Welcome to 2D!

Carrot Gleaning at IGI, November 1, 2024

News:

Brr, what a cold week it was. It was nice to finally get outside Friday for some sunshine during our recess times. Read ahead to hear about what we have been up to in the classroom as well as some upcoming happenings. 

This week and next week are big assessment times for our grade as we do mid-year check-ins for reading and math. Last week we wrapped up our word problem unit involving addition/ subtraction of two digit numbers. Next week we will do the AIMS Web computer assessment which measures student’s knowledge on all expected end of year concepts in mathematics. Our next lesson in our math program is fractions! We spent this week understanding the basics and having fun with a Hershey’s chocolate story that made everybody hungry and some games so students could manipulate fraction pieces. Next week we will dive into the lessons now that we have a solid understanding of what a fraction is. To support your child with fractions at home, here is a little article, but it can get confusing so stick to the grade-appropriate suggestions, we don’t want to confuse them as they are just beginning to understand the basics: https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/ReferenceResources/WWC2021_fraction-parent-tips.pdf

Reading is off to a strong start in the New Year! The children are continuing to participate in leveled groupings 4 times a week. My goal is to get a book into every student’s hands for reading every night so please, please reach out if out if you need help finding appropriate books for your child. Next week we will administer our mid-year reading assessment, I am excited to see proof of the growth I am witnessing daily!

Next week in spelling we will be working on the long ē sound. Thank you parents for instilling solid homework habits in your children. Every time the whole class returns completed homework, we receive a cube towards our next celebration and we are almost to our next full jar of cubes!

In writing, as you know, we wrapped up our Personal Narrative unit just before winter break with a fabulous and well-attended Publishing Party! We are starting information writing next week and will work in this genre for the next 6 weeks or so before finishing up with our third and final writing unit in the spring: opinion writing.

This week we have a half-day Wednesday for teacher professional development, please let me know of any changes in after school plans. Also, in observance of Martin Luther King’s birthday this month, there will be no school on Monday the 20th.

Tomorrow the 8th grade is hosting a movie at Edgartown Cinema at noon, if you didn’t sign up, you can still show up on Sunday to watch the movie. Popcorn and a soft drink are included in the ticket purchase!

Thank you for continuing to support your children at home as students who come to school prepared and ready for the day. Also, thank you for the generous gifts at Christmas time, your tokens of appreciation mean a lot. As always, reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Have a great, snowy weekend!~Summer De Souza

Upcoming:

*2D Families 2024-25, please take a moment to fill this questionnaire out before the start of school: 

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~2D Parent Questionnaire~

Supply List:

(Collect these items to bring to school on the first day)

Share Schedule

Monday: Paige, Catherine, Isabelly

Tuesday: Maria, Avery, William

Wednesday: Kiara, Gunner, Sam

Thursday: Maeve, Acacia

Friday: Ava, Alicia

Hi! Welcome! I am your 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. DeSouza. I was born and raised on Martha’s Vineyard and care deeply about this island and our community. I love the beach, hikes in nature, teaching and learning. I have two amazing daughters, a wonderful husband, and a pup named Rusty. Our assistant teacher is Ms. Brooke Bulawka, she is a MA certified teacher herself and has experience in grades k-8.  We can’t wait to meet you all and get to know you. ❤️