It was so great to see all of you during conferences!  It's a great opportunity to talk about all the great things your children are doing in school both academically and socially so we really value the time you take to come in!
This month the thinking strategy we will be focusing on is determining importance.  In math this is a great opportunity to look at word problems and taking the important parts to help you figure out what the problem is asking you to do.  In literacy it helps with prioritizing information and identify themes the author is writing about.  In science it helps us decide what information we need to write down in our science notebooks during investigations. 
This week there are no events, but on November 18th we will be having our Thanksgiving Celebration.  For more details please check out the calendar events section on the 'Schedule' tab!

Conferences this week!  We can't wait to meet with you to discuss your children.  You will begin with Mrs. Umberger to discuss math, science and social studies, and then move to Mrs. Beckler to discuss literacy.  You will have 15 minutes with each teacher.  Check out your time at http://signupgenius.com/go/october1083
Then there is no school on Friday or Monday for fall break.

Our Fall Publishing party on Tuesday, October 18th at 2:00 will allow students to share their wonderful personal narratives they have been working on the past few weeks.  We really want to encourage parents to come share in this event and listen to some wonderful stories while enjoying a cup of apple cider!
In math we have been connecting our learning to standards and finishing up Unit 3.  We will also be doing some activities to explain our thinking related to making change.
In Science we are continuing our investigation around rocks.  We just started an experiment that demonstrates the weathering effect of water in rivers on rocks.
Please don't forget to sign up for October conferences.  If you haven't, make sure to go to:  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/october1083

This week we are continuing our focus on personal narratives.  Students have been working on making sure that their stories have a beginning, middle and end.  They are also adding adjectives to help add to the descriptiveness and depth of their stories.  We are also introducing rubrics to help them self evaluate and become aware of components in quality writing. 
For math this week we are connecting our learning to the standards and evaluating where our strengths and weaknesses within those standards are.  Students will be supported in creating their own learning goals so that they can continue to challenge their thinking and learning.  This week you will be receiving information on Unit One and Two Assessments.  If you have any questions, please feel free to send an e-mail to: shannon_umberger@dpsk12.org.
Reminder:  Picture Day is Tuesday, October 11th! 
**There are pictures and videos in the 'Photos' tab from our field trip last week.  Don't forget to check them out!** 

This week we are headed to the Denver Coliseum to learn about fire safety and prevention!   We will be retelling the event from the moment we step onto the bus until we return to school and including details, characters and main events.  Please make sure you have turned in your permission slip!
We also have our second grade 'Gooney Bird Greene' day coming up this Friday!  Students will be dressing up and sharing their 'Absolutely True Stories' with other second grade students. 
In Math we are beginning Unit 3 so please go to the 'Math' tab and download the family letter for details on what we will be focusing on throughout the next few weeks.  This also means that math groups will be changing in order to differentiate for each students needs.
Reminder: October 11th is Picture Day