The Trinity Times
May 19, 2014
Greetings from the Computer Lab!
This year in computer class we have been taking a project-based approach to learning. We have completed poems, research projects, photo editing, and music creation, among other things. I believe the best way to learn how to use computers is to be given some guidance on the programs, shown how they work, and then given a task to complete which will allow the student to explore all the required capabilities of the program. Our projects usually start with demonstrating the new program, and guiding students step by step how to access and complete certain tasks on the program. Students are then given loose parameters of what to complete and given time to explore and get acquainted with the program. When students come back for their next class, they are given an assignment to complete which will enable them to use the skills they were taught, as well as room to find and use new aspects of the program. Students will remember more of a program’s facilities if they are allowed to explore and make mistakes, rather than if they are guided step by step through the project.
Currently grades 3-5 are working on creating a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which shows the finances of an ice cream truck. The students input their stock items, product cost, sales price, item profit, daily sales and daily profit. They are then shown how to input quantities, as well as how to use Excel’s functions to do mass calculations.
Grades K-2 are working on creating a basic foundation of typing skills, and learning how to navigate selected web pages. Students use selected typing activities which help them create proper finger placement by only using certain letters on the keyboard. As students learn about web pages, we do mini scavenger hunts to find certain pages within the site.
The middle school is completing a project using Sony’s Acid Express, a music creation software that allows the user to take small clips of sound and arrange them into patterns that create different musical creations. Students are using these clips of sound to create musical passages which represent different pictures of their own choosing. It’s a fun program, and is available for free on their website.
Enjoy the world of computers for the rest of the year!
Mr. Stainkamp
MEGA YARD SALE last Saturday was a huge success. Many treasures were purchased, with proceeds going to our church and school. Many thanks to all our volunteers who helped to sort, price, set up, sell and clean up. This is a massive undertaking and was only possible with all your help. Many thanks!
STAFF RECOGNITION DAY last Wednesday was most enjoyable. Many thanks to the PTFA for the delicious breakfast and the Dunkin Donuts gift cards. Trinity’s PTFA is a most generous and hardworking group of parents who truly appreciate the faculty and staff at Trinity. We, in turn, try to help our students achieve their best.
MANY, MANY, MANY THANKS to the families of Trinity for their recognition of my retirement on Staff Recognition Day. I was completely surprised and overwhelmed during the chapel service, and I truly appreciate the most generous gift presented to me. I will miss Trinity, especially the children and parents I’ve grown to love over my 23 years here. I hope to keep in touch and occasionally visit you all. May God continue to bless your families.
NOAH AND THE ARK – Come join us for the K-3 Spring Musical, “A Technicolor Promise”, the story of Noah and the Ark, as presented by our students in grades kindergarten-three, on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 pm. This delightful musical is directed by Mr. Henry DeVries.
CONGRATULATIONS to Jayden Miller and family on winning a “Week at Celebrate Summer”. They were Wingo winners for this prize!
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Mrs. Pollitt announces that the Hicksville Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 26. All participants will meet at the Sears south parking lot. Dress code is a band T-shirt, tan pants, shorts or skirt, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. Even if you are not marching, please come to the parade to cheer on our marching band!
LUTHERAN COUNSELING CENTER sends thanks to Trinity Lutheran School for donating just under $500 from chapel offerings to support their efforts to help many people in need of emotional healing. Trinity benefits directly from the Counseling Center services.
EVENTS THIS WEEK:
- Mon., 05/19 and Tues., 05/20 Early Childhood end-of –year picnics
- Tues., 05/20 K-3 Spring Musical; 7:00 pm
- Wed., 05/21 Group Graduation Photos (after chapel)
- Thurs., 05/22 Grade 5 goes to Philadelphia; 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thurs., 05/22 Grade 8 Graduation Dance; 7:00 pm
- Thurs., 05/22 NO bowling
- Fri., 05/23 NO SCHOOL – Beginning of Memorial Day weekend
EVENTS NEXT WEEK:
- Mon., 05/26 Memorial Day Parade in Hicksville
- Wed., 05/28 K-3 Field Day; 10:00 am
- Wed., 05/28 Middle School Presentation for 4th and 5th grade families; 7:00 pm
- Thurs., 05/29 Bowling; pick-up 5:45 pm
- Fri., 05/30 “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” drama presentation, 7:00 pm
- Sat., 05/31 “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” drama presentation, 1:00 pm
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK:
- Mon., 05/19 Drama Club rehearsal; pick-up 5:30 pm
- Tues., 05/20 Peer Tutoring; pick-up 4:00 pm
- Tues., 05/20 Zumba; pick-up 4:00 pm
- Wed., 05/21 Drama Club rehearsal; pick-up 5:30 pm
- Thurs., 05/22 FAST Athletics; pick-up 4:00 pm
- Thurs., 05/22 Reading/Writing Workshop; pick-up 4:00 pm