7th Graders were assessed on keyboarding skills and it was determined that it would be advantageous for them to go through our keyboarding program.  They will move at a faster pace then 5th and 6th graders so we anticipate working with MS documents towards the end of the year. 

CLICK HERE: Inspirational Keybaording Video for 7th Graders...WHAT A SKILL!  

5TH AND 6TH graders will continue to learn the keyboard and we have purchased and installed a new keyboarding software program that we will use to reinforce this valuable skill. 

5th graders also have new software that will offer "deserved breaks" from keyboarding.  The software is "Clue Finders 5th Grade Adventures" from the Learning Company.  This software supports Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Problem Solving!  You can bet our 5th graders will have a busy start to 2012. Look for an informational link under my Links/Resources Tab.

MICRO TYPE PRO OVERVIEW (Click Here)

Mrs. Cacicia and I will be working on a collaborative basis to assist our 4th graders in creating  an informational power point presentation for the ECOSYSTEM UNIT in Science.  

3rd graders will also have a new software choice which features Arthur taking them through some math activities with 5 levels of achievement. Look for an informational link under my Links /Resources Tab.

Pre-K through 2nd will be continuing Kids Keys to reinforce keyboard recognition while also having scholastic interactive software choices.  As of the new year, our Pre-k classes also have a new software choice...Reader Rabbit Preschool Sparkle Star Rescue.  Look for an informational link under my Links/Resources Tab.    

                Computer Classes at St. Andrew's are designed to teach your student(s) the skills they need to be successful in completing some of their homework assignments.  For instance, they will learn keyboarding skills and research skills that they will be able to apply while doing their homework from other classes.  Since they will be continuously practicing the skills taught in Computer Class,  there will be no need to actually assign homework from this class.   Taking all this into consideration, Computer Classes at St. Andrew's can be considered to be the "HOMEWORK HELPER" your student(s)  needs to assist them with core subject assignments. 

              In the rare occasion a student needs more practice at any skills we learn during class, I am always available to spend extra time with them in the computer lab after school. 

     WE'RE ALL CONNECTED ....

         Any teacher wishing to use the computer lab as a classroom resource is more than welcome to.  We are very lucky, here at St. Andrew's, to have the computer lab available for teachers to utilize.  The computer lab provides great resources to teachers and integrates technology into instruction which provides valuable 21st century skill building to our students!

                 BELOW IS MY SCHEDULE...ANY TIMES NOT AVAILABLE ARE MARKED WITH A RED X.  CONTACT ME AT marygentz5@gmail.com to reserve the time you wish to use the computer lab.  I WILL POST YOUR RESERVATION AS A CONFIRMATION ...THANKS!

Grades given 2^nd semester and 4^th semester

Grades issued numerically

Grades based on:   Following computer class rules, following directions, regular visual assessments to make sure students are practicing proper disc handling skills, familiarity with parts of the computer, taking care of and respecting computer room equipment, and being actively engaged in computer software programs available for Pre-k through 3^rd grades.

4^th Grade through 6^th Grade

Grades given 2^nd semester and 4^th semester

Grades issued numerically

Grades based on:   20%  behavior/participation/discipline

 80% average of keyboarding exercises, Microsoft Word in-class  assignments, culminating projects.                    

7^th Grade and 8^th Grade

Grades given 2^nd semester and 4^th semester

Exams given 2^nd and 4^th semester

Grades issued numerically

Grades based on:     20% behavior/participation/discipline

80% average in-class assignments  based on Microsoft Office Suite Applications, Movie Maker and proper internet  use.

20%  semester exams            

"My Keys to PURR-FECT Behavior" 

          I believe that all students have the capability to behave appropriately within a classroom setting.  A well-maintained classroom runs smoothly, enables learning and allows my time spent with your student to be productive,  positive and believe it or not, FUN!  Disruptive classroom behavior affects everyone so it is important to make students aware of what I expect from them. 

CLASSROOM RULES

(THESE ARE VISIBLY POSTED IN MY CLASSROOM FOR STUDENTS TO REFER TO)

• RESPECT YOURSELF
• RESPECT OTHERS
• RESPECT THE COMPUTER LAB EQUIPMENT
• RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY OR ASK
• LISTEN TO DIRECTIONS
• FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
• STAY ON TASK

     We have a very specific procedure in our computer lab.  I am lucky to have a room full of space that affords us work tables with attached chairs in the back of the room and computers /desks in the front of the room. 

     When the students enter the lab they go directly to the tables in the back of the room to get situated in their assigned seats.  Attendance is then taken and we immediately start discussing the lesson for the day.  Once everyone is clear on what the lesson is, we go to the computer area.  When we are finished working, time is allocated at the end of the period for putting away anything we have used (hand-outs, headphones, etc).  After that the students head back to usedthe tables for a closure discussion and then dismissal.  

      These four steps,

                                            (1)  tables

                                            (2)  computer area

                                            (3)  shut-down/clean up 

                                            (4)  back to tables for closure/dismissal

      allow us to be orderly and productive while in computer class!   

CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

Warning 1:  student documents/signs their name, date and "offense" in behavior log

Warning 2:  student is assigned discipline activity (also serves as documentation)

Warning 3:  a Discipline Referral is given with principal. parent and teacher signature  

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO: DIOCESE OF BUFFALO TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM 

LINKED ELOW ARE SOME OF THE SPECIFIC SITES WE USE TO MEET CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES

7th and 8th Grades

GCF LEARNING CLICK HERE!   (A SITE FOR EVERYONE TO USE) 

This is an awesome web-site that we use in class which gives great step-by-step interactive  lessons/instructions for many of the pertinent technology programs and application used today, i.e., Microsoft Office Suite 2010, Basic Computers, Internet and Social Networks. 

Parents, this site was designed for the user to learn independently about any of the topics listed.  If there is anything you need to "brush up" on or familiarize yourself with...utilize it to increase your own technology skills/knowledge!

5th and 6th Grades 

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON OUR KEYBOARDING PROGRAM

Click here for 5th Grade Clue Finders Adventures

We are very lucky here at St. Andrews because we have recently purchased keyboarding software that the 5th and 6th graders can actively engage in to learn keyboarding.  Assessments that are given will be focused mainly on accuracy for these grades.  Learning the keyboard is a skill that will prove to be very valuable for the rest of the student's academic life as well as throughout their careers that lie ahead.  

4th Grade

Fourth Graders will be doing culminating projects on Microsoft Word to reinforce ELA skills, Math skills, and general computer skills...we call it, Learning With Computers!

Pre-K through 3rd Grades

^{Click here for Scholastic Mission Statement}

CLICK HERE FOR KID'S KEYS OVERVIEW 

Pre-K through 3rd graders come into the computer lab very excited to learn.  They have a great selection of Scholastic Software to choose from which makes their time in computer class interactive, engaging and educational. Pre-K through 2nd also will earn certificates (they will be printing and bringing home) which will be a "hard copy" verifying the levels they have mastered in keyboard key recognition.   

NEW AS OF 2012...

Click here for Reader Rabbit Sparkle Star Rescue  (Preschool)

Click here for Arthur's Math Games   (Ages 4 - 7)

Dear St. Andrew's Families,

       I am thrilled to be the computer teacher at St. Andrew's Country Day School.  I am a New York Certified Business and Marketing Teacher.  Using the computer at the University of Buffalo and Buffalo State College was a huge part of most of the work I did in most of my classes.  I would like to pass these skills on to your St. Andrew's student(s).  Computer skills are going to be more valuable than ever in the 21st Century global economy we are all now a part of. My goal, as a teacher, is to prepare your St. Andrew's student(s) to be ahead of the technology curve.

         I live on Grand Island with my husband and two children and consider coming "over the bridge" to teach at St. Andrews a pleasure.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Mary Gentz