Final Week of School!

On our field trip students were able to take a couple of nice hikes.  More photos below and in the photo gallery.

Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!
If you have volunteered in any way to support our Silver Springs community, the Silver Springs Staff would like to say THANK YOU!  Please join us at a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, June 11th, beginning at 8:15 AM in our library.  Also, please plan on joining us for a special Volunteer Appreciation Presentation at our last assembly of the year at 9:15 AM as our school family celebrates another amazing year of volunteers working with staff and students.

Half Day this Thursday, Final Day of School
This Thursday is the final day of school, it is also a half day.  Students will be dismissed at 11:55 AM.

Report Cards
Report cards for all Silver Springs students will go home on Thursday.  I plan to put them in the Monday envelope and tuck them into your students teal folder.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In both reading and writing we have been conducting research, taking notes, and writing a non-fiction report about plants.  Students will put the final touches on those reports this week.

Math - To end the year students are conducting their own survey in Room A-2 and creating a graph to show the results.

Science - This week we will check in again on our experiment to see if different groups of plants can survive without water, air, or sunlight.

Leadership - We are adding our final math assessments to our leadership notebook.

On our field trip we came across this turtle.

Class Field Trip is This Wednesday, June 3rd

Students make flowers for the upcoming volunteer appreciation breakfast.

Field Trip to Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center
The field trip to the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center is this Wednesday, June 3rd.  On that Wednesday don't forget to send you child with a booster seat if they are under 8-years-old, this is Michigan Law.  All students need to bring a sack lunch and drink as well.  A full sheet of filed trip guidelines went home in the Monday envelope today.  If possible students are also being asked to bring an old sock for one of the experiments.  Most important however, is the booster seats and sack lunch.

School Field Day is This Thursday
Field day is coming!  Field day is Thursday, June 4th from 1:00-2:40.  We still need your help to make this a successful day for all of our students.  If you are able to help, please visit the sign up genius to sign up for a station. 
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E4AAFAC2CA02-field

Here are a few Field Day reminders from Ms. Phillips: Please send your student to school with appropriate clothes and shoes. Apply sunscreen at home.  Make sure to put your student’s name and teacher’s name on their water bottle

Home Reading Books in the Bright Orange Bag
Thanks for getting those bags back to me!

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In both reading and writing we have been conducting research, taking notes, and writing a non-fiction report about plants.

Math - We took a geometry exam today on 2 dimensional shapes, 3 dimensional shapes, and patterns.  To end the year we will be working on creating graphs with our iPads.

Science - This week some classes will be taking our end of unit exam on plants and life cycles.  We will also check in on our experiment to see if different groups of plants can survive without water, air, or sunlight.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - This week students are wrapping up our last Social Studies unit by taking our test on How Communities Change.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week students will work on entering the final 5 vocabulary words into their journals.  These words came from the book “Crab Moon.”  Students will be given an end of the year assessment (the same that was given at the beginning) on spelling and word patterns.

Leadership - We are practicing songs for an end of school sing-a-long.

Second Grade Field Trip is Next Wednesday, June 3rd

Students have been working in partners to research different animals.

Field Trip to Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center
Thank you so much for getting in all of those permission slips and admittance fees in to me.  The field trip to the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center is next Wednesday, June 3rd.  On that Wednesday don't forget to send you child with a booster seat if needed.

Multicultural Festival
The Silver Springs Multicultural Festival is this Friday, May 29th from 6 to 8PM.  I plan on attending and hope to see you there!

Home Reading Books in the Bright Orange Bag
Please make sure your student brings back their Take Home Reading Books to me this week.  Unfortunately, I need to collect all those lending books so I can have them ready for next year.

Monday Envelopes
To make things easier today I had students place the contents of their Monday envelopes directly into their teal folders.  I did not include a Bear Paw Reading Log since we are so close to the end of the school year.

Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
If you have volunteered in any way to support our Silver Springs community, the Silver Springs Staff would like to say THANK YOU!  Please join us at a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, June 11th, beginning at 8:15 AM in our library.  Also, please plan on joining us for a special Volunteer Appreciation Presentation at our last assembly of the year at 9:15 AM as our school family celebrates another amazing year of volunteers working with staff and students.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In both reading and writing we have been conducting research, taking notes, and writing a non-fiction report about plants.

Math - In math we are studying geometry including 2 dimensional shapes, 3 dimensional shapes, and patterns.  Thank you for helping your students build those 3 dimensional shapes I have been sending home. 

Science - Our end of unit exam on plants and life cycles is coming up, look for a study guide to go home this week.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we learned that people can shape or change history.  We focused on Abraham Lincoln and learned how his character traits and actions helped shape our country’s history.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - Word sorts will come home for Sepich and Heron this week.   There will be ONE more word sort before the year ends.  We will then spend the rest of our time together with a final set of vocabulary words from the book “Crab Moon” as well as review words from the entire year.

Leadership - In class we will be working in partners to make flowers for the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. 

Please send in your child's orange 'Take Home Books' bag.

Second graders pose for the all school photo.

School Photo This Wednesday

I've been impressed with how much Room A-2 students grew as readers this year.

Here is the update for the week:

School Photo
On Wednesday, May 20th, we will be taking an all school photo.  For the picture specific grade levels need to wear certain colors.  Second graders are being asked to wear yellow.

Music Exam
As I mentioned last week all second grade students will have a rhythm post-test in music during the week of May 18-22.  There is a practice video that your child can use on Mrs. Kreiss's website:  mrskreiss.weebly.com/second-grade.  All rhythms on the test are included in the video.  Please make sure your child practices at home.

Important Upcoming Dates
Monday, May 25th - No School - Memorial Day
Friday, May 29th - Silver Springs Multi-cultural Festival, 6-8 PM

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In both reading and writing we will have been conducting research and taking notes in preparation for writing a non-fiction report about plants.

Math - In math we will begin a new geometry unit.  There will be a test on multiplication and division this Wednesday, a study guide went home on Friday.

Science - This week we will begin an experiment to determine whether or not plants need water, air, and sunlight to survive.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week students learned about timelines and created their own.  We also began learning about how communities change over time and read a great book showing this called The House on Maple Street.  We will be wrapping up this unit this week and will have our test probably next week or the week after.  Please look for a study guide and packet to come home soon.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We will continue to work with the word sorts & vocabulary words from Stellaluna.  Ask your child to show you when they find one of our vocabulary words from the year in a book they are reading!

Leadership - In class we are working on Habit 6 - Synergize. 

Lorax Project - Students Should Wear Old Clothes on Monday

On Monday students will work to beautify school grounds.  All students should come dressed with clothes that can get dirty.

Here is the update for the week:

Lorax Project
Next week Silver Springs students will be participating in a 'Lorax Project' to beautify the grounds around our school.  New plants will be planted, mulch will be spread, etc.  Our class is going outside on Monday to help out.  On Monday make sure your student comes to school wearing clothing that can get dirty!

Music Exam
All second grade students will have a rhythm post-test in music during the week of May 18-22.  There is a practice video that your child can use on Mrs. Kreiss's website:  mrskreiss.weebly.com/second-grade.  All rhythms on the test are included in the video.  Please make sure your child practices at home.

Field Trip
On Wednesday, June 3rd, second grade students will be leaving school for a field trip to the Walled Lake Nature Center.  A packet with a permission slip went home a few weeks ago.  If you haven't already, please fill out the permission slip and send it back with your student.

Mother's Day
All students went home on Friday with a Mother's Day letter in their teal folder.  Dads might need to remind them to get the letter out in time for Sunday.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In both reading and writing we will begin research in preparation for writing a non-fiction report about plants.

Math - In math we are learning different ways to solve and represent multiplication and division problems.  The problems students struggle with the most involve algebra,  questions like 3 x 9 = 20 + ?

Science - This week we are studying where seeds come from and how a plant's lifecycle is completed.  We will also begin an experiment to prove that plants need water, air, and sunlight to survive.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week students began our new unit which began by studying the past.  We learned that historians can study the past by looking at photographs, reading books about the past, looking at artifacts, and by asking people. 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We will continue to work with the word sorts & vocabulary words from Stellaluna.  Ask your child to show you when they find one of our vocabulary words from the year in a book they are reading!

Leadership - In class we are working on Habit 6 - Synergize. 

Don't Miss The Music Assignment from Mrs. Kreiss

Students use iPads to photograph and magnify their germinating seeds.

Here is the update for the week:

Music News and Assignment
Second grade classes are learning about the brass family in music class.  Please go to Mrs. Kreiss's website (mrskreiss.weebly.com/second-grade) to complete an assignment for music class.  On that page, you will see a video about the brass family.  Watch the video and write two things you learned about the brass family in the comment box to the right of the video.  We will  continue the lesson in music class!

NWEA Testing for Spring
The students worked really hard last week during the NWEA literacy exam.  This Thursday, May 7th we will be taking the math portion of the exam.  Please make sure that your students get a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before the exam.

Poetry Cafe
Thank you for all of those who attended and helped out with the Poetry Cafe.  The students were really excited to be reading their compositions for an audience.  Thanks for the great time.

Teacher Appreciation Day
Thank you so much for all of the notes you sent in with students this morning.  It was a great start to my week.  If you haven't already, please help your child write a letter for our afternoon custodian Charlene.  Many of the students have never met her, but she cleans our room every night, and since she was hired Room A-2 has been a markedly cleaner classroom.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In literacy we will be working on summarizing and synthesizing the text we read.  As we read we will look for the most important information and big ideas and we will work to summarize and share what we learn in writing.

Writing - Students will be working on a Mother's Day letter this week.  We will also begin research in preparation for writing a non-fiction report about plants.

Math - In math we are working on multiplication and division and different ways to solve and represent multiplication and division problems.

Science - We are watching the seeds we planted in plastic bags go through the germination process and begin growing.  We have been using iPads to photograph and zoom in on the seeds to examine the transformation they are going through.  This week we will also begin looking at where seeds come from and how the plant lifecycle is completed.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we wrapped up unit 4 by taking our test.  We are beginning our new unit this week called "How do Communities Change?"  which we will exploring our community's past.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week we will be working with the new word sorts words as well as adding the new vocabulary words to our journals.  When the journals come home over the summer, save them to review the words learned over the course of this year.

Leadership - In class we are working on Habit 6 - Synergize.  Mrs. Hunt is also leading a Sharpen the Saw activity on Friday afternoon.

A Room A-2 student reads a poem at our Poetry Cafe.

Mrs. Hunt ordered Room A-2 a new classroom rug!

Germination! / Poetry Cafe this Friday

In science we are making observations as seeds germinate.

Hello everyone, here is the update for the week.

NWEA Testing for Spring
Spring NWEA testing begins this week.  Our days for testing are as follows:  This Tuesday, April 28th we will be taking the English Language Arts portion of the exam.  Next Thursday, May 7th we will be taking the Math portion of the exam.  Please make sure that your students get a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before each exam.

Poetry Cafe Reminder
On Friday, May 1st second grade will be hosting parents for our annual Poetry Cafe.  From 10:35 to 11:15 Room A-2 students will be reading some of their original poems while parents enjoy coffee, snacks, and juice. 

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In literacy we will be working on summarizing and synthesizing the text we read.  As we read we will look for the most important information and big ideas and we will work to summarize and share what we learn in writing.

Writing - Students will be finishing up their poetry writing in preparation for this Friday's poetry cafe.  Before the big event we will also practice reading and expressing our poems out loud.

Math - This week we will be finishing up a unit on time, analog clocks and elapsed time.  We will also be beginning a unit on multiplication and division.  We will have a math exam on Time this Wednesday, a study guide will go home on Monday.

Science - Last week we learned what a seed needs to germinate and we placed seeds in moist plastic bags so we could watch the germination process.  This week we will learn more about germination as well as plant some seeds in pots.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We finished our review of Unit 4 last week and students will be taking their test this week.  Our next unit will be called "How do communities change?".

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - Students will be getting their new vocabulary words for this week. They come from the book “Stellaluna.”  They are:  anxious, grasp(ed), clutch(ed), clamber(ed) & peculiar.  In addition we will be completing the word sort for this cycle which will come home in the Monday Envelope today (Sepich) and next week (Heron, Luxon & most Wesley)

Leadership - Learning about the power of our words.  Ask your students about Mr. Peabody's Apples.

Thank You For Attending Student Led Conferences

Last week students dissected three different kinds of seeds.  When our work was completed students were able to identify
different parts of each seed (see chart below).  In the photo above you can see the tiny plant embryo in a Fava bean seed.

It was really great seeing you all last week for Student-Led Conferences. If I was busy during your conference and you have additional questions please don't hesitate to reach out to me.  Two important events are coming up in second grade: our annual poetry cafe and a field trip to the Walled Lake Nature Center.  More information about both of those events is below:

Poetry Cafe
On Friday, May 1st second grade will be hosting parents for our annual Poetry Cafe.  A informational sheet went home today in the Monday envelopes on pink paper.  From 10:35 to 11:15 Room A-2 students will be reading some of their original poems while parents enjoy coffee, snacks and juice.  We need help from parents to organize this event, if you are interested in volunteering please see the pink sheet for more information.

Field Trip
On Wednesday, June 3rd, second grade students will be leaving school for a field trip to the amazing Walled Lake Nature Center.  At the center students will attend four 45 minute outdoor classes on different topics.  I've looked over the agenda and looks like an amazing trip.  A packet of information printed on white paper went home today in the Monday envelopes.  We will need drivers for this field trip, if you would like to attend there is a form within the packet you can fill out and return.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy and Writing - In both literacy and in writing we are studying poetry.  We will study and emulate different types of poems and different techniques used by poets.  

Math - This week we are beginning a unit on Time.  Students will practice reading both analog and digital clocks.  We will also practice calculating elapsed time.

Science - Last week we dissected seeds and learned about their different parts.  This week we will begin planting seeds so we can watch them germinate.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we learned about how people specialize to produce certain goods and services.  We also learned how we trade money to get the things we want and need.  We will be finishing our unit this week so please look for a study guide and your child’s packet to come home as we will be taking our test next week.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week students will be working with the new word sorts.  We will continue to work with the vocabulary words from the book Lon Po Po as well as our new sorts

Leadership - Choosing new jobs, learning how to take chances and be comfortable with mistakes.

Half-Days and Student Led Conferences This Thursday and Friday

Room A-2 students use hand lenses to examine the seeds they discovered around the school.

I hope all of you enjoyed having your children home for Spring Vacation.  Maybe it was the pajamas they wore today but they all seemed very rested.  Here is the update for the week:

Spirit Week
This is Spirit Week!  Here is the schedule, slightly updated from what I originally sent out:

Monday 4/13: Pajama Day
Tuesday 4/14: School Spirit Day
Wednesday 4/15: Hat Day
Thursday 4/16: Crazy Hair Day
Friday 4/17: Wacky Day

Silver Springs also uses Spirit Week as a fundraiser.  If possible, students should bring $1 for each day they would like to participate or $5 at the beginning of the week to participate every day.  All of the donations will go to help support this year’s Lorax Project.  This is a great way to have some fun and support a great cause!  Brought to you by the Community Service Student Lighthouse Action Team.

Thursday and Friday are Half-Days of Instruction
Student led conferences are set for this Thursday and Friday, April 16th and 17th.  If you haven't already, please sign up for a time to come in and have your child show you their work and progress.   I created an online sign up which you can access here.  To accommodate the conferences Silver Springs will have half-days of instruction this Thursday and Friday.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy and Writing - In both literacy and in writing we will be studying poetry.  We will study and emulate different types of poems and different techniques used by poets. 

Math - We are currently finishing a unit on money.  This week we are specifically focused on real world math problems involving money.  We will have an exam this Wednesday.  A study guide went home today.

Science - In Science we are continuing our study of the plant life cycle by examining seeds.  Last week we searched for and found seeds and seed pods around the school.  This week we will be dissecting seeds and learning about their different parts.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We are reviewing natural, human, and capital resources which are are needed to produce goods and services.  We are also learning about how our economic wants are satisfied by businesses.  Students are also creating a business directory page for a local business.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - Classes will be receiving their new sort this week (the old one will come home in the Monday Envelope) as well as beginning to work with the vocabulary words using games.

Leadership - Keeping our leadership notebooks up to date.  Preparing for student led conferences.

The Week After Spring Break is Spirit Week!

Students had a great time at Fun Fair!

Dear Room A-2 families,

We will be celebrating our school spirit the week we get back from Spring Break (April 13-April 17). Each day will have a different theme.  Students really enjoy participating so I wanted to make sure you had all the information now.

Below is a listing of how you can show your spirit each day of the week!

Monday 4/13: Pajama Day
Tuesday 4/14: School Spirit Day
Wednesday 4/15: Hat Day
Thursday 4/16: Crazy Hair Day
Friday 4/17: Wacky Day

Silver Springs also uses Spirit Week as a fundraiser.  If possible, students should bring $1 for each day they would like to participate or $5 at the beginning of the week to participate every day.  All of the donations will go to help support this year’s Lorax Project.  This is a great way to have some fun and support a great cause!  Brought to you by the Community Service Student Lighthouse Action Team.

Fun Fair Photos and Videos in Our Photo Gallery
I just updated the Room A-2 Photo Gallery with a lot of neat photos and videos of the Fun Fair.  The link to the gallery is on the right, I sent the password out in my weekly email.

Student Led Conferences
Student led conferences are set for April 16th and 17th.  Please sign up for a time to come in and have your child show you their work and progress.  I created an online sign up which you can access here.

March is Reading Month
The final March is Reading Month pink strips are due tomorrow!  Thank you so much for remembering each week. 

Family Restaurant Night
Support Silver Springs Elementary and dine at Tony Sacco's at 42970 Grand River Avenue in Novi on Wednesday, April 1st.  20% of your total bill will be donated back to Silver Springs!

Curriculum Overview
Literacy and Writing - In both literacy and in writing we will be studying poetry.  We will study and emulate different types of poems and different techniques used by poets.

Math - We are continuing a unit on money.  This week we are specifically focused on comparing different amounts of money.

Science - Thank you for helping your students review for the scientific measurement exam they took last week.  Graded exams went home today in Monday envelopes.  This week we are beginning a life science unit by going outside to search for and study seeds.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We are learning about the three types of resources used to produce goods and services; natural (things made by nature), human (worker), and capital (tools). 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week we will finish up our current sorts and finish up adding the new vocabulary words, along with their definitions, synonyms and antonyms to our journals

Leadership - Keeping our leadership notebooks up to date.  Learning more about each other.

iPads in Room A-2!

We were recently able to get a grant approved by Northville Schools to have iPads in our classroom at a 1:2 ratio. 
We are beginning to integrate them into everything we do.

Wow, what a difference a month makes.  To me it feels like we went from snow and cold days to warm and sunny days almost overnight.  I'm loving it.  Here is the news for the week:

Student Led Conferences
Student led conferences are set for April 16th and 17th.  Please sign up for a time to come in and have your child show you their work and progress.  I created an online sign up which you can access here.

March is Reading Month
The March is Reading Month pink slips are due tomorrow!  Thank you so much for remembering to send them in last Tuesday--the numbers for our class skyrocketed.  Also, thank you for providing your students with the opportunity to read at home.

Fun Fair Is This Friday
Come join me this Friday at the Silver Springs Fun Fair!  There will be inflatables, face painting, games, prizes, food and more!  Pre-registration forms were due last week.  If you are still interested in attending, you can buy your tickets at the door for $15/child and $10/adult.  Doors open at 5:30 PM and the event will last until 8:00 PM.

Family Restaurant Night
Support Silver Springs Elementary and dine at Tony Sacco's at 42970 Grand River Avenue in Novi on Wednesday, April 1st.  20% of your total bill will be donated back to Silver Springs!

Mr. Luxon Not At Silver Springs This Wednesday Afternoon
This Wednesday afternoon I have another Northville professional development opportunity to attend so I will leave campus around lunchtime.  Visiting teacher Mrs. Lenore Lewandowski will be teaching in my place for the afternoon.  She is a regular at Silver Springs and knows the school and the students extremely well. 

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In literacy we will are reading non-fiction, looking for important details, and determining the main idea of a non-fiction text.

Math - This week we are beginning a unit on money.

Writing - This week students will continue publishing some of their reviews of movies and restaurants.  We are also reviewing how to write, format, and punctuate a personal letter.

Science - Last week we studied differences between single substances and mixtures.  We also reviewed material for our upcoming Science Exam which is this Tuesday.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we began our new unit by reviewing the concepts of wants vs. needs and goods and services.  We also learned about making wise economic decisions by thinking about pros and cons of our purchases.  Finally, we learned that when we make an economic decision our second choice is called our opportunity cost.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week students begin another round of vocabulary words.  These words come from the book “Lon Po Po, A Red Riding Tale from China”. The words are: dusk, route, cunning, clever and paced.  In addition to learning the words and definitions, students will learn synonyms, antonyms and review how prefixes and suffixes can change the word slightly.  We will also be getting new word sorts this week.  All 2nd grade classes will be bringing home their old word sorts in their Monday Envelopes.

Leadership - Keeping our leadership notebooks up to date.

Bring in Pink March is Reading Month Slips Tomorrow!

Students examine a graduated cylinder to determine the capacity of different cups.

Milk and Cookies
On Friday afternoon I came down with a bad cold.  Because I'm still not feeling 100% I will not be at Milk and Cookies tonight.  Sorry for this change.  Mrs. Hunt and a whole host of other teachers will be there--it will definitely be a fun time!

Math Test
We are having a math test this Wednesday on customary measurement (feet, inches).  A study guide went home today and will serve as homework for Monday and Tuesday night.  I believe all of your students are well prepared for this exam.

Writing Reviews
This week, instead of a Homework Journal assignment I sent home with students a form they will use to guide them as they write their final review/opinion piece.  Students have been writing reviews of restaurants, books, movies, and video games.  Today students chose what they wanted to write about for their final piece and took home a corresponding form to help them plan for what to write.  Please help them complete this form and return it by Friday.  If you have any questions please let me know.

Student Led Conferences
Student led conferences are set for April 16th and 17th.  Please sign up for a time to come in and have your child show you their work and progress.  I created an online sign up which you can access here.

March is Reading Month
The March is Reading Month pink slips are due again tomorrow.  We are having a contest to see whether boys or girls can read more and which class can read the most!  Right now we are not doing so well only because so many of our slips came in late last week.  I know we can turn it around, send those pink slips in tomorrow please!

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In literacy we will be reading non-fiction and seeing if we can sort out what we read to determine what information is most important.  From there we will also be working on internalizing that knowledge and summarizing it our own words.

Math - This week we are finishing up a unit on Customary Measurement (inches, feet, etc.).  An exam is on Wednesday and a study sheet went home today.

Writing - This week students will begin publishing some of their reviews of movies and restaurants.  They will also take home a sheet they will use to help them plan for their post assessment writing piece.

Science - This week we will use graduated cylinders to find the capacity or volume of different containers.  We will also began looking at the differences between mixtures and single substances.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We finished unit 3 last week and will begin our new unit called “How do we work together?”  This week we will begin by reviewing wants and needs and goods and services.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We wrap up our latest set of vocabulary this week with some fun games to reinforce and cement the words in the students minds.  I'm impressed with the amount of students coming up to me to either show me one of our past words they've found in a book they are reading or they tell me one they've found either at school or home.  When I ask them if they can tell what it means, they can!  At school we talk a lot about suffixes, prefixes and base words to help determine the meaning of words.   We will hear the next story from which the 5 new vocabulary words will come from as well as continue with the new sorts that were handed out last week.

Milk and Cookies Reading Night is Next Monday

Students use a balance to compare the mass of different objects.

Milk and Cookies
You children really wanted me to let you know that Milk & Cookies Reading Night is this coming Monday from 6 to 7 PM.  I will be attending but I do not yet know if I will be reading.

Mr. Luxon Not At Silver Springs This Wednesday
This Wednesday I am attending a professional development conference and will not be at school.  Silver Springs visiting teacher Ms. Lebeis will be teaching in my absence.  She is the same teacher who taught for me a few weeks ago when I was out.  The students enjoy having her and she knows Silver Springs really well.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In literacy we will be reading non-fiction and seeing if we can sort out what we read to determine what information is most important.  From there we will also be working on internalizing that knowledge and summarizing it our own words.

Math - Last week we finished up our unit on Metric Measurement.  This week we are beginning a unit on Customary Measurement (inches, feet, miles, etc.).  During this unit I also want students to further develop their understanding of perimeter.

Writing - This week students will continue writing reviews of movies and restaurants.  As we write we are trying to make our reviews well-rounded by not only talking about what we love, but also include complaints and suggestions.

Science - This week we are using balances to determine the weight of different objects.  We will also begin studying liquid volume.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we wrapped up and reviewed Unit 3.  Your child is or already has brought home their Unit 3 packet to help them prepare for their test this week.  Please review the concepts in the packet with your child.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - Old sorts will be coming home today in the Monday Envelope.  Students will begin new sorts this week, as well as begin playing review games for the vocabulary words.

Leadership - Reviewing our classroom Mission Statement and writing compliments for each other.

Students share the classroom with Leadership Day visitors.

Author Bob McLeod Kicks off March is Reading Month!

Author Bob McLeod came to Silver Springs to help us kick off March is Reading Month.

From time to time it is starting to seem like Spring is around the corner; I hope you were able to get out this weekend.  I have a lot for you to read this week:

Leadership Day
Leadership Day is this Thursday.  Students will be taking teachers and principals from other districts on a tour of Silver Springs.  Please have students dress up a bit on Thursday.  Students should do their best to dress nicely but there is no need to go out and buy new clothes.

No School For Students On Tuesday
There is no school for students this Tuesday.  Teachers will be in meetings both at Silver Springs and districtwide.  We are forecast for snow that day, so maybe it will end up to be a good day for students to stay home.

March is Reading Month Contest
For March is Reading month we are having a classwide and schoolwide contest to see whether the boys or girls of Room A-2 can read more at home.  You and your child can record the time spent reading on the pink sheets that went home last Monday.  Because I want students to focus on this contest for March I will not be sending home the regular reading logs.

Author Bob McLeod
Last week author Bob McLeod visited Silver Springs to kick off March is Reading Month.  He led an assembly for students that was both informative and captivating.  As part of his presentation Mr. McLeod showed students the process he went through to write and illustrate his book SuperHero ABC.  He also gave students a drawing lesson.  If you haven't already discussed this assembly with your child I recommend asking them about it.

Parent Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer in Room A-2 I could use help in the mornings between 9 and 10:30 AM, Tuesday through Friday.  My plan would be to have volunteers do a few administrative tasks (making copies, etc.) and then read with students.  You could volunteer every week, every other week, whatever suits your schedule.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we will be reading non-fiction and seeing if we can sort out what we read to determine what information is most important.  From there we will also be working on internalizing that knowledge and summarizing it our own words.

Math - Last week we finished up our unit on Metric Measurement.  This week we are beginning a unit on Customary Measurement (inches, feet, miles, etc.). 

Writing - This week students will continue writing reviews of movies and restaurants.  As we write we are trying to make our reviews well-rounded by not only talking about what we love, but also include complaints and suggestions.

Science - Last week we conducted an experiment where we used measurement of time to record how long it takes for different objects to roll down a ramp.  This week we are using balances to determine the weight of different objects.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we practiced our civic responsibility of voting and then wrote an opinion piece to support our vote.  We have also been learning about American symbols such as the flag, national anthem, Statue of Liberty, etc.  Finally, we are learning about ways to show patriotism such as saying the pledge of allegiance, singing a patriotic song, celebrating national holiday, and learning about our county’s history.  We will be finishing this unit soon, so look for your child’s review packet to come home to study in the next week or two.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week, we will continue working with the vocabulary words for from the book about Roberto Clemente.  We will be playing games to reinforce both the definition of the word, as well as the synonyms and antonyms that we have learned.  We will also be doing the writing sort for the word sort we've been working on.  This word sort will come home in NEXT week's Monday Envelope.

Leadership - Preparing for Leadership Day this Thursday!

Room A-2 students use an iPad to track how quickly cars and marbles travel down a ramp.

New Books for the Classroom

I just got a whole bunch of new books from Barnes and Nobel to add to our classroom library!

Hello everyone, I hope the cold, long weekend suited you well.  Here is the update for the week.

Pancake Breakfast
Our pancakes for breakfast celebration has been rescheduled for this Thursday.  If you agreed to send in something and have not yet delivered it please send it in with your child.  If you are volunteering to help, Mrs. Wesley will need you that day from 8:50 AM to 10:45 AM.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we have been using our inferring skills to better understand the characters in our fiction books.  Ask your students about The Greatest Treasure.

Math - This week we will be reviewing the perimeter of a rectangle and how to calculate distances using simple maps.

Writing - This week students will begin writing reviews of movies and restaurants.

Science - This week we will conduct an experiment where we use measurement of time to record how long it takes for different objects to roll down a ramp.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Students are learning about the difference between personal responsibilities and civic responsibilities.  We are learning that one of our civic responsibilities is voting.  As an extended activity, students will be voting on whether a community should spend money on new playground equipment or a new police car.  They will then be writing an opinion piece to go along with their vote.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We begin learning more about our new vocab words this week, adding them to our journals.  In word study, the new sorts will be worked with this week with many different activities.

Leadership - Habit 4 - Think Win-Win

Thank You For All The Help With Those Homework Journals

In science and math we are learning about different types of measurements including the area and perimeter of a rectangle.

I hope you had a wonder Valentine's Day and long weekend.  Here are the notes for the week.

Valentine's Day Exchange
The students really enjoyed exchanging their Valentine's cards last week.  I really appreciate all the help you provided to make sure each Room A-2 student had cards to give out to everyone.  Thank you.

Homework Journal Special Assignments
Thank you for helping your students with the Homework Journal writing assignments I have been sending home.  It has been nice reading them.  A new one went home this week.

Mr. Luxon Not At Silver Springs This Wednesday
This Wednesday I am attending a professional development conference and will not be at school.  A visiting teacher will be arranged in my absence

Pancakes for Breakfast This Friday
Our pancakes for breakfast celebration is this Friday.  If you agreed to send in something and have not yet delivered it please send it in with your child.  If you are volunteering to help, Mrs. Wesley will need you that day from 8:50 AM to 10:45 AM.

Fun Fair This Friday
Come join us this Friday at the Silver Springs Fun Fair!  There will be inflatables, face painting, games, prizes, food and more!  Pre-registration forms were due last week.  If you are still interested in attending, you can buy your tickets at the door for $15/child and $10/adult.  If you are available to volunteer the evening of the Fun Fair, we need you! We could use a few more parent volunteers for the 2nd shift, 6:45-8:00pm. Please contact Susan Marquardt at your earliest convenience at suzmarq@comcast.net

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we have been using our inferring skills to better understand the characters in our fiction books.  Ask your students about Erandi from Erandi's Braids as well as Chester and Lily from Chester's Way.

Math - In math we have been comparing lengths and we saw how the shortest distance between two points is a straight line.  This week we will be reviewing the perimeter of a rectangle and how to calculate distances using simple maps.

Writing - This week students will finish up their book reviews and begin writing reviews of movies and restaurants.

Science - Last week we completed our study of how to measure the length, width, perimeter, and area of a rectangle.  This week we will conduct an experiment where we use measurement of time to record how long it takes for different objects to roll down a ramp.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we continued to learn about the concepts of individual rights and the common good.  Students were able to write a letter stating their opinion to a problem we read in a book based on these vocabulary words.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - New vocabulary words will be intro-duced this week. They are: Respect, Deny, Professional, mock & hero. These words come from the book: Roberto Clemente, Pride of the Pitts-burgh Pirates.  The old word sorts will come home in the Monday Envelope today. Please find some time to review the sort with your child.

Leadership - Habit 4 - Think Win-Win

Valentine's Day Card Exchange This Friday!

A Room A-2 student speaks during last week's Leadership Assembly.

Hello!  This Friday afternoon I am planning a low-key Valentine's Day card exchange with the students.  As I wrote last week, in preparation for this exchange I would like you to have your child prepare a Valentine's Day card for every student in class.  I sent home a list of students on red paper last Thursday.  Just to be sure I re-sent another copy of the list home today.  Stores like CVS, Target, and Busch's sell very inexpensive cards in sets specifically for school children.  You can use those cards or make something very simple.  If you have any questions please email me.  We will exchange our Valentine's Day cards this Friday so please have them completed by then.

Homework Journal Special Assignment
I sent home a new Homework Journal Special Assignment today.  This week it is on plain white paper rather than yellow.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are learning about and making inferences.  We are studying how a reader can infer something even when it is not directly stated in a text.  Ask your students about Erandi's Braids.

Math - The next two units will be on measurement, both metric measurement (meters centimeters, etc.) and standard or customary measurement (inches, feet, etc.)  This week we are learning how to compare two different lengths.

Writing - Last week we began writing a book review as class.  This week students are writing reviews of their favorite books on their own.

Science - With this unit we are examining what it means to measure and how scientists use measurement.  This week our focus will continue to be on understanding how to measure the length, width, perimeter, and area of a rectangle.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we learned about the three branches of local government; mayor, city council, and court.  We also learned about the difference between a government action and a private action.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - As we continue to work with the new word sorts this week, and play review games with the prior 5 vocabulary words, we will also hear the story that our 5 new words will come from.

Leadership - We are setting new goals, look for a copy to come home with your student.

Another Room A-2 student M.C.'d last week's leadership assembly!

Welcome to February!

That's a lot of snow outside our classroom!

I hope you've been staying safe and warm.  I tried going out in the afternoon on Monday and found that the roads were still really rough.  I did see lots of kids out sledding however!  Here are some notes from me and Silver Springs:

Valentine's Day
Tomorrow I will send home a list of all the students in Room A-2.  In preparation for Valentine's Day I would like you to have your child prepare a valentine for every student in class.  Stores like CVS, Target, and Busch's sell very inexpensive valentines cards in sets specifically for school children.  You can use those cards or make something very simple.  If you have any questions please ask me.  We will exchange our Valentine Cards on the 13th of February.

Become a Love and Logic Parent: Classes Begin NEXT Week
The afternoon classes have been postponed to begin February 11th from 2:00-3:30 PM.  Silver Springs encourages all parents that have not attended a Love and Logic Parent Training to attend one of the four-session series being offered at Silver Springs Elementary.

Sharpen Your Saw at Bounce it Up: This Friday
Come Sharpen Your Saw at the Silver Springs Family Night at Bounce it Up this Friday, February 6th from 6:30-8:30 PM.  For $11 per child, you will enjoy two hours of unlimited bouncing, free coinless arcade video games, and two slices of pizza with a soft drink.  A portion of the fee will go to Silver Springs Elementary!  Registration forms and payment are due by Tuesday, February 3rd.  Bounce it Up is located at 30276 Plymouth Rd. in Livonia.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Box Tops and Labels for Education Contest
It's contest time! Help raise money for our school! We are holding a contest to see which classroom can send in the most Box Tops. The 3 classrooms with the most points will win a prize! Please send your box tops to school in a baggie or envelope with "Room A2 - Mr. Luxon" written on the outside. Teachers will place the baggies and envelopes in the collection bin outside of the main office at school. Box Tops must be turned in by February 13th to be counted.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are learning about and making inferences.  We are studying how a reader can infer something even when it is not directly stated in a text.  Ask your students about What Mary Jo Shared.

Math - The next two upcoming units will be on measurement, both metric measurement (meters centimeters, etc.) and standard or customary measurement (inches, feet, etc.)  I may send home less math homework for these units if I can't find work that is challenging enough.

Writing - Last week we began writing a book review as class.  This week students will have the opportunity to begin writing reviews on their own favorite books, movies, restaurants, and video games.

Science - Last week we began a new science unit on measurement that augments our math unit on measurement.  This week our focus will be on understanding how to measure the length, width, perimeter, and area of a rectangle.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we learned about the three branches of local government; mayor, city council, and court.  We also learned about the difference between a government action and a private action. 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - Students will be receiving new word sorts this week.  Old sorts will come home in the Monday (Wednesday) Envelope.   We will continue with our current vocabulary words for one more week.

Leadership - Setting new goals, look for a copy to come home with your student.

Special Homework Journal Assignment This Week

Ms. Kerwin from Community Federal Credit Union conducts a Junior Achievement lesson on production and the assembly line.

Hello!  I hope you are well.  I've been really impressed with the work Room A-2 students have been doing in class.  I read through every student's writing over the weekend and was really excited by their stories.  Here is what's new this week:

Homework Journal Special Assignment
I did not send back student homework journals today because of some extra meetings I had today.  I will read them this evening and send them back tomorrow.  I will also send home a 'Home Journal Special Assignment' on bright yellow paper.  This paper explains two specific assignments for this week.  One involves using contractions, the other asks students to respond to a poem we read last week.  If you have any question or need any help please let me know.

Silver Springs Restaurant Night
Dine at Brann’s Steakhouse and Sports Grille this Thursday, January 29th.  Brann’s will be donating 15 percent of all sales back to our school!  Make sure you tell them you are from Silver Springs Elementary.  Brann’s is located at 39715 Six Mile Road in Northville.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are learning about and making inferences.  We studying how a reader can infer something even when it is not directly stated in a text.

Math - Students have been learning when to add and when to subtract in different real world situations.  We began an exam this morning.

Writing - This week we will continue two new writing projects.  We will be writing the words for a wordless picture book by Tomie DePaola titled Pancakes for Breakfast.  We will also begin a unit on opinion writing where students will have the opportunity to write reviews.

Science - Thank you for helping your students review with that Science Study guide last week.  Today we began a new science unit on measurement.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we reviewed why we need laws and also focused on how governments were organized. We will be learning about the three branches of local government; the mayor, city council, and court as well as the jobs of each one.  We began this week by learning about the job of a mayor.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week we will work on sorting activities for the words that were introduced last week.  We will finish adding our new vocabulary words from Johnny Appleseed to our vocab journals then begin to play games & activities to reinforce and practice them.

Leadership - Getting ready for Leadership Day.  Applications went home today.

PTA Reflections Artists

Silver Springs celebrated student artists at the PTA Reflections award ceremony.  More photos are in the Photo Gallery linked to the right.

I hope you had a great three-day weekend.  In class this morning we discussed Martin Luther King Jr. and read a Time For Kids article about him and how he changed the United States.

Math Bar Model for Comparison Problems
Now that students have a pretty good grasp of how to use a bar model to solve basic addition and subtraction problems we are moving on to see how bar models can be used to help solve problems with comparisons.  An example of a comparison word problem might be: “In second grade there are a 54 boys and 78 girls.  How many more girls are there than boys?”  When using a bar model for a question like this you draw two bars, one to represent the number of boys and another to represent the number of girls.  Here is another online video to explain what it looks like.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are learning about and making inferences.  We studying how a reader can infer something even when it is not directly stated in a text.

Math - Students are learning when to add and when to subtract in different real world situations.  We are using bar models to understand addition and subtraction.  This week we are focusing on comparison problems and problems with multiple steps.  We will have an exam next Monday.

Writing - This week we will continue two new writing projects.  We will be writing the words for a wordless picture book by Tomie DePaola titled Pancakes for Breakfast.  We will also begin a unit on opinion writing.

Science - This week we are finishing our study of the different states of mater (solid, liquid, and gas) and the ways that water can take on those states of matter as ice, water, and water vapor or steam.  There will also be a science exam tomorrow, a study guide went home last Friday.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - Last week we reviewed why communities form governments and discussed why communities need laws. 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week we will receive new word sorts.  We will continue to work with the vocabulary words first introduced last week.  Students will add them to their Vocabulary Journals along with synonyms, antonyms, a visual representation of the word as well as using it in a 7-up sentence which is a sentence that uses 7 or more words.

Leadership - Using Habit 3 - Put First Things First.  We are trying to do our best in library so we can earn a double plus from Ms. Meisel.

In science we learned about the three states of matter.

Math Bar Model Video

A Room A-2 student browses books in the Silver Springs library.

Math Bar Model Addition and Subtraction Unit
The current math unit is really focused on helping students understand when to use addition or subtraction to solve real world problems.  One thing we discuss in class is really reading the questions carefully to understand what is being asked.  If you need more clarification on how a basic bar model works this video clip is pretty helpful.

NWEA Testing
I wrote you all an email early Saturday explaining that one of our NWEA testing days changed because of last week's snow day.  Our days for NWEA winter testing are now scheduled as follows.  Today, January 8th we will be taking the English Language Arts portion of the exam.  Thursday, January 15th we will be taking the Math portion of the exam.  Please make sure that your students get a good night’s rest this Wednesday night!

Family Bowling Night
The next Silver Springs Family Bowling Night is this Friday, January 16th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  I will be attending and can't wait to check out Novi Bowl.  If you want to join me a pre-registration form went home with students last week.  The pre-registration form is due by Tuesday, January 13th.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are stopping to ask questions and think thoughtfully about the books we read.  When a question comes up in a non-fiction book we see if we can answer it by reading further in the text or if we need to reference another source for clarification.

Math - We are starting a new unit that reviews addition and subtraction.  Students will learn when to add and when to subtract in different real world situations.  We will also be using a bar model to understand addition and subtraction.

Writing - This week we will start two new writing projects.  We will be writing the words for a wordless picture book by Tomie DePaola titled Pancakes for Breakfast.  We will also begin a unit on opinion writing.

Science - This week we are studying the water cycle and the different states of mater that water can take: ice, water, and water vapor (steam).

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We have learned that communities have diversity in the food we eat, traditions, religions, and languages spoken.  We are also learning about why communities form governments; to keep people safe, form laws, help people solve problems, and provide services people need.

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - This week students will be completing the writing sort for the new word sort words.  The sort will come home in the Monday Envelope next week.  Students will also be introduced to the 5 new vocabulary words that come from a Steven Kellogg book about Johnny Appleseed.  The words are: exaggerate, urged, recollect, tranquil, surrounding.

Leadership - Using Habit 3 - Put First Things First.

Welcome Back

Students warm up with Ms. Phillips today at the beginning of gym class.

Welcome back!  From what I have heard so far your students had a relaxing break.  They also seem to be excited to see their friends and get back to school here at Silver Springs.

Thank You
Thank you all so much for your gifts, cards, and overall classroom gift.  I truly, truly appreciate it.

NWEA Testing
Our days for NWEA winter testing are as follows.  This Thursday, January 8th we will be taking the English Language Arts portion of the exam.  Next Thursday, January 15th we will be taking the Math portion of the exam.  Please make sure that your students get a good night’s rest this Wednesday night and next Wednesday night!

Family Bowling Night
The next Silver Springs Family Bowling Night is Friday, January 16th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  I will be attending and can't wait to check out Novi Bowl.  If you want to join me a pre-registration form will go home in student folders tomorrow.  The pre-registration form is due by January 13th.

Home Writing Journal
Now that break is over and we are back in the swing of things please make sure to have your child write in their Homework Journals at least twice this week.  As always have students bring them to me next Monday.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - In reading we are stopping to ask questions and think thoughtfully about the books we read.

Math - We are starting new unit that reviews addition and subtraction.  Students will learn when to add and when to subtract in different real world problems.  We will also be using a bar model to understand addition and subtraction.

Writing - We are studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Science - Our objective for this week is to understand that groundwater is water below earth's surface that fills up the cracks and small holes between rocks and sand.  We will also begin studying the water cycle.

Social Studies with Mrs. Heron - We are learning how our community of Northville belongs to bigger regions such as our state, country, continent, and the world. 

Word Study with Mrs. Sepich - We will be introduced to the new words for our word sorts and work with them on different activities for two weeks.  This round of words will come home in 2 weeks.  Please review when they come home.  We will also begin working with Vocabulary Words again.  We will spend this week reviewing the last set of words.  5 new words will be introduced next week.

Leadership - Using Habit 3 - Put First Things First.