TECHNOLOGY PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 8

Goals

We are excited to be participating in a technology partnership with the University of Richmond and Boston University’s School Technology Programs, which is a fully integrated technology-based program providing that vital link between the classroom and the Technology Center. The lessons provided to students are all in synch with what is already being taught by Saint Ann teachers, starting with preschool and progressing through Eighth Grade. Information that students are studying in class will be reinforced by using that particular knowledge to complete lessons and projects in computer class.

·        Preschool – Grade 1

o   Learning the parts of the computer.

o   Learning the location of alphabet keys.

o   How to care for computers.

o   Clicking on and dragging objects.

o   How to access graphics.

o   Utilizing the programs: Microsoft Word, Publisher, KidPix and a brief introduction to Microsoft Excel.

o   Learning to type words, change the fonts and color of those words, and to draw pictures freehand.

·        Grades 2 – 5

o   Building upon the computer basics.

o   Developing keyboarding skills.

o   Advancing in the use of Microsoft Word, Publisher and Excel.

o   Creating their own stories in Word and adding graphics.

o   Making charts and creating programs with Microsoft Excel, building on their math and word processing skills.

o   Reinforcing skills taught throughout their previous grades.

o   Heavy emphasis on mastering Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel and PowerPoint.

o   Creating projects and research papers using correct procedures.

o   Developing Internet research skills and utilizing the World Wide Web to build upon the knowledge provided by classroom and library resources.

Students in Preschool through Grade 5 will be completing projects that are grade-appropriate, utilizing all skills associated with using Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel, as well as KidPix graphics/drawing program for the younger grades. Projects include creating stories, making spreadsheets, producing calendars, drawing self-portraits and putting together a small newsletter.

Our Technology Center is comprised of 20 computer stations, two laser jet printers, and an administrative server. Students also have access to the Internet in the center, as well as cutting-edge technology. We will be utilizing Microsoft’s Vista 2007 Office software, with the latest issues of Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel and PowerPoint. The center also has a large overhead screen video unit that serves as an excellent teaching resource. In addition, students in Grade 8 have been given their own laptops to use during the school day, and each teacher is connected to the Technology Center network.

A technology professional for the past 25 years, Dawn-Marie has taught computers and software at various business schools in Connecticut.  She has written for The New York Times, the Connecticut Post, the Milford Mirror and the New Haven Register and has served as an editor for the former Milford Citizen.  A recipient of a Feature Writing Award from the New England Press Association, she has served on the Board of Directors for both Drug Free Milford and the Milford Public Library. 

Dawn-Marie and her husband Frank have a son Justin who attends Eastern Connecticut State University, a daughter Amanda who is a junior at Joseph A. Foran High School and twins Adam and Julia, 3rd graders who have been attending Saint Ann’s since pre-school. 

Dawn-Marie, the Saint Ann Technology Director, also serves as the school librarian.  Not surprisingly, she loves to read.  She also enjoys gardening and surfing the Internet, for information and for “fun things to do.”  Her family time is most important to her, especially the time at the end of the evening when Dawn-Marie reads aloud to her children.  “Even my husband enjoys it!” 

My twins have been attending Saint Ann School since preschool. I feel the education that they are receiving has helped them blossom in wonderful ways, both academically and spiritually, and I am glad to be helping out and giving back to the Saint Ann family.