These unexpected technology issues are being repaired. FPL installed temporary above ground power lines across the front driveway. We have replaced network switches, installed temporary wireless access points, and ordered larger range replacement wireless access points. This past Friday, middle and high school students were successfully accessing the Internet with good speed with the exception of only a few students. We will continue to monitor network connection speed daily and work through any issues that arise.   

If this technology talk has your head spinning and your children sound like they are speaking a foreign language, don't worry. We've broken down some of the common terms below and you'll be an expert in no time.

RENWEB

RenWeb is an online system that gives parents and students 24/7 access to academic progress information including grades, homework assignments, lesson plans, a school calendar, faculty/staff directory, forms and more. To login, use the link on the school's website or download the RenWeb app to have access in a mobile-friendly format.

MOODLE 

Moodle is an online, customizable classroom. It gives students 24/7 access to resources for assignments and projects (e.g. documents, web links and videos), collaborative tools (e.g. real-time chat forums, peer and self-assessments, and surveys), as well as online quiz and testing capabilities. Students can receive reminders about assignments and email confirmations of work submitted.

Many SCS teachers are participating in our Moodle Pilot Program as part of our Partially Paperless Initiative. Through guest access, parents can view course materials including syllabi, assignments and quizzes for the classes of teachers who are participating in this pilot program. Guest access however, does not provide access to individual student assignment progress; that information is only available once a student is logged in.

Access Moodle (bookmark this webpage for convenient access)

STUDENT SCHOOL EMAIL ACCOUNTS

Middle and high school students now have an SCS email address through Gmail; it is needed for certain online programs and is another way students can communicate with teachers. Students are only able to send and receive emails from other @sarasotachristian.org email accounts.

DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS

Many classes are now utilizing digital textbooks, which allow content to be interactive and updated more frequently than print editions. ConnectED, Collections, and Sadlier are just some of the digital textbooks you will hear mentioned by students.

iTeam

The iTeam, our new student tech team with representatives from each grade level, assists with technical issues. Members are trained to provide peer to peer and basic support needs, which will help reduce interruptions to instructional time. Being a part of the iTeam provides students hands-on learning and leadership opportunities. Middle or high school students interested in being part of the iTeam should email Mr. Conner at pconner@sarasotachristian.org.

BYOD Examples in the Classroom

Mr. Bradshaw's AP Calculus class was able to connect their TI 84 graphing calculator to their device, capture their graphs and have their work checked in real time. The class was also able to explore Computer Algebra Systems, a software package used in manipulation of mathematical formulas.

Mr. Graber's 6th Grade Social Studies class has been watching student news videos from CNN and Channel One daily.  Students interpret the news, have conversations around current events and upload answers to questions through Moodle.

WHY SO MANY DIFFERENT ONLINE TOOLS?

Why are there so many different programs, logins, and assignment submission options etc.?  Simply put, we want our students to have real-world experiences to be prepared for college and career. Employers expect employees to be proficient with a variety of software programs, to manipulate various file formats, and to collaborate with clients through multiple methods. We don't use a "one size fits all" technology integration approach and are intentional about utilizing the best resource or online system for each class, teacher or the school as a whole depending on the desired result. We want our students to graduate with the agility to troubleshoot a constantly changing technological environment.

LOGIN QUESTIONS

Students received their usernames and passwords in class for the various online tools and are responsible for their safekeeping.  

For textbook login assistance contact the student's teacher directly. For email, Moodle or RenWeb login assistance contact Michelle Jensen at mjensen@sarasotachristian.org or 371-6481, ext. 237.

Odyssey of the Mind is an after school program that offers an opportunity for K-12th grade students to develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Children work together, as a team of 5-7 members, solving problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretations of literary classics.  Come see what it's all about!

For questions contact Susan Kral at jeffsusankral@gmail.com or 321-3399.

Each year the Adopt-a-Class Program assists our teachers with purchasing enhancement materials for their classroom.

Sponsoring a classroom is a wonderful way for any business or individual to show their support of Christian education. 100% of your donation is tax-deductible.    

The sponsorship levels are:

Leader: $250, Partner: $150, Friend: $100

Every Friday K-8th grade students may pay $1 to wear jeans instead of uniform bottoms; funds will go toward elementary class auction quilts/baskets and middle school special events/projects.

Students should give their dollar to their first period teacher.  

• 12 oz. smoothies for $3
• Order and pay for your smoothie before school in the main lobby 
• Pick up your smoothie after school in the main lobby 

Take a break from the heat and cool off!  The PTA has reserved the entire water park just for SCS, so grab your swimsuits and towels, and join us for an evening of fun and fellowship.

COST: $6 per child; adults are free ($20 max. per family)

(concessions and the ice cream truck will be available)

The directory will be printed in September and will include addresses, home phone and cell phone numbers for each family.  

Make sure your contact information is correct by logging into RenWeb. 

Send any corrections or requests to opt-out of listing certain information by Friday, September 5 to Delores Mead in the front office. 

All 9th-12th grade students have the amazing opportunity to attend High School Retreat together.  Retreat enables students to lay a foundation for their faith and gives opport-unity to improve friendships with one another and their teachers in an informal setting.

This is a required event for high school students and permission slips are due by Wednesday, September 3rd.