Let's Get Connected!

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

I have been going back and forth with the idea of having my class bring their own devices. While I know some parents have heard of 3-5 grade doing and now some 2nd grade teachers, I think it truly is

important to have a device for each child. We are in the age where digital literacy is truly important and it doesn't necessarily just encompass your child knowing how to use a device like an iPad or a phone. They need to learn keyboarding skills, be able to collaborate with others through things like Google Docs, be creative (remixing media or creating their own) and be safe and respectful when exercising these digital literacies.

I have already thought about storage for the devices when we are not in the room, to keep them safe. I already have rules and procedures in place, as well, for when the students are using the devices. Please watch the video below provided by our district regarding the BYOD program:

BYOD Video

If you would like your child to participate in BYOD - please note, phones are not included in the BYOD. Phones are still able to access content that goes around our firewalls, they are not necessarily hooked up to our internet provider, and it's not easy to search for information via a phone because it is so small. If your child has a laptop, Chromebook, or iPad with a keyboard, these devices will be supported.

I am sending home the BYOD agreement this week in your child's Wednesday envelope. If your child has a device and they would like to participate, fill out the BYOD and send it back to school. I will let you know when your child can start bringing in their device. They are not allowed it to bring it in, until the BYOD is filled out and returned. Should you have any questions about the BYOD, please feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to answer your questions!

PRODIGY

In your child's Wednesday envelope a paper went home for Prodigy. Prodigy is a math based program, where I enter "assignments" based on what we are studying and the game focuses on those skills for a specific amount of time. I was able to get a little more than half of the class logged on and connected to our class. On the paper sent home was your student's username and password. Please stress that this important and they should not give it to anyone else. I will be logging the rest of the class on starting Monday and then everyone should be connected and ready to go.

CLASS DOJO
If you have not connected to Class Dojo yet, please do so. For those of you, who have not connected, I will be sending a reminder email through Dojo on Monday.

PTA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Don't forget to take the time to sign up to become a member of the PTA. Our PTA helps fund wonderful things like our field trips, Chromebooks for our classrooms, Chromebook carts, Family Fun Nights and the list goes on. Remember our BMX Night will be held this Wednesday, September 6. 

DATES TO REMEMBER:
BMX Night - Wednesday, September 6
1st grade Parent Reading Meeting - Wednesday, September 13 at 1:30pm (More info coming)
Picture Day - Thursday, September 14

I hope everyone has a great week and enjoys the short week!