The Weber Weekly

We had such a fun week back after break!  The kids were so cute in their PJ's Thursday.  Thanks to everyone for participating in this school-wide Spirit Day.

We have been busily writing letters to the soldiers this week.  The kids reviewed all the steps of a friendly letter, brainstormed ideas, and then drafted a letter.  After editing, they wrote a final copy on fancy stationary in their best second grade handwriting.  We're going to send the letters to the troops overseas for the holidays.  Some of their ideas included things such as, "You're very brave for fighting for our country.";  "I wish you could come home for Christmas.  I'm sorry you won't be able to see your family."; and "Thank you for protecting our freedom."  They really poured their hearts out into these letters and I know the troops will be happy to read them.  I have such a caring group of second graders this year!  :)

 
We started a Geometry unit in math this week.  The kids are becoming experts at plane shapes and solid figures.  They're really expanding their math vocabulary with words such as face, edge, and vertex.  We'll continue geometry next week as well.

Our shared reading focus for the week was story elements.  We read a big book called His Majesty the King and identified the different parts of the book including main characters, setting, and plot.  The kids then learned how to use a graphic organizer as an aid to create a summary of the book.

We had a blast in science this week!  We began by reading a Dr. Seuess book called Bartholomew and the Oobleck.  In the book, a gooey green substance called Oobleck fell from the sky and wrecked havoc in the kingdom.  The kids had to make predictions about the Oobleck by using their five senses.  They were shocked to learn during the experiment that Oobleck has characteristics of both solids and liquids - - it acts like a liquid when being poured, but like a solid when a force is acting on it.  You can grab it and then suddenly it will ooze right out of your hands!!  Check out our pictures from the experiment:

We concluded our science unit by making a delicious experiment that shows all three states of matter - - Root Beer Floats!  Here are some more pictures: 

Thanks again for donating items to make these experiments a success!!

We have a lot of upcoming events at Grand Prairie that I'd like to highlight:

December 6th - - PTO Meeting at 6 pm in the Media Center

December 8th - - Market Day pick-up at 4:45 in the gym

December 8th - - Scholastic Book Order due (GREAT holiday gift idea!)

December 12th - - Holiday Gift Shop (Be on the lookout for more information)

December 22nd - - Winter Parties 

Mitten Tree:  In the "Spirit of the Season", 5th Grade Student Council needs your help to continue to give to those less fortunate.  December 1st – 15th you can donate new or gently used mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for the “Mitten Tree”.  We will display the donations on our mitten tree, along with your child’s name and class.  (Please be sure to include the student’s name with your donation.)  Student Council will also be collecting new and gently used boots and coats.  These items will be donated to Grand Prairie families in need.  If we have any surplus items, they will be donated to a local shelter.  Give from your heart and help keep our Grand Prairie community and beyond warm this season!!

Food Drive:  Student Council will continue to collect non-perishable food until December 20th.  All food will be distributed to Grand Prairie families this holiday season.  

Is your family in need of help this holiday season?  It's the time of year for holiday giving!  Grand Prairie will be able to assist families who might be less fortunate during this year’s holiday season.  If you are in need of specific items such as winter coats, clothes, or boots for your children or would appreciate food for your holiday table, please contact our school social worker, Bianca Dassinger at 815-436-7000 ext. 208 or email at bdassing@psd202.org.  You may also write her a note and leave it at the front office.  You can be assured that all names will be kept confidential.  Please be aware that we might not be able to fulfill everyone’s wishes, but we will try our best to put something under the tree for each request.