IS KEYBOARDING DEAD?
Some say that with voice recognition software children will not need keyboarding skills in the near future. Untrue! Keyboarding will not disappear fast enough to save your students from typing homework, writing papers, sending e-mails, filling out applications and a multitude of other things. More importantly, it is projected that within the next few years most standardized testing, including essay responses, with be administered online. Strong keyboarding skills continue to be critical.
Our students at SMV have keyboarding instruction and practice all year long, and in past years we have offered keyboarding classes in the summer. We will not be offering the class this summer because of technology upgrades that will be taking place throughout our building. To keep everyone's skills sharp over the summer, Miss Benson and Mrs. Brandtjen are recommending the websites below for home practice. You will notice an attached document on this "virtual backpack" called, Summer Keyboarding Log. Any student who practices 600 minutes before school begins in the fall will receive an out-of-uniform pass for a designated day in September. Although this activity is encouraged for students in grades 3-8, younger students can give it a try if you feel it is not too much pressure.
Use these suggested sites, or any others your children may know:
http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/games/game_super_hyper_spider_typer.html
http://www.tvokids.com/games/keyboardclimber
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
http://www.teachingkidscomputers.com/home-row-keys/lesson-1.html
http://www.freetypinggame.net/ (Advertisements on this site may be distracting to younger kids.)
If you are interested in purchasing keyboarding software, I highly recommend, Typing Instructor for Kids (Individual Software, Inc.) It is very fun, inexpensive, and easily available on Amazon or from your local office supply store.
St. Mary's Bids Fond Farewell to Retiring Teachers Miss Grochowski and Mrs. Wilinski
St. Mary's Visitation School recently announced the retirement of two long-time faculty members: Miss Joan Grochowski after 34 years at SMV and Mrs. Betsy Wilinski after 13 years at SMV!
We want to honor both of these wonderful St. Mary's teachers for their longtime dedication to St. Mary's and the teaching profession.
ALUMNI, PARENTS (Past and Present) and Parishioners, please spread the word and join us in sending cards and good wishes for "Miss G" and Mrs. Wilinski on behalf of our St. Mary's Visitation community.
Cards, letters, emails should be sent by JUNE 1 to:
St. Mary's Visitation School
School Supplies for next year.
St. Mary's Visitation uses School Pak to help make it easier for the busy parents in today's world. You can order all of your school supplies through them or just check out SMV's list of school supplies for each grade. Below is the link that will take parents directly to the school's order page. Once on that page please go to the left side of the page and click on prepackaged orders. It will then take you to states find Wisconsin and then fine your city and your school. Once you have clicked on SMV you will find the supply list. Order Your St Mary's Visitation School-Paks Here
Parents and students,
Now is the time to start looking under your beds, in your cars, or any other place you may be able to find an SMV library book. All books are due back at the library by Friday, May 17. Overdue reminders will go home next week.
Thank you!
Calling All Photographers -
SMV is looking for photos to post on our website and Facebook page of recent and upcoming St. Mary's events such as First Communion, May Crowning, the Spring Concert, Field Day, and Graduation. If you would like to show off your fabulous photos, please send them to Katie Kannall at kkannall@stmaryeg.org.
