Expedition Express

Fire and Ice:  Last week our crew, along with the Seaborg crew, had a fantastic adventure back in Truckee’s rich, historical past.  Here is a snapshot of our overnight fieldwork:

  • Visited downtown businesses and interviewed business owners
  • Toured the Truckee Cemetery and learned first hand about the people that put Truckee on the map
  • Local Boca expert Tom Macauley shared stories of his grandfather working in Boca while we walked the interpretive trail at the historic Boca Townsite
  • Listened to Dan Seaborg recreate how Ice Harvests were designed (and the kids were able to pet his horses – a big hit)
  • Visited the Old Jail in Truckee with Historical Society President Chelsea Walterscheid
  • Heard stories of fires in the early days of Truckee from Paul Spencer
And……that doesn’t even begin to cover the fun we had camping as a crew with the Seaborg crew.  It truly was an adventure that our crew will remember for a long time.
Each newsletter, I will include some Questions of the Week to help facilitate converstations with your child to hear about the learning experiences in class and in the field.  I will save some for the coming weeks, but here are a few to get you started:
Questions of the Week:
  1. When you interviewed the business owners in Downtown Truckee, what was the most interesting fact you learned about the building you visited?
  2. What did you learn in the Truckee cemetery about the early days of Truckee?
  3. What were the main industries in Boca?  (Name 3)
  4. What was the process to harvest ice in Boca?
Thank you Volunteers:  This type of fieldwork wouldn’t be possible without the amazing efforts of our parent volunteers.  A huge thank you to our drivers and overnight chaperones, Jeff Bender, Michael Penwarden, Al Martin, Maria Leftwich, Nikki Martin, and Angie Hunter.  Your energy was amazing.  Also, a huge thank you Erica Stein for helping organize the meals and delivering the food to Boca Springs campsite.
Crew Information

Goal Setting Conferences:  Next week is our Goal Setting Conferences.  Your child will attend these meetings and help determine areas they would like to improve both academically and socially for the year.  Goal setting sheets have been sent home for both parents and students to complete.  Please bring these forms with you to your child’s conference next week.  Remember these conferences are scheduled for 20 minutes.  Please be on time so we can effective choose an appropriate goal with your child.
Minimum Day Schedule – October 15 – 19:  Remember that during Goal Setting Conferences, the minimum day schedule will be in effect.  Student in K-5 will be dismissed at 1:00 pm every day.
Nevada County Library:  This Thursday we will begin our bi-weekly (or so) walks to the Nevada County Library.  This is a great way for students to choose books on their reading level as well as high interest books that they wish to read.  If you have not given me your child’s library card, please do so this week or they will not be able to check out books on Thursday.
SELS News

Bear Walk – The 3rd annual Bear Walk is scheduled for October 31.  The PTC is asking for parent help during this wonderful event.  If you haven’t signed up for a crew position, please check the link at 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4CAFA922A02-bear to find a volunteer position that suits your skill set.  Sponsor sheets will be coming home soon.

Changing weather:  Remember to have your child dressed appropriately for the changing weather.  Our Lost and Found is growing by the day with the cold mornings and warm afternoons.  Please check in the office for any missing items your child may have left behind.

Dates to Remember:
  • Thurs. October 11:  Walk to Nevada County Library
  • Mon – Wed, October 15 – 17:  Goal Setting Conferences
  • Mon – Fri, October 15 – 19:  Minimum Day schedule – K-5 dismissed at 1:00 pm
  • Wed. October 31: SELS 3rd annual BEAR WALK