Computer Lab

Mrs. Julie Sikora,
Teacher

Welcome to the Computer Lab!  I am so excited about my new teaching position as the technology teacher!  This is my twenty-second year of teaching and my seventh year at St. Timothy’s.  I enjoy getting to see all of the children and teaching them new things regarding technology.  I can honestly say we have a wonderful group of students and parents at St. Timothy’s. 

In the computer lab we have been blessed with a new thin client environment!  It is a very stream-lined system and I am excited about the possibilities we have to really hone our technology skills.

The Diocesan and State standards that we follow here at St. Timothy’s, in all grade levels K-8, is composed of 6 strands.  These strands carry throughout the year in different units and lessons and programs we will be learning.

These strands are: 

• Creativity and Innovation
• Communication and Collaboration
• Research and Information Literacy
• Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision-Making
• Digital Citizenship
• Technology Operations and Concepts 

Throughout the year we will be learning different programs (software) and tools to help us accomplish our goals.  The younger students (K-3) will not be using some of the more advanced software until future grades. 

These programs/tools are: (but not limited to)

• Kidpix
• Microsoft Word 2010
• Microsoft Publisher 2010
• Microsoft Excel 2010
• Microsoft Paint
• Typing Pal (keyboarding)
• Internet Research/safety/games and tools 

My discipline cycle is below.  I will be using it with all the grade levels.  My main focus is to be positive and my philosophy is that learning should be fun.  However, because of my limited time with each class it is important that all students come to computer class and be ready to learn.  I expect them to be respectful of others’ learning and my teaching. I also expect them to be organized and ready to learn.  Therefore, any student who is inhibiting the learning of another student or my teaching will have consequences.

Discipline Cycle 

• Focus on the positive/DWP/Self-Discipline
• Self-disciplined students

STEPS TO DISCIPLINE CYCLE

• Step one: warning (verbal or non-verbal re-direction)
• Step two: place a pink Stop, Think and Plan sheet face down on their desk. 
• Step three: pink Stop, Think and Plan sheet is turned over to be filled out by student and returned to the teacher. This is taken home to be signed by parent and brought back to school the following day.
• Step 4: Office referral form given, student sent to the principal and a phone call home.  Please refer to the student handbook for further information on Office Referrals.

**A student may automatically earn a pink STP at any time without warning for inappropriate behavior that the teacher deems unacceptable.

***A student may automatically earn an Office Referral if he/she breaks one of the Big Three rules. 

Grading 

For grading in computers, I take into account 5 areas.

These are:

1. participation

2. effort

3. behavior

4. progressive work on projects

5. homework turn-in 

For participation and effort I start the student at 9.4 out of 10 for the day.  They either can increase their grade for extra effort and extra leadership or they can decrease it by lack of participation, effort or misbehavior.  For projects and homework it is a straight point scale depending on the assignment. 

If you need to speak with me for any reason please do not hesitate to call or write.

Contact information: 

It is an honor and a pleasure to work with your children.  Thank you for entrusting your children to all of us here at St. Timothy Catholic School. 

In Christ,

Mrs. Julie Sikora