October 28th - November 1st

Welcome second-grade families!! Thank you for taking the time to read our second-grade blog. Make sure you are checking our blog weekly for calendar updates, what we are learning and any announcements regarding second grade and TCE.

Calendar

October 31st - Red Ribbon Fun Run (during specials @ 2:05)
November 5th - PTO Meeting 6 pm *All parents are welcome*
November 7th - STEM Night @ 5:30 - 7:30
November 8th - Texan Town #1
November 11th - Veterans' Day Ceremony @ 8 AM

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin shares out our campus newsletter via email each Friday. Make sure to read her newsletter for information regarding campus news. This week's newsletter can be found linked here.

Math Resources

If you are looking for optional resources to support and review with your child at home regarding addition and subtraction problems, please click here to find a folder of practice problems to print at home. Videos for the different strategies taught in class can be found here. You can also check out Greg Tang Math for a word problem generator to support your child with addition and subtraction word problems at home. We are currently working with numbers from 1-100. 
(School Kit Math is a free app for tablets that your child may utilize at home. The tools include numbers lines, 100's charts, tens frames, and many other digital forms of math manipulatives we use in class during the day.)

Town Center Ceremony to Honor Veterans
Please plan to join us Monday, November 11th in the TCE Gyn at 8:00 AM to help us honor or Town Center families and friends who are veterans. We'd like to extend the invitation to any veterans that are able to attend. It's a small way for us to say thank you. The program will be approximately thirty minutes, and we will have refreshments afterward for our special guests and their families. 

We are also putting together a digital photo display this year, so if possible, please send in a photo of your special veteran, even if they are not able to attend the ceremony. We will collect these through Thursday, November 7th. 

If you know of a veteran that is able to attend our November 11th ceremony or have a photo you would like to be included in our display, please email Ms. Martin at jmartin@coppellisd.com. 

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will continue to represent numbers using standard, word and expanded forms to represent numbers up to 1,000. Learners will also begin to generate numbers that are greater than or less than a given number and compare and order numbers up to 1,000.

Language Arts: In reading workshop this week, learners will practice using context clues to build knowledge of unknown words and use strategies to figure out vocabulary in nonfiction texts. In writing workshop, learners will write nonfiction books that have interesting beginnings while keeping their audience in mind. In phonics, learners will focus on rhyming patterns.

Science: In science, learners will observe and identify how magnets are used in everyday life.

Social Studies: In social studies, learners will identify and explain the significance of various community, state, and national landmarks such as monuments and government buildings. 

April 29th - May 3rd

Calendar

April 29th - STEM Family Night 5:30-7:00
May 1st - Newcomer Parent Class 5:00-7:00
May 6th-10th - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6th - Author Visit (see below)
May 10th - Mother's Day Marathon (during specials)
May 13th-15th - STAAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade - NO VISITORS ON CAMPUS
May 21st - Field Day
May 23rd - Last Day of School!

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin sends out a parent newsletter each week with many important announcements about TCE. Click here to check out this weeks newsletter.

STEM Night

Join us this Monday, April 29th from 5:30-7:00 pm for TCE Family STEM Night hosted by the Perot Museum. Bring the whole family and join us for a great night for FREE exploring and learning! 

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Author Visit

Author and former CISD Educator, Julie Wolf, will be visiting our TCE Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade classes on Monday, May 6th! We are looking forward to this special opportunity to have the author read aloud one of her books, show us how she became a published author, and share fun activities related to her stories. Families are welcome to purchase their own copies of Julie Wolf's book from her website or Amazon. If you would like the author to autograph the book, please have your child bring the book to Mrs. Keene-Carlson (TCE Librarian) before the date of Ms. Wolf's visit so that she can prepare it for her to sign. 

Too Much Razzle-Dazzle (book): https://geniusesatplay.com/product/too-much-razzle-dazzle-hardbound/

Spring Conferences
It is hard to believe that we are already in our last nine weeks of the school year. Time has flown by so quickly with these amazing learners!

The district is unable to set aside a day for spring parent conferences, but we are happy to make time to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You recently received your learner's third nine weeks report card, which provided you with an update on how your learner is doing in class. We will also be sending home your learner's end of year data for the 2018-2019 school year in May; along with a summer packet of resources and ways to support your learner over the break.

If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your learner and would like a conference (via email, phone or face-to-face) please email your child's homeroom teacher. Please know that our district end of year assessment window is open until May 17th. If you choose to schedule a conference before that, it is possible we will not have your child's end of year data yet. As noted earlier, we will be sure to send that home when the window closes. What a JOY it has been to have these learners this year! *We are unable to discuss 3rd-grade sections for next school year. Please keep questions related to your learner's academic and emotional growth from the 2018-2019 school year.*

PTO Needs YOU!
PTO is in need of filling board positions! We would LOVE for you to consider joining PTO and serving in one of these positions. A few hours of volunteer time can go a long way for our school and students!!

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will determine the length of an object to the nearest marked unit (centimeters and meters) using rulers, meter sticks and measuring tapes to determine the solution to a problem involving length. Learners will also use concrete models of square units to find the area of a rectangle by covering it with no gaps or overlaps. 

Reading: In reading workshop this week, learners will wrap up their reader's theater and continue with end-of-year assessments. In writing workshop, learners will write narrative stories, explore abbreviations, and continue with cursive handwriting. 

Science: In science this week, learners will observe, record and compare how the physical characteristics of plants help them meet their basic needs such as stems carry water throughout the plant.

Social Studies: In social studies this week, learners will apply their knowledge of a producer and consumer by exploring the development of a product from a natural resource to a finished product.  

April 22nd - 26th

Calendar

April 18th - Skate Night 6:00-8:00
April 19th - Weather Day (NO SCHOOL)
April 22nd - Professional Development for Teachers (NO SCHOOL)
April 29th - STEM Family Night 5:30-7:00
May 6th-10th - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 10th - Mother's Day Maraton (during specials)
May 13th-15th - STAAR Testing 3rd-5th Grade - NO VISITORS ON CAMPUS
May 21st - Field Day
May 23rd - Last Day of School!

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin sends out a parent newsletter each week with many important announcements about TCE. Click here to check out this weeks newsletter.

Spring Conferences
It is hard to believe that we are already in our last nine weeks of the school year. Time has flown by so quickly with these amazing learners!

The district is unable to set aside a day for spring parent conferences, but we are happy to make time to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You recently received your learner's third nine weeks report card, which provided you with an update on how your learner is doing in class. We will also be sending home your learner's end of year data for the 2018-2019 school year in May; along with a summer packet of resources and ways to support your learner over the break.

If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your learner and would like a conference (via email, phone or face-to-face) please email your child's homeroom teacher. Please know that our district end of year assessment window is open until May 17th. If you choose to schedule a conference before that, it is possible we will not have your child's end of year data yet. As noted earlier, we will be sure to send that home when the window closes. What a JOY it has been to have these learners this year! *We are unable to discuss 3rd-grade sections for next school year. Please keep questions related to your learner's academic and emotional growth from the 2018-2019 school year.*

PTO Needs YOU!
PTO is in need of filling board positions! We would LOVE for you to consider joining PTO and serving in one of these positions. A few hours of volunteer time can go a long way for our school and students!!

STEM Night

Join us for STEM night, hosted by the Perot Museum, on Monday, April 29th from 5:30-7:00 pm. 

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will find the length of objects using concrete models for standard units of length. Learners will determine the length of an object to the nearest marked unit using ruler, yardsticks and measuring tapes to determine the solution to a problem involving length. 

Reading: In reading workshop this week, learners will read their folktale reader's theater script, focusing on conveying meaning by using good fluency and expression. In writing workshop, learners will write narrative stories, continue working on prefixes and suffixes, and continue with cursive handwriting. 

RED Reading Folders: DUE Friday, April 26th.

Science: In science this week, learners will observe, record and compare how the physical characteristics of plants help them meet their basic needs such as stems carry water throughout the plant.

Social Studies: In social studies this week, learners will explore the production, consumption, shelter and marketing, and advertising through critical thinking experiences and collaborative teamwork. 

April 15th - 19th

Calendar

April 16th - National Wear Your PJs to Work Day
(PJ Day for teachers & learners)
April 18th - Skate Night 6:00-8:00
April 19th - Weather Day (NO SCHOOL)
April 22nd - Professional Development for Teachers (NO SCHOOL)
April 29th - STEM Family Night 5:30-7:00

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin sends out a parent newsletter each week with many important announcements about TCE. Click here to check out this weeks newsletter.

Spring Conferences
It is hard to believe that we are already in our last nine weeks of the school year. Time has flown by so quickly with these amazing learners!

The district is unable to set aside a day for spring parent conferences, but we are happy to make time to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You recently received your learner's third nine weeks report card, which provided you with an update on how your learner is doing in class. We will also be sending home your learner's end of year data for the 2018-2019 school year in May; along with a summer packet of resources and ways to support your learner over the break.

If you would like to discuss any questions or concerns regarding your learner and would like a conference (via email, phone or face-to-face) please email your child's homeroom teacher. What a JOY it has been to have these learners this year! *We are unable to discuss 3rd-grade sections for next school year. Please keep questions related to your learner's academic and emotional growth from the 2018-2019 school year.*

PTO Needs YOU!
PTO is in need of filling board positions! We would LOVE for you to consider joining PTO and serving in one of these positions. A few hours of volunteer time can go a long way for our school and students!!

STEM Night

Join us for STEM night, hosted by the Perot Museum, on Monday, April 29th from 5:30-7:00 pm. 

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will finish up our unit on fractions and begin our unit on measurement using units to describe length, area and time. Learners will also take part in their end of year math screener. 

Reading: In reading workshop this week, learners will learn the elements of a drama and select a reader's theater script to begin practicing with good fluency and expression. In writing workshop, learners will write their end of year assessment, work on prefixes and suffixes, and continue with cursive handwriting. 

Science: In science this week, learners are observing, recording, and comparing how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs such as fins help fish move and balance in the water.

Social Studies: In social studies this week, learners will explore the production, consumption, shelter and marketing, and advertising through critical thinking experiences and collaborative teamwork. 

April 8th - 12th

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will partition objects into equal parts and name the parts, including halves, fourths, and eights and identify examples and non-examples. Learners will learn to explain that more fractional parts used to make a whole, the smaller the part; and the fewer the fractional parts, the larger the part. Using concrete models to count fractional parts beyond one whole using words and recognize how many parts it takes to equal one whole.

Reading: In reading workshop this week, learners will continue with the elements of tall tales and myths. In writing workshop, learners will write their own legend, work on dictionary skills, and continue with cursive handwriting.

Science: In science this week, learners will observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs such as fins help fish move and balance in water. Gulping goldfish will be one of the many experiments that your child will be observing and recording about in their science journal in the upcoming week!

Social Studies: In social studies this week, learners will explore the process of how natural resources become a finished product.

Calendar

April 5th - Spring Texan Town #5
April 9th & 10th - NO Visitors on Campus (see below)
April 12th - TCE Color Run (see below)
April 29th - STEM Family Night 5:30-7:00

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin sends out a parent newsletter each week with many important announcements about TCE. Click here to check out this weeks newsletter.

Color Stampede
Our first annual, Town Center Elementary Color Stampede, will take place on Friday, April 12th 5:30-7:30 p.m. Punch Cards will be used as currency at the Stampede. Enjoy great food and drinks, which can only be purchased via Punch Cards. Avoid waiting in line by pre-purchasing Family Packs and $20, $10, and $5 Punch Cards. They will be delivered to you before the event!

PTO will be offering 3 Family Runner Packs this year! Click on the graphic below for information about what each Family Pack includes and specific pricing. *Please order Family Packs or register individual runners on-line by Friday, April 5th. You may preorder punch cards only until April 8th. Purchase today at tcepto.com/store.

No Visitors 4/9-4/10
We will be administering the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) to learners on Tuesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 10th. Fifth grade will take Math on Tuesday and Reading on Wednesday. Fourth grade will take writing on Tuesday. During these days, all other grade levels will continue with a regular school day.

It is important that we have an environment that is free of interruptions to ensure that our students have the opportunity to do their best on these important days. In order to ensure a secure and quiet testing environment, no visitors will be allowed on campus for all grade levels.

Due to this, we will not allow lunch visitors these days.

You may contact the office on these days if you are in need of assistance and they will be happy to help you. 

Thank you for your cooperation in helping our campus and our students to be successful on our testing days!

PTO Needs YOU!
PTO is in need of filling board positions! We would LOVE for you to consider joining PTO and serving in one of these positions. A few hours of volunteer time can go a long way for our school and students!!

Upcoming TCE Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming family events happing this spring at TCE.

April 1st - 5th

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will finish up our unit on identifying and composing/decomposing two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional solids with given properties or attributes. Learners will begin our unit on fractions by taking a pre-assessment to assess their prior knowledge.

Reading: In reading workshop this week, learners will take their monthly iStation assessment, and continue with the elements of tall tales, legends, and myths. In writing workshop, learners will write their own fable with a moral lesson, spell the days of the week, and continue with cursive handwriting.

Science: In science this week, learners will compare and give examples of the ways living organisms depend on each other and on their environments such as food chains within a garden, park, lake and wooded area.

Social Studies: In social studies this week, learners will learn how people earn, spend, and save money in real world context.

Calendar

March 29th - Spring Texan Town #4
April 2nd - PTO Meeting @ 6 PM
April 3rd - CISD Night at the Ballpark (see below)
April 4th - Second Grade Field Trip (see below)
April 5th - Spring Texan Town #5
April 9th & 10th - NO Visitors on Campus (4th & 5th Grade Testing)
April 12th - TCE Color Run (see below)
April 29th - STEM Family Night 5:30-7:00

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin sends out a parent newsletter each week with many important announcements about TCE. Click here to check out this weeks newsletter.

Second Grade Field Trip
Thursday, April 4th, is our field trip to the Crayola Experience in Plano. Students will be eating lunch while we are there. Please pack a sack lunch that can be thrown away/recycled, including any drinks/water bottles. Please note that we will not be able to take refillable sports water bottles with us. Please be sure to clearly label your child's lunch and drink with their name. Please pack a lunch that does not need to be chilled.

We will leave at approximately 9:20 and return around 2:20. Please have your child wear their #second grade TCE shirt and tennis shoes. If they aren't able to wear their grade level shirt that day, another TCE shirt would be appreciated! Your child can leave their backpack and binder at home, as we will not be needing it for the field trip.

Color Stampede
Our first annual, Town Center Elementary Color Stampede, will take place on Friday, April 12th 5:30-7:30 p.m. Punch Cards will be used as currency at the Stampede. Enjoy great food and drinks, which can only be purchased via Punch Cards. Avoid waiting in line by pre-purchasing Family Packs and $20, $10, and $5 Punch Cards. They will be delivered to you before the event!

PTO will be offering 3 Family Runner Packs this year! Click on the graphic below for information about what each Family Pack includes and specific pricing. *Please order Family Packs or register individual runners on-line by Wednesday, April 3rd. You may preorder punch cards only until April 8th. Purchase today at tcepto.com/store.

PTO Needs YOU!

A Note from Ms. Martin:
TCE Families,

The data analysis from the looping survey is complete, a decision has been made in regards to the looping process at Town Center Elementary. Please click on the link below to view the Looping Report which includes a summary of the data received, conclusions, and next steps.

A special thank you to our TCE families, staff, and learners that provided feedback. I appreciate the honest and thoughtful insight that was given. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any additional questions or concerns, and I would be happy to meet with you.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tT9W6yZgPopst_wT8ONRqIGh3r4XJ8HoGfc3WVKj5KY

Thank you,
Jennifer Martin

CISD Night at the Ballpark
Tickets for the CISD Night at the Ballpark on Wednesday, April 3rd, are now on sale. To sit in the Town Center section go to https://groupmatics.events.event/Towncenter6.

Upcoming TCE Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming family events happing this spring at TCE.

March 25th - 29th

What are we learning?

Math: In math this week, learners will compose and decompose two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional solids with given properties or attributes. Learners will also classify and sort-three dimensional solids, including spheres, cones, cylinders, rectangular prisms and triangular prisms, based on attributes using geometric language.

Reading: In reading workshop this week, learners will begin to explore the elements of fables, myths, and folktales. In writing workshop, learners will write their own folktales, spell words with ph- and -ng patterns, and continue with cursive handwriting.

Science: In science this week, learners will be focusing on living organisms and their basic needs that must be met for them to survive within their environment.

Social Studies: In social studies this week, learners will be able to describe the importance of a job in relation to our needs and wants.

Calendar

March 22nd - Spring Texan Town #3
March 25th - TCE Sonic Night 5:00-8:00
March 28th - TCE 2nd Annual Culture Night (see below)
March 29th - Spring Texan Town #4
April 2nd - PTO Meeting @ 6 PM
April 3rd - CISD Night at the Ballpark (see below)
April 4th - Second Grade Field Trip
April 5th - Spring Texan Town #5
April 12th - TCE Color Run
April 29th - STEM Family Night 5:30-7:00

Announcements

Parent Newsletter
Ms. Martin sends out a parent newsletter each week with many important announcements about TCE. Click here to check out this weeks newsletter.

A Note from Ms. Martin:
TCE Families,

The data analysis from the looping survey is complete, a decision has been made in regards to the looping process at Town Center Elementary. Please click on the link below to view the Looping Report which includes a summary of the data received, conclusions, and next steps.

A special thank you to our TCE families, staff, and learners that provided feedback. I appreciate the honest and thoughtful insight that was given. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any additional questions or concerns, and I would be happy to meet with you.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tT9W6yZgPopst_wT8ONRqIGh3r4XJ8HoGfc3WVKj5KY

Thank you,
Jennifer Martin

TCE Sonice Night
Join us for our first Spirit Night at Sonic on Monday, March 25th form 5-8 PM. Come join us for fabulous food and seeing your TCE teachers as a carhop for the evening. Sonic will donate a portion of the evening's proceeds to our school!

Play It Safe Program

This is just a reminder that our counselor will be presenting the Play It Safe counseling program to learners K-5. A flyer was sent home before Spring Break giving information about the program and the option to "opt out" if you prefer by returning the signed form showing that decision. If you have questions, please contact our school counselor Kelly Matlock.

Below is a link to the information sheet: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10D7bFIgw43MxeNb_8K5LYAeRvRKKLtBO_aKHmLfLfDw/

Below is a link to a FAQ document: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H1oOPOjg0vJaNfg8iEHJoMQZU7d08dgu/

Board Game Day

We are going to set aside time at the end of our day on Friday, March 29th for "Board Game Time". This is to redeem the March coupon that we gave the 2nd grade students as their winter holiday gift. Your child will be allowed to bring a game to school with the following provisions:

1. It is clearly marked with their name. We usually have multiples of the same game.
2. It is a board game or card game that is NOT electronic.
3. The game does not make any sound!
4. It can fit entirely inside their cubby.
5. They know how to play it.

Culture Night at TCE

We are excited to have our 2nd annual Culture Night at TCE. Last year was such a great success with all the dishes you shared with our TCE community. If you would like to share an appetizer, main dish or dessert on March 28th please sign up below. We will be in contact with you with more specific details as the event grows near. TCE will provide sample cups to share the dish you bring. This event was successful because of all our families' contributions. Thank you for making our school so great!

SIGN UP BY CLICKING HERE

Be on the lookout for more information about this event including performances and interactive stations!

CISD Night at the Ballpark
Tickets for the CISD Night at the Ballpark on Wednesday, April 3rd, are now on sale. To sit in the Town Center section go to https://groupmatics.events.event/Towncenter6.

Upcoming TCE Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming family events happing this spring at TCE.