It's the Last Week of the year

Greetings!
I hope you are all enjoying this time of year and preparing for all the fun that is to come in the next three weeks. I have enjoyed our time together so far. I am looking forward to a great 2016! Below is a link where you can find New Year's games online. It is something different and I hope you find it fun!
Keep playing First in Math over the break. You can also keep practicing your typing. We will finish our typing unit when we come back from the break and we will visit again before the year is through.
Enjoy your time off and I hope you make many good memories!
Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!!
Ms. Shepherd


http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/new_years/games.htm

Hour of Code Week

Students in grades 3-5 have been writing computer code this week. You can see what they are working on at code.org/learn.
Here are some photos of students writing their code.

Hour of Code

Dear Parents,

We live in a world surrounded by technology. And we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works. But only a tiny fraction of us are learning computer science, and less students are studying it than a decade ago.

That’s why our entire school is joining in on the largest learning event in history: The Hour of Code, during Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 7-13). More than 100 million students worldwide have already tried an Hour of Code.

Our Hour of Code is a statement that Fork Shoals is ready to teach these foundational 21st century skills. To continue bringing programming activities to your students, we want to make our Hour of Code event huge. I encourage you to volunteer, reach out to local media, share the news on social media channels and consider hosting additional Hour of Code events in the community.

This is a chance to change the future of education in Pelzer, SC.

See http://hourofcode.com/us for details, and help spread the word.

Happy Coding!!!
Ms. Shepherd

Thanksgiving Sites

HAPPY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE of all the eating holidays! I am looking forward to spending time with my family and eating all my favorite things.

Below are links to some sites where you can play Thanksgiving games and do Thanksgiving themed activities. Have fun and enjoy your Thanksgiving!!!

http://www.technologyrocksseriously.com/search/label/thanksgiving#.VlMi9lXnt1s

https://sites.google.com/a/csisd.org/thanksgiving-fun/home

Webquest

http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=167223

Typing Unit

Good morning and Happy Tuesday!
This week, students will be finishing up our unit on Internet Safety. Next week, we begin our unit on Keyboarding. Students in grades 2-5 will use Dance Mat Typing as a way to increase their typing skills. Kindergarten and First Grade will use typing games on ABCYA.com to improve their ability to locate keys on the keyboard. I ask that you encourage your students to practice typing. Keyboarding and typing are a huge part of communication and being able to do so correctly and effectively will benefit them from here on out.

Thanks and Happy Typing!

Keeping students safe online

Good afternoon and Happy Friday!
We are well into our internet safety unit. We have talked a lot about what to do to be safe online. One of the most important things we have learned is to tell an adult if we see something that makes us feel unsafe or uncomfortable. But what does the adult do when they are told this information? Below are several tips for adults to help students stay safe on the internet and what to do if a student tells you something has made them feel unsafe:

• Talk to children and teenagers about appropriate online behavior. Set rules as you would with offline behavior. Make it clear they should never give out personal information (name, address, telephone number, school, hangouts, etc.) or meet online friends in person.
• Place the computer in a common area in the home, such as a family room, and not in a child's bedroom. This will discourage forbidden and risky activities while online.
• Monitor usage of social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. Let children know in advance you'd like to view their profiles—they're less likely to feel cornered or "busted."
• Don't forget about cell phones. Text messaging is increasing in popularity, and adult predators are becoming more innovative at preying on children and teens. Check cell phone bills and text messages for suspicious behavior.

Parents or other caregivers may feel uncomfortable doing so much monitoring of children's Internet usage, especially with teens. But remember, the first duty is to protect kids, even if they feel their privacy is being violated. Adults can talk with kids about why their computer use needs such close observation and that it's not the kids, it's the predators they don't trust. With open communication between adults and children, the Internet can be fun and useful for the entire family. (http://www.socket.net/tech-talk/keeping-kids-safe-online)

If you think your child is being contacted by an online predator, seek immediate help from the following resources:

• Local police: If your child is in immediate danger, you should call 911. Otherwise, you can call your local police's non-emergency number to report a problem.
• CyberTipline: Visit www.cybertipline.com from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or call (800) 843-5678 to report crimes against children
  (http://www.gcflearnfree.org/internetsafetyforkids/2.3)

Remember to surf safely!
See you in Computer Lab

Internet Safety

We have started our internet safety unit. Students in K5-2nd grade have learned about telling adults when they see something that makes them uncomfortable online. They have also learned about not downloading things from people they don't know. The link below has the videos we have watched. There are other videos about other topics on the site as well as other resources.

http://kids.ikeepsafe.org/

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me!

Surf safely and see you in Computer Lab!

Honor Flight

This week, students wrote letters or drew pictures for veterans who will be participating in this year's Honor Flight.

Honor Flight Upstate SC is a non-profit, volunteer-based program that is dedicated to honoring our veterans and the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe and our people free. We are affiliated with the national Honor Flight Network and serve veterans in the upstate and surrounding areas. We show our honor and support to these heroes by offering a program that flies our World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, DC, to see the memorials built in their honor, and to experience recognition for their service that literally saved the world. (http://www.honorflightupstatesc.com/2011/)

The letters will be delivered to a representative for the Honor Flight next week and distributed during the Mail Call on the return flight home. This year's Honor Flight takes place on October 29, 2015.
Below are some photos taken while the students worked on their letters.

Internet Safety

Happy 1st day of October!!!

I can hardly believe there are two months left in the year! Where did the time go?!?!

This month, all grades will be focused on Internet Safety. I believe this is very important in our day and time. Students use the internet all the time and a lot of times they don't even realize they are online. Teaching students about internet safety will keep them safe and keep others safe.

Throughout the month, students will view videos, play interactive games, and create posters promoting internet safety. I encourage you to talk to your students about the things they are learning. The best way for them to remember is to keep them talking about it. 

Happy Fall and surf safely! 

First in Math Pre-test

HAPPY 1st DAY OF FALL!!!

We are still working on getting everyone signed in and adjusted to using First in Math. Please encourage your student to sign in at home so they can practice doing it themselves. Also, encourage them to play at home. After they reach a preset number of points and stickers, they are eligible for a family log in that allows parents and students to play together.

We are still working on finishing our pre-tests with First in Math. This data allows us to see where students are with basic math facts and where we need to focus our play. Students can take these pre-tests at home. Log in and choose Just the Facts and JTF 100. This is a great opportunity for students to earn lots of stickers, as well as practice their math facts. Students can earn up to 25 stickers in one round. 

First in Math

Good afternoon and Happy Thursday! Hope you have all had a great week!

By now, everyone in grades 1-5 should have at least been able to log in to First in Math during their computer lab time. Teachers have or will be sending home log in information so your student can play at home, as well. If you are not familiar with First in Math, it is a program we use at Fork Shoals. According to Firstinmath.com: FIM is about...

Harness the power of digital gaming to build math skills.

Online practice reinforces a range of proficiencies, from addition to complex algebra. Setting and achieving Goals, as well as a friendly competition component, keeps students energized to sustain accelerated effort over time.

Through gaming, students forge a bond at the classroom level, help one another, and become better critical thinkers. 

Critical preparation for Algebra, grades K through 8.

Fluency with rational numbers and skill in manipulating rational expressions are the foundation for Algebra I and II. FIM modules are designed to reinforce mastery of basic facts, decimals, fractions, integers, exponents, variables and order of operations. Many FIM games introduce principles of Algebra, even at the K, 1 and 2 levels. Early introduction of these concepts leads to enthusiasm and algebra readiness.

First In Math content and alignment to Standards.

The program was designed with focus, coherence and rigor as its cornerstones. Self-paced activities target mastery of procedural skills and fluencies that are essential for internalizing and demonstrating conceptual understanding.

Parents love First In Math online too.

 When a child solves a predetermined number of math problems, FIM automatically generates an additional Family User ID! Family members can learn and refresh skills as they work alongside their child toward higher levels of math achievement. 

You can access First in Math at home by going to the Fork Shoals School homepage, clicking links, then First in Math. Students are encouraged to play at home, as well as at school. Students in grades 1 &2 are especially encouraged to log in at home and explore the program, as it is newer to them. During computer lab time, students will focus on Just the Facts and the Practice Gyms to help them improve basic mathematical skills and functions. Bonus games are a great tool to practice with at home.
 If you have questions or concerns, please contact me by email or phone and I will be more than happy to help you. 

Using the internet

Good afternoon!

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend!
This week we are going to focus on using the internet, accessing websites, and using the address bar. One of the best ways you can help your student is to let them practice. Show them how to enter an address into the address bar and hit enter. Using shortcuts and favorites is great, but in the computer lab not everything is saved. Also, letting them use the mouse on the computer is great practice. We are a world of touch screens and students struggle with using a mouse in school because they are not used to it. Allowing them to play with it while using a computer program or internet site is great practice.  We will be accessing some sites next week that will allow them to practice using the mouse. In the meantime, letting them do it at home will help tremendously.

THANKS!! See you in Computer Lab!

Computer Lab Syllabus

Below is the Syllabus for the 2015-16 school year. Concepts and lessons are subject to change but changes will be posted.

Syllabus 

Computer Lab

2015-2016

August:
 Orientation and getting to know you

September:
 Parts of a computer
Intro to First in Math- 1^st-5^th
Paint Program- K5

October: 
Google
Digital Citizenship and internet safety
First in Math- 1^st-5^th: JTF

November:
Typing
First in Math-1^st-5^th: JTF Gyms
K-5: Compass: K Print Awareness
1^st-Consonant and Short Vowels
2^nd- Phonics/fluency/Comprehension
3-5: Vocabulary Skills

December:
Google
Compass: K Print Awareness
1st-Consonant and Short Vowels
2nd- Phonics/fluency/Comprehension
3-5: Vocabulary Skills

January:
 ABCYA.com/DanceMat Typing and keyboarding
First in Math: 1-5: JTF, Gyms, Skill Sets, Bonus games
Compass: K- Review 1
1^st: Long vowels, suffixes, plurals
2^nd: Phonics, fluency, comprehension 3
3-5: Comprehension

February:
 Communication and Collaboration: 3-5 Email
First in Math: 1-5: JTF, Gyms, Skill Sets, Bonus games
Compass: K- Review 1
1^st: Long vowels, suffixes, plurals
2^nd: Phonics, fluency, comprehension 3
3-5: Comprehension

March:
MS Word
Keyboarding
Paint
Powerpoint

April:
First in Math: 1-5: JTF,
Gyms, Skill Sets, Bonus games, Measurement World, Know and Show
Compass: K- Review 3
1^st: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Fluency
2^nd: Phonics, fluency, comprehension 5
3-5: Comprehension

May:
 Keyboarding/Dancemat Typing

Instagram

Happy Second Week of School!!!!

We had an amazing first week! I hope you are all getting back in the swing of things. One of the things we talked about in computer lab orientation was the Instagram board I created in the hall outside the computer lab. I would love you add your photos to it. All you have to do is bring me the photo with your name and your teacher's name on the back. I will post the photos for all to see. When I take them down, I will return your photos. This is a great way to share exciting things going on in your life.

If you have questions, feel free to email or call me!
THANKS!!!!

All About Me

One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to know my students. While I get little time with them each week, I love when they share things about themselves with me. I feel it only fair to share things about myself as well:

My name is Jessie Shepherd. I grew up in Piedmont, attended Ellen Woodside, and Woodmont Middle and High schools. I worked in banking for about 9 years before I went back to school to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. I attended Anderson University and graduated in 2013 with my BS in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. I subbed in Greenville County and Anderson District 1 for a year before coming to Fork Shoals in 2014 as the computer lab manager.  I LOVE my job and LOVE being a part of Fork Shoals School!!! 
I have a daughter in first grade and a toddler son. We enjoy going to the beach, playing outside, roller skating, and reading. I enjoy taking pictures, college football- GO UGA BULLDOGS!!!-, reading, going to concerts and movies, music trivia, and being a mom. We have a three-legged Jack Russell Terrier named Hugo and a sassy cat named Sophie. My favorite color is red and I love sweet tea! I am a life long Girl Scout and hoping to start a new Brownie troop this year. I am obsessed with sending greeting cards and have quite a collection. 

I am looking forward to getting to know each of you! I wish you a wonderful school year and if there is anything I can do or need to know, please don't hesitate to call or email me.

THANKS and have a great year!!!!

Ms. Shepherd

Welcome back!

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!!!!!

I am so very excited to be back this year and beginning a new year. This year's computer lab is going to look a lot different than last year. I am so excited about all the things I have planned for us and all the great and fun things we will do this year!!! 

There are a few things I wanted to remind you of while you visit the computer lab:

• There is to be NO eating or drinking while in the lab. If you need a drink of water, you are welcome to visit the water fountain. In order to make sure the computers stay safe and work properly, we cannot have drinks on the tables near the computers. Please leave all lunch boxes, drinks and water bottles, and food on the table at the door.
• I had a whole lot of items left behind in the lab last year. I usually try to leave them on the table in case you come looking for them. Several pairs of glasses, some jewelry, and ear buds, as well as jackets and shirts, were left behind and never claimed. If you are missing something, please check the table to make sure it is not there.
• I hope to have First in Math (for 1-5th grade) log in information for you very soon. You are welcome to play at home. You can get the link to the website on the Fork Shoals home page.

Please visit my blog often for information, recommended sites, and other information. 

I am looking forward to another year with you! Have a great first day and I will see you all soon!!!!


Ms. Shepherd

Veterans Day vs Memorial Day

Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day
Posted on November 6th, 2014 


What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?



Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.  But Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.  In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.

To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance.  The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.



www.va.gov

Typing Practice

Typing Practice
Posted on October 28th, 2014 

In September, we started learning to type. Throughout the year, we will do activities to help us continue to learn. If you would like to practice at home, the following websites offer great practice:

http://www.freetypinggame.net/play.asp

http://growing.course.com/level_K/

http://bigbrownbear.co.uk/learntotype/

http://www.bigbrownbear.co.uk/keyboard/

Why do I have to go to school?

Why do I have to go to school?

Posted on September 17th, 2014

Here is a great article that explains why it is important for children to go to school and the benefits of working hard in school:

http://gazette.teachers.net/gazette/wordpress/steve-reifman/10-reasons-to-work-hard-in-school/