Dear families,

As the end of the year approaches, plans are already being made for next year. We have many very exciting projects that will be put into the works this summer. A new look for the website, new software programs for the lab, and new SmartBoards for the classrooms. The faculty is very excited about all these changes and improvements.

I wish everyone a restful and safe summer. Enjoy the time with families and friends.

Students- turn off the computer and go ride your bike!!!

Mrs. Feltes

Welcome to Technology!

This year the lab has 35 computers running Windows XP Professional operating system. We are completely networked so our older students can create a project in the lab and present it in their classroom. The lab also has 2 laser printers, 5 scanners/printers, an LCD projector, 2 digital cameras, and a video camera. We also have 2 laptop computers, one of which is set up with a projector that can be moved into classrooms as needed. Our most recent purchase is a Smartboard, which is an interactive white board.

We have come a long way!!!

Curriculum

Our students in 5th-8th grade focus on the Microsoft Office software program. They learn Word in 5th grade, PowerPoint in 6th grade, Excel in 7th grade and basic html code in 8th grade. These programs then continued to be used to create projects for their core classes. This year, the 8th graders learned how to balance a checkbook using the computer program Quicken. This is the first year for this program and we would like to thank Resource Bank and Quicken for their help in this project.

The younger grades also work on word processing using a program called Student Writing Center (grades 2-4) and KidPix Deluxe 3 (grades K-4). KidPix is also a drawing program and a slide show program. These applications work well as a stepping stone to Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Students in 1st through 5th grade use graph making programs to create bar graphs, circle graphs and more. They also learn to analyze the data they have entered and draw conclusions as to what their graphs show. This is a great lead into Microsoft Excel.

The Internet is also a part of their computer class. Students conduct research as well as visit web sites for drill and practice of their math facts, state names and capitals, and grammar. Many discussions take place regarding Internet safety and responsibilities. The 7th grade students will complete the "Missing" program which teaches about the dangers of Internet predators.

Keyboarding begins in 1st grade with a program called Type To Learn Jr. This program helps students learn where the keys are located and to use the left hand for the left side of the keyboard and the right hand for the right side of the keyboard. Home rows keys are introduced in second grade with the program Type to Learn 3. Our older students use Turbo Typing to focus on speed and accuracy. Our goal is to prepare these students to proficiency out of keyboarding at the high school level which will allow them to go right into computer application courses if they choose.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have regarding your child's class or e-mail me at mfeltes@stmaryschooldekalb.com.

Thanks so much!

Mrs. Feltes

Adult Classes. Classes are available in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. If you are interested in attending these classes, please contact Marcia Feltes.

Recycling Update:
This is our seventh year participating in the Inkjet and Laserjet Cartridge recycling program using The Funding Factory. It has expanded to also accept cell phones. Please click on the above link to adopt our school and have mailing boxes sent to your business. Click on the link "Business Support" to read about how you can help. Then click on the link at the bottom of the page "Register your business today". Complete the online form and enter our Beneficiary ID # 9710. It's that easy. The Funding Factory will send you prepaid boxes to use to mail in your cartridges and cell phones. When they receive your first shipment, our school will earn points for the cartridges that you send in as well as $10.00 just for signing up!

Thanks to all who support this program! These points are used to purchase hardware, software, and other equipment for our computer lab.

In the 7 years that we have been participating in this program we have earned 25,500 points which comes up to over

$10,000.00.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Marcia Feltes.

Technology Plan Surveys

The following links are provided for students and employees participating in the
On-line surveys for the 2007-2008 Technology Plan.
Please only answer the survey one time!
Passwords will be provided by your technology coordinator.

Student Survey - Click here for the student survey

Employee Survey - Click here for the employee survey.

Thank you very much for your help!