For Parents

Comments, concerns, suggestions? 
e-mail Deb.A.Gardner@gmail.com

This page last updated on 
August 30, 2007

Middle School Syllabus

Technology and Learning - "What are the experts saying?"
"How can I learn more about the Internet? My children already know more than I do!"
Wish List for the computer lab
Thank you!

"Conquer Your Computer!"

QuickStart PowerPoint

Helping Your Children Learn How to Study

Although improving study skills is a student activity, ultimately, it is we, as parents, who motivate (if not mandate) our children to become better managers of their time and develop their study skills.

Study Skills - This site is authored by the Child Development Institute and offers basic tips on helping your students to get organized, fine-tune their study skills, etc.

Back to top

Homework Help for Parents

This site may help you to help your children!

Discovery School for Parents  

Back to top

A Parent's Perspective

Many websites that provide information for teachers and students have excellent pages for parents as well. Take a look.

Learning Network
Scholastic

Back to top

How Often Does My Child Come to the Computer Lab?

Classroom teachers in grades K-5 may sign up to bring their classes to the computer lab as needed. The amount of time your students spends in the lab is directly related to how many times your student's teacher signs the class up to use the lab.

Technology is treated as an "explore" class and the middle school.  Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade are rotated by quarter in Explore classes like foreign language, technology and library/media,  health, art, music and study skills. 

Seventh and eighth grade students come to the computer lab (and library media center) four times a week for a quarter where various technology and library/media skills are taught and assessed. See the following Middle School Syllabus for more information and what they are learning. In addition, middle school classroom teachers frequently bring the middle school students to the lab for projects and research.

Thursday afternoons the lab is used by students in middle school electives. In addition, flex time in the middle school on Friday afternoon often provides open computer lab time when students can come in and use the lab for completing projects, research, etc.

Back to top

Middle School Syllabus

Seventh Grade

Eighth Grade

Computer Lab Objectives & Procedures

Back to top

How is my Child's "Computer Grade" Calculated?

Generally, there are no tests or grades given in K-5 computer class however archdiocesan curriculum standards for technology and NETS for students (National Educational Technology Standards) are still followed.  Assessment is done through project evaluation, typing speed/accuracy assessment, observation, etc. Students are held accountable when they visit the computer lab to be collaborative learners, active listeners and respectful. Respect for the teacher, each other and the equipment is essential and a lack of respect for any of these will be communicated to the student's parents. In addition, if  the student's performance does not meet the expectation, it is communicated in an e-mail,  a phone call, or a note to the child's parent.

In middle school computer grades are based on many different kinds of assessments.  There are tests, projects, research opportunities for other classes, and I try to model as much as possible, how students will be using technology in the real world, not just in the classroom. In the computer lab we have a "participation grade" that may account for up to 5% of the student's grade for the quarter. The participation grade includes their ability to be independent learners, collaborative participants, be active listeners, ask questions and be respectful of the people and equipment in the lab.  Although I am their teacher and responsible for discipline and respect in the lab, I work as their "guide on the side" and not their "sage on the stage."  Your children enthusiastically teach me new things on a weekly basis. Truly, it is a mutual learning and teaching experience! 

Back to top

Technology and Learning
What are the "experts" saying?

Be sure to check Edline (Contents, Technology, Ed Tech News) for articles about the Importance of Technology Use in Education, Progressive Technologies Used in the Classroom, Distance Learning, Hybrid Teaching Strategies with Classroom Management Systems, Cyberbullying and Internet Safety, Laptop Programs, IPods for Education and other Hand Held devices.

Back to top

Learning More About the Internet

Feeling like your children know more about the Internet than you do? They might! Here's a terrific on-line tutorial to take so you can catch up. Start on the link (that's the underlined phrase) on the left side of the page called "Use the Site."  

Learn the Net

Following are some additional sites parents might find helpful in learning more about how to set safe parameters for children's Internet use.

Safe Kids

NetSafe

Yahooligans Parent's Guide

Back to top

Wish List for the Computer Lab

Following is a prioritized "wish list:"

1. Technology use at SPX is escalating and this is exciting. At times it's difficult for teachers to schedule time in the computer lab.  Equipping the library with "PC pods" would ease the growing pains. A PC pod is a cluster for 3-4 PCs grouped together that share a printer. That way either the library or the computer lab could be signed out for instruction, presentations or hands-on learning. 

And just because it never hurts to dream a little. . . J
I'm envisioning a time where students have a small studio where digital video can be shot, reviewed and edited.  What's needed?  Well for starters two digital video cameras, two PCs and large screen monitors, and Adobe's Premier software. 

PTO is beginning to set aside funds to fund a mobile lab (a cart of 25 lap tops with wireless access.) We've got a little nest egg accumulating. Would you like to see it grow by contributing? 

Back to top

Thank You!

Thanks to the following volunteers and benefactors:

Eric Beasley - for his expertise in configuring and supporting our campus and school network and his generous donations of hardware and software (many, many hours)
Julie Dunn - for heading up our cartridge recycling program. Julie always has more bags! Every little bit helps.  Last year we earned over $1,200 for technology for our kids at St. Pius X School. And, Julie's enthusiastic friend "Mary Mobile" (actually Julie's alter ego) mobilized our technology troops to collect even more cartridges and cell phones. As a result, we received a brand new color laser printer!
Bernie Allen - for acting as the "project manager" for the installation of our new SMART board and sound system in five classrooms.
Jeff Eastman - for being our "cable guy." Jeff helps me figure out how the video all works together.  He's a whiz at configuring video devices and pulling cable.
Tom Gardner -  What a way to break in a new husband! Thank you, Tom for hanging the projector when we were meeting a deadline!
PTO Volunteers - for the creative and energetic spirit you share helping with activities and projects that support our school. You are  technology's lifeline at school!

Thank you all for keeping us connected!

Back to top