Authors Among Us!

If you're a fan of Captain Underpants (like me!), then tomorrow, August 30th, is your lucky day.  The author of this hilarious series (and many other fabulous books), Dav Pilkey, will be having a signing at Quail Ridge Books tomorrow, August 30th, at 4:30.  This is a FABULOUS opportunity to cultivate a love of reading and writing with your child.  The chance to hear an author speak about his/her books and characters is not to be absolutely magical.  There is no cost for admission, but usually they ask you to buy one of the author's books at their store to participate in the signing.  Follow the link or call the store for the specific details.  I hope to make it, but may not be able make it myself.  If you do go, please get a picture with the author and we will post it here :)

Welcome to 2nd Grade!

Today was a fun and busy day.  Mostly, we took care of business.  We collected out parents' homework packets (please send those in ASAP if you haven't already) and all of the supplies you sent in (Thank you!).  Then we went over SOAR Rules for the hallway, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground.  We toured the classroom and learned many of the procedures that we need to all work together and share one space.  We also practiced our fire drill procedures.  After all of that, we did have some time for recess and some preassessments in writing and math. 

Tomorrow you can expect that we will get down business as learners and dive in to our academics.  We will begin to learn about The Daily 5 (our new literacy structure this year), begin to learn about the writing process (which we will use heavily in 2nd grade), explore the base-10 number system, and learn ways to be a good citizen in our classroom.

Look for updates to be added to the website soon, including our class schedule and specials schedule.  Homework and agendas will begin next week (after Labor Day).  I you haven't gotten an agenda yet, it can be bought from the PTA for $5.  If your family is able, please consider donating an agenda for a family in 2nd grade.

I you have any questions, please email me at ksteel-keelor@wcpss.net.  Have a great evening and I'll see you tomorrow :)

End of the Year Celebration

It's been fun, but now we're done!  The end of the year is (almost) upon us.  To celebrate all that the children have accomplished, we will be having a little celebration this Thursday afternoon.  We have had lots of parents volunteer to bring or send things in.  So far we will be having pizza, drinks, cupcakes, cookies, chips, and other snacks.  Honestly, at this point, we do not need any more food - we might burst as it is!  We will also be having some wonderful surprises courtesy is Mrs. Austin.  It should be a fun afternoon.  We'll end the 2011-2012 school year in grand style.  Thank you all very much!

Field Day Fun

We had an absolutely AMAZING time at Field Day this morning.  We want to send out a BIG "Thank you!" to Mr. Lawson and Mr. Rotberg and all of the volunteers who made today possible.

Out morning started out with some relay games...

Then we visited face painting, freeze-pops, and the misting station...

Then we played some teamwork games...

And finally, the main event, Tug-of-War!  This was the longest Tug-of-War battle this teacher has ever seen!  We've got some seriously strong kids in this grade.  Sadly, we lost to Mrs. Liberto's class (but we were outnumbered!). 

All together it has been a great day.  We're all exhausted, but in a good way.  This has been a great way to round out our year together. :)

(And good news for parents is that we should all sleep well tonight!)

 





Parent Survey

WCPSS is looking for feedback on the school choice process and has asked me to share this with all of you.

"The Wake County Board of Education would like parents of all current and incoming students to complete a survey about the choice selection process for 2012-13 school assignments. The questions will take you only five to 10 minutes to complete, and the results will help the board and district to make decisions and better serve our families.

You can take the survey online by following the links at (school website) or www.wcpss.net/feedback/surveys. We also have paper copies of the survey in our office. Whether you participated in choice process or choose to keep your pre-assignment for next year, we want your input. Please take the survey!"