This and That

Preserve VRS

2011-05-28T16:14:00.002-04:00

Preserve the defined benefit plan, a traditional pension, for VEA members.

Check out this article: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/04/25/why-young-workers-want-a-good-old-fashioned-pension

A Busy March

2010-03-16T12:14:00.003-04:00

Just got back over the weekend from Virginia Beach! I attended the Virginia State Reading Conference where I presented several sessions in the area of Technology and Reading. We experienced some technical difficulties but had plans B and C to help us survive. I saw some nice weather and some rain. I reconnected with old friends and made new ones and we experienced some trauma at our hotel. All in all it was a great conference.

Coming up at school, I will be conducting some after-school training. On the 22nd, come to VP for Creating/Updating your Webpage. On the 25th, I will be at SJ where we will be creating Blogs. Keep in mind that your webpage is static and can only be added to by you. Should you choose to create a blog, you will have interaction with parents, students, and your colleagues. Sign up on the portal if you wish to attend OR just show up :-)

That's all for now. I have to work on a video project and then will finish the day with the Washington Lee Tech Team!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2010

2010-01-28T12:51:00.002-05:00

I don't know where the time has gone. It seems like school just started and here it is January of 2010!! Our teachers have been busy this school year with our new student information system. I think we are beginning to feel more comfortable with the program.

We are now looking ahead to SOL testing and getting lots of instructional review done for the students. I have websites, TurningPoint and Notebook activities and more available.

Tech Teams are active in all 4 elementary schools this year! I am excited about what the students are learning and how responsible they are becoming. Fourth Graders involved in Tech Team will have the opportunity to come to Summer Technology Camp. More information about that will be coming soon.

Take care and have fun in the snow this weekend!!

Middle of September Already???

2009-09-17T10:24:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-30T08:00:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-11T16:26:00.002-04:00

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

2009-03-11T21:11:00.003-04:00

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

2009-02-10T09:51:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-22T15:02:00.003-05:00

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.

More Internet Safety

2008-09-25T13:42:00.005-04:00

If you've checked out the links from my last post, then I'm sure you are hungry for more information. Yes, you can go out and search and find things on your own, but I've made it easy for you. I've done the work, now you can go to my website (http://www.bvps.org/mwarren/netsafety.htm) or to my PortaPortal, which is an online storage place for links/favorites (http://guest.portaportal.com/warrenbvps)

Internet Safety

2008-09-10T14:05:00.005-04:00

Being safe on the internet is so important for all of us. We need to educate the students and their parents on how to be safe and what to watch for out there. Here are some links to websites that have lots of valuable information. Check them out!!!

http://www.wiredsafety.org/ They have areas for Parents, Educators, Media Specialists, and Students.

http://www.isafe.org/

http://www.netsmartz.org/ - a wonderful tool to use for educating our parents and students

Hit the Ground Running!

2008-08-27T15:51:00.003-04:00

The school year has gotten off to a fast start and doesn't seem to be slowing down. We have new software, new SMARTBoards, and lots of new faces around us, both teachers and students. Its exciting to see all that is happening already in the classrooms. Many teachers are integrating technology daily and I am thrilled to see that. Please let me know what I can do to help make things easier for you.

In-service Excitement!

2008-07-29T16:18:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited! I finally got the training dates and classes set up and on the portal. The classes are filling up fast so make sure you get signed up soon. Friday, August 8 will be a continuation of blogging for those who have already begun, and a new beginning for newbies. Monday, August 11 will be all about the new and improved SMART Notebook 10. I am building in plenty of time for you to create new activities for you to use in the upcoming year!

In case you don't already know, I am a "double blogger" LOL I have another blog at http://techteacherw.edublogs.org. I will be adding new things to both blogs so I want you to add me to your favorites so you don't miss out on any of my musings :-)

Enjoy the rest of your summer. I am back to work and looking forward to another fun-filled, action-packed year!

When I Become a Teacher....

2008-05-26T13:46:00.000-04:00

End of the Year

2008-05-21T21:29:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that the year is already coming to an end and its time to prepare for another Tech Academy. I have a full week planned. We will be delving further into Web 2.0 and expanding our use of podcasts, blogs, and A WHOLE LOT MORE! It is going to be a week of learning and sharing. I hope you are excited and looking forward to it as much as I am.

Spring is HERE!

2008-03-31T13:17:00.006-04:00

Spring Break is now over and we are in preparation for our online SOL tests. The daffodils are blooming and I don't know about you, but I have spring fever. I spent my Spring Break in northern Ohio where it snowed... A LOT!!!! As we are winding down the school year, I want to remind you that there is still training going on after school and the Summer Academy will be held June 9 - 13. More information will be coming soon about this annual event.

Getting SMARTer

2008-02-29T11:03:00.004-05:00

HAPPY LEAP DAY!!

WOW! I am seeing so many great things being done on SMARTBoards in the classrooms! We will begin more SMARTBoard classes after school next week for those of you who want more inspiration. I am excited about the new boards that have been placed in the classrooms at Van Pelt and I know you are too! If there are specific things you want to learn, please let me know. In the meantime, check out the Staff Development area on the Portal for what is being offered.

Pay Attention

2008-02-27T11:52:00.001-05:00

Our students are Digital Natives...this video says it all.

First Day of Academy

2007-06-11T11:16:00.000-04:00

Everyone has registered for the academy and spent time learning new things in SharePoint. We are now learning about blogs and setting up our own. Looks like we have some bloggers in our midst that have been waiting for this opportunity.

http://www.bvps.org/mwarren/Aud/welcome07.mp3

WELCOME!

SJ Stomp

Where in the World?

2007-06-05T12:01:00.000-04:00

I found this on YouTube and thought we could have some great fun with the same kind of thing right here in Bristol using our new Point and Click Cameras!

I finally got a girl!

2007-06-04T21:58:00.002-04:00

I've got to tell you about my newest addition. Annabelle is a 5 month old goat! I never thought a goat would make such a great pet but she is absolutely adorable! She follows me around and loves it when I just sit outside with her while she eats ... and she eats ALL THE TIME! If you'd like more information or perhaps a goat of your own ... let me know, I'm thinking we might want to have baby goats :-)

Welcome to Tech Academy 2007!

2007-06-04T21:47:00.000-04:00

I have found so many new and exciting things to share with my academy participants that I hardly know where to start so will start with this very cool video that I found on teachertube.