Board Presentation - STEAM @ Mundy

Last night, a few of our 2nd graders represented their classmates and presented to the FSUSD school board about all the things they have been learning in the classroom.  Their focus was the integration of the Common Core, STEAM, and the new NGSS.  They practiced every day and they did a really great job.

They told the board members how learning is different for them and how excited they are to create and try new things.  Here is the video from last night's meeting if you would like to watch their whole presentation.  ENJOY!



Common Core - Nelda Mundy Elementary [09-24-2015] from Fairfield-Suisun USD on Vimeo.

Newsletter - Sept. 21-25

Here is our weekly newsletter.  Enjoy!

This week:  In reading class we are starting to read fables to find their similarities and analyze their lessons and morals.  These are great for reading and sharing at home.  In math, we are finding the relationship between our addition and subtraction strategies to get ready for an assessment on Monday of next week.  We are continuing our bee unit by creating scientific models of bees with paper mache.  Soon, we have a beekeeper coming in to talk to us about bees and beehives.  In each of these subject areas we will be writing, writing, and writing.  

We will also be sharing what we have been learning at this week's school board meeting.  Some of our 2nd graders will be presenting at the meeting to tell the board about STEAM, our bee unit, and how it all works with our Common Core standards.  The presentation will be a the district office Thursday night at 5:00.

Valley Fire Fundraiser: Please help Mundy raise funds to help victims of the Valley Fire.  Many families have lost their homes and everything they own.  If you would like to help contribute, we will be taking donations this week.  Just bring your donations in to your teacher.  Our donations will be contributed to the Redwood Credit Union, and funds will go directly to families in Lake and Napa Counties. Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping a family in need!  If you have any questions, email Shareen Choy, 5^th grade teacher at shareenc@fsusd.org. 

Last week:  We created scientific bee diagrams, created giant hive diagrams for our walls, and worked on how to have meaningful conversations with our partners and groups.  We finished non-fiction text features and our subtraction strategies.

We have also been working on critical thinking and creativity.  Here are some good things to think about when helping your child be more creative at home.

Important Dates:September 24th, 5:00 - Mrs. Johann's and Mrs. Bundethal's class presentation to the District School Board
September 25th - Picture Day

Newsletter, September 14 - 18

This week:  This week we will continue our exploration of bees.  Your child will be learning subtraction strategies and learning more about non-fiction text features.  

A letter for GATE testing is coming home today.  If your child is not already GATE identified they will be tested next month for GATE.  The letter coming home is an OPT-OUT letter only.  You should only fill out and return the letter if you DO NOT want them tested.

Your child will have PE everyday except Wednesday.  Please make sure they are wearing appropriate and comfortable clothes and shoes.  Remind them to bring their library books on Friday.

Attention - Donations Needed:

Last week:  We compared bees to other social insects living in colonies, like ants and wasps.  After reading more about ants and bees, we wrote short essays about their similarities and differences.  We had a great day at our STEAM stations on Wednesday.  In Math, we were practicing our addition strategies and using problem solving skills.  

Important Dates:  

• 100 mile Club is running Thursday and Friday
• Picture Day is September 25th

Newsletter, September 8-11

This week:  We have a short week this week!  Please remind your students to bring their library books this Friday for our library time.  

Last week:  We learned about multiple meaning words, context clues, and read about the island of Borneo.  Ask your kids about all about the animals and plants that live there.  We are learning about insects to start our big Bee Unit!  Your child knows the difference between complete and incomplete metamorphosis!  We learned a song to remember the parts of an insect.  Watch our YouTube video here.  

Wednesday, we had our first round of STEAM stations with students using Build with Chrome, creating habitats, and solving Tangram puzzles.  On Friday some of us discovered what makes up soil and some of us designed ants in the STEAM Lab. 

Reminders:  

Check your child's backpack every night for important papers and to see if they have homework.  Until it becomes habit, they may need a reminder. 

September's character trait is RESPONSIBILITY.  It is always a great idea to chat with your student about responsibility and how they can show their parents, teachers, and friends how to be responsible. 

The Hundred Mile Club is starting this week.  Please check your email for updates if your child is signed up.

• September 11th - MCA/Second Cup of Coffee w/ Mrs. Dinwiddie
• September 25th - Picture Day