Crew Update 12-17-2012

                It has been nice to see the snow fall this past week and to have a possibility for more to come.  I hope you have been able to enjoy the snow as much as I have so far this winter.

                Celebration of Learning, Thursday December 20th from 6:00-7:30pm:  Each semester, SELS puts together a Celebration of Learning, where students can show parents the progress they have made throughout the term.  This Thursday, the Williams crew will be showcasing their Explorer Board Games.  The students have been working diligently on their explorer board games for the past couple of weeks.   They are very excited to show them to you and if time permits, play them.  All of the students’ games will be set-up around the room to be played.  There is no specific time to visit our classroom so if you need to be in a sibling’s class at that time, please go ahead.  I hope to see everyone on Thursday.

                Math:  I was hoping to squeeze our 4th math unit “Accentuate the Negative” in before the break but we ran out of time.  We will continue working on this unit until the break.   After we return from break, we will finish the unit and take the test.

                When we return from break, we will be turning our focus from the European explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries to the Maya, Inca, and Aztec cultures of Mesoamerica.  We will be analyzing the perspectives of European exploration and the effect that exploration has left on our world.

                I want to remind you that if/when we have a big snow storm and school is canceled we have one more “free” snow day that the students do not need to do an independent study.  I sent home an independent study with the students for any other days that are cancelled (up to 4 additional snow days).  Should we have a snow day(s) this week, students are still expected to complete their Explorer Board Games in time for Thursday night’s presentation. 

Finally, I am sure everyone has now heard about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.   I have been deeply saddened to hear of the events that unfolded last Friday morning at Sandy Hook Elementary school.  I want to assure each of you that SELS and our crew has firm procedures in place if there was ever a threat on or near our campus.  Our main priority is the safety of our students.  I plan on spending time addressing our crew about this situation and providing time for the students’ reactions this week as well.  If any parents have any questions about our procedural policies, or our discussions regarding this tragedy, please feel free to contact me.

                I am excited to see everyone on Thursday night.

                Happy Holidays,

                Zach