February 4

Dear families,

Here are a few dates you should know about:

• January 17th is Presidents Day. There will be no school.

• February 28th will be the school spelling bee. Next week the teachers will be giving the preliminary spelling bee qualification test in each individual classroom. The two highest spellers in each class will move on to be in the school spelling bee.

• March 3-6th is parent teacher conference. About a week prior to that, I will send around a blank sign-up sheet. Please consider when your other children's appointments are, what your work schedule is, and when would be most convenient to visit with me. You can have your child come or not. That is your choice. We will discuss anything you have questions or concerns about, work habits, academic levels, etc. Please do not ask me to name a teacher that would be best for next year. You simply can't go wrong with any of them. They work so closely together that  the curriculum is all taught at the same time in all the classes. It would be much better for you to consider who your child works best with or has the most trouble with. (Best friends are not usually the best choice to have together.)

• March 17th is Arts Night. The PTA has a great plan for extending kids knowledge in the different art fields with fun activities interspersed with mini talent show. A note will be sent home soon.

• March 21st is the science fair. Again a letter of explanation will be coming home with the kids soon. Then you will be able to plan for the event. I know the kids who have entered before are so excited to be a part of it again. I hope other kids will feel the spirit and join also!

CURRICULUM:

I hope you are enjoying the weather homework-in-a-baggie activities with your children. When kids experience their learning, they fly higher. More will be coming!

Keep reading with your child. 20 minutes per night is what the state requires. These second graders are capable of that and more. It is exciting to see the extra progress home reading brings.

Thank you for letting me work with your children.
Carolyn Olenslager