The month of February had students in Latin classes learning about St. Valentinus and about Cupid and Venus.  We also studied the Latin names for parts of the body and learned many of the English words which are derived from the Latin terms.

Computers classes returned to typingweb.com for practice in typing format and continuing to train the hand and wrist muscles, and the upper grades have begun to work with Power Point and presentation software.

Wow!  I am sorry that it has been so long since my last post.  The recycling contest consumed a lot of my free time, and then I had a few family issues that took me away from school last week.

At any rate, I am happy to announce that 4th Grade won the recycling challenge by bringing in an average of over 80 pieces of waste per student.  1st Grade brought in the greatest total number of pieces, but their class is larger and had fewer items per student.  Both classes will receive a special breakfast treat to reward their efforts.

The recycling continues.  Watch the Friday Flame for details about the next set of recycling and Box Tops/Campbells Labels incentives!

In Latin classes, we have concluded our unit on the calendar and are beginning to work on classroom commands and parts of the body.

Computers classes continue with a variety of skills, including taking screen shots and typing skills.

In Computers we have spent the last couple of classes talking about the difficult but important issues of personal and internet safety.  You should have seen papers coming home with your children.  One paper has a letter from me and safety tips for parents.  The other has safety tips for kids and a pledge for safe internet usage. 

I encourage all families to discuss the safety information and to sign the pledge.  Post the pledge near the computer, and make it clear to your children that they can always come talk to you if they ever experience anything online which makes them feel sad, scared, confused, or uncomfortable.  Remind them that anything they post online or send in a text or e-mail goes out into the electronic world and can be spread to anyone anywhere.

If you wish to watch the presentations that the children have seen, follow the links below.  Netsmartzkids.org also has plenty of other activities, resources, and tips for kids and parents.

Kindergarten though 3rd grade viewed and discussed Router's Birthday Surprise

For the middle and upper grades, follow this link and download the Encourage Tweens and Teens link. 
4th though 6th grades viewed and discussed the Tweens Presentation
7th and 8th viewed and discussed the Teens Presentation

In more ways than ever before, this year I am thankful for my family and for the community of Our Lady of Victory.

The Romans didn't have turkeys, but they did have peacocks (a very expensive delicacy, in fact)!  Ask your 1st, 3rd, 5th, or 6th grader about Io, Argos, and the etiology of the peacock.

Computers this short week will consist of Thanksgiving-themed games for the younger students and continuation of Microsoft Excel for 4th through 8th grades.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Busy about many things

All classes are abuzz in Latin and Computers at OLV.  After a couple of weeks missed due to scheduling conflicts and illnesses, Microsoft Excel is back on the monitors of the 4th through 8th graders.  Younger students have had a chance to "dissect" a computer tower and examine its internal structure.

Latin students are learning more about the geography and history of Rome and the Roman Empire, and we are beginning to explore more aspects of daily life - including meals, housing, and mythology.

October is upon us!

In computers we continue to practice proper typing techniques, and we will delve into the world of spreadsheets via Microsoft Excel.  Pre-K and Kindergarten may enjoy additional educational games at abcya.com.

In Latin, we are examining daily life in ancient Rome, especially dress and childhood customs.  Grammar in the upper levels continues to grow as we begin to to explore present system verbs and the second declension.