Expedition Express: Cartographers and Commanders
In our Expedition we are studying navigation and map skills. We started by using our surroundings to determine what direction is north, as well as studying a variety of maps. This week we have been introduced to a compass and practiced using a map scale, latitude and longitude, and a typical legend on a map. We will be continuing to learn skills about how to use a compass, a map, and can happen when these tools are combined.

Questions to Ask Your Child:
Where is north (without a compass)? How do you know?
Why did you spend a whole day looking at a shadow? What did it tell you?
What is the flight simulation game? What is your team’s strategy?

Math
We are just beginning the CPM math curriculum. The lessons in this first chapter are meant to challenge students on their idea of variables and probability. I include an optional bonus question in every homework assignment for students who would like to go above and beyond.

English/Language Arts
We are starting the year with narrative writing. We will be talking about ways to improve our narrative writing, including plot, point of view, figurative language, and using events/emotions in our own life to improve our writing. Book clubs start next week! Students will be in groups of six and read the same book at the same pace. Book club is meant to help with student comprehension of complex literature, all while practicing high quality writing.

“Who am I?”
I introduced the “Who am I?” project on Friday. The first task is for students to find a mentor who they will need to meet with THREE times this year (October, December/January, March). I encourage you to help your student brainstorm ideas of who would be a good mentor, but allow them the opportunity to contact the possible mentor and ask them on their own. Hopefully all of the students will be able to find their mentor by the end of this month.

Crew News
The crew has gotten off to a fantastic start! I am so pleased with the Habits of Work (HOWs) and character that students have shown in their first week.

Grouse Ridge Fieldwork
Our Grouse Ridge fieldwork is September 28-30. We are still in need of a Fieldwork Coordinator for this fieldwork, as well as volunteers (6 each day) to chaperone, and parents to shop and prepare for the fieldwork. So far I have not heard from any volunteers for this fieldwork. If you are available to help organize or volunteer, please let me know as soon as possible.

Mark Your Calendar
For all school dates, please refer to the calendar on our website: https://truckeecharterschool.org/calendar/
• Minimum Day: September 14
• Grouse Ridge: September 28-30
• SELS Summit Day: October 7
• Minimum Day: October 12

Highlights
I wanted to highlight a new student to our crew. Vanessa is the only new student this year, but she has fit into the crew seamlessly. Often it is difficult for new students to adjust to the change in culture of our school, this has not been the case with Vanessa. I have also noticed all of the students doing everything they can to make Vanessa’s transition easier. Great job crew!

I would also like to highlight Jen for volunteering to be our Fieldwork Coordinator for the Bay Sailing Fieldwork on October 27-28. It is incredibly helpful for me to have a Fieldwork Coordinator that can organize parent volunteers (drivers, food shoppers, gathering any extra gear, etc). This allows me to focus all of my energy on the curriculum I will doing with the students. Jen and I will send out more information about the Bay Sailing Fieldwork in the beginning of October.

Also thank you to all of the parents that made it to back to school night!