Important Dates and Reminders

Hello, Giraffe Families!

Here is a list of important dates for our fun-filled (yet very busy!) end of our school year:

May 1st: Haven Puppet Show- Members of HAVEN will be coming to SMS to speak with all second graders about personal body safety

May 9th- Wellness Walk: We will have an all-school wellness walk up Gifford Farm Road at 1:30 pm. While we'll be walking with our 5th grade reading buddies, you're welcome to join us as well! Just meet us at the front of the school in the bus loop around 1:25.

May 11th- Bike to School Day: Students can walk, bike, scooter, skateboard, or roller blade to school! Want to avoid riding on a busy road? Families are welcome to park at Stratham Hill Park and ride the trails from there! Please be sure to return the permission slip if your child is planning on participating (it makes dismissal time much easier!)

May 11th- PTO Parent's Night Out/Spring Social: This Vegas Night themed event is one to be remembered! Held at the Portsmouth Harbor Events & Conference Center, join fellow SMS parents for an evening of food, dance music, and casino games! Tickets can be purchased here.

May 16th: Sidewalk Shelebration- Giraffes will be publishing their poems "Where The Sidewalk Ends" and we will also debut our Class Poetry Book! Family and Friends are welcome to join us, more information will be coming home after vacation!

May 17th- MakerFest and Art Show: Everyone is welcome to join us for our annual MakerFest and Art Show in the Cafeteria from 3:30-6:30 pm. Projects can be brought in that morning by students or can be dropped off by parents after 1:30 pm. The MakerFest and Art Show will run through Friday morning.

May 23rd- Early Release Day: students will be dismissed at 12:50 pm.

June 1st- PTO 1-2-3 Fun Run: Teachers, parents, and students are welcome to run or walk 1,2, or 3 miles around SMS and Stratham Hill Park at 5:00 pm. Following the run, there will be a BBQ, Dunk Tank, Snow Cones, and a Dance Party!

June 4th: Grand Luncheon- Grandparents, Parents, Role Models, and Friends are welcome to join us for a special lunch at SMS! More information will be coming home soon.

June 5th: Great Bay Field Trip- all second grade will head to Great Bay Discovery Center on Depot Road. We will depart school at 9 am, bring snack to the center, picnic lunch when we return to school at 12 pm

June 6th: School Performance of Plant Play- We will have our Dress Rehearsal at SMS at 2 pm as we perform for our fellow SMS Wolves. Students should bring their costumes to school that day to change into--The Giraffes will be the "Pollinators", who can wear red, yellow, or orange shirts with black bottoms (seeds will wear all black)

June 7th: Parent Performance of Plant Play, 6:30 pm- Students should be dropped off to their classrooms between 6:00 and 6:15 so they can get ready before our big show! All family and friends are welcome to come to our performance

June 8th: Field Day- Please be sure to have your child bring a complete change of clothes and a towel so they don't need to miss out on any of the fun! Volunteer slips will be coming home soon, please contact Ms. Locke or Ms. Batchelder for more info

June 14th: 2nd/4th Grade End of Year Celebration at Stratham Hill Park, 9:30 am-2:00 pm- All family and friends are welcome to join us for some end of the year fun at the park!

June 18th- Last Day of School!

More information about these events will be shared as it becomes available. Here's to a wonderful end to our school year!

Our Last Days in The Giraffe Class

While our last week in second grade was only two days long, we had a BLAST celebrating all of the growth we've made as friends and as learners in the giraffe class. With a trip to the park, dance parties in the gym, picnics outside, and one last group hug with fluffy, our days were filled with bittersweet moments reminiscing on all the wonder memories we've made, and lots and lots of FUN!

On Monday, we spent the day at Stratham Hill Park playing all sorts of fun games, going for hikes up to the fire tower, catching frogs, and having an epic water balloon fight! 

Can we just say that Bunch o' Balloons are AMAZING?!

One of the giraffes said farewell Monday afternoon before heading off to summer camp, we hope she had a great week!!

Finally, it was time for our last day of school :( While it was bittersweet to see our year come to an end, we couldn't help but smile, laugh, and even cry some happy tears as we reflected on all of our wonderful memories in the Giraffe Class

We started our day with an all-school morning meeting, where we saw some epic performances by the 5th grade teachers and students and then celebrated with one giant game of Freeze Dance!

 Afterwards, we had one last morning meeting as a class, where we read our last morning message together and shared our awesome summer plans with the class. The giraffes also got to check out the AMAZING poster they gave to Ms. Riley of a giraffe made up of all of her favorite giraffes! 

The best gift ever!!! 

Ms. Riley gave each of the giraffes a little something as well--a beach ball, some bubbles, and a framed picture 

On the back of each photo, it says this message:

Giraffes, being your teacher has truly been one of the greatest joys in my life. Continue to show kindness in everything you do, and remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know. You will always have a special place in my heart!

Love Always,

Ms. Riley

Before recess, we took our last day of second grade pictures with our "Fluffy Floatie" and after recess, we enjoyed a picnic together as a class

Then, we bid farewell to Mrs. Zampini and our 5th grade buddies...

...we gave Fluffy one last group hug...

...and we said goodbye to second grade and hello to summer! 

Giraffes, your year 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 this classroom back in August.

You’ve learned so much in the last 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