Expedition Express

I’ve Been Working on the Railroad:  The history of the Transcontinental Railroad…what a feat!! From Donner Summit Snowsheds and Tunnels to Old Sacramento, the 2nd and 3rd grade Crews are in the field and learning first hand of the exciting and dangerous past of the railroad. It can be difficult to understand or fully appreciate what is was like to travel across the Great Plains in covered wagons, but learning of the hardships people endured, it is no wonder there was such a need for a great railroad.

Questions of the Week:

  • What are snowsheds? 
  • Who built the railroad? 
  • What were the names of the 2 railroads across the country, and where did their tracks meet? 

These are a few questions to ask your child. Through their answers you will learn of Chinese immigrant workers, dangerous weather conditions, and the Central as well as Union Pacific Railroads.

Sacramento Fieldwork: Our fieldwork was a success! Between travel on the Amtrak, touring Old Sacramento, visiting the Railroad Museum, and a night at the hostel both the Minczeski and Welch Crews practiced the SIERRA norms and the importance of being crew. We are proud of the questions that were asked, and the learning that took place.  

Crew News
Goal Setting Conferences:  The week of Oct. 14 – 18 is slated for our Goal Setting Conferences at SELS. Each day is a scheduled minimum day with the elementary students being dismissed at 1:00.  The conferences focus on improvement in both academic and character areas.  Keep an eye out for the Google.doc sign-ups to schedule a time that works best for you and your child to attend these conferences. Spanish translations are available after 4:30 if you desire.  Information and pre-conference preparation forms will come home in Tuesday folders the week before conferences.  These forms will help you begin to think about possible goals with your child.
Nevada County Library:  Library visits to the Nevada County Library will begin in October.  If you have not gotten you child a public library card yet, you still have time.  Please send cards to school once you receive them and I will hold onto them throughout the year.
Book Orders:  Thanks to all the parents that ordered books from our September Book Order.  With every online order, our classroom received a FREE book and you receive.  Book orders will usually come home the first week of each month.  Keep the kids excited about reading. 
SELS News
Board Meeting: SELS Governing Board meetings are held the first Monday each month at 6:00 pm.  These meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome.  This is a great way learn what is happening with the inner workings of our school.
Parent Teacher Crew Meeting:  Looking for a great way to get involved in your child’s education?  Join the PTC.  Great events at SELS are organized by this wonderful group of parents.  The SELS-abration  All Family Dance, Bear Walk, and Gratitude Dinner are just a few events put on by the PTC.  Come to the meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month held in the SELS library.  Children are welcome.
Dates to Remember:
  • Oct. 3:  Tentative Nevada County Library date
  • Oct. 7:  Scholastic Book Orders due
  • Oct. 14-18:  Minimum Days for Goal Setting Conferences.  School dismissed at 1:00.
  • Oct. 24:  Tentative Nevada County Library date
  • Oct. 31: Bear Walk:  students may wear costumes to school.
  • Nov. 8:  Arts for the Schools – Story Pirates