The Cat's Connection
September
Welcome Back!
Here's to getting back to school! We are so very glad to see our kids once again fill our classrooms and hallways. Enthusiastic would describe our group of students thus far, who seem glad to be back!
We are off to a great start! Having a good number of our new 6th graders at orientation camp helped immensely, and by the end of the first week, everyone seems to have things pretty well figured out.
Over the course of the year, we will be sending our Cat's Connection in hopes of keeping families up to date on news and important events going on at LaCreole.
It is our pleasure to serve your kids, and we hope to see you at our upcoming Open House on September 24th (see details below).
We welcome some new staff!
Mr. Hettwer
Mrs. Bogle-Todd
Mrs. McFarland
Ms. Wilcox
Mr. Lalack
Technology as a Learning Tool
Technology for learning (and fun)!
Once again this year at LaCreole, you will notice a focus on learning using different technologies. Please understand we have fun with technology here at school, but our fun comes in the form of using technology to learn! Just the other day a few of our teachers were having "fun" trying out our new 3D printer! Students will use computers and mobile devices to research, connect with their teachers, collaborate with others on projects, as well as to create various products. Students have learned that technology can be used as a powerful tool for learning, not just a toy.
Technology is a tool for learning. It doesn't replace what goes on in the classroom, but only enhances learning and enables teachers to do more with their students. We have great teachers using a great tool, and we expect great things!
Technology Safety
Student safety is our priority. While students are at school and accessing our Internet, a heavy duty filter system is in place to protect them and the work they produce. We understand that when we think of the worst case scenarios, whether it be student disengagement, cyberbullying, or visiting inappropriate sites, technology use can be somewhat of a scary endeavor, one that some schools choose to not pursue. However, we believe it is our responsibility to help students learn important skills and prepare them for their futures through thinking and collaborative exercises, just as we do as adults on a daily basis. We are very purposeful when it comes to student use of technology here at school. We provide a curriculum that focuses on what it means to be a good digital citizen. We want our students to be smart and safe when it comes to technology use.
BYOD
Though we have increased the number of devices we have at school, the majority of which are Chromebooks, we are not able to provide all students with the technology needed all of the time. We encourage students who have and use personal devices at home to feel free to bring them and use them at school. Having familiarity and continuous access to their device helps them stay organized and proficient on the tools they use here at school as well as at home. We refer this as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and this helps all students gain access needed.
Technology Resources
We have utilized many resources from Common Sense Media, an online resource for parents, students, and teachers. If you would like to learn more about digital citizenship and increase your own digital literacy, check out the link below. Throughout this school year we will be sharing tips and strategies of positive use and discussions with kids.
Picture Day is Coming!
Smile! We will have school pictures next week on Thursday, September 17th.