Welch Crew News: April 10, 2012

Expedition Express

A room full of scientists: Case Study #2 is full of hands-on science experiments focusing on sound, light, and heat energy. The first set of experiments have focused on SOUND and how is sound energy? Our first experiment was called SOUND is VIBRATION and students learned how sound is made by vibrating (invisible) sound waves and can not be heard until the sound wave hits our ear drums. The second experiment was called TRAVELING SOUNDS where students determine what are the best conductors of sound……gas, liquid, or solid.

Crew News

Get in the Act: Students began their Monday afternoon enrichment class of learning science through theater. Diane Handzel worked with students this week on concepts of MOTION. This is another great way for students to experience learning while having fun at the same time.

Swimming Adventure: The Welch Crew will begin swimming lessons on April 30th. Information and field work permission slips will come home in the Tuesday folder on April 10th. Please complete all forms and return to school by Friday, April 20th. There are two forms that MUST be completed (1. SELS Fieldwork Permission Form and 2. Youth Program Emergency Information, from TDRPD).

Swimming Nuts and Bolts: Beginning on Monday, April 30, students need to wear their swim suits to school under their clothing and pack a towel and dry clothing. The crew will walk to the pool and change into dry clothes following our lessons.

Goal Setting Conferences: Thank you for taking the time in March to revisit your child’s goals for academic and character growth. Updated Goal Setting sheets will be sent home on Tuesday, April 10th along with support materials for students. Review these goal sheets to make sure they are accurate. Feel free to make any changes you feel are necessary and send them back to me for revision. If they look good, post them in your home in a place to remind your child of the academic and character goals they are working on for the remainder of the year. The support materials being sent home are intended to be used on a weekly basis until the end of the school year. Use these materials to help you support your child at home.

STAR Preparation Homework: Over the next few weeks, homework will primarily consist of STAR preparation test release questions. Please review your child’s answers to the questions (answer keys provided in homework folder) and help explain errors in their work. Your help is greatly appreciated in helping prepare our students for these very important tests that will be administered in early May.

SELS News

Lottery: Time is running out! The student lottery for 2012-2013 is coming up. If you know families that are interested in joining the wonderful community of Sierra Expeditionary Learning School, applications are due on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11.

Dates to Remember: