Art Fest and Maker Fest 2019

This week, SMS celebrated its annual Art Fest and Maker Fest! 

Every student at SMS had a piece of artwork on display that they've created over the course of the year with Mrs. Dow. 

We also had many students and staff share creations they've made at home at Maker Fest! Here are a few of the Giraffe creations that were on display:

Inch by Inch, Row by Row

On Friday, we went outside to explore our school garden and get it ready for fall planting! 

We met a few of our PTO Volunteers out in the garden to help do some fall planting. We planted daffodil bulbs that will grow into beautiful flowers in the spring!

We each put on a pair of gardening gloves and grabbed a shovel before planting our bulbs in the ground

One of our twins even got to plant a "twin" bulb!! 

Afterwards, we got to explore around in and around our garden, looking for plants and insects and sharing what we already know about gardens with our friends

We looked at many of the fallen leaves and acorns that were on the ground around the garden and we were able to determine that the leaves we found were from maple and oak trees, and we learned that maple leaves turn red because of all the sugar in their leaves! We love watching the leaves change color outside, and we can't wait to see our daffodils brighten up our garden in the spring. 

Our Last Days in Second Grade

We had a wonderful last few days in Second Grade, filled with celebrations at Stratham Hill Park, "traveling" to many of our country's National Parks, harvesting out in the garden, and spending time together as a class. Here is a look at our last few days in 2R:

It was Ms. Riley's last day in second grade, too! 

​Giraffes, ​

Your time in second grade has seemed to fly by, and while it makes my heart so sad to see you go, I am so proud of the growth you’ve made since you walked into ​our​ classroom back in August.

You’ve learned so much in 180 school days, stretching your brain in so many different ways, but what makes me the most proud is to think of all the ways your heart has grown. I’ve witnessed your hearts stretching and growing through new friendships, showing empathy for others, your determination to master new skills, and your optimism with trying new things.

I wish I could tell you in words how much it has meant to me to be your second grade teacher. You all hold such a special place in my heart, and know that I will always be here for you no matter where your journey takes you--roads can always lead back to the giraffe class.

Have a wonderful summer!

Love Always,

Ms. Riley