Ms. Rickel

     Hello and Welcome!  I've created this homepage as a reference tool for you to use throughout the year. Just click on the link and it will take you directly to that category.

    Book Reports            Field Trips               Special Events               Volunteer Opportunitites        

Helpful homework links and fun games:

Math: EnVision Math: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com (requires child specific password--students can play games and take quizzes)

Language arts: http://treasures.macmillanmh.com/california (no password required--open access to games/skills)

Schoolhouse Rocks: www.schoolhouserock.tv/ (click on a lyrics and a small blue window will open. Select "play video")

Book Reports

In Second Grade, the students are becoming proficient readers and with that comes new expectations. I will be teaching students to analyze the basic elements within the piece (characters, setting, plot) and to critique it. Each month the students will be required to write a report on a book that they've read. Below is a link to the website that contains all the downloadable files.  If you cannot print and need a hardcopy, I can print one upon request.  *Please note that some reports require more time to prepare than others so please help your child to adequately allocate his/her time.

Each Book Report will be due the last Friday of the Month. *November's report will be due on the last Monday due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Sept.- Main Character

Oct.-Book Cover

Nov.-Location, Location, Location

Jan.-The Setting Pop-Up*

Feb.-Here's What Happened

Mar.-A Book Report Box (must read a Realistic Fiction--something that could really happen)*

April- Just the Facts (must read a Non-Fiction--a factual book)

May-Patchwork Quilt (must read a mystery book) 

http://elstempe.org/home/140005194/140006021//BookReports.pdf

Field trips

       10/15 Jazz Mafia Symphony at CSU, Chico

     12/10 The Nutcracker Ballet at CSU, Chico

       TBA- Hamburger Farm, Wheatland 

    5/18 School House Rock Live! Jr. (performed by Playhouse Youth Theater at CSUC)

Special Events

• Harvest Festival-Oct. 29th (children may wear crazy hair or crazy hats but no costumes)
• Winter Performance- (mid Dec.- TBA)
• Art and Poetry Night- (end of Feb.-TBA)
• Read Across America Week- weeks events TBA (First week in March)
• Core Knowledge Night/Open House- (end of May-TBA)

Volunteer Opportunities

 Twin Rivers thrives because of participation from our caring families. We, the staff, greatly appreciate the efforts made by every family in supporting the school's effort to foster an exceptional learning experience for your child. I acknowledge that many of you work so I have included below many suggestions for how you can participate: (please note that from time to time, I may add new jobs or strike ones that are 'taken')

• PTO : By becoming an active participant in our Parent-Teacher Organization, you will be kept apprised of all school and community functions. Most meetings are in the evenings and there are many opportunities to participate on one of the subcommittees....many hands make for light work!
• Classroom volunteer: during our language arts (Tues, Wed., Thurs.,Fri. from 10:30-11:00) and math blocks (Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. 12:20-1:00), there are students who could benefit from a more personalized instruction. Additional duties might be grading papers and mounting bulletin boards.  (It is most beneficial if I can count on you for consistent days/times)
• Core Virtue Librarian: Once a month, you'll be given a list of books related to the virtue. You may use my library card to check out books.
• Field Trip drivers: we will need parent drivers for all of our field trips. If you would like to drive for a particular field trip let me know. Also, vehicles with many seats are preferrable.
• Community outreach: If there is an special event that you feel would benefit the students and or school, and you'd like to head it, please let me know.
• Art Docent: One Friday a month, come in and teach a lesson on a famous artist (I will provide you with the binder and materials).
• March Mint Chip Ice Cream Fundraiser: Two-three people needed to presell tickets, pickup ice cream and serve.
• At Home jobs:  

1. Math Homework pages: tear out and paper clip by lesson- moderate job (Must be done in a timely manner)
2. Holiday Art Projects: count existing materials, prep more if needed.-easy job
3. Book Club Organizer: Separate out new order forms; tally, call in and send off money for orders; check-in orders.

If you are interested in any of these jobs, meet with me after school (3:30-4:00) so I can show you how to do it.

PLEASE remember to email or call rather than talking while your in the pick up line, as it holds up traffic!

STAR Testing Strategies to help your child do their best! If this is your oldest child, then this is probably the first time you've had to encounter STAR testing. I've included some answers to frequently asked questions and have included a "test taking strategy guide" --this is something I share with the kids to help them learn how to allocate their time and not stress too much.