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Welcome to 2nd Grade with Mrs. Applegate!
 
 
My name is Samantha Applegate and I am so excited to be joining the SJCS family! I grew up in central Indiana and graduated with my degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University in 2017. My husband and I relocated to the Chicagoland area in 2019 where I spent the first three years teaching Kindergarten. This will be my fifth year teaching and my second year teaching at St. Joseph. 
 
When I'm not teaching, you can find me spending time at the lake and watching college football. I also enjoy concerts, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. Some of my favorites include Diet Coke, Starbucks, and trips to Target. I look forward to an amazing 2022-2023 school year!
 

Posts

Quick Spelling Note

Hi Parents and Families, 
 
I hope you have had a restful Labor Day weekend. Although our next test for spelling is not until next Tuesday (9/14), here is our new list of Spelling Words that we will focus on. We will practice these each day in class and the physical copy of the list will go home with your child on Wednesday. Here they are for your reference: 
  1. me
  2. she
  3. he
  4. we
  5. they
  6. you
  7. my
  8. her
  9. his
  10. our
  11. their
  12. your

Week at a Glance 9/5/21-9/10/21

Week at a Glance

Week of September 5-10, 2021

**No school on Monday → Labor Day

Math: This week we will work on writing 3-digit numbers in standard form, expanded form, and word form. (for example, 572  = five hundred seventy-two= 500+ 70 + 2). Later in the week, we practice decomposing numbers in different ways with hundreds, tens, and ones.We will also compare three digit numbers using less than < greater than > and equal to =. 

Science: No Science this week 

Language Arts: During Writing time, we identify the parts of a friendly letter. We will think about, plan, and write out these letters. Please be on the lookout for a note home asking for an address in the coming weeks (for where to mail the letter).

Reading: Students will work on decoding and encoding words with digraphs ch and sh, along with words containing -tch. (Note: The spelling list will go home Tuesday in the students’ folders, but the test won’t be until next week.) The students’ spelling list focuses on pronouns. We will read from our decodable SuperKids reader, and introduce our Super Magazine, which contains short, nonfiction, high-interest articles for the students to read in small groups and independently.

Social Studies: We will continue to compare different types of families and communities. We will also learn about how immigrants entered our country through Ellis Island and how we celebrate different traditions based on our different cultures.

Religion: We will discuss how Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us. We will read about when Jesus was born. We will address the following vocabulary words in the context of the Catholic Mass: Blessed Sacrament, tabernacle, consecration, and genuflect.

 

Assessments: None for this week

 

Reminders:

  • No school → Monday (Labor Day)  - I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend!

  • Please help your child empty their Take Home Folder (it has just a couple of pages we worked on this week) 
  • Please try to take your child to Mass over the weekend.

Tuesday, September 7 →  All-School Mass - We will attend Mass virtually this week as we watch the LiveStream. We will attend in person next week.

Thursday, 9/2/21, Homework

Here is tonight's homework:

1. Read for 20 minutes
 
2. Practice spelling words (test romorrow)
 
3. No Math homework page tonight 
 
Reminders:
  • Spelling Test is Friday (tomorrow)
  • No school Monday, September 6th (Labor Day)

Wednesday, September 1st Homework

 

Here is the homework for tonight:

1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Practice words for Friday's Spelling Test
*Reminder: Students do not need to turn in any Spelling pages to me (as was communicated in the letter that went home Monday. They should just be practicing in a way that is helpful to them.*
 
3. Math Lesson 2-2 practice page 
 
Reminders
  • Please send an extra mask with your child to school each day.
  • Please make sure your child brings a water bottle, healthy nut-free snack, and a lunch to school each day.
  • Spelling Test is on Friday
  • I am submitting our class' Scholastic Book Order tomorrow
  • https://clubs.scholastic.com/home
    • WWFX7 is our class code

Tuesday, August 31, Homework

Here is the homework for tonight:

1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Practice words for Friday's Spelling Test
*Reminder: Students do not need to turn in any Spelling pages to me (as was communicated in the letter that went home Monday. They should just be practicing in a way that is helpful to them.*
 
3. Math Lesson 2-1 practice page - 2 sides
**Please note that homework is meant for additional practice to support what we are learning at school. Students should try their best, but I also understand that they might make mistakes. We will use class time to clarify misunderstandings and provide additional practice before they take any assessments.
 
Reminders
  • Please send an extra mask with your child to school each day.
  • Please make sure your child brings a water bottle, healthy nut-free snack, and a lunch to school each day.
  • Spelling Test is on Friday
  • Scholastic Book Orders are due Thursday https://clubs.scholastic.com/home
    • WWFX7 is our class code

Monday, August 30, 2021

Here is tonight's homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes (there is no reading log)
 
2. Practice Spelling words (our first test will be on Friday)
*Please be sure to read the note your child brought home that explains Spelling homework for this year.*
 
3. Math homework will start tomorrow (Tuesday)
 
Reminders
  • Please send an extra mask with your child to school each day.
  • Please make sure your child brings a water bottle, healthy nut-free snack, and a lunch to school each day.
  • Spelling Test is on Friday2
  • Scholastic Book Orders are due Thursday https://clubs.scholastic.com/home
    • WWFX7 is our class code

Week at a Glance 8/30/21-9/3/21

 

Math: This week, we will begin unit 2 in our Math books. We will focus on place value and practice exchanging tens for hundreds and comparing 3-digit numbers. At the beginning of each lesson, we will engage in discussions to develop number sense. We will also practice addition facts daily, to build our fact fluency which is the foundation for many of the math skills we will focus on this year. 

Science: We will switch between Science and Social Studies units, so there is no Science this week.

Language Arts: We will practice using uppercase letters at the beginning of our sentences and punctuation at the end of our sentences. We will also spend some time reviewing suffixes -ed and -ing and discuss how they affect the meaning of words in our writing. During Writing time, we will spend some time reviewing the types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory) as well as reviewing the three main writing genres (Narrative, Informational, and Opinion Writing.)

Reading: Students will work to decode and encode words with vowel teams and Magic E words. We will have our first Spelling test on Friday as we finish up our “Goodbye Summer” unit. In addition, they will discuss short fiction and nonfiction texts from their Superkids readers. Students will use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Social Studies: We will begin Chapter 1 of our My World textbooks. This unit discusses changes in history between long ago and today. We will also identify how families and communities work together.

Religion: We will begin Session 1 of our Finding God books. We will remind ourselves that God loves us. Students will also describe how Jesus is God’s gift to us. We will reflect on our blessings, and discuss the story of Creation.

 

Assessments:

  • Spelling test → Friday (list to go home on Monday)

 

Reminders:

  • Clever Badges → Your child should have brought home an envelope with their Clever badge this weekend. We have one to use at school, but one was sent home as an extra to keep for if/when your child may need to log on to their accounts and complete home assignments. Please help your child keep this in a safe place.

  • Please continue to send your child with a healthy nut-free snack, a water bottle, a lunch, and an extra mask each day.

  • Scholastic Book Orders → Due September 2nd. This is optional, but if you would like to order, please follow the directions on the flyer by visiting this website (https://clubs.scholastic.com/home) and entering our class code (WWFX7) to connect with our class. 

  • Gym class →  Monday and Tuesday - Students should wear their Gym uniforms on these two days.

  • Mass →  Tuesday, August 31st - We will be in person this week. All are welcome to join our school and parish community at 8:30 am in the church or via the Livestream. 

  • Students will start their i-Ready diagnostics for Reading and Math this week. Please help make sure your child comes to school well-rested and that s/he has a good breakfast to help him/her focus. The students do not need to prepare for these tests. They are not for a grade, but they should always try their best. 

  • Monday, September 6th →  Labor Day (No School)

Reminders for Thursday, August 26, 2021

Reminders:

Picture day is tomorrow (The students should wear their St. Joseph uniforms)
 
Food Pantry is collecting tomorrow (during arrival)
--> Here are the items that are needed:
  • fruit snacks
  • juice boxes
  • Capri Suns
  • cheese sandwich crackers
  • Ritz Bits (cheese or peanut butter)
  • cookies
  • applesauce cups
  • Dole fruit cups
  • sandwich bags
  •  

Reminders for Wednesday, August 25, 2021

 

There is no homework tonight. *Please do have your child take about 20 (or more minutes) to read for fun.*
 
Reminders:
  • Picture Day is on Friday --> Students should wear their school uniforms
  • Food Pantry Collection is Friday during student drop off
  • Scholastic Book Orders are due Thursday, August 26th
  • Please send your child with a lunch, water bottle, healthy (nut-free) snack, and extra mask each day. Thank you!
  • Here is a link to our classroom Amazon wish list if you would like to purchase something for our class (this is completely optional). We have already received some books, and instructional materials options! Thank you for your generosity!

 

Reminders for Monday, August 23, 2021

 

There is no homework tonight. We are just starting into our opening units in our various subjects, so we will ease into homework later in the coming weeks.

Reminders:
  • Scholastic Book Orders went home your child’s take home folder. This is optional, but if you would like to order, please follow the directions on the flyer by visiting this website (https://clubs.scholastic.com/home) and entering our class code (WWFX7) to connect with our class. Please note that orders are due September 2nd.
  • Food Pantry Collection is on Friday during student drop off - Please see the previous post with a list of items that are needed.
  • Please send your child with a lunch, water bottle, healthy (nut-free) snack, and extra mask each day. Thank you!

Specials Information and Reminder about P.E. Uniform for tomorrow

Hi Parents and Families, here is a quick note about our specials schedule: 

On Monday and Tuesdays, since we have P.E., the students should wear their gym uniform (yellow shirt, black shorts, and a pair gym shoes) 

Monday → P.E. and STEAM 

Tuesday → P.E. and Mass (we will attend mass in person every other week)

Wednesday → Music

Thursday → Art

Friday → Library 

Week at a Glance 8/23/21-8/27/21

Week at a Glance

August 23rd through 27th

Math: This week, we will begin to use our Math books from Reveal Math. We will learn that math is for everyone. We use math in many different ways. We will discuss numbers in different ways, and explore a variety of tools to solve problems. Please note that the first chapter will not have homework pages to complete.

Science: This year we will alternate between Social Studies and Science units this year. This week we will have Science. We will use our MysteryScience videos along with the questions “Who are scientists?” and “What do they do?” to guide our learning.  

Language Arts: Our new Superkids curriculum is grounded in the Science of Reading with a heavy focus on phonics and decoding texts. This first week we will start our “Goodbye Summer” unit, where our spelling patterns will look at CVC and CVCe ("super e") words. Students will use these patterns as they work with long and short vowels. During the Writing Workshop we will review parts of a sentence, types of sentences (declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory), and use adjectives to add details to sentences.

Reading: During Reading time, we will read a variety of short fiction and nonfiction texts. We will also listen to books themed around summer activities, which correlates with the theme from our Superkids readers.

Social Studies: Social Studies will start next week.

Religion: Second grade is a very special year as we prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion. For our first full week we focus on our relationship with God, how we pray, types of prayer, and how we can grow in our love through God.

Assessments: None

Reminders:

  • Picture Day → Friday, August 27th → Forms will go home this upcoming week, so please be on the lookout for those.
  • Please complete this Google Form  about your child if you have not already done so.
  • Scholastic Book Orders went home this weekend in your child’s Take Home folder. This is totally optional, but if you would like to order, please follow the directions on the flyer by visiting this website (https://clubs.scholastic.com/home) and entering our class code (WWFX7) to connect with our class. Please note that orders are due Thursday, September 2nd. Thank you for helping our class earn extra books for our library!
  • Please go through your child’s Take Home Folder each weekend and return the empty folder to school the following Monday.
  • Snack time will start this week. Please send your child with a healthy snack.
    • If you are looking for snack ideas, please check out this document.
  • Please send your child with an extra mask, as sometimes the masks get sweaty or dirty throughout the day. Thank you!
  • As stated in the Parent Student Handbook “All second grade students will have their speech sound skills screened by the speech/language pathologist.  Parents will be contacted if a student does not pass the screening.”  This year the screening will take place the week of August 23rd.  Students will be screened in an outside location, close to the school building, so that they may remove their masks during the screening assessment.  The assessment typically takes no more than a few minutes. Please contact Carol Belasco, our school speech/language pathologist, if you have any questions or concerns [email protected] .

First Day!

I hope your children enjoyed their first day of school.

Here are just a couple of quick reminders for the day:
  • Please send your child with a refillable water bottle, as the water fountains can only be used for bottles again this year.
  • Please send your child with a lunch on Friday. (Snack time will start next week.)
  • Please make sure your child has an extra clean mask each day.
  • Please remind your chlid that their mask needs to cover their nose and mouth at all times. 
  • There is no homework for your child to complete today or tomorrow.

 

Field Day Reminders for Thursday

Tomorrow, Thursday, June 3rd, is Field Day. Please help your child prepare accordingly by wearing/bringing the following items to school:

  • Green clothing (e.g., green t-shirt and athletic shorts)
  • Gym shoes/sneakers
  • Hat/sunglasses *optional*
  • Sunscreen (put on before coming to school)
  • Water bottle
  • Extra mask -- in case they need to change theirs

*A hot dog lunch will be provided (so you do not need to pack a lunch).*

Friday, June 4th, is the last day of school. Please send your child with a backpack or reusable grocery bag, as we will most likely send home belongings on this day. Students do not need to bring a snack or a lunch, as it is a 10:00am dismissal.

Important Reminders for Last Week of School

Happy last week! It's so crazy that the end is so close!!

Here are just a few reminders for the week:
 
1. Please help your child empty his/her backpack each night so there is room for more items the following day.
 
2. No Mass Thursday - We will LiveStream the 8th grade Mass and awards (9:30) on Wednesday, along with our end of the year Mass on Friday (8:30)
 
3. Field Day is Thursday - Please wear green
 
4. Please return the May Reading Log - no new Reading Log will be given; however, we encourage students to continue their daily reading habits this week and into the summer.