Expedition Express

Railraod:  Good or Evil?  Case Study #3 takes a final look at how the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad affected the Native Americans in the western frontier.  Students are looking carefully at the changes that occurred in the American West once the railroad was completed.  Each student will use non-fiction text to write an opinion paragraph arguing if the Transcontinental Railroad was GOOD or EVIL.  Be sure to ask your child their opinion on this topic and engage in a conversation about their reasoning.  This is a great skill to begin developing in your child using evidence to support an argument.

Spring Expedition:  The Kick-off to our Spring Expedition will happen in early February.  Keep tuned for more information.  Hint:  Go USA!

Crew News

Two New Crew Members: We would like to welcome Jesse and Sebastian to our crew as of this January!  These two second grade boys have been a wonderful addition to the group and we feel lucky to have them at SELS.

Mid-year Assessments:  While we are finishing up our Fall expedition, students are also being assessed in DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment), Writing progress, Spelling, and Math.  Keep helping your child stay healthy by making sure they get plenty of rest, lots of fluid, and washing their hands frequently. 

Library Visits:  We continue to enjoy our walking trips to the Nevada County Library.  I love watching the crew choose new books to read at home to themselves and their siblings.  Keep up the encouragement and nightly reading.

Scholastic Book Orders:  Book orders for January are due next Friday, January 24, 2013.

Harvest of the Month:  Our crew will be tasting Mandarins this week for our January Harvest of the Month tasting…..YUM!  Thanks Jenna Shropshire for coming in!

SELS News

Progress Reports:  The end of the Fall Semester is here.  Wow!  That went fast.  Friday, January 24 marks the halfway mark of the school year.  Mid-year Progress Reports will be sent home on Monday, February 3rd with the students.

Family Dance:  Put on your dancing shoes and get ready go dance the night away at the SELS Family Sock Hop on Friday, February 7th in the school gym.  The PTC is looking for volunteers to help with this dance.  If you can spare some extra time (or need a break from dancing) contact the PTC to sign up for position.

Dates to Remember:

Friday, January 17:  Harvest of the Month

Monday, January 20:  NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Tuesday, January 21:  Nevada County Library

Friday, January 24:  Scholastic Book Orders due

Friday, January 24:  Last day of Fall Semester

Monday, February 3:  Progress Reports go home

Friday, February 7:  ALL school Dance