Computer Applications
Once a week, students in grades K-3 have “Computer Applications Class”. This class will implement basic technology skills both on the computer and the iPad appropriate for each age group. Our goal is to create a more consistent and cohesive curriculum of technology skills for students to be more successful when they reach Middle School. In grades 4-8, teachers will continue to implement technology into their regular class lessons and projects.
Going Paperless & Going Google
Our staff and students use Google Apps for Education for email, calendar, and more! This change was implemented to increase efficiency and reduce paper use within the school. As part of this transition, we have also made our weekly newsletter paperless and are encouraging staff to send messages home via email, rather than on paper when possible. You may have also noticed that the Calendar page and Upcoming events are now pulling from a Google Calendar. Go to our Calendar of Events or School Calendar for instructions for subscribing to the calendar if you’d like to sync it with your personal calendar!
RenWeb for Students
Parents have access to ParentsWeb to view their students’ grades, missing assignments, etc. Students in grades 6-8 have their own log in to access this information also. This allows them to be accountable for their own success but does not give them the same access as parents for updating student and family information.
Computer Lab
Our computer lab consists of 24 PCs operating on Windows 10. Each student has an assigned computer station and they each have their own login. All computers are protected with an anti-virus program called Avast for Education. If you would like more information about this program and its features, check out www.avast.com/students
Portable Laptop Lab
In 2022, we implemented a portable MacBook Pro laptop lab. 14 laptops are housed in a portable cart and can be checked out by students and staff to use throughout the day.
Student iPads
As of the 2017-2018 school year, we now have 1:1 iPads for each student in grades K-8. As each new school year starts up, we send home an iPad Policy Form (to ALL students in grades K-8). Once all forms have been signed by students/parents and returned, we distribute the iPads by classes. If you have questions about the iPad policy, please contact Mrs. Bertrand Sigurdson.
Grades 6-8 have their own school email addresses. This gives us more options & opportunities for submitting assignments online and using apps to enhance classroom learning. All email communication and app downloads would be monitored by school staff to ensure the safety and accountability of all students.
All online games are prohibited during school hours unless otherwise directed by the teaching staff. (See the school’s iPad policy for further guidelines)
VR Goggles
In the fall of 2017, we implemented Virtual Reality goggles to our school. This is a whole new concept in educational technology. Teachers are no longer limited to the space of the classroom. Our students are now able to bring the curriculum to life by immersing themselves in 360° panoramic expeditions to explore and learn in. Teachers guide the students thru the expeditions and are able to point out interesting sites pertaining to their curriculum. Currently, there are over 1,000 expeditions available.
Sphero
In the fall of 2016, Spheros rolled into our school. These programmable robots are controlled by apps on the students iPads. The number of STEM activities that can be done with Spheros are endless. Using the Spheros, implements coding with teamwork and problem-solving skills to accomplish various tasks. Some examples of activities we have done:
- We created various courses on the floor for students to navigate the Sphero thru. The teams had to program the robot using the Sphero coding app. They needed to measure angles and distances and adjust their coding through trial and error.
- Students were given an 18 oz cup and various building materials such as tape, clay, skewers, toothpicks and pencils. They created a way for the Sphero to drive the cup and pop a balloon taped to the wall. They adjusted their innovation by trial and error until the successful POP!
Lego for Education
In the summer of 2022, we received a generous donation to purchase 10 Lego for Education kits for all students to utilize. These kits work in conjunction with the Lego app on the student and teacher iPads. Students work in pairs to build various projects and program them to perform various tasks.
Creative Corner
This space will be a great learning lab and maker’s space for teachers to bring their students to during the year to do STREAM activities (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Math). This space is stocked with all kinds of supplies, technology and materials for students to be able to engage in lessons that activate creative thinking and explore learning in a space designed for making.