Crew update 11/2/2012

            The class is busy preparing for the San Francisco fieldwork.  I passed out an itinerary and packing list to the students today and answered any questions they had.  Please review the form (or look at the attachment documents), if you have any questions about the trip please let me know.  Here are some of the specifics that came up during the students’ questions:

            – Students are allowed to bring an iPod/electronic device for the car ride to and from the bay area.  Once we arrive to the BART station I will ask the students to put them away so they are not lost/stolen.  I already told the students that they are responsible for their own gear (backpack, supplies, etc) and if they loose anything it is their responsibility.

            – It is ok if students bring money to spend at the museum gift shop or at the wharf.  Again, they are responsible for all of their own belongings.

            – Pack all clothes/supplies in a backpack that your child is comfortable carrying through a city.  Also bring 2 lunches, one for Wednesday and one for Thursday.

            Math:  We took our second math test this week.  It was much more difficult than our first test.  Some student did very well, and some did not do as well.  I extended an offer to the students that received less than a 4 to make up some of the points they missed.   I created review packet of problems, if the student completes the packet correctly and turns it in by Monday, I will give them half of the points they missed back on the test.  I just posted test grade on Thinkwave; if they turn in the packet and answer the questions correctly I will change their grade to reflect their new score.

            Expedition:  We have been spending a lot of time writing the past couple of weeks.  I am currently grading the fictional narrative about medieval times.  Our current writing project is an Essay about their mentor (using the notes they took from their interview).  We will also be spending time on sailing curriculum before and after our fieldwork.

            Thank you to all of the parents that are joining us on the trip.  These kinds of adventures would not be possible without your help.

Zach