already heard, we began our economics unit this week.  The children enjoyed going to different classrooms this week to work for  new employers and to produce a craft of their choosing (In some cases it was their second choice).    They are enjoying earning their wages and will be able to go shopping next week with their money!

We are also curious about Cultural Celebrations Around the World!

The PTA is once again putting together a fabulous display of cultural celebrations.  We will visit on Monday.  Ask your children about the different celebrations on exhibit. This annual display is a great way to discover the similarities and differences among the celebrations from around the world.

We have also enjoyed sharing the holiday traditions that the children wrote about. They did a great job on this project!

Upcoming Events:

• Fire Safety is coming to Second Grade this year.  On Monday, Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services will present the first of four lessons on Fire Safety.  One homework assignment will be for your child to count the number of smoke alarms you have in your home and to check and see that they are in working order.
• Mt. Bethel Caring and Sharing - For the holidays, our staff, teachers, and students would like to be sure that we recognize some of the truly special people at school who help us all: the custodians, lunchroom staff, and clinic nurse.  If you would like to contribute, please send in a heartfelt cash donation by December 14th.  Please write personal checks to CASH.
• Classroom Winter Party -- Wednesday, Dec. 19th
• Winter Holidays --Monday, Dec. 24 through Monday, Jan. 7th.

Congratulations to:

• Amy Herrera as our Character Ed winner for the month of November for Citizenship.

Special Thanks to:

• Parents who sent in items for our special Thanksgiving snack
• Parents who sent in permission slips for High Touch High Tech
• Those who have returned November Reading Calendars
• Children who brought in change for United Way
• Children who have already made a contribution to CARING and SHARING
• Our recent Mystery Readers -- Colin's mom and Taylor's mom
• Blaine's mom for a wonderful art lesson on Matisse.  The children learned about this artist  and, inspired by  his technique of  cutting shapes from colorful paper, created beautiful artwork of their own.
• Caitlin's mom and Collins' mom for being our Parent Volunteers in the classroom while I attended the second grade teachers' planning meeting

Classroom News November 15, 2007

                                                 

              Mrs. George's class is curious about the first Thanksgiving!

We have enjoyed using our new smartboards to gather  and share information about the Wampanoags.  They are the Eastern Woodland tribe that helped the colonists survive the first winter in Plymouth, Massachussetts.  Many students expressed interest in going to this site on their home computers.  The website address is www.plimothplantation.org.  From there, go to online learning activites under the education tab.  There are several activities the children would enjoy doing at home.

Special thanks to:

• Our wonderful class for their excellent behavior on our field trip to "Touch the Earth"  at Wills Park
• Blaine's mother for joining us our field trip
• Remington's mom and Amy's dad for being our recent mystery readers
• Reid's mom and Natalie's mom for being our trained parent volunteers in the classroom while I attended team planning with the 2nd grade teachers
• Colin's mom for her wonderful art lesson that tied in with our study of Native Americans.  The children were very proud of the rainsticks they created.

Congratulations to:

• All of our  Fun Run Participants and our top finishers -- Wyatt, Blaine, Colin, Taylor, Rachel and Avital

Please look for information about CRCT practice in today's folder.  It has your child's password for taking practice tests online.

Have a safe and fun-filled Thanksgiving holiday.  Enjoy this special time with your children.

Classroom News November 2, 2007

                                                                           

     M                Mrs. George's class is curious about Native Americans!

                                     Mrs. George's class is curious about

                               Native Americans!

The children are enjoying our study of Native Americans.  We are comparing and contrasting the lives of the Plains Indians with the lives of the Eastern Woodlands Indians and how each used the resources that were available to them.

  We had fun today at our Native American Festival at Mount Bethel and look forward to our field trip to "Touch the Earth" at Wills Park next Thursday.

Congratulations to:

• Avital -- She was selected by her peers as Character Education WInner for October for Responsibility
• Wyatt -- his Reflections entry was selected to go on to the East Cobb County Council competition
• Amy, Blaine and Natalie for their fantastic performances in "On the Radio"  last week
• Riley for winning a $10 gift certificate in the Book Fair Raffle

Please remember we go to Science Enrichment class this Friday, Nov. 2. Have your child bring in pictures that illustrate energy.

 

Special Thanks  to:

• All the parents who helped with the crafts and games at our Native American Festival.  The children had a great time participating in Native American experiences.   Thanks also to all who helped their children dress in Native American attire for this special event. We also appreciate the special snacks that were sent in to give us a taste of a Native American diet.
• All who have sent in items for our soldiers.  Please remember our class has been asked to send in Febreeze.  Candy, gum, playing cards are also appreciated. You may continue to send in these much needed items.
• All who have purchased books from the book fair  for our classroom library
• The Mount Bethel Elementary School Foundation for their generous grant to second grade for the purchase of five document cameras.  These cameras will be used along with our new smartboards  to help foster learning in our classrooms.  This is just one example of the wonderful ways the Foundation supports the education of Mt. Bethel students and helps faculty enhance their teaching strategies.
• All who attended Chick-Fil-A night on Tuesday night.

Dates to Remember:

• Friday, Nov. 2  :  Final day of Book Fair --open until 10:00 am
• Thursday, Nov. 8 :  Field trip to "Touch the Earth" --Please remember to have your child wear their yellow class t-shirt and to dress for the weather.
• Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 5 and 6:  Student holidays/Teacher workdays
• Saturday, Nov. 10:  Fun Run and Health and Safety Fair