Happy Holidays everyone!  It is hard to believe that 2008 is almost to an end.

The technology classes are learning a lot of basic technology uses. 

Kindergarten has been using Starfall.com to help with reading skills.  I highly recommend this site for your students.

1st Grade hasnt not had technology for a while.  Their teacher felt she needed more time with them to bring up their skills.  They will start having technology at the beginning of the 2nd semester.

2nd Grade has had some typing practice from powertyping.com as well as learning about Powerpoint.  They all created simple Powerpoint presentations.  Next I will be teaching them how to find basic information on the Internet.

3rd & 4th Grades also have been practicing typing skills on powertyping.com.  They also have been learning more about Powerpoint and research information on the computer.  A great website for them is factmonster.com.  After the winter break the I would like to have the kids particpate in epals.  Permission slips will be sent home and need to be returned before winter break.  You can find more infomration on emails at www.epals.com.

Computer club is well underway.  I have been trying to find guest speakers to come and talk to the students about the different use of technology or have some demonstrations.  I havent had any luck, but will continue.

Yearbook club is also underway.  The 6th-8th graders that have been coming have started creating the yearbook pages in publisher.  They are learning how to use Publisher and have come up with some creative ideas for the yearbook.  I hope to have the yearbook in color again this year.  My friend who gave us a deal last year said he would do the same this year.

There will be a holiday party for both the Computer Club and Yearbook Club on Thursday, Dec 11th.  The party will be held after school to 5 pm in the school lunchroom.  The students are encourage to bring a snack to share.  Keeping with the technolog theme, they may bring their handheld games such as a PSP or Gameboy.  All handheld game systems need to be kept with Ms. Troiano in her room until the time of the party.  Ms. T is planning on bringing her Wii.  Parents are invited.