Back to School Night

Welcome to Technology - Mrs. Mary Beth Morell and Ms. Polly Sileo

7th graders will meet with us during one 40-minute period each week, and 8th graders will meet during two 40-minute sessions - one with Mrs. Morell, and one with Ms. Sileo.    Each of the 7th and 8th students has been issued a Google Chromebook for use in their core classes.  Ipads are also available for use by the students.  The idea is that we’re going to try to move more of the technology into the core classes, so that it’s better integrated with the subject matter.

Our tech classes this year will focus on the following areas:

• Scantron Testing – Scantron, the standardized testing required by the Archdiocese of Washington, will take place during technology class three times a year – September, February and May.  Each round takes three weeks of class time.
• Keyboarding - only if necessary.  By the end of 6th grade, we had hoped that our students would be typing 30 words per minute, as many of the final exams are given on computers at HTS.  We will test the students, and if they are far below that mark, they will be given time in class to work on their skills.
• Online Research Skills  - we will work on a variety of skills related to Internet searching and researching.  We will review effective searching strategies, how to identify a reputable website, how to organize research, and how to cite a source properly using an online citation maker.
• Presentation Skills – We will use a range presentation tools for class projects such as blogs, PowerPoints, Prezis and  iMovies.
• Yearbook - 8th Graders will create their personal yearbook pages. Please help us meet our deadlines by sending in pictures on the requested dates.
• Simple Programming - We will introduce some basic programming to our students.

Digital Citizenship

Throughout the year, we will be working with Counselor Cydney Lewis to do mini-lessons on Digital Citizenship, using the curriculum from Common Sense Media.  Topics will include Privacy and Digital Footprints, Online Safety and Security, Connected Culture and Respecting Creative Work.  Please consider subscribing to the parent newsletter on Common Sense Media http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ to help you navigate the constantly evolving world of social media with your child.

The Blog

Every week, we will provide updates on the 7th and 8th Grade Technology Blogs – our answer to a teacher homework page.  Students will be able to access any links or resources we have posted, and parents will be able to see what we are doing in technology class.  Our contact information will be there as well.  The link to the blogs can be found on my homework page: http://www.htsdc.org/faculty-homework-pages/morell/

Cornerstone and Grades -  Grades will be given periodically using Cornerstone, but because so much of our class is taken by standardized testing and tech “housekeeping,” grades will be given for the semester, not the quarter.

Questions, Comments or Suggestions?  Reach us on mbmorell@htsdc.org or psileo@htsdc.org