Expedition Express

Anato-ME:  Our spring Expedition is in full swing and the kids are really soaking up all the knowledge they have read so far about the SKELETAL SYSTEM and NERVOUS SYSTEM.  We are jam packed with amazing resources and experts coming in to our classrooms.  

SKELETAL SYSTEM:  Students are enjoying using their newly learned vocabulary words to describe parts of their body.  Tomorrow we have expert Tim McDermott coming into the classroom to discuss his work with bones and how he helps repair them when broken. 

Headless Mr. Bones is “hanging out” in our classroom thanks to a loaner skeleton from P.J. Anttila and Dana Mudd.  We also have an interactive spinal column on loan from P.J. as well. 

BRAIN EXPERT:  Today we hosted Dr. Thomas Kidd from University of Nevada, Reno for our brain exploration.  He brought to our classrooms:  mouse brains and two human brains.  Students were given the choice to hold the brains and feel that they are soft and delicate.  Good reason to wear a helmet during skiing and biking seasons.

Questions of the Week:

  • §What is the purpose of the skeletal system?
  • §Name at least 5 bones in your body?
  • §What does the brain do?
  • §Describe the differences between the left and right side of your brain.

 

Many additional experts are lined up throughout the month of April.  I will keep you posted in future newsletters as to who and what is happening in our classroom.

 

Crew News

 

Homework:  Please remember to check over your child’s work during the week.  I am reading many journal entries in the writing journals that have numerous misspellings and no punctuation.  Please help encourage your child to do their best work and giving immediate feedback improves writing and spelling skills.

STAR Test Prep:  Following Spring Break, homework packets will consist of STAR test prep materials.  It is vital that you check the answers and help your child understand any mistakes.  I will not have time in class to individually conference with each child regarding their answers.  Your participation is critical.  Thank you in advance for your help.

Library:  Our last trip to the library as a crew was last week for a number of reasons.  I will be sending your child’s library cards home this week, so please be on the look out for them!

Planners:  I am going to make a conscience effort to circle the behavior face in the planners each day (I realize that I have not been as consistent as I should be!).  Please be sure to look it over and initial at the bottom.  I will also be writing “Free Advice” as need in the planners when I feel that your student needs a reminder of our crew agreement.  It will be written in the planner so you are also aware of what they need to work on in class. 

Adventure:  Thanks to all the drivers that made our spring adventure cross country skiing and hiking experiences wonderful.  We were able to spend 3 days skiing at Tahoe Donner Cross Country and 1 day hiking along the beautiful Truckee River on the Legacy Trail.  Photos of your children participating in these activities will be posted soon.

SELS News

Spring Conferences:  Monday, April 15 – Thursday, April 18:  Spring Conferences-

Sign-ups coming soon!  Look for email with link. 

These conferences will focus on the academic and social goals you and your child set in the fall.  I will send home copies of your child’s goals in April.  Take time to review these goals, determine if they have been met, and next steps to meet that goal or ideas for a new goal.  Conferences are scheduled for 20 minutes each.  

SELS 100 Capital Campaign:  Have you made your contribution to our SELS 100 Capital Campaign?  Remember, the goal is to achieve 100% participation for 100 days.  We are working hard to make our campus the best learning environment for our students.  You can help by donating online today.

Classroom Needs:

  • Boxes of tissue
  • Hand sanitizer

 

Dates to Remember:

§Thursday, March 28:  Nevada County Library

§Monday, April 1 – Friday, April 5:  NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

§Monday, April 15 – Thursday, April 18:  Spring Conferences

§Friday, April 19:  Arts for the Schools – Figures of Speech

§Tuesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 9:  STAR Testing (English-Language Arts)

§Tuesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 16:  STAR Testing (Math)

*Tuesday May 21-Wed. May 22.: 2/3 Spring Campout (tentative dates)More to TBA soon.