Crew Update 4-29

With the 70 degree temperatures and the start of baseball, lacrosse, and soccer practices, it definitely feels like summer. I’m sure everyone can’t wait to close out the year on a great note! Here is the latest news:

First, we are still in need of parents to drive/chaperone for the South Bay fieldwork. As of now, Spin will be coming for the entire trip; Marcie and Kim are hoping to come for half of the trip. Thank you! We will need a total of 6 chaperones for the entire trip. I understand that it is a long time away from work, but if you can find a way to join us it would be truly appreciated by our crew. If we are not able to find drivers/chaperones we will not be able to make the trip. If you think you might be available for all or part of the trip, please contact Katie Pruski at kscharm@gmail.com.

Our expedition is going great. The students are creating a comic about the cell cycle and mitosis (final draft is due on Friday May 3^rd) and we will be taking our math test on data on Tuesday April 30^th. After the comic strip and test are completed, we will be preparing for the STAR tests (Reading will be May 7^th and 8^th, Math will be May 14^th and 15^th). Please be sure that your children are especially well rested and fed on those mornings. Healthy bodies equal healthy minds! We will also be preparing for the field work during that time.

On a different note, more and more students have been making a trip to Wild Cherries, 7-11, and other stores to buy coffee and treats before school as of late. I want to make you aware of this and let you know that the staff at SELS cannot take responsibility for what students do before school starts or after it gets out. I also wanted to let you know that students are not allowed to bring drinks to the SELS campus other than water or juice. I have had to take a stricter stance on this because our classroom was starting to look like a Starbucks advertisement, and I believe it was negatively affecting some student’s behavior. I recommend that you have a conversation with your child about how they are spending those times and what your expectations are.

Lastly, cell phones have become more of a distraction lately. I want to let you know that students need to keep their cell phones in their backpacks during school at all times. The only exception is if they ask me for permission to call home (usually at the end of the day) or use of an academic application (calculator etc.). If I see a phone out during the day I will take it from the student and leave it at the office. The student’s parent then must come to the office to get the phone back.

All that being said, the students continue to amaze me with their creative spirit and wonderful work ethic! I challenge each of you to continue the great path we are on for the remainder of the year. If you have any questions or concerns about any of these things, please let me know. Have a great weekend and enjoy the sun.

Zach