3rd Keyboarding

The 4th quarter flew by with all the programs, field trips, and class projects but we managed to get a lot done.  During 4th quarter we focused on learning all the numbers and symbols on the keyboard.  The students should be proficient with using the home row keys and typing all the letters without looking.  The students really worked hard this year and we will continue to strengthen their typing skills in 4th grade. Also, during 4th quarter the students explored coding.  They used Code.org (Frozen theme) to explore the basics of computer science.  Students applied logic, critical thinking, and problem solving skills to complete 20 levels of Elsa's journey.  The students really enjoyed this!

Have a great summer and keep typing and coding!!

6th Multimedia-Stop Animation

During 4th quarter the students created stop animation movies on digital citizenship.  Students made movies using all types of props such as gummy bears, clay, legos, or self created and developed a storyline based on the topic.  Some of the topics used to create the movies are cyber bullying, identity theft, internet safety, online predators, and digital footprint.  Also, the students incorporated green screen into their movies to give the full effect of the movie.  The movies were excellent and the students were able to enjoy popcorn and watch their peers movies. 

4th Grade Media - the Coastal Animal Assignment

Carol Gehringer
Media Coordinator

During the 4th quarter, our 4th graders worked on their Coastal Animal assignment. This project is a collaborative effort between the 4th grade team, the technology teacher, and the media coordinator.

In preparation for this assignment, our 4th graders learned to navigate our science databases, learned about the ethical use of information and images, as well as the basics of word processing and presentation software.

The students research an animal native to the North Carolina coast using print and online resources.

Once they complete their research, they type their research paper and bibliography, as well as prepare a keynote which they present to their class.

This assignment is completed prior to their Outer Banks field trip.

6th Multimedia

The 6th grade Multimedia classes have been creating all types of movies using green screen.  The first major project was the "I'm Outta Here" project where the students go any place in the world.  Some students talked about  different places/monuments they were visiting while other students pretended to be in a time capsule.  The students were in charge of directing, filming, and acting.  Lights, Camera, Action!!

Also, the 6th graders filmed and directed the 4th graders.  The 4th graders were reporting on the impact pollution has on our water, food, energy, and wildlife.  The 6th graders created newsreels from the footage using the green screen effect.

Finally, the 6th will create Revolutionary War scenes using the 2nd graders footage.  The 2nd graders dressed in Revolutionary War costumes read their reports in front of the green screen.  The 6th graders will take the footage and actually place the 2nd graders in Revolutionary times.  How cool is this??? 

Spring Book Fair 2016

Carol Gehringer
Media Center

We held our annual 2016 Spring Book Fair on April 21 and 22 at Barnes & Noble (Cary).

Families purchased books from our Required Summer Reading List, as well as CDs, DVDs, books, games, items from their cafe, etc. to help. Their purchases will help us purchase new items for our GRACE library.

A BIG thanks to our fine arts students who performed: Elementary Chorus, Band, Dance, and Theater joined the artwork on display. A SPECIAL thanks to their teachers for bringing the students -- and to TALON, our GRACE mascot!

GRACE received almost $1000 in credit at the Barnes and Noble which will be used in both the Raleigh and Crossroads libraries.