You may volunteer to send in items for the
Valentine Party on our Wiki. The party is this
Friday the 12th at 1:45-2:30. The school ran out
of white paper sacks to make Valentine bags.
Because of this, each child is asked to decorate a box.
They may decorate it at home, or bring it in to
decorate.
There is a social studies test on Friday. The
students have notes to study.
Are the students allowed to bring their laptops
and iTouches to school? The answer is yes IF
they are bringing it for educational reasons. For
example, some use it as a planner. Others use it
for word processing. Some students use their hand held
devices for taking video or a picture.
At times they may look at an application during an inside
recess, but this is NOT the reason for having or bringing
in their own technology. Please look at your child's choice
of technology and approve all content that is on there.
Also, the school is not responsible for theft or loss
of property, so there is always that risk.
Can your child log onto the Internet with their own
technology? The answer is YES, as we have Wifi. However,
they are logging onto the RRISD server which is monitored.
If your child has access to the Internet through AT&T,
Verizon, etc. they are not allowed to use that connection
at school as it can not be monitored. All RRISD rules apply
to the use of technology. No google, no typing in addresses
on their own, etc.
A part of the 5th grade TEKS (what we are teaching in Texas)
is media. Students are to be aware of different types of media
as a form of communication. Earlier this year the students
created a podcast. Using the Wiki is also part of this TEK.
Now they are working on video. The video
will be filmed with a "flip" camera, and then the students will
use the "flip" software to produce their short instructional film.
Writing and speaking skills are also TEKS that are covered when
we do these fun projects.
What are we learning?
Technology - Excel spreadsheets (using formulas)
Video with "flip" cameras and software
Math - geometry and reviewing skills
Social Studies - The American Revolution and government
Language - basic skills as well as media literacy
Science - solar system
We took our first TAKS practice test today.
Writing - mystery writing
There are TWO field trip permission slip forms to
sign and return. :-)
THE ONE TO THE PAC IS ON FEB. 9
Mrs. Myrick
Remember to look over the papers in the Monday binder.
When you have time, go over the papers with your child. We
have been having a class discussion about skills they know,
but possibly are not showing on their papers. Spelling,
puntuation, complete sentences, and proper grammar count.