Parent Update on Student Classwork 4-8

https://forms.gle/rcGNjfXETZY655X18

Link to Acknowledgment Form

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to St. Elizabeth’s K-8^th Grade Technology Program for 2019-2020.

Following are our Technology Center Expectations.

Computer classes for grades K-8 will follow all the guidelines, rewards and consequences in the student handbook and the Diocesan Technology Curriculum. The curriculum includes computer terminology, keyboard skills, word processing, Internet usage, ethical issues, the history and development of computers and coding.

Students are expected to pay attention, follow directions, raise their hand when they have questions or are asked a question; also, to be respectful of the equipment, themselves, their classmates and myself at all times.

Please follow the specific procedures as outlined below.

• Leave backpacks and other personal items (purses, etc.) outside in the hall.
• Food/Drink is not permitted in the Tech Lab during class and tutoring times.
• Playing computer games or listening to music during computer class time is only allowed with teacher permission.

By signing the Student Handbook, you are agreeing with our IAP, Internet Acceptable Use Policy, found under “Computer Usage” in the Student Handbook.

All students and their parents are required to sign an Internet Acceptable Use Policy (IAP) agreement form in order to have access to technology at St. Elizabeth School. A parent’s signature in the Parent/Student Handbook constitutes agreement with the IAP. Failure to sign this form will prohibit the student from using the computers and may be reflected in the student’s grade due to missed assignments.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Stepniewski

K-8 Technology

mstepniewski@saintspride.com 241-331-5139 x2629

Classroom Rules:

Listen when others are talking.

Follow directions.

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Stay seated at workstation, unless given permission to move.

Walk quietly and do not disturb others.

Show respect for school and personal property.

Work and play in a safe manner.

Consequences for Not Following Rules:

Redirection to follow classroom rules and procedures

One-to-one conference (short talk about behavior) away from other students.

Reduction in Conduct Grade

Deliberate disrespect, disruption, etc. results in reduction in participation points depending on severity, which will impact overall academic score. Because of the nature of Computer Class, if participation is lacking, daily work suffers. Detention is usually a last resort.

Consequences for younger students (e.g. K or 1^st):

Move student within normal seating pattern (semi-circle) around Smart Board.

Send student out of semi-circle if quick eye contact or word does not result in improved behavior.

If student goes outside of acceptable behavior from first step into room and before seated, other means to continue class will be reviewed. Most unusual is sending child back to regular teacher and, thus, to office or principal.

Class begins with a brief discussion of the day’s goal/task which is outlined in the posted Agenda.

Students are expected to listen and ask questions for understanding. Younger students sit in semi-circular rows near the Smart Board to more easily access interactive activities on the Smart Board.

Grading Policies: Most of our work is project-based and ongoing over many class periods. Each class results in a participation grade and an academic grade. All assignments must be completed in class. Student competence must be demonstrated while class is in session, therefore, projects completed at home are not accepted unless there are extenuating circumstances that have been discussed with your teacher. Should a student absence require assignment makeup, the student should attend tutoring in the Uplab between 3:20 – 4:00 p.m. Tutoring is not a substitute for working diligently during class.

Participation and Daily Academic Grades are 60%.

Tests and final projects are weighted twice and are 40% of the total grade.

Conduct grades begin as a G for all students. The student’s subsequent efforts will determine if it remains a G or is raised to an E or lowered to an S, N or U.

Email messages will be answered during normal school-day hours within 24 hours, if possible.

https://forms.gle/rcGNjfXETZY655X18

Link to Acknowledgment Form

https://www.getwisdom.com/

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Esports

Now that esports is in high schools across the country, your teen gamer can justify gaming as “training” -- and maybe even win a college scholarship.By Caroline Knorr 9/24/2018 https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-esports

...

Should I encourage my young gamer to pursue esports?

That's up to you. If your kid really loves it and it seems to be a positive in their life, the biggest downsides are the time it requires to get good -- which takes away from other activities -- and the exposure to game violence. Unlike basketball or baseball, esports can be played at any time of day or night without the same kind of physical toll. But esports is a sedentary activity -- so you'll need to make sure that all that time spent gaming is balanced with physical exercise (as well as other important stuff). On the plus side, esports supporters, including the NFHS, believe that playing competitive video games requires some of the same skills as traditional sports, such as thinking strategically, learning to work as a team, and putting forth strong individual effort. Being a part of a team can be hugely beneficial in a kid's life, so long as the coach and other team members help create a supportive environment.

"The back-to-school season can be exciting, stressful, and everything in between. Whether you have a kindergartner just starting out or a teen in high school, media and tech will play a major role both during and after school. We offer practical advice on how to avoid the season's buying frenzy, recommendations for useful educational tools, and tips on helping your teen navigate the social media landscape of high school. " https://www.commonsensemedia.org/back-to-school

Privacy policy updates flooding your inbox? Here’s why (and why you should pay attention)

"At a basic level, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) recognizes that, as more of our lives take place online, it's important that consumers have basic rights and protections. This is great news for European families looking to take control of their personal information. Unfortunately, the U.S. still has a long way to go when it comes to making sure we have options and control over our digital lives.

Kids in Europe will have the following protections: the right to access the data a company has about them, and the right to correct or delete that information. Also, companies will have to explain what type of information they collect on kids and all consumers.

Right now, we know a lot of tech companies track the videos our kids watch, the music they enjoy, and their locations in hopes of using these data points to target kids with relevant ads. What we don't know is how this sort of data could affect our kids' opportunities in the future. Kids should have the freedom to maximize the benefits of technology and not be hindered by potential risks. That's why Kids Action is working to catalyze tech industry reforms for kids' digital well-being and advancing better policies that ensure privacy, promote digital citizenship, and protect our democracy.

Here are three things you can do today to keep your family safer -- online, at home, and everywhere in between.

1. Think before you share. Only provide the basic information needed to set up online profiles, limit how much personal information you and your kids share online, and think twice before you share your location. Check out the latest research, tips, and tools on what really keeps kids safe.

2. Read Common Sense's report Inside the Kids' Privacy Zone. Then talk to your kids about steps they can take to model good digital citizenship and be safe, responsible, and effective online.

3. Lend your voice. Sign up for advocacy updates to get the latest when it comes to policies affecting your family's digital life.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/kids-action/blog/privacy-policy-updates-flooding-your-inbox-heres-why#

Perot Robotics class

All About Mrs. step

https://prezi.com/_jy2dzcgoxth/about-your-teacher/