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Welcome to 2nd Grade with Mrs. Applegate!
 
 
My name is Samantha Applegate. 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 sixth year teaching and my third 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.
 

Posts

Thursday, 2/18, Homework

Here is tonight's homework:

1. Read 20 minutes and complete a row on the Reading Log
 
2. GoMath! 6.9 Homework pp. 443-444
 
 

Wednesday, 2/17, Homework

Welcome back for a short week!

Here is the homework for today:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
Complete a row on the Reading Log for 2/17
 
2. GoMath! 6.6 Homework pp. 425-426 (word problems)
 

Week at a Glance 2/15/21-2/19/21

Week at a Glance

February 15-19

Math: This week, we will finish Chapter 6. Students will continue working on addition and subtraction problems with regrouping. We will also work on word problems using different problem solving strategies. Next week, we will review for our Chapter 6 test, and recall the different math strategies we have used throughout the chapter. 

Science: We will continue to learn about water and its effects with our “Work of Water” Mystery Science Unit. We will introduce and explore the concept of erosion as we make inferences and discover the answer to the question: What is strong enough to make a canyon? We will watch some videos and conduct an experiment with a simplified model to find out how erosion can affect landforms over time. 

Language Arts: We will continue our cursive handwriting practice. The students have practiced the letters a, c, d, g, and q, and we will add the letter o, this week. During Writing, we will start a new unit on Opinion Writing. Students will discuss and write simple opinion statements with supporting reasons.

Reading: This week, we will continue looking at different versions of Cinderella stories this week. This topic has also allowed us to review story elements and practice our comparing and contrasting skills. At the end of this week, students will choose two Cinderella stories to compare and contrast with a Venn diagram.

Social Studies: This week, we will discuss ways the government helps its citizens. We will also discuss why countries need governments, and review the three branches of government and their responsibilities. 

Religion: This week we will watch an all school Mass on Ash Wednesday instead of Tuesday like we usually do. Ash Wednesday starts the church season of Lent. We learned about Lent this past week, and students made Lenten promises for ways they plan to pray, fast, and give alms. This week, we will start our new blue books that will help us prepare for First Communion in May. Our first chapter will focus on belonging to different communities. (Please see the note below about how to use the Together magazine at home.)

 

Tests and Quizzes:

  • No tests or quizzes next week

Reminders:

  • Fist Communion Magazine:  This week we will begin using the God’s Gift Eucharist books at school in preparation for First Communion in May. In January, you received a “Together” magazine that correlates with your child’s book. Your child will learn a lot during Religion class to prepare for his/her First Communion, but we also hope that you are able to take some time at home to review the topics with them. They will leave our classroom doors at the end of the school year, but you are the primary catechists of your children for a long time, and they will be looking to you for your example. Thank you so much for your help. We are excited for this special time in your children’s lives!

  • “How to Use the Family Guide” - pp. 4-8 - an introduction to the parts of the magazine for use at home

  • Week of 2/15 - Session 1 “Belonging” - pp. 10-15 - We will focus on belonging to different communities (e.g., families, schools, neighborhoods, sports teams, etc.).

  • No school → Monday 2/15 

  • Please try to attend Mass in person or virtually with your children. St. Joe’s offers a variety of options to attend.

Weekend Homework

There is no homework for this weekend.

I would suggest and encourage the students to read for 20 (or more!) minutes each day and complete a row on their Reading Logs for each day this weekend.
 
Enjoy the long weekend and Happy Valentine's!
 
- Ms. Finerty 

Wednesday, 2/10/21, Homework

Here is tonight's homework:

1. Read 20 minutes
Complete a row on the reading log for 2/10
 
2. Spelling Test is on Thursday
 
3. GoMath! 6.8 Homework pages
(Note: We skipped 6.6 and will return to it Tuesday)
 
Additional Reminders:
  • Thursday is a 10am dismissal - Conferences
  • Friday there is no school - Teacher Professional Development Day
  • Monday there is no school - Presidents' Day

Tuesday, 2/9/21, Homework

Here is the homework for Tuesday:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
Complete a row on the reading log for 2/9
 
2. Spelling Test is on Thursday
 
3. GoMath! 6.7 Homework pages
Note: We skipped 6.6 and will return to it on Monday
 
Reminders:
  • Thursday is a 10am dismissal - Conferences
  • Friday = No school - Teacher Professional Development Day
  • Monday = No school - Presidents' Day

Monday, 2/8/21, Homework

Welcome back to another week! 

Here is the homework for tonight:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
Complete a row on the reading log for 2/8
 
2. Spelling Test = Thursday 
(list below) 
 
3. GoMath! 6.5 Homework pages 419-420
 
Reminders:
  • Thursday = 10am dismissal - Conferences
  • Friday = No school - Teacher Professional Development Day
  • Monday = No school - Presidents' Day
 
Spelling List
This list is a review of some of the spelling patterns we have focused on so far this year (closed syllables, blends, digraphs, r-controlled syllables, and VCE syllables (Magic/Bossy E)*
  1. splash
  2. sprint
  3. sunshine
  4. cupcake
  5. ever
  6. church
  7. orbit
  8. forgive

Week at a Glance 2/8/21-2/12/21

Week at a Glance

Week of 2/8/21-2/12/21

Math: We will continue Chapter 6 in our GoMath! books as we practice a variety of addition and subtraction strategies. We will represent 3-digit numbers with base-ten blocks to model addition and subtraction with and without regrouping. We will use the standard algorithm, where we will regroup hundreds as tens and tens as ones. *Optional IXL skills to practice at home include: - J.1, J.2, J.3, J.4, J.6

Science: We will not have Science class this week.

Language Arts: During Writing, we will continue learning and practicing the cursive Sunform letters (q, o). We will also use this time to catch up on assignments from previous weeks - and “What I Love about Catholic Schools.”

Reading: Next week, we will take a break from our Reading Street books to compare different versions of fairy tales, specifically Cinderella stories. We will review characters, settings, problems, and solutions. We will use graphic organizers to notice similarities and differences between several versions.

Social Studies: Next week, we will continue learning about our government. We will identify the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial).  We will discuss the jobs and responsibilities of each branch, and who makes up each branch. 

Religion: In preparation for the start of the Lenten season starting Feb. 17 (Ash Wednesday), we will discuss the meaning and importance of lent. We will also review the colors and symbols of Lent. Additionally, we will think of Lenten promises in the categories of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. Ultimately we will discuss that lent is a time of preparation for Easter, so we will strive to find ways to grow closer to God during this 40-day period. 

Assessments:

  • Spelling Test →  Thursday

Reminders:

  • Saturday, 2/6 →  First Reconciliation in the Church

    • Please see Mrs. Phoenix’s email for what to wear, when to arrive, etc.

    • We are looking forward to celebrating this special day with you and your children!

  • Thursday, 2/11 →  10am dismissal

  • Thursday, 2/11 → Optional Parent Teacher Conferences

  • Friday, 2/12 → No School - Teacher Professional Development Day

  • Monday, 2/15 →  No School - Presidents’ Day

Weekend Homework

There is no homework over the weekend. However, if your child chooses to read, they should record it in their reading log to keep track of their at home reading progress. 
 
Reminder:
  • Saturday, 2/6 is First Reconciliation in the Church
    • Please see Mrs. Phoenix’s email about what to wear, when to arrive, etc.
    • We are looking forward to celebrating this special day with you and your children!

Thursday, 2/4/21, Homework

Here is tonight's homework:

1. Read 20 minutes, complete a row on the Reading Log
 
2. GoMath! 6.4 homework pp. 413-414
 
3. Spelling Test is on Friday

Wednesday, 2/3/21 Homework

Here is the homework for Wednesday:

1. Read 20 minutes
*Complete a row on the Reading Log for 2/3*
 
2. GoMath! 6.3 Homework pp. 407-408
 
3. Spelling Test is on Friday
 
*Chances are high that we will remain inside for recess on Thursday and Friday of this week, along with next week because of colder temperatures. Therefore, your children probably do not need their snow pants for a while (unfortunately). I will keep you updated if things change.* 

Tuesday, 2/2/21, Homework

Happy Groundhog's Day! 

Here's is homework for today:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
Complete a row on the Reading Log for 2/2
Please return completed January Reading Logs as soon as possible
 
2. GoMath! 6.2 Homework Pages 401-402
 
3. Practice Spelling Words
(Check out Spelling City in the tabs to the right for an extra way to practice)
Test is on Friday
 
Reminders:
  • Here is the link to the Virtual Book Fair to support St. Joe's and order books for your children.
  • Spelling and Reading Tests are on Friday

Monday, 2/1/21, Homework

Happy Monday!

Here is the homework for today:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
February Reading Logs went home today.
January reading logs are due
 
2. Spelling Test Friday - Free Choice Practice
*Your child is only responsible for the circled list that s/he brought home today.*
 
3. GoMath! 6.1 Homework p. 395-396

Science Project (optional)

Dear Families,
 
We learned about rivers and did a project where we made a paper model of mountains. We watched a class model as we sprayed water and watched the water run to observe that water flows from high to low places. Some of the students expressed interest in doing it themselves since this time, we only used a class model. Here is the link to a video explaining directions if your child would like to try this at home (with your permission). 
 
 
Thanks!

Week at a Glance 2/1/21-2/5/21

 

Week at a Glance

Week of February 1-5, 2021

Math: We will start Chapter 6 in our GoMath! textbooks. This chapter continues to focus on some of the addition and subtraction skills we learned in previous chapters and applies them to adding and subtracting with 3-digit numbers. We will represent numbers with base-ten blocks, break apart numbers to add and subtract with expanded form, and use the standard algorithm for regrouping.

Science: We will explore the question Why is there sand at a beach? with our Mystery Science curriculum. We will watch videos and conduct an experiment to see how rocks can move from mountains down a river to a beach.

Language Arts: We will continue to work on identifying singular and plural nouns. During Writing, we will finish up our “How to Bring a Snowman to School” project and then shift our attention to describing reasons why we love our Catholic school (for Catholic Schools Week).

Reading: In Reading, we will focus on Cause and Effect relationships in texts. We will use read alouds and short passages to ractice identifying the reason why events happened in the story (cause) and the results of the events (effects).

Social Studies: We will continue our chapter on Government next week. We will focus on the importance of rules and laws. We will introduce and compare the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial).

Religion: To prepare for First Reconciliation (on Saturday), we will continue to review what your child should expect on February 6th. We will practice the responses to the priest, the Act of Contrition Prayer, and complete an Examination of Conscience. We will use a craft to demonstrate the meaning of Reconciliation.

 

Assessments:

  • Spelling Test → Friday

  • Reading Test → Friday

 

Reminders:

  • Catholic Schools Week - Please see the email from Mrs. Lombardo regarding the weeks’ events that include:

    • Sunday, 1/31

      • 9:00am Mass →  join our school family virtually or in person - be sure to register on the church website if you plan to physically attend

      • Virtual Pancake Breakfast

    • Tuesday, 2/2 →  Food Pantry Collection

    • Wednesday, 2/3 →  Pizza lunch provided for students

    • Thursday, 2/4 → Virtual chat with Fr. Martin

  • Throughout the week →  cards for priests and parishioners

  • First Reconciliation →  Saturday, February 6th at 12:30pm in the church

    • Please make sure to follow the directions to register all family members who will be attending using the link provided in this past Wednesday’s email from Mrs. Phoenix.

    • Please review Mrs. Phoenix’s video with information about when doors open, what to wear, where to sit, etc.

  • Please also send your child with the appropriate outerwear for recess. 

  • ***If your child has any school books or materials at home, please send them back at your earliest convenience. Thank you.