It's Over...REALLY!?!?

Wow!  Can you believe that after this week our babies are no longer 2nd graders?  3rd Grade!!  REALLY!?  When did that happened?  The year has really flown by hasn't it? 

Thank you so much for allowing me to be such an important part of your child's life this year.  I have grown so close to this group of kids and I love them dearly. I will really miss them over the summer.  I am very proud of this group.  They have each come so far since the beginning of the year.  I pray that each of them will continue to grow into the wonderful person that God is calling them to be. 

This summer remember to practice multiplication facts and READ everyday!! 

A few end of the year reminders...Monday is field day!  Wear NAVY!  You may want to send a towel and sunscreen.  Your child may also wear a hat if he or she would like. 

Wednesday...LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!! Report cards will be sent home. 

We are almost there!  We will begin end of the year progress testing this week.  Your child's progress scores will be enclosed in their report card.  I'm really looking forward to seeing the final results of our kids! 

Upcoming Dates:
May 17: Library
May 23: Field Day...WEAR NAVY
May 23: State of the School Address, 7pm, in the Sanctuary
May 25: End of the year party

Spelling: Compound Words
Sunday
outside
underline
forever
without
sometimes
flashlight
inside
sunburned
butterfly
grandfather
anything
basketball
grandmother
newspaper
forgave

Important Info...

Please send a note letting us know if you will be attending the 11:00 service this Sunday for FBA Day.  Families are also invited to stay for lunch. Students need to be in the Calloway Room at 10:45.

Second graders need to wear a navy shirt for field day! Our class will be the FBA Warriors! Volunteers are still needed for field day.

Newsletter

I can't believe that the year is coming to an end and we only have a few weeks left.  Keep in mind that we will still be working hard up until the very last day; therefore, it is very important that your child is at
  school each day and arrives on time each day. 
Upcoming Dates:
May 10: Library
May 12: Last Zaxby's Spirit Night
May 13: Spring Fling Lunch will be Chic-Fil-A from 12:00-12:30, then play from 12:30-2:00.
May 15: FBA Day at FBC...11:00 Service.  We will be reciting the 10 Commandments.
May 17: Library
May 23: Field Day

May 25: End of the year party

Spelling:
remind
joyful
untie
quickly
reread

suddenly
reuse
unpack
slowly
careful
rewrite
unlock
softly

*reusable

Vocabulary:
dream
cotton
oyster
organ
whisper

study
towel
camp
slept

Check out Word Girl on PBS for awesome Vocabulary episodes.  You can also use this link to watch episodes, play games and take Vocabulary quizzes. 

Science:  We will continue our unit on God's Creation of the Ocean

Bible: Jesus is Merciful
Memory Verse:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23:14

truthful
beautiful
drawer

Food for thought:  Your children need your presence more than your presents. 

                               ~Jesse Jackson

Newsletter

We had a great time on our field trip.  It went along very well with what we've been studying in Science and Social Studies....from Native Americans to plants and life cycles.  I was very happy to hear the students correctly answering so many of the questions that were asked by our tour guide. 

Just a reminder...we need ribbon and patterned scrapbooking paper for a Mother's Day craft. 

Ty Rumble will be preforming during the 11:00 service at FBC this weekend!! 

Don't forget that the Pre-Orders for hanging baskets are due Monday. 
Mom's Day Picnic: 5/5 - Moms meet us on the square at 12:00
Last Chic-Fil-A Spirit Night: 5/5
Spring Fling: 5/13FBA Day at FBC: Sunday, 5/15
Field Day: 5/23
Last Day: 5/25


Details about collecting supplies for the victims of the Tornadoes are coming soon. 

Bible: Elijah is Bold
Verse:  God didn't give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves. 2 Timothy 1:7
Spelling: Review Week
See your child's folder for the review words.


No Vocabulary this week, since it's a review week for Spelling.


Science: This week we will begin our unit on God's Design of the Ocean. 


Food for Thought:   
Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
Luke 6:38


Praying for those affected by this week's tornadoes.

Whew!  Testing is complete!  I am very proud of everyone.  Everyone did a great job focusing and doing their best on the test.  I am very anxious to get our scores back. 

Happy Easter!  I hope everyone has a great weekend celebrating the resurection of Christ with their families! 

Upcoming Events:
We will not be ordering Chic-Fil-A Friday.  Your child will need to either order a BBQ plate ($7.00) or bring a lunch. 

Please send in your favorite recipe ASAP!!
Art Supplies Due: Thursday, 4/28
Field Trip: Thursday, 4/28 - Bring a sack lunch
BBQ Fundraiser: Friday, 4/29
Hanging Basket Sale: 5/4
Mom's Day Picnic: 5/5 - Moms meet us on the square at 12:00
Last Chic-Fil-A Spirit Night: 5/5
Spring Fling: 5/13
FBA Day at FBC: Sunday, 5/15
Field Day: 5/23
Last Day: 5/25

Spelling: Words with are, ear, or, oor, ore, our
doorbell
four
hear
floor
earth
more
earn
for
careless
wear
heard
share
dear
wore
bear
yearly
*careful

Vocabulary:
reward
asleep
track
super
measure
prize
frigid
vegetable
writer
naughty

Bible: Elijah Trusts God
Verse: Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Science: The Earth

Food for Thought:

The Sabbath day was now over. It was dawn on the first day of the week. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
 ² There was a powerful earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven. The angel went to the tomb. He rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His body shone like lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
 ⁵ The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would! Come and see the place where he was lying. ⁷ Go quickly! Tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
 ⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb. They were afraid, but they were filled with joy. They ran to tell the disciples.
 ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings!" he said.
   They came to him, took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
 ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see me."

Matthew 28:1-10

Newsletter

The Stanford Achievement Test will be given next week.  Please have your child at school by 8:00!  It is imperative that your child arrives on time, being late will only add to your child's stress.  Set an early bedtime for the week, so that your child will get a good night's sleep.  Waking your child up a little early is also a good idea.  This way you will ensure that your child will have plenty of time for a healthy breakfast and will not start the day off in a rush.  Remember, no sugary cereals, etc., only filling brain foods, such as; eggs, whole wheat toast, fruit, etc.


Testing Schedule:
Monday: Reading
Tuesday: Math
Wednesday: Language, Spelling, Listening Skills
Thursday: Environment and Bible


Below is an excerpt from an article that I recently read that you might find helpful.

Test-Taking Tips for Elementary Students

Tests are important because they help the teacher evaluate a student’s needs and progress, the

student gauge his or her own level of mastery, and the parent monitor his or her child’s progress.

Tips to give your child about taking tests:

*Relax. Just do the best you can.

*Your first choice is usually correct. Don't change an answer unless you have a good reason to do so.

*Be aware of key words such as "all," "now," "always," "never," "only," "exactly."

*In multiple-choice questions, don’t skip the longest answer. It should be considered, since test writers want to be sure the correct answer is accurate—they may add lots of details to insure accuracy.

*Watch for negative words like "not," "no," "never."

*Look for information in some of the questions. This information may help you answer other questions.

You can assist your child prepare for testing by doing the following:

*Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before a test, and make sure your child eats properly the day of a test.

*Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child’s stress.

*Make sure your child has taken any needed medication.

*Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).

*Get your child to school on time the day of the test.

*Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child that he/she is special and that you believe in him/her!

*Remind your child the test is important. Encourage him/her to do his/her best.

*If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.

*If the test is on a subject for which you can review (such as a spelling test), help your child go over the material.

*Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.

*Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess and move on.

*Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.

*Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.

*If your child is disappointed after taking a test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.

Upcoming Dates:APRIL 18-22- STANDARDIZED TESTING
April 20-21 FBA Plant Sale
April 28- Field Trip to Atlanta Botanical Gardens
April 29- FBA BBQ
May 5- Mom's Day picnic on the square

Food for Thought:A problem is a chance for you to do your best. --Duke Ellington

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to school!  The count down to summer has officially begun!  I have really enjoyed hearing about everyone's week off.  It sounds like everyone had a great week.  This week we will be prepping for the Stanford Achievement Test, which will be next week.  Make sure that both this week and next your child gets a good night's sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives to school on time.  We will not have any tests this week. 

For breakfast avoid sugary cereals, Pop Tarts, syrup, etc., all which have lots of sugar and are empty calories.  Instead, opt for whole wheat toast, eggs, fruit, etc. 

Instead of nightly spelling practice, etc., I ask that you work with your child on the take home booklets and log on to the Saxon Link. 

Food for Thought:
Trust Him when dark doubts assail thee,
Trust Him when thy strength is small,
Trust Him when to simply trust Him
Seems the hardest thing of all.
Trust Him, He is ever faithful,
Trust Him, for his will is best,
Trust Him, for the heart of Jesus
Is the only place of rest.

Anonymous

Spring Break is here!!

I know we are all excited about our break!  I've heard about some pretty awesome Spring Break plans.  I hope everyone has a great time and enjoys the break! 

A few things to keep in mind over the break;

The Stanford Achievement Test is quickly approaching.  The week that we return from break we will be doing a lot of review from past units to help prepare for the test.  We also have a practice test that we will be administering.  It is very important that your child gets a good night's sleep, has a nutritious breakfast, and arrives on time to school. 

I am sending home several practice sheets that you may go over with your child during the break.  These aren't required but will certainly give your child added practice and will be very beneficial.  Do them at your own pace. You will also find a review from all of our Saxon lessons by clicking on this LINK.  There you will find a sample online quiz as well as other enrichment activities that you may do with your child. 

Enjoy the break!!  Rest, Relax, and be ready to work hard when we return!

Friday, March 25th

I'm just loving this beautiful weather!  What about y'all?  I love the warm afternoons and cool evenings, spent outside with the kids or at the ballpark...Spring is by far my favorite season of them all! 

Art Needs:

Mrs. Bryant has a few items that we need for upcoming art projects. 

Empty toilet paper rolls

Empty paper towel rolls

Fill a Ziploc sandwich bag with small toys or trinkets that can be used for an art project. These toys will be painted, glued, etc., so please don’t give up something you can’t part with!

Old newspapers and kid friendly magazines for art projects.

Upcoming Dates:
March 28 - FBA Open House 7pm
March 29 - Spring Pictures
April 1 - Geometry Project Due
April 4-8 - Spring Break
April 18-22 - Standardized Testing

April 20-21 - Veggie Plant Sale
April 28- Field Trip to Atlanta Botanical Gardens

April 29- Spring BBQ

Spelling Words: Words with ar, or

1. chore
2. farmer
3. corn
4. orange
5. harvest
6. morning
7. Lord
8. arms
9. horses
10. hard
11. before
12. star
13. store
14. north
15. March
16. important
17. **aardvark

Vocabulary:
bacon
batch
speed
weed
stove
toast
brush
lump
middle
skim


Bible: We will be completing our unit on Job and will begin learning about Easter. 
Memory Verse:

Listen to advice and accept what you are taught. In the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20 NIrV

Science:  The students have really been enjoying our unit on life cycles.  They have especially been enjoying watching our tadpole and caterpillars metamorphosis through the various stages.  They were so excited today to find the caterpillars beginning the transformation into their chrysalis. 

First Baptist Academy Town Hall Meeting Update

First Baptist Academy Town Hall Meeting Update

Let me begin by thanking all who attended and to those who wrote to me about FBA. Most comments were very positive but with any organization that is growing and changing its focus, confusion occurs. Our meeting was primarily to address concerns from the elementary school parents. Therefore, I apologize for “scaring” or “alarming” our preschool parents.

We are so appreciative that so many of you are willing to continue this journey with us as we grow. We do need to have a better community presence, communicate better and treat the two schools, preschool and elementary school, separately and differently.

We not only need to add a grade a year but more importantly we need more students in each class in order to provide more “amenities” that will in fact expand us more. Your input is always welcomed and appreciated. Again without you we do not have a school.

Please read the minutes and feel free to send me an email, call me or contact Julie or Patty. We are here to lead and to serve. Leaders always want to grow and we want to grow with you!

Ralph Meaker

Minister of Education

Newsletter

This weekend we will welcome Spring!! 
It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!  ~Mark Twain

The Sunny D labels that we collected at the beginning of the year paid off this week.  We received 20 Scholastic Books in the mail from Sunny D.  Thanks to everyone who helped collect the labels. 


Upcoming Dates:
Monday, March 21- Parent Council at 7:00 PM
March 22- library
March 23- Ty Rumble Music Concert
March 25- Scholastic Book order due
March 28- FBA Open House
March 29- Spring Pictures
April 1- Geometry Project Due
April 4-8- Spring Break
April 18-22- Standardized Testing
April 28- Field Trip to Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Spelling words: Adding suffixes to base words.

1. live
2. living
3. lived
4. fly
5. flying
6. flies
7. drop
8. dropped
9. dropping
10. love
11. loving
12. loved
13. carry
14. carrying
15. carried
16. carries
17. **picking

Vocabulary:

1. hotel
2. passenger
3. common
4. ranch
5. crazy
6. badge
7. using
8. neither
9. used
10. anger

Memory Verse: I was patient while I waited for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry for help.
Psalm 40:1

Science:  Our tadpole is really starting to grow!  The students have enjoyed feeding it and watching it grow.  We will begin learning about the life cycle of the frog. 

Food for Thought: One who makes no mistakes never makes anything.
                           Author Unknown

Newsletter

We had a great time today at our Book Adventure Assembly!  The students really enjoyed the special reading from Mrs. Julie. 

We are really looking forward to our field trip to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta on Tuesday!  We have been learning a little bit about famous Artists and some of their work to prepare for our visit.  The fundamental elements of art; line, color, shape, and texture are the focus of the tour.  Students will make connections between  works that they've seen in the galleries and produce their own work.  We will be meeting several of our curriculum standards on our trip. 

After the tour, we will walk across the street to eat lunch in the food court.  If you are not able to attend, please be sure to send lunch money for your child.  Be sure to arrive to school on time! :)

Upcoming dates:
March 13th: Spring Forward
March 15th: Field trip to the High Museum (Parents pay $15 at the door, but we need to know if you are going).
March 17th: Report Cards go home
March 23rd: Music Concert Ty Rumble
April 1st: Geometry Photography Project Due (see your child's folder)
April 4-8th: Spring Break
April 18-22: Standardized Testing
April 28th: Field Trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Spelling: Singular and Plural Nouns (this week we have a couple of extra words)

1. class
2. dishes
3. families
4. bench
5. box
6. cherries
7. classes
8. benches
9. dish
10. teachers
11. peaches
12. boxes
13. family
14. teacher
15. peach
16. cherry
17. **crayons

Vocabulary:  This week we will be reviewing vocabulary from story elements again. 

1. characters
2. setting
3. plot
4. climax
5. introduction
6. conclusion
7. mood
8. character traits
9. conflict
10. solution

Bible:  We will continue learning about Job.  We also began learning the books of the Bible this week.  This week's session are the books of the law; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. We are watching this video each to help us learn the books of the bible.  Take a few minutes and enjoy it with your child.    




Memory Verse:  You are God's chosen people.  You are holy and dearly loved.  So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes.  Don't be proud.  Be gentle and patient.  Colossians 3:12
This goes along with what the students have been learning in Chapel as well.  Pastor Jason has challenged the students to be very mindful of James 1:19,...be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to be angry.  This has become our family mission verse at home as well. 
Food for thought: 

Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious. -Phillips Brooks

Notes from Pastor Jason...

Right now in FBA chapel we are studying the book of James there is a lot of practical stuff for the guys and girls.  We have been talking about having faith, rejoicing in trials, and asking God for wisdom.  I am still giving the first student that can say the 10 commandments 10 dollars and we are singing a lot of Father Abraham.

Newsletter

We have had so much fun this week celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday!  Thanks to our guest readers for joining in on the fun. I think the best part was making Obleeck.  We tied it into our unit on Matter.  Have your child explain the states of Matter to you.  Does your family have a favorite Dr. Seuss book?

We have several important dates coming up.
March 8-11: Parent Conferences
March 10: Zaxby's Spirit Night 5-8
March 11th: Book Adventure Assembly
March 13th: Spring Forward
March 15th: Field trip to the High Museum (Parents pay $15 at the door, but we need to know if you are going).
March 17th: Report Cards go home
March 23rd: Music Concert Ty Rumble
April 1st: Geometry Photography Project Due (see your child's folder)
April 4-8th: Spring Break
April 18-22: Standardized Testing

This week's Spelling will be a review week.  See your child's folder for a complete list of all of the words.

Vocabulary:  This week's Vocabulary will be a grammar review.

1. homophone
2. synonym
3. antonym
4. compound word
5. dictionary
6. guide words
7. adjective
8. verb
9. noun
10. contraction

Bible: Job Controls his Tongue. Memory Verse: Then keep your tongues from speaking evil.  Keep your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

Science: This week we will begin our study on plants and will be building at Terriaum in class. 

Food for thought: Life's a voyage that's homeward bound. --Herman Melville

Newsletter

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!  This week we have several fun activities planned for Read Across America to celebrate Dr. Suess' birthday.  It should be a lot of fun! If you haven't signed up in the office to read and would like to, please let me know, we would love to have you as a Guest Reader!!!

I am so proud of everyone BA progress this term!  Everyone has either already met the goal or is almost there!  Keep up the good work and KEEP READING!!  Don't stop just because you reach your goal.  FLY HIGH!!

Upcoming Dates:
March 4th: Dr. Seuss/PJ Day

March 8th-March 10th: Conferences

March 11th: End of Quarter and BA Goal Deadline

March 15th: Field Trip to the High Museum

FORMS AND MONEY ARE DUE ASAP!!  $9 for Students and $15 for Parents

March 17th: Report Cards go home

Don't forget to wear tennis shoes on Tuesdays and Thursdays!  This Tuesday IS a PE Day!  To make it easier to remember tennis shoes every other week, you can make sure your child wears them on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Spelling:
Words with ft, lt, ld, if, lk

1. raft
2. calf
3. built
4. golden
5. gulf
6. left
7. held
8. shelf
9. folktale
10. milk
11. building
12. drift
13. halfway
14. felt
15. *milkshake

Vocabulary: Story Elements

1. characters
2. setting
3. plot
4. climax
5. introduction
6. conclusion
7. mood
8. character traits
9. conflict
10. solution

Bible/Memory Verse: Unit Review of Daniel
He sets people free and saves them. He does miraculous signs and wonders. He does them in the heavens and on the earth. He has saved Daniel from the power of the lions." Daniel 6:27

Food for Thought:

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."  - Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

Newsletter - February 22-25

Thank you all so much for such thoughtful gifts for Valentine's Day!  You are all too kind! 

Thanks to all of the Dads who came out this week for Dad's Day!  It was great to see everyone! 

Upcoming Dates/Reminders:

Remember NO SCHOOL Friday, February 18 or Monday, February 21st.  I hope everyone has a nice relaxing break. 

Six Flags Reading Logs are due 2/25.  The break would  be a great time to get caught up if you are behind.  I would love for our class to have 100% participation!  Just a reminder that they must be filled out with the time totaled up.  I will be mailing all logs to Six Flags. 

March 4th: Dr. Seuss/PJ Day
March 8th-March 10th: Conferences
March 11th: End of Quarter and BA Goal Deadline
March 15th: Field Trip to the High Museum
March 17th: Report Cards go home
Just a reminder that Tuesday's special alternates.  This Tuesday will be a Library day.  To make it easier to remember tennis shoes every other week, you can make sure your child wears them on Tuesdays and Thursdays.   

Beginning next week, we will have a change in our weekly tests.  Several parents have expressed that it is difficult having our Spelling test on Thursdays because of being gone to church on Wednesday nights.  To make this a little easier on everyone, I am moving our spelling test to Fridays.  To avoid having so many tests on Friday, the sight word test will be on Thursdays.

Our weekly test schedule will be as follows:
Wednesday: Bible/Memory Verse and Comprehension
Thursday: Sight Word
Friday: Vocabulary and Spelling
Math as it falls in the lessons.

Spelling: Words with ng, nd, nt, nk, mb

1. spend
2. front
3. thumb
4. sending
5. triangle
6. climb
7. hung
8. strong
9. along
10. thank
11. trunk
12. bring
13. donkey
14. think
15. **honeycomb

Vocabulary:

1. theft
2. read
3. knuckle
4. further
5. freely
6. finger
7. felt
8. coast
9. brand
10. beach

Bible: Daniel is Successful! 
Memory Verse: Well done my good and faithful servant.  Matthew 25:21

Science:  We will be continuing our unit on Matter.  You will be receiving a note in your child's agenda asking for a specific item for a science experiment. 

Math: It will still be several weeks before we introduce multiplication but we have started watching the School House Rock Videos, Multiplication Rock in class.  The students love them!  You can google them and watch them on YouTube at home with your child. 

Food for Thought:  One of our classroom rules...
Do Your Best and Forget the Rest!
                               -Tony Horton

February 14-17

Happy Valentine's Day!   Just a reminder that we will be exchanging Valentine's Day cards but will not be having a party. 

Important Dates this week: 
Monday: Valentine's Day Card Exchange
Tuesday: Dad's Day: 11:30
Friday and Monday: NO SCHOOL  Enjoy the long weekend!

Reading groups continue to go great!  Be sure to ask your child about the book that he or she is reading in class.  If it is a BA book, remind him or her to take a test on it at home as well. 

We will continue reading Fantastic Mr. Fox for our read aloud.  You will see the comprehension tests come home soon. 

Spelling: blends with s

1. slide
2. sprint
3. smile
4. swish
5. scream
6. squeal
7. splash
8. skate
9. start
10. snow
11. score
12. sport
13. scene
14. school
15. *sneeze

Sight Words

1. notice
2. ground
3. I'll
4. field
5. upon
6. rock
7. several
8. five
9. vowel
10. pattern

Vocabulary:
agree
catch
expect
fire
kneel
later
lean
lie
ripe
sure

Bible: Daniel is faithful to God.
Verse: For He is the living God, and steadfast forever.  Daniel 6:26

Science: We will begin a new unit on Matter this week.  We will be studying, solids, liquids, and gases. 

Food for Thought: God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.  ~St. Augustine

Valentine's Day

We will be exchanging cards for Valentine's Day and discussing Valentine's Day but we will not be having a party.

Just as a reminder below is our class list.

Mayla
Garrett
Brooke
Kurtis
Joselyn
Keelie
Kinsley
Madeline
Evan
Mrs. Hodges

In need...

It's hard to believe that the year is over half way finished!  Our supplies are getting low if you would like to send in any of the following items, it would be greatly appreciated.  The items in biggest need are starred. 

*Dry Eraser Markers (for the students' whiteboards)
*Kleenex
*Crayons (9 packs)
*Paper Plates
*Lysol
Cups
Baby Wipes
Clorox Wipes
ziploc bags
items for the treasure box

Thanks,
The Second Grade Class!!

Newsletter - February 7-11

Thank you Lord for another wonderful week! 

Reminders:
February 15: Dad's Day!  Dad's are invited to join us at 11:30 for a mission project with your child.  We also invite you to stay for lunch.

February 25: Six Flag's Reading Due!  These must be filled out on the Six Flags Reading Log and MUST include the minutes read and totaled.  Please attach any extra paper that you may need.   Six Flags requires that we mail the logs to them. 

Just a reminder of our weekly specials:

Monday: 9:30 - Spanish
Tuesday: 11:15 - P.E or Library (this week is library)
Wednesday:10:30 - Chapel with Pastor Jason
Thursday: 11:15 - P.E
Friday:  10:15 - Art

Lunch is at 11:45.  We welcome you to join your child for lunch anytime!
This week we will be studying consonant blends with l and r. 
Spelling:

1. close
2. brave
3. through
4. place
5. crash
6. clothes
7. threw
8. glad
9. flash
10. ground
11. traffic
12. prize
13. strange
14. drive
15. *length

Sight Words:

1. Can't
2. perhaps
3. test
4. ready
5. energy
6. region
7. members
8. paint
9. rain
10. window

Last week we started Reading the Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl.  This week's vocabulary will stem from our book. 

Vocabulary:  (Beginning this week, see your child's folder for definitions)

1. Colossal
2. Accustom
3. Suspend
4. Foggiest
5. Pluck
6. Glum
7. Crafty
8. Lurk
9. Shallow
10. Brilliant

Memory Verse:  We will continue learning about loving God with all of our heart through the example of Daniel.  "So we can boldly say, "The Lord helps me.  I will not be afraid.  What can a mere man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6

Social Studies:  As you know 1st and 2nd grade have teamed up to provide Val-O-Grams to the school.  This will help us with our unit on Resources, Goods and Services. 

Food for Thought:
"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving."

~Mother Teresa~

Registration

Just a reminder that registration for next year has begun!  Forms are available online, in the office or you can drop me a note in your child's folder and I will send one home to you.

What a precious moment!

Today in Chapel, everyone was so ready for Pastor Jason to pay up!  I was unaware that Pastor Jason only calls ONE student up each week to say the 10 Commandments, but it was so awesome to see EVERYONE raising their hands!  One of our second graders, Joselyn was chosen to go up front.  With a huge smile on her face, she darted up to the front of the Son Room onto the stage with Pastor Jason.  She said them all, perfectly, and was rewarded with a check for $10!  She ran and jumped into my arms with such excitement.  My heart just melted! I am so proud of all of my second graders for learning the Ten Commandments!  Congrats to Madeline, Kurtis, Mayla and now Joselyn for being chosen by Pastor Jason. 

I can't believe that we are over half way done with our second grade year!  Thank you so much for the privilege to teach your child everyday. I truly love them and enjoy spending time with them!  Way to go Second Graders...You Rock!!

Newsletter - January 31-February 4

Another great week under our belt!  During reading groups the students have been enjoying a keyboarding game at the computer center.  A few of you have asked for the link so that your child can play along at home.  I think it's the goat's British accent that they love the most!  All you have to do is click HERE!  Enjoy!

Here are a few dates for you to mark on your calendar. More details to follow soon.   
Monday: Pizza Hut Logs are due
February 15: Dad's Day
February 25: Six Flag's Reading Due
March 4: P.J. Day for Dr. Seuss's Birthday
March 15: Field Trip to the High Museum of Art

Memory Verse: 6-10 of the 10 Commandments.  Don't forget if you can say them in order to Pastor Jason at Chapel on Wednesday you will earn $10!  Congrats to the students in our class who have already done this! 
6.  You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10.  You shall not covet.


Spelling Words: Contractions
couldn't
he's
I'll
haven't
they'll
can't
she's
I'm
you'll
didn't
it's
wouldn't
doesn't
let's
*they've


Sight Words:
certain
passed
fire
seen
farm
north
against
toward
fast
wind


This week's vocabulary words come from our science unit on force.  We will also continue talking about energy. 


Vocabulary:
Work: A measure of the amount of force needed to move something a certain distance.
Weight: The measure of the force of gravity on an object.
Mass: The amount of matter that an object has.
Volume: The amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object.
Gravity: A force that pulls objects towards the center of the earth.
Motion: A change in the position or place of something.
Speed: A measure of how fast something moves over a distance.
Force: A push or pull
Friction: Heat caused by rubbing two objects together.
Simple Machine: A tool that helps people do work.

Food for Thought:

Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
       - Emmanuel Swedenborg

Notes from Pastor Jason...

FBA Chapel
I have been teaching through Galatians and this week we came to chapter 6 verse 7-9. I am still offering $10 to the first child that can stand up and tell me the 10 commandments in order.
Galatians 6:7-9
7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

News from the Office...

FBA News from the front office:

Welcome back to school after our winter storm of 2011! We hope you all had a fabulous, safe time sledding and playing.

Please help us welcome our newest staff member to FBA, Miah Graft-Biney. She will be teaching Spanish to our elementary students beginning January 24^th on Mondays. She works in coordination with the Hands-On Spanish curriculum we currently use.

The President’s Challenge Physical Fitness program is underway. Please be sure to send your kids in tennis shoes and comfortable “exercise” type clothing on PE days as they will be working hard to reach their goals. Curl-ups, Shuttle run, Endurance walk/run, and Pull-ups are just a few of the skills they will be working on.

A note from Pastor Jason…

We are continuing our study through Galatians 6 and the responsibility that comes with being a Christian. Please continue to work on the Ten Commandments as we share and study those weekly as well.

Newsletter - January 24-28

I can't believe that this is our first full week since the beginning of the month!  Wow!  I hope everyone had a great snow break! 

Reminders:
January Book It for Pizza Hut logs are due 1/31
Six Flags book logs are due 2/25

Spelling:
Your child will be bringing home a review sheet for spelling words. 

Sight Words:
against
listen
covered
himself
morning
table
voice
plan
town
hundred

Vocabulary:

1. diamond   (diimuhnd) noun    A precious stone that is very hard and clear.
2. front   (fruhnt) noun,verb,adjective    The part of something that faces forward or that comes first.
3. gem   (jEHm) noun    A precious stone that has been cut and polished for use as jewelry.
4. kettle   (kEHtuhl) noun    A metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
5. newspaper   (noozpaypur) noun    A daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements.   "he read his newspaper at breakfast" pint   (piint) noun    A measure of liquid capacity equal to half a quart or sixteen fluid ounces.
6. surround   (suround) noun,verb    To be on all sides of something at the same time; encircle.   "The forest surrounds my property"
7. croak   (krohk) noun,verb    A harsh hoarse sound (as of a frog).
8. carpet   (korpuht) noun,verb    A floor covering.
9. brooch    noun,verb    A piece of jewelry that is usually worn by women on their clothes.
10. pint   (piint) noun    A measure of liquid capacity equal to half a quart or sixteen fluid ounces.

Memory Verse:
In an effort to combine the Chapel Challenge with class, we will be learning the Ten Commandments.  This was assigned as extra credit at the beginning of the school year in our classroom.  Below is the wording that Pastor Jason wants your child to learn.  Since this is a review spelling week, I'm assigning 5 per week.

1.  You shall no other God's before me.
2. You shall not make any graven images.
3.  You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4.  Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy. 
5.  Honor your father and mother.

6.  You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10.  You shall not covet.

Food for Thought:

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spelling...

Due to the short week we had, our spelling test will be Friday. 

Chapel Challenge

Just a reminder that Pastor Jason has challenged all students to learn the Ten Commandments.  Those who  can correctly recite the Ten Commandments will be awarded $10 by Pastor Jason! 

Book Adventure Goals

We started everyone back at zero points after our last goal was met. However, we do have a running total of your points so we can keep track for the whole year. Your goals are as follows:

500- Free Homework Pass

1000- Treasure Box

1500- Book Adventure Assembly- March 11

Some of you have started the year off with a bang and are doing a great job! Keep up the good work and continue reading!

Newsletter - January 11-15

We're back into the swing of things!

Spelling: au, aw, augh, ought words
draw
saw
ought
pause
straw
paws
lawn
bought
August
caught
taught
because
thought
*cough

Sight Words:
remember
happened
measure
early
products
however
door
easy
told
knew

Vocabulary:

1. airplane   (EHrplayn) noun    A vehicle with wings and a jet engine that can fly.
2.  bless   (blEHs) verb    To wish someone well.
3.  case   (kays) noun,verb   
1.  A container that can hold something.
2.  An example of something.
3.  An event.
 paint   (paynt) noun,verb   
1.  A substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid); dries to form a hard coating.  
2.  Make a painting.   "he painted all day in the garden" "He painted a painting of the garden"
 stretch   (strEHch) noun,verb,adjective   
1.  A large and unbroken expanse or distance.   "a stretch of highway" "a stretch of clear water"
2.  To extend your arms, legs, or body to full length.  
3.  Make long or longer by pulling.  
4.  An unbroken period of time during which you do something.   "there were stretches of boredom" "he did a stretch in the federal penitentiary"
success   (suhksEHs) noun   
1.  An event that accomplishes its intended purpose.   "let's call heads a success and tails a failure" "the election was a remarkable success for Republicans"
2.  Impressive achievement, especially the attainment of fame, wealth, or power.  
travel   (travuhl) noun,verb   
1.  The act of going from one place to another.   "he enjoyed selling but he hated the travel"
2.  A movement through space that changes the location of something.  
3.  Undertake a journey.  
4.  Undergo transportation, as in a vehicle
umbrella   (uhmbrEHluh) noun,adjective    A lightweight cloth that you hold over your head to stay dry when it rains
wrist   (rihst) noun    The joint, or the region of the joint, between the hand and the arm
zigzag   (zihgzag) noun,verb,adjective,adverb    A line or course that has short sharp turns

Bible: Joshua Obeys God
Memory Verse:  Children, Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Ephesians 6:1

Science:
Types of Energy

Food for Thought:

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
Helen Keller

Newsletter - January 5--7

Welcome Back!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and restful and relaxing break! I certainly enjoyed my time off, most of it was spent cleaning and organizing my house.  Due to the short week, we will not be have any test this week.  We will be reviewing concepts and starting on next week's units. 

Thank You!

Thank you all so much for the generous Christmas gifts!!  I've already been to Longhorn!  Their Crab Stuffed Fillet is amazing!!  Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful gifts!!  I really appreciate it.