It's Tool Time where each Friday brings a new opportunity for students to dream, create, and reflect on a different topic and learn about a new "tool".  These educational adventures will revolve around a specific book that introduces the topic for that week and...

Our writing curriculum allows for a variety of genres to be explored within the structure of a writing workshop model.  A typical session begins with a mini-lesson and is followed by real and authentic writing time.  Students are collaborating with each other and...

Here it is already...Thanksgiving Break.  While it is a time to rest, relax and eat lots of yummy food, it's also a time to reflect on the many blessings in life. ​ Over this last week, I've heard the second graders express their thankfulness for a variety of things,...

We educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage, and integrity. The school's mission is on our walls, practiced daily and brought into conversations often.  It is a mission statement that guides us in our daily endeavors to...

...of things, second graders engaged in several academic lessons that were disguised as fun activities on Wednesday. The day started off with a  enthusiastic greeting as each classmate entered the room, as they ooh'd and ahh'd over each other's costumes. Next we...

In the Lower School at PNA we utilize Bridges in Mathematics in leveled classes for math instruction. The Bridges math curriculum "focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex...

The highly anticipated and always challenging annual 2nd grade egg drop happened this past week! After much designing and creating, re-designing and re-creating, the students tested out their egg drop contraptions in round one.  Some survived and some did not but...

Such simple words but yet, so powerful!  At PNA, we start each morning with a morning meeting as part of the Responsive Classroom approach that we utilize in our classrooms. Morning meetings are an integral part of our day as they build a strong sense of community and...

Learning to read is a journey, where students begin with the ABCs and end up ideally as a lifelong reader who finds joy in losing themselves in a book. As with any journey, there are stumbles and bumps along the way.  As second grader readers, the students are...

The first couple of weeks of school are always a balancing act.  There must be time for students to meet and greet new and old friends and catch up on summer adventures.  Time is needed to explore their new space and see what second grade holds in store. Students also...