Expedition Express

READY!, SET!, GO!  And we’re off.  Our Spring Expedition kicked off this week for a fun-filled Spring Science Expedition.  Yes, there is a sports theme to this Expedition.  I’m sure the crew will enjoy the Scientific Explorations we have planned for the next few months.

Swifter, Faster, Stronger:  Case Study #1 will focus on the Winter Olympics.  We will continue to focus on the Common Core State Standards for Language Arts (Reading and Writing) in this portion of the Expedition. Students will take a closer look at the history of the Ancient and Modern Games, the countries participating in the Winter Games, and local athletes competing in Sochi 2014.  We will look at team commonalities and sportsmanship among athletes from around the globe.

Fieldwork: We have many great activities planned for FIELDWORK during this expedition.  As soon as we have dates confirmed, we will get the information out to you so you can make plans to join us.   Our first trip will be to the Squaw Valley Olympic Museum next week.  Please refer to the email sent for more details.  We are really excited for this trip!

CREW NEWS

Progress Reports:  Students brought home their Fall Progress Reports this week.  Please take the time to sit down and review your child’s progress with them.  We will have Spring conferences in March to revisit and set new goals for all students.

Empathy and Caring:  This month’s Design Principle is Empathy and Caring which will encompass the celebration of our crewmates.  This week’s homework will include a list of crew mates and a template for our Empathy and Caring cards.  Each student will write a meaningful note to their crew mates on the heart shaped templates and distribute them to their crew mates on Friday, February 14.  Please make copies of these hearts onto colored paper and be sure to assist your child in wriitng an original message for each crew member.  Please do not send store bought Valentine’s to school on Friday, February 14.

Electives Block #5:  Students will choose their upcoming Electives this week in class.  I will send home an electronic version of the Elective choices for you to review with your child along with the students that will be assigned to REQUIRED elective for Block 5.  Check you email for more information.

Nevada County Library:  Thanks to mother nature, we missed out on our last visit to the Nevada County Library last week due to the Snow Day.  Teri, the children’s librarian, renewed all the books for our crew. Our next trip to the Library will be on Wednesday, February 12.

1,2,3 Magic:  We were recently introduced to 1,2,3 Magic as an effective discipline procedure for the classroom.  In short, students will be given a 1, 2, or 3 (one at a time consecutively) for anything that the teachers consider “stop behavior”.  Stop behavior can include being off task, disrespecting others or materials, blurting out, etc.   This will eliminate long-winded explanations of what is a known rule/expectation.  (Of course, some incidences will be thoroughly explained if needed.) We will be keeping track on a clipboard and once a student reaches 3, he or she will be given free advice in their planner for parents to see.  (Note: free advice may still be given if teacher feels it is warranted.)   Students were introduced to the new system this week and should be able to explain it to you. Please feel free to contact us for more explanation.

SELS News

February Lunch Orders:  If you would like to order lunches for your child at school, please download the Febraury lunch calendar that David emailed earlier this week.  Circle the dates your child would like lunch and write your child’s name and crew at the top of the menu.  Menus are due by this Friday (or sooner).

SELS-a-bration SOCK HOP: Don’t miss out on a good ol’ fashioned SOCK HOP at SELS this Friday night, February 7 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  The PTC is still looking for volunteers for all areas to help make this a memorable night for all.  Thirty minutes is all it takes to make this a great evening for all.  Please sign up on the Google Doc to help out.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gbGmcRhj3IvgDEHDZou_M3KZSpXkpDsX5DYIcOWcYDc/edit?usp=sharing

Dates to Remember:

Fri. Feb. 7:  SELS-a-bration SOCK HOP from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Wed. Feb. 12:  Nevada County Library

Thurs. Feb. 13: Squaw Valley Fieldwork

Fri. Feb. 14:  Empathy and Caring celebration 

Mon. Feb. 17 – Fri. Feb. 21:  NO SCHOOL – Ski/Skate Week