Expedition Express

Truckee Donner Public Utilities District:  Our crew braved the elements last week to walk over to the Truckee Donner PUD (I love our Truckee Kids!!).  Students were given a tour of the facility by Steven Poncelet and learned where the sources for energy in Truckee originate and water sources for Truckee residents.  

Questions of the Week:

  • What are some sources of energy TDPUD uses for energy in Truckee?
  • Where does the coal used to produce energy come from for Truckee Residents?
  • How does Truckee get water?
  • How can you conserve energy in your home? 

Crew News

Upcoming Fieldwork:  We have some great fieldwork experiences ahead of us and I want to let you know what is coming so you can plan accordingly.

I need drivers for each of these events, including our end-of-year overnight camping adventure.  If you would like to join us on any of the following fieldwork, please reply with the following information:  Your name, the fieldwork you plan to attend, and the number of kids you can transport in your vehicle.

Tuesday, May 22 – Reno Aces Education Day

Students attend an all day event at the Reno Aces Ballpark, participating in Standards Based stations, listening to presentations by the ball players, and watching the Reno Aces play the New Orleans Zephyrs in the ballpark.  This will be a FUN-FILLED day for everyone involved.

Thursday, May 31 – Friday, June 1 – Energy Fieldwork and Overnight Adventure

This Expedition culminiation will tie both our fall and spring expeditions together.  We will head west towards Dixon and then south toward the Iberdrola Renewables WindFarm in Birds Landing, CA.  We will also visit the Western Railway Museum which has a rail that travels through the wind farm.  We will camp the evening of May 31 and tour the Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park where electricity was generated for Sacramento over 100 years ago.  We will conclude our adventure with a visit to Sacramento to view Haley Flaherty’s winning poster in Senator Barbara Boxer’s office (time permitting).

Wednesday, June 6 – Wizard’s Lab at Truckee/Tahoe Airport

KidZone Museum is hosting a Wizards Lab for students at the Truckee/Tahoe Airport.  Students will participate in hands-on activities hosted by the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Please let me know ASAP if you would like to join us on any of these fieldwork opportunites (even if you have already told me you want to go, please email me so I have written confirmation  – translation = I don’t trust my memory, so I may not remember you telling me you want to go with us).  These trips are limited on the number of parent slots available, so the sooner you let me know, the better your chance of securing a great time with your child on one of these trips.

Swimming:  Today was our first swimming lesson of the season.  The kids were fantastic.  A few reminders: 

  • Students need to wear their swim suits under their clothing to school and pack a change of underclothes. 
  • Bring a towel and a plastic/mesh bag for wet bathing suit.
  • Girls should braid hair to prevent tangles.

SELS News

STAR Testing:  A reminder to all parents that SELS will be administering the California Standards Test beginning the week of May 7th through May 18.  English-Language Arts will be assessed on Tuesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 10th.  Math will be assessed on Wednesday, May 16 and Thursday, May 17.  Please avoid scheduling any doctor’s appointments or out-of-town trips during these testing dates.

Dates to Remember:

  • May 2 –  Walk to Nevada County Library
  • May 7 – Swimming (see reminders above)
  • May 8 – English-Language Arts STAR testing
  • May 9 – Minimum Day – dismissal 1:00
  • May 10 – English-Language Arts STAR testing
  • May 16 – Math STAR testing
  • May 17 – Math STAR testing
  • May 22 – Reno Aces Education Day/Game
  • May 28 – No School – Memorial Day
  • May 31- June 1 – Wind Farm fieldwork and overnight camping
  • June 6 – Wizards Lab – Truckee/Tahoe Airport