Middle of September Already???

I have been so busy with eSchoolData and other beginning of the year issues that I've not been on here in weeks. So much for my new school year resolution to blog regularly. We are in the midst of Gradebook training right now and I have decided that will be ongoing training. Tech Team organizational meetings will begin next week so that we are ready to begin on October 1st.

On a personal note, thank you all for remembering my dad in your thoughts and prayers. You all have been so kind and it means so much to me when you ask how he is doing. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and colleagues.

Check back as I really am going to keep up with this beginning TODAY!!!

Pirates' Cove: Claymation Camp

Our first, hopefully annual, Claymation Camp is coming to a close today. We have had four action packed, fun filled days here at Washington Lee working with rising fifth graders. They have created videos using claymation techniques. They have also learned how to create tables in MS Word, draw in MS Paint, use digital cameras, and make a video using MS Movie Maker or Frames. Please check out our blog at http://claycamp.edublogs.org.

eSchool Data training begins on Monday so summer is about over for most of us. Hope its been a good one for you and yours.

iAcademy 2009

I am busy preparing for the iAcademy and am so excited about what we are going to be doing this year. We are moving ahead with our blogs and jumping into podcasting in a BIG way!! I hope everyone else is as excited as I am as we get ready for Monday!!

Tech Team

We have active Tech Teams in our Elementary Schools. This is an after-school program that is offered for 4th and 5th graders. Team members are learning to be technology leaders in our schools and in the 21st Century. Washington Lee Tech Team has begun a blog, check it out.

Cartoon Yourself

Got the winter blahs? Tired of boring pictures of yourself on your blog or website? I have the answer for you! CARTOON YOURSELF!!

Create new and fun images by going to:

1. Simpsonize Me

2. Meez

3. Portrait Icon Maker

4. Portrait Illustrator

5. Cartoon Me

These should give you a good start and you will probably want to look for more very cool options that are out there! Have fun!!!

Winter

The holidays are over and we are heading into the downhill slide of the school year. I can't believe we are into the 2nd semester already. The weather has been really cold but we've not had a lot of snow.

Training will begin soon for the new Student Information System. That should be fun. I am looking forward to learning the program that we have chosen. I also have some classes coming up that will continue to teach new and exciting Web 2.0 tools.