Scratch

The 5th grade students have been working on computer programming using a program called SCRATCH.  This program allows the students to create their own stories and interactive games.  This program was developed at MIT and is offered for FREE!

You can download it by going to http://scratch.mit.edu/

RAZ-KIDS

Raz-Kids is an online, leveled reading program.  Our school has purchased a subscription for grades K-3.  It has been introduced to the students in grades K-2 in the computer lab.  It can be used at home as well.

You can access Raz-Kids by logging into our school website at ps154.org or raz-kids.com.  Students can get to their assignments by logging into their class.

Boo! Guess Who?

The 2nd graders have recently completed a fun project where they imported their photograph into Kid Pix and then transformed themselves into "Something Else".  Everyone had a great time seeing their creations put into a movie. 

If you would like a copy of the Boo!  Guess Who?  movie, just send in a blank CD or DVD and I will be happy to make a copy for you.  Please make sure your child's name and class is on the disk.  Note that movie on a CD will be in Quicktime format.

Cyber Safety Month

October is designated by the Federal Government as National Cyber Safety Awareness Month.  

This is a great time to review with your family some internet safety guidelines.  Cyber Safety is important to practice every day of the year.

Don't forget - UYN - Use Your Netsmarts!

Keep safe - all my personal information;
Keep away from internet strangers;
Keep telling- a trusted adult or friend about everything I see on the internet especially if it make me uncomfortable.

Here are some websites to learn more about how to keep safe on the internet.
 I Keep Safe
NetSmartz Kids

More information about Cyber Safety Month

What's New in the Computer Lab!

iMacs that's what's new! We have 23 brand new ones!

Thanks to our ResoA Grant from our City Council we were able to purchase them for the lab. They come complete with OS 10.5 better known as "Leopard", 2mb RAM, built in iSight cameras and loads of software to do lots of projects with.

The students and I are having a wonderful time using them to practice and learn our computer skills.