Expedition News 

The 2/3 Fire and Ice expedition is off to a great start!

As posted on our classroom wall, here is the Fire and Ice expedition framework to give you an idea of what this semester will look like:

Guiding Questions:

How did fire and ice shape Truckee?

How have historical buildings in Truckee changed over time?

Long-term Learning Targets:

Case Study 1:  I can explain why people visit or settle in Truckee now.

Case Study 2: I can explain how local resources and climate influenced Truckee in the past.

Case Study 3: I can survey the Truckee community for specific information.

 

Kick-off Fieldwork: Our Downtown Truckee Photo Scavenger Hunt focused the students’ attention on many historical buildings, dating back to the mid-1800s. The students walked all over (smiles, clipboards and cameras in hand) seeking out the perfect shot.  They were challenged to capture the same angle and distance of the photo on their sheet with the camera.  They will continue to practice this skill for a future project.

 

Trails and Vistas:  The students were troopers when we walked to Donner State Park, to do more walking… But it was all worth it! The Crew was very respectful to not only the performers, but also the environment.  We saw storytellers, musicians, and actors that all spoke of the beauty of where we live.  Ahh… Aren’t we lucky?!

 

Special thanks to all of our chaperones:

Downtown Truckee:

Julie Reoutt, Susanna Neave, Heidi Egan, Kaitlin Klaussen, Jeremy Anderson, Kerri Flaherty, and Melissa Williams

Trails and Vistas:

Heidi Egan, Nick McDaniel, Amber Defazio, Angel Stone, Jeremy Anderson, and Anna Demm

 

We really appreciate our all of our volunteers and chaperones!  We couldn’t do all of the educational fieldwork without you. J

 

Campout: The Boca Overnight is right around the corner! We have sent out a Google Doc. for volunteers and chaperones to sign-up on.  There was also a Camping Packets sent home in this week’s Tuesday folder. Please read through it carefully!  If you have more questions, please feel free to ask me.

 

At SELS, we cherish our Adventure program.  We enjoy multiple hikes, camping trips and environmental activities throughout the year so that our students can feel comfortable and aware in the outdoors.  We scaffold those components to build more challenging adventures and responsibility each year as they grow through SELS.  This year, the 2nd and 3rd graders will be sleeping in a tent with only students.  In class we will be discussing ways we can support each other to make is fun and successful for all.  The parents will be sleeping in a neighboring tent if anything does arise.

 If interested in helping out, please click the link below to sign-up.  J

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XNfVyCJxUN6948kwF_tw_X5U4q66JmTvaVcpwh6DcEQ/edit

Experts: Diane Welch and I have been working hard to get in touch with local expert who can work with the students throughout the expedition.   We have one Boca expert (we are very excited about this 80 year old local and his wealth of knowledge!) and would love to have one more for our Boca Fieldwork on Tuesday, October 2.  If you know anyone who knows about ice harvesting or Boca, please send them our way ASAP.

 

Crew News

Routines: The Seaborg Crew has been working hard on creating a peaceful learning environment for learning.  As stated in this week’s folder, we are using the Daily 5 method to structure literacy throughout our day.  This style enables student choice and targeted curriculum that fits each individual’s needs.  They are thrilled to be reading, writing and doing word work with their classmates, using Ipads, Kindles and good old fashion books.  Be sure to check out the photo album to see it in action! It’s quite a sight to see how the students are supporting each other and sharing the joy of reading.  Make sure to be reading “Good Fit Books” at home each night.  Ask your child to explain one of our strategies for quickly assessing if a book is right for them. J

 

Classroom Wish List

 

Pillows for reading

Computer speakers

Large area rug (8X10 minimum) 


 Important Dates

-Sept. 27: Picture Day (Form coming home Friday, 9/21)

Oct. 2/3: Boca Campout

-Oct. 15,16,17 (M,T,W) Conference Week. School dismissed at 1pm- Online sign-ups soon

*CHANGE: Arts for the Schools at Cal Neva. Wed. Nov. 7 @1:30