OLM Computer Class Blog

Week of 2/27-3/2

2012-02-27T10:43:00.002-08:00

No new homework this week except for 6L2 (see below).

6L2 Homework:
Feb. 29 is Leap Day. Using resources found in your classroom and /or on the Internet, find five (5) facts about Leap Day and put them in your OWN WORDS.

Title: Leap Day
SLE: Successful Learners
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
Due: Friday, March 2
Please include your computer class code in your COMPLETE header

Special note: In light of Mrs. Blackburn's 50th birthday last week, all homework received this week will be credited with no additional late penalty this week only. For example, the "Mardi Gras" homework will still be counted as ON TIME if received this week.

Remember, the quarter ends on March 9. That's one week from this Friday. Get all assignments in before then. No grade can be given for Quarter 3 assignments after Fri., March 9. Also, late penalties on homework still apply.

If you are behind on classwork, please come in this week during Open Lab (Tues./Thurs. @ lunch recess) and get caught up.

Week of Feb. 20-24

2012-02-20T14:47:00.002-08:00

UPDATE: Because of Mrs. Blackburn's birthday, all homework for this week is due Monday, Feb. 27.

Monday: School Holiday

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. Because of mass that morning, I will not be seeing 6L2 this week.

Homework:

Grades 5-7 (except 6L2):

Tuesday is Mardi Gras. Using the internet or resources in your classroom, learn five (5) facts about Mardi Gras and summarize them in your own words.

Title: Mardi Gras
Due: Friday, Feb. 24
SLE: Successful Learners
50-100 Words, no spelling or grammar errors
PLEASE include your computer class code in your COMPLETE HEADER

Grades 8K1: No class or homework this week.

Grades 8K2: Favorite Quote Assignment (click here for info.)

A Look at Cell Phones Past

2012-02-19T22:36:00.001-08:00

So cheap too. Right!

Note: This video will not play at school because of content filtering. Sorry.

Week of Feb. 13-17

2012-02-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

This week's homework is due on THURSDAY because of the short week.

UPDATE: 8K2 is excused from this assignment because 8K2 computer class was cancelled this week.

Homework (5-8):

What is your favorite bible verse or quote that influences the way you live your life? If it is from the bible, include the scripture, reference (book, chapter, verse). If it is a quote, type the quote "using quotation marks" and its author (unless "anonymous"). How does this verse or quote influence your life?

Title: Life Quote
SLE: Effective Communicators
Due: THURSDAY, Feb 16
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
Include your computer class code in your COMPLETE header

Too Funny Not To Post

2012-02-11T15:49:00.001-08:00

Fess up!

Week of Feb. 6-10

2012-02-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Progress reports will go out this Friday. So for those STILL with missing homework, don't say you weren't warned. Remember, it's only a progress report, not a report card. It's not too late to fix things.

Homework (5-8):

"My favorite part of Catholic Schools Week was..."

Title: Catholic Schools Week
Due: THIS Friday, Feb. 10
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
SLE: Effective Communicators
Include and COMPLETE HEADER, including your computer class code

Week of January 30-Feb 3

2012-01-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

This is Catholic Schools Week so my schedule has to be flexible and can be unpredictable.

Over the next two weeks, students in grades 4-8 will be taking an online survey. It needs to be completed in the Computer Lab so Mr. Somers can give students credit for taking the survey.

Homework (5-8):

No new homework this week. Don't get used to it. It WILL be back. :)

Week of January 23-27

2012-01-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

Many students have missing assignments, especially homework assignments. Please check OptionC regularly to make sure you are current.

Next week is Catholic Schools Week. I am not sure at this time how this will affect next week's computer classes, but I'm sure it will. Stay tuned.

Homework (5-8):

I AM ASSIGNING NO ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THIS WEEK. If you are all caught up, congratulations! You have no computer homework this week.

If you have missing work, please get it done as soon as possible. Late penalties are still in effect:

-10% for up to one week late
-20% for between one and two weeks late
no credit for work over two weeks late

Week of January 16-20

2012-01-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Reminder: Homework in due on FRIDAY so stay on top of things. Deadlines have a way of sneaking up on you if your not careful.

Homework (grades 5-8):

Prompt:

What is your favorite place to go and why? What do you do there?

Title: My Favorite Place
SLE: Effective Communicators
Due Friday, Jan. 20
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
Be sure to include a FULL HEADER at the TOP of your paper, including your computer class code

Week of January 9-13

2012-01-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Some students are still having difficulty getting their work turned in on time. Please remember they are due on the last day of the week, usually Friday. Late work results is a loss of points. No assignments are accepted after 2 weeks late without Mr. Somers's approval.

Homework (5-8):

On this January, 13, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born. We honor his birth the following Monday. He delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. Beginning with those same words, write your own speech about your hopes for our world and its people.

Title: "I Have a Dream"
Due: Friday, Jan. 13
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
SLE: Effective Communicators
Please put a FULL HEADER at the top of your paper, including your computer class code.

To hear and read Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech", click here.

Week of January 2-6, 2012

2012-01-02T19:46:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Quarter 3. We have half the school year left and everyone starts off with a fresh slate. Make the best use of this opportunity to complete your homework on time and stay on top of assignments. Here is your homework for this week .

Homework (grades 5 –8):

Straw Olympics

On January 2, 1888, the drinking straw was patented. You have been asked to organize the first ever “Drinking Straw Olympics.” What type of events would be you create for the event? Remember…the main item for all events has to be the straw.

Title: Straw Olympics
Due: Friday, January 6
50 – 100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
SLE: "Effective Communicators"
As always, please include a complete header at the top your paper, including your computer class code.

Weeks of December 4-9 and Dec. 11-16

2011-12-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

The quarter ends of Dec. 16. No Quarter 2 assignments will be accepted after Friday, Dec. 16. If you have missing work, GET IT IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Late penalties apply.

Homework (5-8):

No NEW homework. Get late work in now!

Have a wonderful Christmas break with your families. God bless you all!

Week of Nov. 28 - Dec. 2

2011-11-29T08:33:00.000-08:00

Only 3 weeks left in the quarter. Let's finish strong. Stay on top of your homework and get your work in on time. Don't forget, Open Lab is Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch recess.

UPDATE: I will not be seeing 8th grade today. EIGHTH GRADE will not have to do this week's homework.

Homework (grades 5-7):

What is your favorite Christmas Carol or holiday (Christmas) TV special and why?

Title: "Favorite Christmas Carol" or "Favorite Holiday TV Show"
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
SLE: Effective Communicators
Include a FULL header on your paper, including your computer class code
Due: Friday, Dec. 2

Week of November 14-18

2011-11-14T09:02:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: Congratulations to 5E2! They are the ONLY class in grades 5-8 to have a 100% return rate on all assignments. NO MISSING WORK! Great job, guys!!

Progress Reports go out this Friday. We are having a huge problem, especially in grades 6-8, with missing and/or late homework. Please stay of top of this. The second quarter will be over before you know it.

Homework (grades 5-8):

What are you thankful for?

Title: Thanksgiving
SLE: "Effective Communicators"
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
Please include a COMPLETE header, including your computer class code
DUE: THIS FRIDAY, Nov. 18

OLM Celebrates our Veterans

2011-11-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

The Podcasting elective class of Fall 2011 produced this video as part of today’s Veteran’s Day program. The poem is from Joanna Fuchs and is titled “They Did Their Share”. We used “God Bless America” (from archive.org) as our background music. The students did a great job and the veteran’s very much appreciated it.

May God Bless our veterans!

They Did Their Share - God Bless America from George Somers on Vimeo.

Week of Nov. 7-11

2011-11-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Homework (Grades 5-8):

Our veteran's have fought and are still fighting so that we may continue to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and Bill of Rights and to promote those freedoms around the world. Read through these documents. Which freedom(s) would you not want to live without?

Title: Freedoms
SLE: Effective Communicators
50-100 words, no spelling or grammar errors
Include a FULL header, including your Computer class code
Due this THURSDAY, 11/10 (* note: change in time allowed to complete homework)

Week of Oct. 31- Nov. 4

2011-10-31T22:34:00.001-07:00

This week is "Get Caught Up Week". If you have missing assignments for Quarter 2, get them done this week. As a plus, I'll only dock you 10% for being late, instead of my usual 10% per week late. See the list of Quarter 2 assignments below:

Quarter 2 assignments (so far):

"My Favorite Sandwich" (grades 5, 7, and 8)
"When I Die" or "Sixth Grade Camp" (all grades)

For descriptions of these assignments, see my previous posts.

Due no later than Wed., Oct. 9

Remember to include

50-100 works, no spelling/grammar errors
SLE: "Effective Communicators"
The title and your computer class code in the header

See OptionC (http://optionc.com) for your grade status.

Week of October 24-28

2011-10-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

I know I am posting this a little later than usual but I wasn't sure how this week was going to pan out. With Parent Teacher Conferences, Red Ribbon Week and network issues we have been experiencing, I decided it was best to cancel classes this week. By doing so, I was able to address the network connectivity issues we have been working through over the last two weeks and fine tune our network for better reliability. No new homework was assigned this week.

Also, I am a bit behind on my grading because I have been busy working on our network. I hope to get caught up this weekend, assuming the "spirits" allow me. If you don't see a grade on a paper you KNOW you turned in, don't fret. It will appear shortly. Thank you for your patience.

Have a fun (and safe) Halloween!

Week of October 17-21

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Quarter 2 has begun. We have now completed 25% of the school year. Where does the time go?

Homework (grades 5-8):

Writing Prompt:

October 24 is National Bologna Day. In 50-100 words, please describe to someone how to make your favorite type of sandwich. If you mention name brands, make sure you capitalize.

Title: "My Favorite Sandwich"
SLE: "Effective Communicators
50-100 works, no spelling or grammar errors
Due Wednesday, October 26

Some Humor

2011-10-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

I HAD to share this one.

Week of October 10-14

2011-10-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Sixth grade is away at camp this week. Please keep them in your prayers.

This is the last week of the first quarter. Please turn in all Quarter 1 assignments by Friday!

Homework (grades 5, 7 & 8):

This week I'm giving you a choice of writing prompts. Answer one of the following prompts in 50-100 words with no spelling or grammar errors. The titles are listed below. The SLE for both is "Effective Communicators". Don't forget to put your Computer class code in the header! Due Wednesday, 10/19.

CHOICE 1: "When I Die"

Steve Jobs, Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc., makers of the iPod, iPad, Macintosh computer and other revolutionary technologies died this past week. He is remembered as a visionary who never compromised on his dreams. How do you want to be remembered when you die? What things do you hope that someone will say about you when you pass on?

CHOICE 2: "Sixth Grade Camp"

The sixth graders are at outdoor education camp this week. What are some of your fondest memories from your experience at camp? Explain.

Week of October 3-7

2011-10-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Sixth graders will be away at camp next week. We will be keeping them in our prayers for a fantastic time filled with learning and friends.

Please remember that next week is the last week of Quarter 1. Make sure you get your assignments completed before the end of the week.

Homework: (5-8):

Sixth grade: no homework due to Outdoor Education Camp next week

All others:
Answer the following writing prompt by typing 50-100 words (no spelling or grammar errors). Please include the following in your header:

Title: "Telephone Call"
SLE: Effective Communicators
Include your computer class code

On October 9, 1876, the first two-way telephone conversation took place. If you could call anyone, who would it be and why?

DUE: Wednesday, October 12

Week of Sept. 26-30, 2011

2011-09-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

We're back on a regular schedule. From here on out, students should expect to have homework almost every week. The assignments will not take long but students often put it off until the last minute or forget about the assignment entirely. Students should have these assignments listed in their planners and check it regularly.

Homework :

Grade 5: Complete a blank keyboarding chart by filling in the letters. (Chart supplied in class.)
Grade 6: Use the worksheets provided in class to study for the practice keyboarding skills test next week. All students will need to be able to place all letters on a blank keyboard chart from memory.

Grades 7 & 8: Writing Prompt ---

On October 4, 1957, Sputnik I, the first space vehicle was launched. Would you like to travel into space? If yes, explain what you would like to explore. If no, explain why you would want to keep yourself on earth.

All writing prompt responses should be typed 50-100 words (not including the prompt) with no spelling or grammar errors. The SLE is EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATORS and the title is "SPACE".

Remember: ALL work submitted should have a FULL HEADER, including your full name, the subject, the date, the SLE (as indicated) and their computer class code.
All homework assigned this week is due Wednesday, October 5.

OPEN COMPUTER LAB, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, 12:30-12:55

Cartridge Recycling

2011-09-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

OLM School has been recycling used printer cartridges (laser and inkjet) and cell phones for nearly 10 years. In that time, we have raised $24,371.48. This number is just shy of the $30,000 we had budgeted for technology (including Internet access) during the same 10 year period. The program has been very successful and is critical to our ability to provide our students with current technology for research and educational projects. But it has not been enough to keep our computers as updated as we would like them to be or provide other technologies, such as interactive white boards and video. But, you can help! Please continue to bring in your used printer cartridges and cell phones. Remember, the 3 classes with the most donations will get pizza at the end of the year. We welcome business supporters too! Businesses can register here using our school ID# 17405. Shipping is FREE too!

Class totals are coming soon. In the meantime, the graph below shows that we rank 45th of our 1002 organizations in California using Funding Factory to recycle and fundraise. That's awesome! This is due to parents, community members and businesses who give us their used items. Obviously, I am very pleased with the program so far, but more needs to be done. Keep bringing in those cartridges and cell phones. Thanks!

source: fundingfactory.com

Week of Sept. 19-23

2011-09-17T23:43:00.001-07:00

Due to ITBS TESTING, I will not be seeing any classes this week. Regular classes will continue next week. Now go show everyone why OLM students are the best!

Week of Sept. 12-16

2011-09-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

I will see all Computer classes this week. However, since next week is ITBS Testing Week and I will not be seeing grades 6-8 next week, I am not giving them homework this week. I will be giving the fifth grade homework since I will be seeing them next week and what I am asking them to do will only take a few minutes of their time.

Homework (grade 5 only):
Complete the blank keyboarding chart with all the letters in keyboard order. If you need another worksheet, you can download one from the links section of this blog. Due Wed., Sept. 14.

Week of Sept. 5-9

2011-09-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Update #2: On Wednesday of this week, I needed to stay home with my son who was too sick to go to school. He's better now. The homework below will be reassigned after ITBS testing. Sorry for the confusion.

Update: I am home sick on Tuesday. My Tuesday classes will be rescheduled and the homework assignments may be changed or delayed for those classes. More to follow for my Tuesday classes.

Homework (grades 5-8):

Grade 5: Complete the Blank Keyboard chart. Due: Wednesday, Sept. 14
Grades 6-8: Use the keyboard chart and black keyboard chart provided in class this week to study for the Practice Keyboarding Chart Test next week. Anyone who gets 100% will not have to take it a second time and will receive a grade of 100%.

Note: the Keyboard Chart and the Blank Keyboard Chart are available in the LINKS section of my blog (on the left). Download and print as many as you need.

Week of Aug 29 - Sept. 2

2011-08-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Although it is the third week of school, this is the first week students will go to the Library and Computer Lab.

All K-8 students need a signed AUP Internet Permission form on file before being allowed to go online while at school. All students will get receive this form in their family envelope going out this week. This form needs to be signed every year by a parent for EACH CHILD. Students will be given this form this Computer class this week. Please return it in one week. Need another AUP Internet Permission form? Download it from HERE.

All students in grades 5-8 also need to have the Computer Class syllabus signed by next week. It spells out how I run the Computer classes and what I expect from the students. Need another Syllabus? Download it from HERE.

Homework (grades 5-8):

Signed Syllabus and AUP Internet Form (10 points each)

Welcome Back Message!

2011-08-14T19:55:00.001-07:00

Welcome Back! (mp3)

Enjoying Your Summer?

2011-07-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe June is almost over. Summer doesn't last forever so make the most of it. Let me know what you are up to this summer in the comments to the post. Remember, no personal information like last name, address, friend's name, phone number, etc.
Oh, and don't skip church!

Welcome to the NEW Computer Class Blog

2011-07-08T23:39:00.000-07:00

This is the new place for the OLM Computer Class Blog. It is a different address than last year. Please update your bookmarks/favorites accordingly. I will be posting news and information related to my Computer Classes and the Technology Program here. Please subscribe/follow or check back here weekly.

Enjoy the rest of your summer. I can't wait to see all my students again next month. God bless!!