The most important gift!

"Reading together twenty minutes a day is the most important gift you can give your child."
~Rosemary Wells, Author of Read to Your Bunny

A Sensory Friendly Night of ...The Nutcracker!

Gather your friends and family to celebrate the holidays with a mesmerizing production of The Nutcracker. In this enchanting performance, originally captured live from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Tchaikovsky's stunning score is brought to life by Grigorovich's sensational vision and the world-renowned ballet company.

Create your own holiday tradition and be transported to a magical kingdom with a special sensory friendly screening of the Bolshoi Ballet’s The Nutcracker in select cinemas on Monday, December 19 only.

In this special sensory friendly event, movie-goers are encouraged to be themselves. We’ll turn the lights up, and turn down the sound, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing!

For participating theater locations and to purchase tickets visit www.autism-society.org/thenutcracker.

No Spelling Words until 2017!

Due to culture rotations occurring Wednesday through Friday this week and the many fun activities scheduled for next week, students in Mrs. Alaimo's room will not have any spelling words until we return from winter break on Wednesday, January 4th. Thank you for your attention!

Congrats to our Turkey Score recipients!

Hillcrest's Super Second Graders worked hard to meet the November reading fluency goal of 50 wpm. In order to do this, students received a new story every week to repeat read daily. When they met the goal of 50 wpm they got to write the title of their story on a turkey feather. The student with the most feathers by the end of the trimester got to select a gift card off Mrs. Alaimo's "R" gift card tree. Congrats to Brandon H. from Mrs. Hetman's classroom for the first trimester of second grade! We're off to meet the shamrock score of 73 wpm...

The Nutcracker, a Sensory Friendly Event

Sensory Friendly Event  December 19 only Bolshoi Ballet’s The Nutcracker Date: Monday, December 19 Time: 6:00 p.m. (local time) Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (approximate) Ticketing: Click here to buy tickets. If online ticketing is not available for your location, you can purchase your tickets by visiting the box office at your local participating cinema. Special Fathom Features: A special sensory friendly event featuring the Bolshoi Ballet’s 2014 production of The Nutcracker captured from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia. Fathom Events and the Autism Society are delighted to bring a first-of-its-kind sensory friendly cinema event featuring the Bolshoi Ballet’s timeless holiday classic, The Nutcracker, to select cinemas on Monday. December 19. For tickets and list of cinema locations, please click here.   In this special cinema presentation consumers are encouraged to be themselves. We’ll turn the lights up, and turn down the sound, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! On Christmas Eve, Marie’s wooden nutcracker doll transforms into a beautiful prince who takes her on a magical journey. Before they leave, they must confront the Mouse King whose army is threatening Marie… Christmas would not be complete without the enchanting tale of young Marie and her Nutcracker prince! Danced by the Bolshoi’s principals, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s fairytale staged by Russian ballet master Yuri Grigorovich will transport children and adults alike to a world of magic and wonder for the holiday season.

My PROMISE to YOU...

Sky Zone Sensory Friendly Event

Planning Ahead? Here are a couple great Winter Break opportunities!

Homework Reminder!!!

Please make sure to include the yellow homework checklist in your nightly routine with your child. They are student specific, but typically follow the following weekly format.




Monday - Reading Horizons (!5 mins) or Raz-Kids (15 mins)
Tuesday - Mathletics (10 mins) and/or Book-in-Bag
Wednesday - Reading Horizons (!5 mins) or Raz-Kids (15 mins) and/or Book-in-Bag
Thursday - Mathletics (10 mins) and/or Book-in-Bag

5 Star Sight Word Rings (Monday-Thursday) - Practice 5 words that are not stickered

Spending just a short amount of time completing the items above makes a huge difference to your child's reading and math fluency here at school, so thank you for all you do!

Read & Go!

Sensory Movie Night OPPORTUNITY!

Red Ribbon SPIRIT Week is NEXT week!

To celebrate our Healthy Choices we will be having a fun dress-up day each day the week of October 24th-October 28th.   The schedule will be as follows: Monday:  “Use your head and make healthy choices” ~ Wear a hat! Tuesday:  “Don’t be caught sleeping, make healthy choices” ~ Wear your P.J.’s! Wednesday: “Turn your back on bad choices” ~ Wear your clothes backwards! Thursday:  “Be Red-y to make healthy choices” ~ Wear your “Wild about Hillcrest“ red shirt! Friday: “Sock it to unhealthy choices” ~ Wear crazy socks and remember we are having a sock drive to help the needy!

Let's have some fun!!!

FIRST Homework Checklist due TOMORROW!!!

Good Evening,

This is just a kind reminder that the first homework checklist is due tomorrow, Friday, October 21st. I received some feedback from a few parents, please continue to let me know how things are going so I may adjust and support your efforts at home with this new routine.

Thank you!

Rachel Alaimo 

Field trip to the Cleveland Zoo TOMORROW!

This is just a reminder that we will attending the Cleveland Zoo tomorrow!

Please be sure to:

• Pack a paper/plastic bag lunch with your child's name on it. This will help chaperones if everything is disposable.
• Have your child wear blue and red for safety:)
• Dress your child in layers as the weather looks as though it may be chilly, as well as good walking shoes.
• Children are not permitted to bring any electronics or spending money.

Thank you for preparing us for a wonderful day!

Math Manipulative FUN!

Students worked hard making 10 to subtract using the strategy that works best for them! Counters or a hundreds chart anyone? (l to r) Sam W., Dominic L., Aiden L., & Jessica W. #Hillcrestk3

EnVision Math Worksheet Reminder

If you are in Miss De Lauder's class and are receiving an EnVisions Math Homework page daily, this is just a reminder that it is OPTIONAL. Students are given it to complete some daily practice (only the questions circled in red) of the strategy taught that day, if they complete it they can earn stickers towards fun prizes. However, they do not have to. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me, raalaimo@revereschools.org. Thanks!

The HOME SUPPORT tab has been updated!

Please take a few minutes to view the homework/extra support page. It will provide you with some additional ways to support your child's academic growth in reading and math.

http://hillcrestssupersecondgraders.blogspot.com/p/homework.html

After you have had a chance to view it, I would very much appreciate if you could  complete the 30 second questionnaire involving the 5 Star Sight Word Rings, so that I may continue to support you supporting your child in this particular area.

https://goo.gl/forms/oYAKeihxTmYp4guG3

Thank you for your attention!
Mrs. Alaimo

Friendly Letters are coming your way!

We have been working very hard learning how to write friendly letters over the last two weeks. Students have illustrated wonderful understanding to include the date, a greeting, 3-5 sentences in their body, a closing, and their signature. We will continue to practice these important letter traits by writing a letter to someone we will see over our weekends, weekly. These correspondences will come home to you via a plastic protective sleeve with your child's letter on one side and a page for you to respond to your child's letter on the other side. Please look for these weekly writings on Fridays and respond to them for your child to enjoy on Mondays! Thank you for your help and support!

IEP Mtg. SAVE THE DATES!

This is just a reminder that IEP meeting SAVE THE DATES went home last week. Second notices were sent home today for those who have yet to return confirmation. Thank you for your help in returning these!

Welcome to SECOND GRADE!

Dear Parents,

     I hope everyone had a safe and fun summer vacation.  I would like to take this time to welcome you to the 2016-2017 school year at Hillcrest.  My name is Rachel Alaimo (Al-ly-mo) and I will be your child’s second grade intervention specialist for this school year.  This is my second year as the second grade intervention specialist at Hillcrest.  I taught reading intervention for 3 years within the Lakewood City Schools and Rocky River City Schools prior to coming to Revere Local Schools.  I am excited to work with you and your child and make his or her transition from first grade to second grade smooth and enjoyable. Our room is within the library, in between the second and third grade atriums, it is called the LCR (Library Conference Room). 

Some upcoming dates to mark on your calendars:

Friday, 8/19, 9-1pm, 4-7pm - Forms Day!

Tuesday, 8/23, 3:30-4:30pm - Meet & Greet!

Thursday, 9/1, 6-6:45 (second and third grade parents only) - Open House!

Thursday, 9/29, time TBD (during school day) - Silver Linings Day!

Thursday, 10/13 - Field Trip to Cleveland Zoo! 

I look forward to meeting you soon at the Meet and Greet and/or Open House! If you should have any questions now or throughout the school year, please do not hesitate to email me at raalaimo@revereschools.org.  

Sincerely, 

Mrs. Rachel Alaimo

Grade 2 Intervention Specialist

Hillcrest Elementary School

raalaimo@revereschools.org

330-659-6111, ext. 633617

Tips for Preventing the Summer Slide!

Exit Interviews & Summer Practice

Only 3 more days of school and you will have a third grader! The students have done an exceptional job this year and I would love for their progress to continue, so students will be having an exit interview with me over the next couple days. They will get a chance to talk to me about their O.W.L. (Organized While Learning) binders which hold their goals, work, data, and charts. We will also discuss what areas they feel they got stronger in and what areas they feel they need to continue to work on.

I invite you to have this same conversation with them when they bring their O.W.L. binders home. They take great pride in them and I am sure they would enjoy sharing everything inside with you!

During their exit interview they will also receive SUMMER PRACTICE packets with a letter that states...
 

SUMMER PRACTICE!

(exercise for the brain!)

Complete 3 pages or assignments from each packet weekly and you will finish before 3^rd grade begins!

Remember, no arguing with Mom and Dad, this is to HELP make 3^rd grade EASIER for YOU! Each packet should not take you more than 5-10 minutes each time you work in it.

For every packet you complete you can pick a GIFTCARD out of the GIFTCARD basket, but you have to bring it to Mrs. Alaimo’s room within the first 5 days of third gradeJ

Have a great summer,

Mrs. Alaimo 

Everyone will receive 1-3 packets to complete depending on what what areas I feel would be beneficial to them. For every packet they return completed the first week of third grade, they will get to select from the basket full of gift cards from Game Stop, Menchies, McDonald's, Five Below, Justice, Toys R' Us, Target, etc. We all work to get paid, they need some compensation too! If you have any questions about these packets or anything at all, please do not hesitate to email me, raalaimo@revereschools.org or give me a call or text @ 216-410-2592.

Additionally, students will also be receiving a copy of my address should they decide to practice their writing skills and write me a letter about their summer, I would love to hear from them and I will write back!

Thanks again for your attention & support.

Have a wonderful summer!

Rachel Alaimo 

Last day with Mrs. Alaimo!

Students last day coming to small group regularly was Friday, May 20th. We have truly had a great year together and I am sad to see each one of them move onto third grade, but at the same time I am extremely proud of all their hard work, efforts, motivation, and growth they have made this year as second graders! We do not often get to steer away from our routine, but for our last day all together we took some time and learned how to make lizard bead critters, which I am sure you got to see! They did a great job following directions learning something new and fun! Thank you for sending me a wonderful group of kiddos my first year here at Hillcrest, my new home away from home! I look forward to seeing each one of them graduate in ten short years! Have a great summer & cheers to the "Class of 2026!" <3 Mrs. Alaimo

Four students met the Sunshine score during the 3rd tri!

Students did a great job meeting the Sunshine score during the 3rd trimester this year! The Sunshine score is the 25th percentile rank for reading fluency for second grade, which is our goal that we are working towards the entire year! Every three days during I/E we beginning reading a new one-minute score for fluency practice, if students earn the 25th percentile score of 82 words per minute on the first day we read the story they earn a sun ray for their sunshine. The student with the most rays by the end of the trimester earns a fun gift card prize. This year we also had the Turkey score for the first trimester and the Shamrock score for the second trimester. Great job improving your reading fluency, (left to right) Lillian F-B., Alex L., Abigail C., & Kelvin W.!

Inclusion Day with the Akron RubberDucks!

Let’s show the strength of our great community by celebrating the abilities of every citizen! Thanks to donated funds, we’re taking over Canal Park for the second annual Summit DD Inclusion Day on Sunday, June 19. Invite your family, friends and even neighbors to this community-wide event.

When: Sunday, June 19, 2016 – First pitch at 2:05 pm.

Where: Canal Park, 300 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308

Who: Everyone…plus be sure to invite your dad, because it’s also Father’s Day!

Cost: $4.00 per ticket. Thanks to donated funds, we’re throwing in $2.00 worth of Duck Bills per ticket for tickets purchased before May 19! Duck Bills can be used to purchase food or drinks in Canal Park! Your Duck Bills and can be picked up between May 20th and the day of the game at the RubberDucks’ Will Call Box Office.

Note: If you attended last year, the 2016 tickets do not include a ballpark lunch.
How Do I Purchase Tickets:

By phone: Call the RubberDucks at 330-253-5153 and mention the discount code “summitdd.” On game day you can pick up your tickets, along with your Duck Bills at the Will Call Box Office.

Online: Visit AkronRubberDucks.com, select the game on June 19 and use the discount code “summitdd” at checkout to get your $4.00 ticket. You’ll then have the option to print your ticket in the comfort of your home or pick it up at the Will Call Box Office the day of the game. Please note, the RubberDucks charge an additional $1.50 convenience fee for each online ticket. Discount Inclusion Day ticket sales with promotional Duck Bills close on May 19.
Questions?

Contact us or call 330-634-8880.

Summer School Safari Invitation!

If you received an invitation for your child to take part in Summer School Safari, please be sure to fill it out and return it to school with your child by Friday, May 13th! Thanks!

Reminder! It's the last Gaming Club session of the year!

Just a reminder that the last session of Gaming Club will take place in the Kindergarten Atrium on Tuesday, May 10th from 3:45-4:30pm. Please make sure to send a note! Thank you!

Yearbook orders are due Monday, March 14th!

Yearbook orders are due Monday, they are $16.50. If you still need to order, the best way is online!

www.ripchostudio.com

Image Locator Number: hillcrest45

Muscular Dystrophy Shamrock Fundraiser KICKS OFF this week!!

Hillcrest is selling shamrocks to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Students can buy the $1 green and $5 gold shamrocks through St. Patrick's Day to show their support and help families in our area. The class that sells the most in each grade will win a pizza party! Go MDA Shamrocks!

Reminder!

Just a reminder that Gaming Club will take place in the Kindergarten Atrium on Tuesday, March 8th from 3:45-4:30pm. Please make sure to send a note! Thank you!

This week we will be celebrating Dr. Seuss' Birthday!

March 2nd is Dr. Seuss' birthday and we will be celebrating a little bit each day!

Tues., March 1st - Cat in the Hat Day! What do you like to do on rainy days? Cat in the Hat Jello Snack, YUM! Do you know your address and phone number?

Wed., March 2nd - ""Wacky "There's a Wocket in my Packet" Wednesday!"" We will be learning how to write and say our names backwards, hehe! Having a "wacked out" snack. Creating                                 a "Wocket in our Pocket" craftivity.

Thurs., March 3rd - Nature day with the "Lorax" I speak for the trees, what do you speak for? Review natural resources and rural/urban/suburban communities. We will be watching "The Lorax" and maybe have snack outside (weather permitting).


Fri., March 4th - The Foot Book! - Review facts and opinions about the book and create a shoe drawing with descriptive writing.

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 14-20th!

Click on for larger view:)

Earn a NIGHT OUT to the ball game in February!

Right to Read Week is NEXT Week!

Monday, 2/1	Tuesday, 2/2	Wednesday, 2/3	Thursday, 2/4	Friday, 2/5
“Marvelous Monday” Dress up like your favorite everyday hero or superhero	“Double Take Tuesday” Wear a hat to hide your secret identity	“Sidekick Wednesday” Bring a stuffed animal to read to	“Thors-day” Bring a healthy snack to eat as you read	“The Flash Friday” Wear your speedy socks and superhero t-shirt

Welcome to Hillcrest's Super Second Graders with Mrs. Alaimo Hillcrest Community!

This blog is meant to inform and keep the parents of the students Mrs. Alaimo works with in second grade in the know!