First Monday

After three weeks of school, we finally have had our first Monday and it turns out our Monday schedule is pretty fun!  We have both Physical Education and Exploratory in the afternoon. Today we also had a Kiva meeting.   Ms. Birdsall introduced the Chrome Books and previewed some assignments on Digital Passports (www.commonsensemedia.com).  We are so eager to get our hands on those devices.  Now that they are almost ready for students, we are working in the Tech Lab to get ready reviewing passwords on multiple accounts (network, Google, keyboarding, etc) and protocols for safe and responsible use.  We are also having conversations about how we will use the Chromebooks and tomorrow we will do some 'paper blogging.'

After Kiva we had our first library session. You may notice that each student now has a beautiful plastic bag to keep library books in. The idea is that students keep these bags all year.  They are to protect the library books from back pack mishaps.  Keyboarding Camp also began today-students got some practice using Typing club.     As a result of all the extras this morning, math and snack both got shortened.  Students were flexible and accepting of the changes.

Our afternoon in class work focused on creating SMART posters.  As you know, at Williston Central School SMART is an acronym for Safe, Mindful, Accepting and Truthful.  Students are working in table groups designing posters to 'advertise' this.  As I said, it was a fun and busy day!

We have lots of photos to share already.  I'm looking into a variety of ways to post them.  Mostly I have highlights of the last two weeks including:

• First Day of School photos
• Card Tower photos
• First Day of Quiet Reading
• Team Time with Ms. Schoolcraft's class and a parachute 

You may have noticed the information on Type 1 Diabetes went home today in folders.  There is a student who has this disease and she and her mom presented to us on Friday.  It was very impressive.  I wonder if any of your children spoke to you about it.

Well, I'm off to figure out how to post a slide show.  I'll be updating this blog at least once a week so please be sure to check back!

Here is a link to a slideshow that Mrs. Baker, our art teacher, created last week.  We are anticipating the celebration of International Dot Day in Equinox. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_veGIapWow