Week of September 27-October 1

   

Reminder About Sunday, September 26!
Please pick up any Take & Bake King Pin pizza orders on Sunday.  See information on the flyer.

Music - 3rd & 4th Grades
We've been told that the 3rd & 4th graders will begin using recorders this coming week.  If your child has a recorder at home, please have your child keep it in his/her backpack daily so that if it is needed at school OR home, it is with your child.  Mr. Wallace said that if your child does not yet have a recorder, he will work something out with the student so that they can borrow one.  He also said that he will be sending an email so be sure to watch for that. 

Mass - 4th Grade
The 4th grade students will lead the congregation in the celebration of the Mass on Thursday, September 30.  Mass parts were sent home on Thursday, September 23.  Please help your child practice over the next week.  Your child's copy does not need to be returned to school as I will have another copy of it.


 

Tuesday, September 28
Grades 3 & 4 will walk to the library.

Thursday, September 30
4th Grade leads Mass (Parents are welcome to sit in the back half of church.)

Monday, October 11
Picture Day 

Wednesday, October 13
Schoolwide Rosary at 9am

Tuesday, October 19 & Thursday, October 21
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Watch for a Sign Up Genius)

Friday, October 22
No School

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

September 20-24

  

Library
  • 2nd grade will walk to the library on Tuesday, September 21.
  • 3rd & 4th grades will go on Tuesday September 28.
Typically, this pattern of going to the library every other Tuesday will continue in our cohort. 
 

Thursday, September 23
  • Book orders due.  Please place any book orders online.  Teacher codes are found on this blog. (See tabs at top.)
  • Pizza order forms are due on this day as well!
Friday, September 24
No School / Teacher Inservice

SUNDAY, September 26
Pick up date for Take 'n Bake Pizza Fundraiser 

Thursday, September 30
4th Grade leads Mass (Parents are welcome to sit in the back half of church.)

Monday, October 11
Picture Day (Watch for more information coming.)

Tuesday, October 19 & Thursday, October 21
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Watch for a Sign Up Genius)

Friday, October 22
No School

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Information for Virtual Learning (Sept.13-14)

 9/10/21

Dear 2nd, 3rd & 4th Grade Parents,


As you know, grades 2-4 (and 5-6) will be staying home from school on Monday, September 13, and Tuesday, September 14.


Since this quarantine period consists of only 2 instructional days, students will need to refer to their grade-level virtual assignment sheet below which will be filled in by noon on Monday.


  • Grade 2

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cNFNO7aMPGAaNfJHv9XalbLvF0q2iZfOOHAjX0G3xHQ/edit?usp=sharing 


  • Grade 3

https://docs.google.com/document/d/163hBpnx5zm-C21QaCnbg5OGKU6leMzLqxpKcuftMYoE/edit?usp=sharing 


  • Grade 4 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kQcoJoLe737wpF6YsheV5yX_IbgZ5wKiGOKPtKfy3MQ/edit?usp=sharing 


Additionally, some instructional materials were sent home on Friday.  Given the late notice, we did our best to compile a small packet for each student.  (It is the stapled set of papers with a yellow slip attached.)


Thank you for your understanding and support~

Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt


Week of September 13-17

     

Math
All grades - Parents, if you see this stamp (pictured below) on your child's paper, your child should make the necessary corrections on his/her paper and return it to school.  Sometimes, a student will have errors, but I will not stamp the paper.  It will depend on the nature of the error, the grade level standards, and if it would be most beneficial to correct the mistake(s).
3rd & 4th Grades - The school has recently purchased multiplication flashcards for in-school use.  However, if you wish to purchase a quality set for use at home, I would recommend the following:  Multiplication Flashcards from Amazon  (These are $12.)

Library Cards & Masks (Reminder)
We will soon be walking to the library so if your child does not have a library card at school please send one. (They will be returned at the end of the year.)  When we walk to the library, masks will be required.  We suggest keeping one in a baggie in your child's backpack.

Gym Shoes(Reminder)
Students are required to wear tennis shoes/sneakers for gym class.  If the shoes that your child wears to school that day are already tennis shoes, they do not need to change.  If, however, your child wears other shoes to school on a gym day, please send a separate pair for gym class.

 

September 6
No School - Labor Day

September 11
September 11's server training will be in Greenleaf from 9:00-10:00 AM. Contact Theresa Reynders for more information at treynders@stclareagw.org.

September 13-17
Homecoming Week! Optional dress up days:

Mon. Sept. 13 - 50’s

Tues., Sept. 14 - 70’s

Wed., Sept. 15 - 80’s

Thurs., Sept. 16 - 90’s

Fri., Sept 17 - GAME DAY!

Wear Wrightstown Apparel (or blue & white)


September 23
Book orders due.  Please place any book orders online.  Teacher codes are found on this blog. (See tabs at top.)

September 26
Pick up date for Take 'n Bake Pizza Fundraiser (See flyer in latest Tuesday Family Folder.)

September 30
4th Grade leads Mass (Parents welcome to sit in the back half of church.)

Monday, October 11
Picture Day (Watch for more information coming.)

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Week of September 7-10

    


Library Cards & Masks
While we do not know yet if we will be walking to the library, let's begin preparing and hoping for the best.  If you have a library card at home for your child, please send it to school.  (They will be returned at the end of the year.)  If/when we are able to walk to the library, masks will be required.  We suggest keeping one in a baggie in your child's backpack.

Gym Shoes
Students are required to wear tennis shoes/sneakers for gym class.  If the shoes that your child wears to school that day are already tennis shoes, they do not need to change.  If, however, your child wears other shoes to school on a gym day, please send a separate pair for gym class.

Grades 3 & 4 - Notebook for Music Class
Mr. Wallace would like the 3rd & 4th graders to bring a wide ruled notebook to school for music class.  Please send one to school when you get a chance.

 

September 6
No School - Labor Day

September 8 & September 11
If your child in grades 4 or up is interested in learning to be a server at weekend and school Masses, please contact Theresa Reynders at treynders@stclareagw.org.  There will be server training on two dates and those interested are asked to attend one. September 8's training will be in Wrightstown from 3:30-4:30.  September 11's training will be in Greenleaf from 9:00-10:00 AM.

September 13-17
Homecoming Week (Optional dress up days. Watch for details.)

Thursday, September 23
Book orders due.  Please place any book orders online.  Teacher codes are found on this blog. (See tabs at top.)

September 26
Pick up date for Take 'n Bake Pizza Fundraiser (Watch for more information in the Family Folder)

September 30
4th Grade leads Mass (Parents welcome to sit in the back half of church.)

Monday, October 11
Picture Day (Watch for more information coming.)

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Important Reminders for the 1st Day of School

Important Reminders for the 1st Day of School

Please remember to send the following with your children:

  • Backpack
  • Full size water bottle (filled at home)
  • Sweater or sweatshirt (air conditioning feels cold to some students)
  • Masks are required for anyone riding the bus
Morning drop off is between 7:30 and 7:45.  If you wish to get out of your car, you must park across the street.

After school pick up is at 2:55 in the parking lot across from school.

See you tomorrow!

Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year

 


Dear Parents of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Students,

We hope you have been enjoying your summer with your families. As we plan for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, we want to assure you that, while no one can predict what lies ahead, we are committed to providing a quality Catholic education for your children.

With that in mind, a great deal of thought and planning has been put into the year ahead. Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch and Mrs. Van Helvoirt will be teaming up to provide a top notch education for all children in grades 2, 3 and 4. 
  • Each grade will have a homeroom and a homeroom teacher that the students will begin and end their day with.
    • 2nd Grade - Mrs. DeGroot 
    • 3rd Grade - Mrs. Bartosch 
    • 4th Grade - Mrs. Van Helvoirt 

Please know that each of us feels blessed to be a part of a fantastic team of dedicated teachers and staff members . For us, teaching is not only immeasurably rewarding and fulfilling, but it is truly a vocation, a calling that we feel is an integral part of our lives.  

Throughout the year, your children (and your families) will be in our prayers, both in our classrooms as well as in our homes. As teachers, we ask that you keep us in your family prayers as well. God's blessings to you as we embark on the upcoming school year. We truly look forward to working with your children!


Sincerely,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. V
an Helvoirt

Parents, you have a little homework...

Please take the time to get to know this website. We will use it for weekly parent communications in grades 2-4. You will receive a weekly email from your child's homeroom teacher with a link to this blog. 

Please note that initially exploring this website is best done on a computer.
 Subsequently, weekly newsletters can easily be read on phones, ipads and computers.

Across the TOP you will find TABS with information about: 
  • Calendar
  • Teachers & Class Lists
  • Dress Code
  • Book Orders
  • Snacks & Treats
  • Birthdays
  • Parties
Along the LEFT SIDE you will find LINKS with information about:
  • Our Philosophy
  • Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
  • Reporting an Absence or Change in Schedule
  • Supply List
  • Grading Scale
  • Classroom Photos
    • This will be linked to our shared "Homeroom" photos app.
    • Please note that you will receive a separate email invitation from "Homeroom" to join our Grades 2, 3 & 4 photo album. 

Math Resources for the Summer


Dear Parents,

Summer is the perfect time for students of all ages to relax and ENJOY life, especially outdoors! That is my hope and desire for each of our students!

In case you wish to keep your child engaged in math during the summer, or if you are hoping to avoid learning loss (sometimes referred to as the "summer slide"), feel free to check out the links below!

Please do not feel obligated. The following resources have been complied simply because no matter what grade level or subject I've taught over the last 20+ years, at the end of each school year there are typically a few requests for summertime learning ideas so I thought I'd share these resources with everyone.

Have a WONDERFUL, FUN-FILLED summer!

God Bless, Mrs. Van Helvoirt


Links to Websites with MATH PROGRAMS




Links to Websites with MATH GAMES & ACTIVITIES

MathMammoth.com

RoomRecess.com

MathPlayground.com

MrNussbaum.com

Funbrain.com

MathGameTime.com


Links to MATH WORKBOOKS (Amazon)

2nd Grade Math

3rd Grade Math

4th Grade Math


Links to MULTI-SUBJECT SUMMER BRIDGE WORKBOOKS (Amazon)

2nd Grade Into 3rd

3rd Grade Into 4th

4th Grade Into 5th


For Your Reference

2nd Grade Math Topics include:

  • Even & Odd Numbers
  • Doubling Numbers
  • Telling Time
  • Addition & Subtraction Facts
  • Addition & Subtraction with and without Regrouping through Hundreds
  • Geometry
  • Introduction to Fractions
  • Measuring
  • Money
  • Graphs
3rd Grade Math Topics Include:
  • Adding & Subtracting with and without regrouping through the thousands
  • Multiplication & Division Facts
  • Telling Time
  • Money
  • Place Value
  • Geometry
  • Graphs
  • Measurement
  • Understanding Fractions (We did not get to this part in the 3rd grade text.  Feel free to use those pages if you'd like)
4th Grade Math Topics Include:
  • Adding & Subtracting through millions
  • Multi-Digit Multiplication
  • Multi-Digit Division
  • Geometry
  • Fractions
  • Time & Measurement
  • Graphs
  • Fractions
  • Introduction to Decimals (We did not get to this part in the 4th grade text.  Feel free to use those pages if you'd like)






Week of June 1-4


   Thank you to our men and women in uniform.

May they be blessed abundantly for their sacrifice to our land.


 

Friday, May 28, 2021
Half day of school (No lunch)

Monday, May 31, 2021
No School / Memorial Day

Tuesday, June 1
Field Day! 
Please send a change of clothes for after water activities (including shoes and socks if preferred).
8th grade celebrates their graduation in the evening.

Wednesday, June 2
Family Day at Bay Beach
For new families:
  • Parents meet us at Bay Beach at Shelter 2 around 9:45. 
  • Plan to pack a lunch for you and your children. 
  • Meet back at Shelter 2 at noon for lunch.
  • Typically, students leave to go home with their parents directly from Bay Beach. When you take your child, you must "check out" with Mrs. DeGroot or Mrs. Van Helvoirt.  (Mrs. Bartosch will be chaperoning the 8th grade students on their field trip.)
  • Students riding the bus back to school need to be back at Shelter 2 at 2:00.
Thursday, June 3
Full day of school (This is also a rain date for Field Day if needed.)
Grades 2-8 will be attending Mass in person.

Friday, June 4
Mass at 10:00
Last day of school! (No lunch)

Dear Parents,

We hope that this platform for weekly communication has worked out well for parents in grades 2-4 this year. Please know that we appreciate you taking the time to read through it each week.  Teamwork between home and school is always incredibly helpful in the lives of the children.

It has been wonderful teaching in a cohort this year and getting to be with each of these 3 groups of students on a daily basis.  We hope your children enjoyed this experience as well!

We wish you all a wonderful and healthy summer!

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Week of May 24-28

     

Math
  • The 2nd grade is LOVING their unit on money!  Plus, they're really getting good at counting coins.  They've been acting out being the shopper and cashier, counting change, etc. They also have a song, chant and game that aids in understanding. 
  • The 3rd grade completed their geometry unit and have been working on measurement and division.  Just a reminder that 3rd grade is asked to bring a tape measure to school for their lessons next week.
  • The 4th grade finished up their geometry unit and have been working on fractions. 

Science
The students finished up their Microworld kit and will do a short Ecosystem unit next week.  They've been enjoying outdoor learning activities during the recent science classes.

Language Arts
  • Grade 2 is finishing up their Super Kids program. They will surely miss the Super Kids characters!  They are also wrapping up their animal research and writing projects.
  • Grades 3 & 4 are finishing up their end-of-the-year book projects.  They're doing a great job!

Safe Environment
On Friday, the students in grades 2-4 completed their diocesan "Safe Environment" program for the year. 

 

Friday, May 28, 2021
Half day of school (Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and lunch will NOT be served at school.)

Monday, May 31, 2021
No School / Memorial Day

Tuesday, June 1
Field Day! 
8th grade celebrates their graduation in the evening.

Wednesday, June 2
Family Day at Bay Beach
For new families, most parents meet us at Bay Beach and pack a lunch for themselves as well as their children.  Typically, students leave to go home with their parents directly from Bay Beach. 

Thursday, June 3
Full day of school (This is also a rain date for Field Day if needed.)

Friday, June 4
Mass at 10:00
Last day of school! (Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and lunch will not be served.)

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Week of May 17-21

    


No news is good news! 😀 Enjoy!

 


Friday, May 14, 2021
Book orders due.  Please place any book orders online.  This will be the last book order for the school year.  You may wish to purchase some books for summer reading!

Friday, May 28, 2021
Half day of school (Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and lunch will NOT be served at school.)

Monday, May 31, 2021
No School / Memorial Day

Tuesday, June 1
Field Day! (Watch for more information as the date approaches.)
8th grade celebrates their graduation in the evening.

Wednesday, June 2
Family Day at Bay Beach
For new families, most parents meet us at Bay Beach and pack a lunch for themselves as well as their children.  Typically, students leave to go home with their parents directly from Bay Beach. Please watch for more information to come home from the office.

Thursday, June 3
Full day of school (This is also a rain date for Field Day if needed.)

Friday, June 4
Last day of school! (Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and lunch will not be served.)

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Week of May 10-14

   

Mid-Quarter Grades
How did that happen already?!  This last quarter is flying by!  For our final mid-quarter, we ask that you take a moment to please check your child's current PowerSchool grades.  Any students receiving a C or lower in a subject will be notified via email by the end of the day on Friday, May 7. 

Spelling
All grades will have a spelling unit and test this week.

Science
The students are having a blast "magnifying the microscopic world!"

Math
  • Grade 2 - The 2nd grade is working on regrouping in subtraction. 
  • Grade 3 - The 3rd grade will finish up a short geometry unit soon.  Following this they will do another short unit on division. 
  • Grade 4 - The 4th grade did SO well in their unit on division, factors, prime numbers, multiples, fractions of numbers and so much more! They are currently working on a short geometry unit and will then transition further into fractions.
Religion - 2nd Grade First Communion Families
Please know that your families have certainly been in our thoughts at this time. We understand the challenges that come with rescheduling this important and momentous occasion. Sending a hug!💗

Please see any communications from Mrs. Hubbard and Mrs. Stemper regarding First Communion updates. Due to the postponement of the First Communion Mass, there will not be a special Mass on May 13. 

School Masses
We are waiting to hear if/when we will return to in-person Masses.  We will let you know as soon as we are able. 

 

Friday, May 7, 2021
$10,000 Virtual Raffle

Friday, May 14, 2021
Book orders due.  Please place any book orders online.  This will be the last book order for the school year.  You may wish to purchase some books for summer reading!

Friday, May 28, 2021
Half day of school (Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and lunch will NOT be served at school.)

Monday, May 31, 2021
No School / Memorial Day

Tuesday, June 1
Field Day! (Watch for more information as the date approaches.)
8th grade celebrates their graduation in the evening.

Wednesday, June 2
Family Day at Bay Beach
For new families, most parents meet us at Bay Beach and pack a lunch for themselves as well as their children.  Typically, students leave to go home with their parents directly from Bay Beach. Please watch for more information to come home from the office.

Thursday, June 3
Full day of school (This is also a rain date for Field Day if needed.)

Friday, June 4
Last day of school! (Students will be dismissed at 11:30 and lunch will not be served.)

Blessings,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Virtual Learning Beginning April 30 (Grades 2 & 3)

Good Morning,

Please read through the following updates carefully.  Thank you, in advance, for your understanding.

  • Grade 4 will be learning in person with Mrs. Bartosch and Mrs. DeGroot. They will learn via Google Meet with Mrs. Van Helvoirt.
  • Grades 2 & 3 will learn virtually. Chromebooks will be sent home for all students who will be learning virtually. 
The following information pertains to Grades 2 & 3:

SUPPLY PICK UP
Parents of students in grades 2 & 3, please stop by school to pick up your child's supplies during one of the following times:
  • Thursday, April 29 2:30-4:00 PM
  • Friday, April 30 7:30-8:00 AM 


Friday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 5
In person learning resumes Thursday, May 6

  • Students are expected to be in attendance for virtual learning sessions. Reminder: If a student is unable to attend a virtual session, a parent must email the teacher in advance as attendance is taken during each session and reported to the school office. 
  • Each session will last about 30-45 minutes. Following each session, the students may be asked to complete work independently.  
  • Google Meet links will be sent via email to:
    • 2nd grade parents & students
    • 3rd grade parents & students
  • Please refer to the schedule below:
 Sessions

8:30 A.M.

10:30 A.M.

1:00 P.M.

Grade 2

Mrs. DeGroot

Mrs. Bartosch

Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Grade 3

Mrs. BartoschMrs. Van HelvoirtMrs. DeGroot

Grade 4

Mrs. Van Helvoirt

Mrs. DeGroot

Mrs. Bartosch

VIRTUAL ASSIGNMENT SHEETS

Sample Virtual Assignment Sheet

Virtual assignment sheets will be updated daily. Typically, assignments will be posted shortly after zoom sessions end. However, please note that updates may be made up until 3pm.  Emails with the attachment will be sent to:

  • 2nd Grade parents and students
  • 3rd Grade parents and students



Please discuss the following with your children.

How to prepare for virtual instruction:

  • Chromebooks/computers should be charged and ready to use with email open.
    • Students should have their school email open waiting to receive the Google Meet invite. 
    • NEW: In an effort to provide the safest environment for online learning, email invites/links will not be sent to the students (and parents) until immediately before the class begins.
    • When students receive the email, they should open it and click on the link right away.
    • Likewise, students may not remain on the virtual session afterward without a teacher present. Upon the conclusion of each Google Meet, the link will be dismantled and students will no longer be able to access them. 
    • These changes are in effect for the best interest of all students. 
  • Always be in a quiet workspace.
  • Plan ahead...use the bathroom ahead of time, eat and drink before and/or after sessions, but not during.
  • Due to the short classes, students should please refrain from bringing toys, stuffed animals, etc. into their workspace.
  • Demonstrate respect and good listening.  As a rule of thumb, if a student wouldn't do something in the classroom, they also shouldn't do it when learning virtually. We are looking forward to seeing the students and to having productive and engaging sessions!
Students should remember to listen carefully for their homework at the end of the session.  If a student or parent is unsure, you will be able to check the virtual assignment sheet which is also being sent on email.

Questions

Parents, please feel free to reach out to us via email if you have any questions. Again, we understand that the days ahead may be challenging.  Please know that we are here to offer support in any way we can. 

Thank You,
Mrs. DeGroot, Mrs. Bartosch & Mrs. Van Helvoirt