Language Arts

Students have started new groups and books for their Literature Circle study. The different groups are reading Bandit’s Moon, by Sid Fleishman, The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, by Karen Cushman, Striking it Rich, by Steven Krensky, and The Journal of Wong Ming-Chung: A Chinese Miner, CA 1852, by Lawerence Yep. All of these titles showcase the California gold rush in some way. The students continue to work on comprehension skills using the novel, Samurai of Gold Hill.

Our young authors are focusing on both organization and word choice in their writing. We are using the peer review process to improve our writing skills.

Please remember how important it is for your child to read each night for 30 minutes.

Mathematics

Fourth graders are studying multiplication concepts using the Base 10 and Base 4 models. Fifth graders are exploring the conceptual basis of multiplying 2-digit numbers with 2-digit numbers.

Expedition – Treasure Hunters

We have started our second case study that focuses on immigration to California between 1850 and 1900. We learned about the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Students then studied an original immigration document of a 7 year old boy from China. Ask your child what he/she learned about Soo Hoo Lem Kong.

We have also been learning about different perspectives using short stories from a book called, Tales from Gold Mountain, by Paul Yee.

Buddies

Our crew met with their buddies on Wednesday. Fourth graders are paired with first graders, and fifth graders are paired with kindergarteners. It was magical watching our crew act as mentors to the younger crews. Throughout the year we will meet with our buddies on minimum days and during Community Meeting.

Yosemite Fundraising Update (More in the works…)

Pitch ‘n Putt

Where: Tahoe Donner Golf Course

When: Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, from 12 noon to 5pm

What: Pitch ‘n Putt fun, prizes, raffle, and a BBQ

Cost: $15 adult/ $8 child/ $45 family

Mountain Kids Donation

Look for an email describing how we can donate gently used clothing to Mountain Kids with our crew getting 40% of each sale.

Service Club Presentations

Our crew will present to various local service clubs asking for contributions to our Yosemite tuition. Our first presentation is to the Rotary Club at 5:30 on November 7th. I will send out emails requesting student presenters whenever we get on club agendas. My hope is that each crew member will make at least one presentation. Thank you in advance for helping with this.

Upcoming Dates

10/17 and 11/7 – Sierra Nevada Journeys Experts

10/23 Pitch ‘n Putt Yosemite fundraiser

10/31 Bear Walk – all money earned by the Brisbin Crew will go towards our Yosemite trip

11/4 Possible Arts for the Schools walking field trip to Truckee High School. Once I get confirmation, I will send out the permission slip.

11/4 Dia de los Muertos performance – I will send out a handout for participating students

11/7 Rotary presentation at 5:30 – Carson, Montana, and Sawyer

11/7 SELS Board meeting in this room. 5:30-8:30.  All are welcome to attend.
 

***Remember our eScrip crew contest.  The crew that signs up the most people for eScrip will win a pizza party from the PTC.