Volume 4, Edition 9

May Birthdays

Happy birthday to Napé and Taylor who turned 8 in May. Thanks for sharing the tasty treats!

Epals

We met our epals in person on May 9^th. We played games to get to know each other. We shared information about our schools, shared some school projects, and enjoyed a picnic lunch together.

Website

Enjoy looking at your child's work throughout the summer on the web page at . The students work will be displayed on the website through next year.

Student Of The Week

Napé was our last Student Of The Week. We found out Napé would like to be a football player when he grows up.

May Events

We had a busy month preparing for our Author's Faire & patriotic concert, visiting Sheriff Howe at the Sheriff Station, meeting Judge Rusch at the Courthouse, and traveling to the 3^rd grade Science Fair at Jolley School.

So Long Austin, Hello Jolley

We visited Jolley School on May 8^th with Mrs. Schwartz. Mrs. Schwartz introduced us to the third grade teachers and some third grade students. We took a tour and found out where Mrs. Schwartz's office is located. Jolley School seemed bigger than Austin, but the students are excited about their surroundings for next fall.

Top Ten Things To Do This Summer

Character Counts

Our final Character Counts assembly featured K-5^th grade students singing, cheering, and acting out the pillars. Austin and Jolley students enjoyed the presentation at the High School Auditorium.

Electronic Portfolios

Each student is bringing home an electronic portfolio. The students made a month by month power point of second grade using Microsoft Office 98. We have also scanned some items and included some other power points made throughout the year. You will need Microsoft office 98 to run the programs. If you can not open a file because it is corrupt, try opening it with an application such as Adobe Photo. I would appreciate any feedback to improve the project. If you have any questions about the CD call me at 624-8736 or go to my website and email me..

Volume 4, Edition 8

April Birthdays

Happy birthday to Michael, Jessie, and Avery who celebrated their 8^th birthdays this month. Thanks for the goodies!!!

Heat

We recently finished a science unit focusing on heat. We did many experiments with Dr. Goodman, our Scientist in Residence. We concluded the unit with a tour of the source of our heat at Austin School – the boiler room. Mr. Hansen explained how the boiler works.

SAT Testing

The SAT Tests were given the first week of April. Results should be back the last school week in May. If they are not back, they will be mailed to your home.

Student Of The Week

Matthew was the only student of the week this month. Matthew's favorite book is Circus Family Dog.

Classroom Website

Check out our latest additions to the website including our bike safety tips and science experiments with Dr. Goodman. Go to , then click on Elementary Schools, then on classroom teachers, then second grade teachers, then Miss Vik, and then on classroom website. Come and see!!!

Arbor Day

April 22nd was Earth Day. One of our recent Weekly Readers spotlighted some ways to

help the earth. National Arbor Day was Friday, April 25, 2003. We were able to participate in a tree planting ceremony at the Recyling Center. Mrs. Burbach taught us the song “Plant A Tree” to sing at the ceremony. Our class read Have You Seen Trees? by Joanne Oppenheim. Each of us had a chance to place some dirt in the hole.

Math

We have been studying money and time. Students have been working on adding coin values and telling time on an analog clock. Please help to find opportunities for students to practice these skills at home.

Character Counts

This month Austin students have been studying Respect. The students have made respect posters which are on display in the second grade hallway.

Important Dates

May 1st – Character Counts Assembly May 12th – Visit Judge Rusch @ Courthouse

May 8h - Visit Jolley School for Orientation May 20th – Second Grade Patriotic ConcertMay 9th – Epals from Centerville visit May ? – Visit to Sheriff Station

May 9^th – Visit Third Grade Science Fair May 23^rd- Last day of school

Volume 4, Edition 7

March Birthdays

Grace and Elias both turned 8 years old this month. Thank you for sharing yummy treats with our class.

Character Counts

Trustworthiness was the Character Counts pillar we focused on for the month of march. Small groups of students practiced "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" in our classroom. Later this week, we will perform the play for other second grade classes.

Math

We have been learning about measurement, fractions, and geometry this month. We continue to work on mastering addition and subtraction facts to 18. We have been involved in a math challenge game with Mrs. Passick's class this past month.

Science

Weather has been the focus during science. Students made windsocks and tried them out. We learned about different types of clouds and made cloud picture stories. Look at the sky with your child. What type of clouds do you see?

Classroom Website

Check out our latest additions to the website including a Ruby Bridges page and a page of science activities with Miss Rhoda. Go to www.vermillion.k12.sd.us,then click on Austin Elementary, then second grade teachers, then Miss Vik, and then on classroom website. Come and see!!!

Unplugged Books

Students are given the opportunity to check out books each day to read at home. Books are leveled so students can find a book just right for them to read. Students should be logging books read in their agendas. Second graders are demonstrating responsible behavior as they read and record pages read.

Student Teacher

Miss Rhoda's last day with us was March 28th. We thank her for helping us learn, and we wish her the best as she begins her teaching career!

“Student Of The Week”

This month we had two more Students Of The Week - Jessie and Dylan. Jessie would like to be a horseback riding teacher. Dylan plans to be a professonal football player.

Coming Up

March 31st - April 4th, 2003 - Standford Achievement Test Administered

April 18th & 21st, 2003 - No School - Easter Break

February 2003

Volume 4, Edition 6

February Birthdays

Happy birthday to Sarah who turned 8 on February 8^th. We celebrated William's birthday on February 27^th. We also learned that Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rosa Parks had birthdays in February as well as 3 Presidents!

Character Counts

The students enjoyed an assembly demonstrating fairness. The Austin Elementary Teacher basketball team played against several current and former USD Coyotes. The teachers had a difficult time scoring points so the teams were rearranged to include teachers and Coyotes.

Math

Students continue to practice math facts to 18. We have completed Chapter 9 (subtraction problems with regrouping). Our current unit is focusing on measurement. Look for items around the house that can be measured in inches, feet, and yards.

Student Of The Week

This month we had three more Students Of The Week – Trinity Azure, Anthony Leber, and Miss Rhoda. Trinity would like to be a teacher. Anthony plans to be a football or basketball player. What do you think Miss Rhoda will be?

Student Teacher

Miss Rhoda recently began student teaching in our class. She is a USD student who will spend 6 weeks in our classroom preparing to become a teacher. We welcome her to our classroom!

Science

Miss Rhoda has begun a unit on weather. The students have been engaged in exploring air using balloons, cotton balls, straws, and styrofoam balls. The students are also responsible for checking on weather conditions using the internet and recording the results.

Black History Month

The second graders have been studying important contributions to our country made by Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks. All the second graders gathered in the hallway to sing a rap honoring Rosa Parks. We also read books about each of these people.

Social Studies

Our history unit with a focus on Laura Ingalls Wilder has come to a close. We enjoyed a variety of activities. Some of our favorite activities included square dancing, learning about bear traps, rope making with Pastor Sandy, Mrs. Stockland's slides and books, the spelling bee, Mrs. Passick's antique museum, a classroom picnic, making log cabins, and old fashioned games.

Coming Up

March 5^th –7^th, 2003 – Spring Break

March 25th, 2003 – 12:30 Dismissal – Teacher Inservice

March 21st, 2003 – End of the 3rd Quarter

January 2003

Volume 4, Edition 5

January Birthdays

Happy birthday to Tiffany and Kortni who turned 8 in January! We also observed Brooke and Allison's 1/2 birthdays. Thanks for the delicious treats.

Character Counts

Responsibility was the Character pillar that was studied in January. We learned about community members who have various responsibilities. Second graders can demonstrate responsibility by bringing agendas to school each day and completing homework assignments.

Math

We have just begun 2 digit regrouping subtraction problems. We will continue to review addition problems with regrouping. Students participated in flex group math this month. At the end of a unit, students will receive enrichment, maintenance, or reteaching.

Student Of The Week

This month we had three more Students Of The Week – Austin, Brooke, and Avery. Austin would like to be a tennis player. Brooke plans to be a teacher or a dentist. Avery is interested in being a football player.

P.E./Music

The students have been learning to square dance with the help of Mrs. Fischbach, Mrs. Burbach, and Mr. Upward. The Red River Valley is our favorite! We will square dance with the entire second grade on February 7^th.

Social Studies

We finished our geography unit. Thank you to all the guests who were able to make it to the play. The students are able to check out a tape of our plays for 5 tickets. Our next focus is on the life and times of pioneers.

Martin Luther King Jr.

We learned about Martin Luther King Jr. through books, a play and a video. The students performed a play detailing Dr. King's efforts to a first grade class. Each student recited a portion of Dr. King's speech.

Class List (20) for Valentines

Taylor, Trinity, Tiffany, Napé, Avery, William, Sarah, Allison, Alex, Anthony, Jessie, Matthew, Grace, Heath, Austin, Michael, Brooke, Elias, Kortni, and Dylan

Coming Up

February 5, 2003 – No School Inservice

February 7, 2003 – Laura Ingalls Wilder Celebration-– more info.to come

February 14, 2003 – Valentine's Day Party/exchange Valentines

February 17, 2003 – No school – President's Day

February 19, 26, & 27 - Conferences

Volume 4, Edition 4

December Birthdays

Happy birthday to Anthony who will turn 8 on December 21st. Thanks for the yummy treats!

“Student Of The Week”

This month we had two more Students Of The Week – Alex & Taylor . Alex would like to be a football or basketball player. Taylor plans to be a doctor.

Math

We have just completed Chapter 5. This chapter focused on place value. When we return in January we will begin addition with regrouping. The flexible math grouping will also begin in mid January (see letter from Mr. Bowker & Mr. Upward).

Caring Coins

The students have been tallying their good deeds throughout this past month. The students received a penny for the Caring Coins Jar each time a good deed was done. Thank you for all the support in making the caring coins successful! We will be donating all our money to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Reading

Students may continue to read throughout the month of December to earn a Book It! Certificate. I will stamp the agendas when we return in January. The goal is to read at least 12 days throughout the month. Happy Reading!

Social Studies

We have been learning about maps, map keys, compasses, and continents. The students have been eager to learn about the North Pole and South Pole. A second grader shared some information about his uncle who lives and works at the South Pole.

Classroom Website

The latest addition to our classroom website includes the students' descriptions of Santa Claus. You may access the site by going to @ www.lv012.k12.sd.us

Caring Musical

The students performed a caring musical on the news this month. In January, a video with the musical and our Halloween play will be available for the students to check out using 3 of their Good Time Tickets.

Coming Up

January 2, 2003 – Classes Resume

January 10, 2003 – End of the First Semester

January 16, 2003 – Flexible Math Grouping Begins

January 20, 2003 – Martin Luther King Day (No School)

Volume 4, Edition 3

November Birthdays

Happy birthday to Austin who turned eight on November 1st and Trinity who turned eight on November 4th. Thanks for the yummy treats!

Character Counts

During November and December, the students will be doing activities focusing on the caring pillar.

Math

We have just completed Chapter 4 and took our chapter test this past week. Math Soup is a magazine at the end of each chapter. Math Soup is a culminating activity that incorporates the concepts covered in the chapter. Students are asked to bring the magazine home to complete with their families. Thank you for being a partner in education!

Reading Strategies

One strategy we have been learning about is making connections when we read. As we make personal connections with the text, we understand the story better. While reading Henry & Mudge and the Starry Night students recalled camping trips with their families. As you and your child share stories together, ask your child what the story reminds him/her of.

Accelerated Reader

The students are becoming familiar with the Accelerated Reader program that is now available in our classroom. Students can use library books, classroom books, or books from home. After the student reads a book, s/he takes a quiz on the computer. The students are encouraged to read books at their level so they can be successful on the quizzes.

Veteran's Day

On November 8th we took a walking field trip to the Veterans' Memorial located in front of the Clay County Court House. Darrel Christopherson met us there and told us about the Veterans' Memorial. We learned that he is a Pearl Harbor survivor. We enjoyed learning about the six flags flying at the memorial site. Check out pictures on the website @ http://lv012.k12.sd.us.

"Student of the Week"

Grace, Elias, and Tiffany were S.O.W. students in November. Grace would like to be a doctor. Elias is going to be a builder. Tiffany brought her favorite book, What Was I Scared Of?, to share.

Social Studies

We have begun to study map skills, bodies of water, and landforms. What types of landforms do we see in South Dakota? Our studies will continue as we learn about oceans and continents.

Coming Up

December 2, 2002 - Winter Program @ the High School Auditorium @ 8:00 P.M.

December 3, 2002 - Dismissal at 12:20 for teacher inservice

December 20, 2002 - Dismissal at 2:00 for winter break

January 2, 2003 - Classes Resume

Volume 4, Edition 2

Math

We have just completed Chapter 3 and will take our chapter test at the end of this week. Math Soup is a magazine at the end of each chapter. Math Soup is a culminating activity that incorporates the concepts covered in the chapter. Students are asked to bring the magazine home to complete with their families. Thank you for being a partner in education!

Character Counts

Citizenship has been the focus of study this month. Mrs. Jensen's fourth grade class performed the Mayor of Pumpkinville at our CC Assembly. We have been learning about voting. The students will participate in Kids Voting on November 5^th. The students will vote on the governor's race, the senate race, and the house of representative's race at the armory. Polls will be open from 7:00 – 7:00.

Secretary Of State

Our class will meet Joyce Hazeltine, Secretary of State, tomorrow. We will go to the Middle School to attend a DDN class from 2:00 – 3:00 with 9 other schools in the state. The activities we participate in will teach us about voting.

Student Of The Week

This month we had three more Students Of The Week – Michael, Kortni, and William. Michael plans to play football. Kortni would like to be a professional soccer player. William would like to be a veterinarian.

Conferences

Our class had 100% participation at conferences this week. Thank you for taking the time to come and discuss your child's progress. Please feel free to come in any time.

Computer

We have finished making our slide shows using KidPix. Each student made a slide show featuring his/her family members.

Classroom Website

Look for Dragon Character Sketches, Signs of Fall, and other information on our classroom website. Go to www.vermillion.k12.sd.us. Click on Elementary Schools, then Austin Elementary, then second grade teachers, and then click on Miss Vik's homepage. If the Vermillion site is down, you can also access the site by going to http://LV012.k12.sd.us

Fall/Winter Weather

Cold weather has arrived and with it has come hats, snow pants, boots, mittens, scarves, etc. As many students have the same snow pants and boots, it helps to have outdoor clothing labeled with the appropriate child's name.

P.S. – Don't forget to pack your shoes!!!!

Upcoming Events

DDN Class @ the Middle School – November 1^st from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

No School – Thursday & Friday, November 14^th & 15^th

No School (Thanksgiving) – Thursday & Friday, November 28^th & 29^th

Volume 4, Edition 1

August/September Birthdays

We celebrated three birthdays since school began. Heath celebrated his 8th birthday in August. Alex and matthew both turned 8 in September.

If your child would like to bring birthday treats, please send individually wrapped, store bought treats.

Character Counts

In September Austin school students, enjoyed a Character Counts Kickoff assembly. The high school cheerleaders taught a cheer. The staff participated in skits demonstrating the six pillars of character counts. During October, we will be focusing on the pillar of Citizenship as we prepare to vote in the Kids Voting Election on November 5th.

Math

We have completed Chapter 1 in our math book. We learned many ways to collect information including Venn Diagrams, pictographs, bar graphs, and tally marks. In Chapter 2, we are learning tricks to help us add, such as touch dots, number lines, and turnaround facts.

Reading

The Stories in our first theme are centered around silly stories. Dragon Gets By is a favorite story of ours.The students wrote a character sketch about the main character-Dragon. Our current story is about a pig named Julius.

Science

A variety of animals have been visiting the second grade classroom. We saw insects, dogs, fish, a hamster, and a cat. We are learning about animal classifications.

Student of The Week

Sarah was our first SOTW. She would like to be an orthodontist when she grows up.We learned Heath would like to be a football player and Allison's plans include pet sitting.

Agenda

The agenda should be coming back and forth each day. The students should continue to record pages read in the book icon and have parents initial the book. Students will need to read 12 times each month to earn a Book It! pizza coupon.

Flag Friday

The students have been trained to lower, raise, and fold the flag by Pastor Sandy Aakre. Four second grade students are on Flag Duty each day. Each Friday, the second grade students gather around the flag pole to honor the flag and sing patriotic songs.

Coming Up

October - Book IT! Reading Program begins

12:30 Dismissal - Monday, October 7th Teacher Inservice

Picture Day – Wednesday, October 10th – a note has already been sent home with package options and prices

No School – Monday, October 14th – Native American Day