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Region In Review
May 13, 2022
Writing for a Purpose
Region 12: Elementary Second Graders
Second grade is a time of wonderful growth in students’ abilities to use writing as a clear and creative way to communicate ideas. Students are expected to write throughout the day to respond to questions, take short notes, write in journals, or compose stories.
Writing for clarity and purpose is an important focus when students are composing written responses. Students use the writing process steps to brainstorm ideas, develop a draft, review, and edit which includes adding details to make the text more interesting to the reader and checking for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. As writing skills grow, students expand their writing with descriptive words and complex ideas. Instead of a few sentences, stories begin to have pages of writing with pictures. In the end, students celebrate their writing by sharing their composed pieces with a friend, a teacher, family members, or the entire class.
Second graders engage in various kinds of writing that have different purposes. They learn opinion writing, informational writing, stories that are true with facts, recipes or explaining how to do something, poetry, and story writing about their own lives as well as fictional narratives. Students explain their opinions in writing and learn that they can disagree or feel strongly about a subject and explain why using reasons. Students are able to “research” by looking in books, reading websites for kids, and then writing answers in their own words to questions, such as “What are the most important facts about tigers?”. With poetry, students share creative ideas and write in unique ways about topics they enjoy and find interesting. Narratives are focused on small moments and characters with lots of detail and elaboration. As young authors, second graders love to write stories that relate to their lives and experiences.
Throughout all of these learning opportunities, students view themselves as readers and writers and notice what great writers do in order to improve and stretch themselves to express their own ideas in distinctive and creative ways.
A Congressional Visit
S.P.A.R.T.A.N.
SVP & Food Prep
One of the most valuable life skills to have is to learn and know how to cook. Part of the program at Shepaug Valley Partnership focuses on all of the aspects of food preparation that lead up to making a recipe. This year the students have focused on microwavable mug recipes that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert items.
Using the microwave is a great way to build independence. Each recipe is broken down into manageable steps and placed into a binder for future use. The students choose a recipe, make a list of ingredients based on what they have or need, shop at the market with a personal budget, prepare the ingredients, and then make their final product. This is one skill that is very important for everyone and it is one activity that they all enjoy.
Accidental Poisoning - What To Do
Poisoning is serious and can happen to both children (especially those under the age of 5), and adults during stressful times, or during changes in routines. Poison in the eyes, on the skin, inhaled or swallowed poses serious medical concerns. Some examples of poisons are medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), home products such as bleach, laundry detergent, shampoo, perfumes, rug cleaners, and plants. Seasonal plants (ex. mistletoe, poinsettia, rhododendron) can be toxic, especially to the stomach. Other examples of unsafe plants are daffodils, daisies, and lily of the valley. Hydrocarbon products such as gasoline when entered into the lungs can cause permanent lung damage and can be fatal. Antifreeze (which has a sweet taste) and windshield wiper fluid can be toxic to the kidney even in very small amounts.
A type of poison that is invisible and not so obvious is carbon monoxide (CO), a tasteless, colorless, and odorless gas. Some sources are furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, cars, lawnmowers, and fireplaces. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms are similar to that of the flu or food poisoning such as sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, and headache which can increase in intensity, cause confusion, and shortness of breath. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in the home (ex. bedroom) and garage along with checking for adequate ventilation is important. Also, the furnace should be cleaned and inspected yearly by a professional. Outdoor products such as lawn chemicals, pesticides, and cleaning products, need to be stored properly with lids secure to avoid spillage and out of reach for pets and children.
Household and outdoor items can pose many risks, and if not handled correctly, can cause accidental poisoning when least expected. The Connecticut Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number to call for this free and confidential service is 1-800-222-1222. The center is staffed by poison experts and interpreters are available in all languages. The Center will be able to assist with first aid for inhaled poison, poison in the eyes, on the skin, or swallowing too much or wrong medication or other substances. The Center can be called with any type of exposure questions or information needed about poisons. Following safety tips in regards to a potential poisoning incident, may save a life. Again, keep this important number handy.
Edith M. Poidomani, RN, BSN, MS, NCSN
CONNECTICUT POISON CONTROL
1-800-222-1222
Fliers & Upcoming Events
Region 12 Calendar
May 16 - BOE / Finance & Operations Committee Meeting, SVS, 4pm
May 16 - BOE / Special Meeting, SVS, 6pm
May 16-18 - Senior Class Trip
May 19 - Art Showcase K-12, SVS, 5:30pm
May 19 - Elementary Concert, SVS, 5:30pm
May 19 - Unified Elementary 4/5 Chorus/Band Concert, SVS, 7pm
May 20 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, SVS, 11am
May 20 - Agriscience Expo, SVS, 4-7pm
May 20 - Mr. Shepaug Talent Show, SVS, 7pm
May 23 - BOE Meeting, SVS, 7pm
May 25 - Academic Awards Night, SVS, 7pm
May 26 - Stephen Reich Award Ceremony, SVS, 9:40am
May 26 - Family Bingo Night, WPS, 5:30pm
May 27 - Fun Night for Grades 3-5, BS, 4:30pm
May 27 - 8th Grade Dinner Dance, SVS, 6:30pm
Follow Region 12 on our social media channels for updates and information!
The Region 12 community educates, challenges, and inspires all learners to become compassionate, creative, and courageous individuals who are empowered by the knowledge, character, and perseverance to achieve their greatest potential within the global society.
Email: rir@region-12.org
Website: www.region-12.org
Location: 11A School Street, PO Box 386 Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: 860-868-6100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepaug-Regional-School-District-12-153899298123985/
Twitter: @Region12Schools