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Mrs. Marisa Macdonald » Home

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Welcome to 2nd Grade with Mrs. Macdonald!

 

I am a Florida native and received my BA in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from the University of South Florida. After graduation, I pursued my Masters of Education through the University of Notre Dame’s ACE Service through Teaching Program and have been an educator for the last fourteen years. Additionally, I earned my English as a New Language endorsement through the University of Notre Dame in 2012. I taught at a Catholic school in Kansas City, Kansas, and I then moved to Chicago in 2010 where I spent eight years teaching second grade at a Catholic school in Pilsen. I am excited to be back for my fifth year of teaching in this beautiful school community.

In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, singing, traveling, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I could not imagine teaching anywhere else but a Catholic school, where I can share my faith with my students and watch them grow in their own relationships with God. I am especially looking forward to preparing my students for the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.

 

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Week at a Glance - 1/17/22-1/21/22

Week at a Glance

Week of January 17-21, 2022

Math: We will finish up Chapter 8 from our textbook, which is all about money. Students will continue practicing identifying coins, counting mixed coin amounts, skip counting by 25s, 10s, 5s, and 1s, and using problem solving strategies with money amounts. We will also spend multiple days reviewing for our test. Students have a review sheet in their Friday folders with concepts to review at home for extra practice as needed.

Science: We will discuss the topic of what is strong enough to make a canyon. Through the help of our Mystery Science videos and additional activities, we will explore the concept of erosion.

Language Arts: Our writing workshop time will focus on writing a book review. We will work together this first week on a book we have all read together in class to discuss important details of the book and why we liked the book or not. We will combine facts and opinions for our book reviews.

Reading: Our spelling words this upcoming week have glued sounds. (Our Superkids book calls them “Trickers” because they look like the vowels should be short, but they are actually long.) These words have the patterns -ild, -ind, -ost, -old. Most of the other letters can be sounded out, as long as they remember that the vowel makes its long sound. We have also started back into our book club reading groups, and we will read our decodable readers daily.

Social Studies: None - See Science

Religion: We will continue to learn about and practice for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We will discuss why Jesus is always ready to forgive us, explain how the sacrament of Reconciliation is a way to celebrate and receive God’s forgiveness of our sins, and define the terms absolution and seal of confession. *Students should continue to practice the Act of Contrition prayer that was sent home so that they feel comfortable reciting it at their First Reconciliation. We will continue to practice it daily at school too.*

 

Tests and Quizzes:

  • Spelling Test = Thursday (list went home yesterday)
  • Math Chapter 8 Test = Friday (review sheet went home today)
 

Additional Reminders:

  • Thank you for your generosity to the Food Pantry.
  • Please try to take your child to Mass over the weekend. Here at St. Joe’s there are many options for Mass. (There are also many churches in the area with several options to attend.)
    • Saturday 5pm
    • Sunday drive-in at 7:15am and 10:45am
    • Sunday in-person at 9:00am, 10:45am, and 5:00pm
  • There is no school on Monday, 1/17/22 (due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday).
  • If students wear boots, they should bring a change of shoes to wear in the classroom.
  • Students should wear their Gym uniforms on Tuesday, as they have Gym class.
  • We will attend the 8:30 all school Mass virtually this Tuesday.
  • The annual Book Fair is coming the week of January 24th-28th - Please check out Mrs. Hoglund’s webpage for more information about this exciting event! (We will have our class’s sneak peek on Wednesday, 1/26.)
  • First Reconciliation = Saturday, February 5th, in the church
    • Mrs. Phoenix will be sending out an informational video next week, so please be on the lookout for that.
    • Your child will bring home a red folder with information about the sacraments on Tuesday, so please look through that as well.

Thursday, 1/13/22, Notes

Thursday's Homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Practice new spelling words - test = next Thursday, 1/20/22 (see list below)
 
3. Math 8.5 homework pages (dollar amounts)
**Skip questions 5 and 6**
Virtual Math Manipulatives site --> check it out here
You can also check out the Counting Money Resources tab on my webpage for additional ways to practice counting money.
 
Additional Reminders:
  • Library books = due Friday
  • First Reconciliation = Saturday, February 5th - 12:30pm in the church
  • Spelling Test = Thursday, 1/20/22
  • Math Chapter 8 Test = Friday, 1/21/22 (Review sheet to go home on Friday)
  • Thank you for your generosity to the Food Pantry!
New Spelling Words: words with glued sounds ild, ind, ost, old
  1.  old
  2. told
  3. cold
  4. hold
  5. sold
  6. most
  7. post
  8. child
  9. wild
  10. kind
  11. find
  12. mind

Wednesday, 1/12/22, Notes

Tonight's Homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Math 8.3 Homework pages - sorting and counting coins --> Complete all problems. **Students can solve any way that works for them. They just need to show their work.**
 
Tests and Reminders:
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday, January 13th. Items requested can be find in the most recent Knight Notes email. The list includes items like: cereal, cookies, mac n cheese, tea, strawberry jelly, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Please be generous! Thank you!
  • First Reconciliation = Saturday, February 5th - 12:30pm in the church

Tuesday, 1/11/22, Notes

Tonight's Homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Math 8.2 Homework pages - counting quarters (and other coins) 
**SKIP #5**
**Students can solve any way that works for them. They just need to show their work.**
 
3. Practice spelling words (went home last week) - aught, ought, igh, ight patterns --> Test = Wednesday
 
Tests and Reminders:
  • Spelling Test = Wednesday
  • Reading Progress Assessment = Wednesday (no studying required)
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday, January 13th. Items requested can be find in the most recent Knight Notes email. The list includes items like: cereal, cookies, mac n cheese, tea, strawberry jelly, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Please be generous!
  • First Reconciliation = Saturday, February 5th - 12:30pm in the church

Monday, 1/10/22, Notes

Welcome back for another week! Thank you to you all for helping keep our classroom safe and healthy.
 
Tonight's Homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Math 8.1 Homework pages - counting coins (pennies, nickels, and times
**SKIP #5**
**Students can solve any way that works for them. They just need to show their work.**
 
3. Practice spelling words (went home last week) - aught, ought, igh, ight patterns
 
Tests and Reminders:
  • Spelling Test = Wednesday
  • Reading Progress Assessment = Wednesday (no studying required)
  • All School Mass = Tuesday, 1/11, at 8:30 am in the church. We will attend in person.
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday, January 13th. Items requested can be find in the most recent Knight Notes email. The list includes items like: cereal, cookies, mac n cheese, tea, strawberry jelly, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry detergent, and dish soap.
  • First Reconciliation = Saturday, February 5th - 12:30pm in the church

Week at a Glance 1/10/22-1/14/22

Week at a Glance

Week of January 10-14, 2022

Math: After having used these past couple of days as an introduction to the topic of money, we will start into Chapter 8 of our textbook. These lessons will include identifying coins and coin amounts, counting money values with coins, skip counting, and counting money values with a mix of dollars and cents. *Students have glued a chart with coin values in their planners.*

Science: We will discuss the question, “Why is there sand at the beach?” We will use videos and a hands-on activity from Mystery Science to explore this concept. If time permits during the week we will also explore how polar animals survive the cold.

Language Arts: We will wrap up our “How to” writing pieces in the beginning of the week, and then we will transition to writing Book Reviews, which include opinion statements and reasons about books we have read.

Reading: Students will continue practicing words with patterns -igh, -ight, -aught, and ought. Students will then move on to words with glued sounds -old, -ost, -ind, and -ild. We will read from our nonfiction Super magazines and then start back up with our Book Club activities. In addition to these activities, we will practice our fluency, decoding, and encoding skills daily.

Social Studies: None - see Science

Religion: We will start to learn about the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which is one of the very important sacraments the students will receive this year. We will discuss why Jesus is always ready to forgive us, explain how the sacrament of Reconciliation is a way to celebrate and receive God’s forgiveness of our sins, and define the terms absolution and seal of confession. *Students should practice the Act of Contrition prayer that was sent home on Thursday so that they feel comfortable reciting it at their First Reconciliation. We will practice daily at school too.*


Tests and Quizzes:

  • Spelling Test = Wednesday (the list went home on yesterday)
  • Reading Progress Assessment = Wednesday (no studying needed)
  • Math Chapter 8 Quiz (Money) = week of January 17th (more information to follow)

Additional Reminders:

  • Please try to take your child to Mass over the weekend. It is extra important as we approach the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion.
  • All School Mass = Tuesday, 1/11, at 8:30 am in the church. We will attend in person.
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday, January 13th. Items requested can be find in the most recent Knight Notes email. The list includes items like: cereal, cookies, mac n cheese, tea, strawberry jelly, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry detergent, and dish soap.
  • Thank you for your help and cooperation with the COVID safety protocols so far this school year. Our main goal is the health and safety of our school community, and we hope to continue to limit the spread of any germs.
  • First Reconciliation = Saturday, February 5th - 12:30pm in the church
    • This is a family event, and students should wear appropriate church clothing. Reconciliation will begin with a prayer service, and then students will receive the Sacrament individually.
    • Reconciliation should last between 40 and 80 minutes.
    • January’s informational video (to be sent out the week of January 18th) will provide details on how Reconciliation will take place at St. Joseph Church. (We will practice and prepare during Religion class at school.)
    • All current COVID guidelines will be followed during Reconciliation.

Thursday, 1/6/22, Notes

Welcome back!
 
Here is tonight's homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Practice new spelling words (list went home today):

Words to Practice: words with -igh, -ight, -aught and -ought endings 

*I highly recommend sorting the words to practice the similar patterns. That way your child can focus more on the rest of the letters.*

  1. sigh
  2. high 
  3. sight
  4. bright
  5. fright
  6. night
  7. slight 
  8. caught
  9. taught
  10. bought
  11. brought
  12. thought
 
Additional Reminders:
  • Library books (from the Media Center) are due back Friday, as the students have Library class tomorrow.
  • If students wear boots, please send him/her with a change of shoes. (Students should be able to get in and out of their boots independently.)
  • Please send your child with a healthy snack, a water bottle, and a lunch.
  • Please help your child arrive to school on time. (The school day starts at 7:30am, so students should be walking in the building no later than 7:23am.)
  • Please send your child with an extra mask that covers his/her nose and mouth.

Welcome Back Reminders

We look forward to welcoming your children safely back to school on Thursday! Please take a moment to review a couple of reminders for the day:
  • Students should wear their regular school uniforms as outlined in the school handbook (Gym class = Monday and Tuesday)
  • If students wear boots, please send him/her with a change of shoes. (Students should be able to get in and out of their boots independently.)
  • Please send your child with a healthy snack, a water bottle, and a lunch (if s/he does not get hot lunch).
  • Please help your child arrive to school on time. (The school day starts at 7:30am, so students should be walking in the building no later than 7:23am.)
  • Please send your child with an extra mask that covers his/her nose and mouth (in the event that the first one breaks or gets dirty).
Have a wonderful evening. Stay warm!

Thank you and Merry Christmas

Dear Families,
 
I pray that you all have a safe, healthy, restful, and enjoyable Christmas break. Thank you for sending your children here to St. Joe's and for all that you do for our class and the larger school community. I hope that the new year is filled with many blessings for you and your loved ones.
 
With sincere gratitude,
Mrs. Macdonald

Dear Santa...

Dear Parents,
 
If you could relay this message to Santa, I would be most appreciative!
 
Dear Santa,
 
Please send new school supplies for Christmas. These items would be most appreciated:
 
1. crayons
2. markers
3. glue sticks
4. pencils
 
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Macdonald - St. Joe's - 2nd grade

Week of 12/20 and 12/21 Reminders

***Please check your child's backpack for a Christmas gift from them.***
I want to extend a huge thank you to Mrs. Laska, who worked extra hard to make these gifts so special. She also helps us daily with Reading groups, individual and small group interventions, and countless other tasks and activities. She truly enriches our classroom community, and we are blessed to have her with us this year!
 
Reminders for the week of December 20, 2021:
  • Please take your child to Mass over the weekend.
  • Gingerbread House Decorating Contest entries due Sunday, 12/19
  • There are no tests next week.
  • Class Christmas Party = Monday afternoon
    • Pizza will be provided.
    • Thank you to all parent volunteers!
  • No all school Mass next week
  • Christmas Carols = Tuesday - 12:30pm in Sunrise Rotary Park (behind the school)
  • Last day before the break = Tuesday - 2:00pm dismissal
  • Christmas Show premier = Tuesday - 7:00pm (link to be sent out)
  • Christmas break = 12/22/21-1/5/22
    • School resumes on January 6, 2022.
***The second graders will not have homework next week or over the Christmas break, but we do encourage them to spend time reading each day (for fun).***

Thursday, 12/16/21, Notes

1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Math "Practice Test HW" page - This will give your child extra practice with the types of problems s/he will see on the quiz tomorrow.
*Quiz Friday*
 
3. Spelling - practice silent w (wr) and silent k (kn) words
*Test Friday*
 
Additional Reminders:
  • Thank you for your generosity to the Food Pantry!
  • Friday = $1 dress down for victims of the tornadoes in Kentucky - Donations of all sizes are accepted, and the money will go towards Christmas toys for families in these areas. Thank you!

Wednesday, 12/15/21, Notes

1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Math 12.8 homework pages (counting area of a 2D shape)
*Quiz Friday*
 
3. Spelling - practice silent w (wr) and silent k (kn) words
*Test Friday*
 
Additional Reminders:
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday - Thank you in advance for your generosity! The list of requested items can be found in last week's Knights Notes email.
  • Ask your child about our Christmas around the World activities that we celebrated today!
  • Friday = $1 dress down for victims of the tornadoes in Kentucky - Donations of all sizes are accepted, and the money will go towards Christmas toys for families in these areas. Thank you!

Tuesday, 12/14/21, Notes

Tuesday's Homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes
 
2. Math 12.7 homework pages (equal parts - halves, thirds, fourths)
*Quiz Friday*
 
3. Spelling - practice silent w (wr) and silent k (kn) words
*Test Friday*
 
Additional Reminders:
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday - Thank you in advance for your generosity! The list of requested items can be found in last week's Knights Notes email.

Monday, 12/13/21, Notes

Welcome back for another week!
 
Here is tonight's homework:
 
1. Read 20 minutes (or more)
 
2. Spelling - practice new words (the list and backpack pages went home in your child's homework folder) - see list below
 
3. Math 12.6 homework pages
*Math Chapter 12 Quiz = Friday --> You can view the electronic copy of the Study Guide here, or you can check for a print copy in your child's homework folder.
 
Additional Notes and Reminders:
  • Spelling Test = Friday
  • Math Chapter 12 Quiz = Friday
  • Food Pantry Collection = Thursday - Thank you in advance for your generosity! The list of requested items can be found in last week's Knights Notes email.
  • All School Mass = Tuesday at 8:30 am - We will attend virtually this week.

Words to Practice: words with silent k and silent w (kn and wr):

  1. know 
  2. knew 
  3. knee 
  4. knock 
  5. knife
  6. knot
  7. write
  8. wrote
  9. wreck
  10. wrap
  11. wrong
  12. wrinkle