Homework Website

Our grade-level teams have been asked to create and maintain websites to communicate homework to parents. We've been looking into a few and will pick soon. It will be different from when I wrote mine from scratch in HTML a few years ago, but I hope that it will be as helpful for the parents and students. In second grade we have a fairly rigid homework schedule, so I don't know that it will be as useful as it was for me in the past. Plus, I created a listserv to contact parents about upcoming events, which I have found to be super useful. Maybe a 2nd grade blog that parents could subscribe to might be useful? Any ideas?

Wiki

I am struggling with the benefit of the wiki in kindergarten. I think back to the video we saw in which people were able to manipulate things for a camping trip...and it doesn't seem to be what I am using it for. It's more of a "portfolio" at this point. Thoughts??

reflection

The STEP training has been a wonderful experience for Rockledge. For me, I am really excited about learning about blogs. As an educational administrator, at times I am so busy that I don't take time to experience all that is going on in our world with technology. During the election I took note of how many people referred to blogs but I didn't really get it. Once I learned the idea behind it, I realized this election was really won because of the way people were communicating. That is a powerful change.

I am now on a committee for the Summer Leadership Institute and came up with the idea of sending 30 second videos to principals to entice them to enter a talent show. Prior to participating in the STEP Grant, I would never have thought of such an effective way to compel people to participate.

The STEP Grant, over the past two years has been instrumental in our school's growth in the use of technology every day. Those teachers that were not able to be a part want desperately to be part of it. Those involved really do teach others. We just don't have the time we wish we had to bring everyone along as fast as 1. they want to and 2. the kids deserve for us to teach everyone. Teaching everyone remains one of our goals at Rockledge. We can't thank the STEP Staff enough for all they have done for Rockledge. We will never be the same! We are so grateful.

end of year awards

We want to do something different for our Awards Assembly this year. We want EVERY child to feel a part of it so every child will be recognized with a tangible piece of something that makes us all a whole. Technology will play a big role in this...certificates, presentations, etc.

How great we are!

Parents who enjoy working in schools are a true gift. They understand that it is like a family, some days are great and others are hectic. At Rockledge we are so fortunate. We also have many great days.

Finale!!!

I am happy to be creating this final post. I did realize that I need to go back and find some of my original blogs...oops! So, I will be spending the next bit of time doing this. In the meantime...as a reflection, I can honestly say that the use of the digital camera and photostories has been the biggest asset this year! We have created several photostories, and voicethreads! It is exciting, and I am glad it is all coming to good use!!

The End

Now, we are finalizing all the information for the STEP walk. It is so exciting! I am looking forward to seeing the other teams. It will be exciting to see everyone's projects and look at their boards. I am so lucky to be in STEP!! I can't wait until next year!!