Welcome to the Library/Technology Media Classpage!

Ms. Sue Benson
Jr. High kids (and parents):

There is an expectation that you bring your homework to school ready to turn in on the day it is due. Your assignment should be printed at home. We understand that things can go wrong. If your home printer is not working or is out of ink, ask your parents to e-mail the teacher or send a note. You will then be allowed to print at school.
|
The kids in grades kids in grades 3-8 are
keyboarding, keyboarding, keyboarding!
Check the LINKS on this classpage for opportuities for practicing at home.
|
Click here for the "Encyclopedia" song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy2jWJtO3lE
Click here for a funny instructional video about Copyright rules!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJn_jC4FNDo
Here is a funny video teaching about plagiarism.
http://library.camden.rutgers.edu/EducationalModule/Plagiarism/
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS!!!

Grades 4-5
Battle of the Books
is a statewide program that we have adapted for our students here at St. Mary’s Visitation. All students in grades 4-5 have been placed in groups and given a list of twenty books.
The seven picture books on the list will be read to them in library class. The remaining books need to be read by as many group members as possible before the competition during Children’s Book Week in May. The teams will meet during library class in upcoming weeks to discuss their progress and write sample questions that will later be used in the competition.
Although all of the books are available in the school library there will be many students seeking out the same books. Please encourage your child to locate the books at the public library in your community.
See "files" to print out the book list.
Grades 6-7-8
Battle of the Books
is a statewide competition for students in grades 6-7-8. This is a voluntary activity at this level, but all students are encouraged to participate. Students will be placed in groups and given a list of twenty books.
These books need to be read by as many group members as possible before the competition in early February. The teams will meet during library class to discuss their progress and practice questions. Sign-up fro Battle of the Books will be on Monday, October 19.
Although all of the books are available in the school library there will be many students seeking out the same books. Please encourage your child to locate the books at the public library in your community.
See "files" to print out the book list.

WORLD BOOK ONLINE is now available at our school.
Students can research this database at home too!
Go to: www.worldbookonline.com
The user name and password are BOTH smveg
A sample of what's new in the library this week:

These "gently used" books were recently donated to our library:
National Audobon Society Field Guide to Birds
Winning Volleyball for Girls
Puppy Tales
Junie B., First Grader One-Man Band
|
Spotlight Books
Students seem to be curious about stories of war, especially WWII and the Holocaust. There are several brilliantly written novels on this topic in our library. The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti gives a picture of the Hitler Youth Movement, and the tale of a boy who dared to question the purpose of his involvement. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne is the story of the child of a German family and his innocent observations as his soldier father serves in Hilter's army. Both of these powerful books have mature themes and are designated for Jr. High students only. |
Check the files for the Waukesha County Kids Choice reading list. This is a voluntary reading activity for grades 4-5-6. Read five books from the list by February, vote for your favorite and win a prize!
Hey kids! Did you ever try to look for something on the Internet, only to be faced with thousands of websites on your topic? Here is a great website full of tips on how to do a good Internet search. http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/welcome/ Parents, look over this site as a family. It is really worth the time!
Parents, are you concerned about keeping kids safe in the Internet? Here are some websites that are worth your time. You will find lots of information about keeping your family and your computer safe.
www.getnetwise.org www.safekids.com www.ikeepsafe.org
|
A FEW MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS |
|
The technology vision of the school recognizes the impact of developing media on individuals, communities and families. Therefore we will:
- Continuously improve our hardware and software library, including access to emerging technologies.
- Teach students to be wise users of technology while maintaining ethical standards consistent with Catholic values.
- Challenge staff and students to explore and apply new avenues available through technology to enhance student achievement.
- Make use of state and national instructional media standards as our guide for developing curriculum that ensures student proficiency at appropriate developmental levels.
|
Smart Board Technology
Interactive, computer driven whiteboards are energizing today’s classrooms and changing how students learn. These whiteboards bring the power of a computer and the Internet right to a large screen. A touch sensitive display board connects to a classroom computer and digital projector. Students and teachers use their fingers or inkless pens to write and draw on the screen, as well as to manipulate objects and words. Interactive whiteboards allow students to be more engaged in the learning process. Because students are not always isolated in front of individual computer screens, learning can become a collaborative process. |
|
United Streaming
With Discovery Education United Streaming, teachers gain access to a rich collection of more than 50,000 video segments from about 5,000 full length educational videos. As a standards based educational resource, Discovery Education United Streaming is proven to increase student achievement, and also helps schools meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind. |
Badgerlink
Badgerlink is a project of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The goal is to provide access to quality online information resources for Wisconsin residents. Through Badgerlink students access a variety of research databases including newspapers, periodicals, literature, reference materials and websites. Students have direct access at school, and can access Badgerlink at home using their public library card. |

Please Note
Students in grades 5-8 are welcome to stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays for extra time in the Computer Lab. This is a great opportunity to work on assignments, especially if there is competition for your computer at home. Please see the permission form attached to my files below. Please send written permission when you want your child to stay, or send me an e-mail. Thanks!
The Typing Hall of Fame!
Watch for it in 2009-2010