Crew Update 1/7/2013

                I hope everyone had a nice relaxing winter break.  I spent much of the break skiing down the new snow we received.  I was also happy to watch my Oregon Ducks win their bowl game.  I hope everyone is feeling rested and rejuvenated, and are ready to dive back into school.

                Expedition:  We are doing a mini expedition on the ancient cultures of Mesoamerica (Maya, Aztec, and Inca).  This will last until the end of the semester on January 18th.  The following week we will begin our mentor shadowing product.  By the beginning of February, we will be switching over to our science expedition which will take us to the end of the year. 

                Spring Expedition:  Our spring expedition will be about biology.  The tentative timeline is to focus on cells in February/March, genetics in March/April, and body systems in April/May.  I am reaching out to you if you have expertise or connections in any of these areas.  We would love to have guest speakers come in and talk to the class.  Or if you have connections with a hospital or University that our crew could visit, I would love your help in planning fieldwork.  Please email or call if you would like to come in to speak, if you have a connection for fieldwork, or if you just have an idea that might enrich our expedition.  Our crew depends on your help and support to create the richest learning experience for your children.

                Math: We are finishing our math chapter on negative numbers and taking a test on Friday.  Our next chapter is called “Moving Straight Ahead” and is about linear equations (including finding intersection points, writing equations, using x and y variables, and lots of graphing).  I have noticed that some students have run out of room in their math notebook.  If you would please check how many pages they have left and make sure they have a fresh graph paper notebook when they run out of room.

                Who am I? Expedition:  Students need to have finished their mentor shadowing by January 22.  They need to have notes and pictures that they took during the shadowing experience.

Finally, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for the generous holiday gifts and treats I received before the break.  I certainly felt spoiled, and cannot thank you enough for the holiday cheer.  It was a joy to see each of you at the Celebration of Learning and I look forward to the New Year as we grow as a crew and community.

Zach