I hope you all had a great summer filled with free time, fun, and plenty of sunshine!  I know I had a busy, yet enjoyable summer as well!  It always seems like summer vacations fly by faster than the previous one!  Alas here we are back to school and back to business!

What’s New For 2010-2011

As with any school year the keyword is new… and without question there is a lot of new to go around this year.  New teachers, new classes, new computers, new layout to the computer lab, new ideas and more… new (who knew)! 

Faculty & Staff

By now we all know about Mr. Surdel and Mr. Hodgson who passed away over the summer.  Knowing both of these remarkable teachers as well as I did I know they wouldn’t want us to dwell on their passing, instead they would want us to continue the work they so diligently did with passion and enthusiasm everyday.  So we welcome Ms. Lohrmann who will be teaching Social Studies, and Ms. Parkos who will be teaching World Language.  We also welcome Ms. Torchio (whom the incoming 6th grade class should remember) who will be teaching in 6th grade.

As with any new school year comes new classes, and new challenges that lay ahead.  Always remember that your teachers are here to help so if you need anything just remember to ask!

Computers

The middle school was fortunate enough to receive new computers throughout the entire building over the summer (yes even the Iconn Lab too)!  We will now be running in a Windows 7 environment.  For those of you who haven’t been exposed to Windows 7 it will be a little bit of an adjustment, but we will do our best to get you up and running as soon as possible.  We will also be using Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010.  For those of you who have Office 2007 there is no need to convert your files down to 2003 format anymore!  Understand this is a building wide change so there may be a few hiccups along the way.  So again, there will be a little bit of an adjustment but we will do our best to get up to speed as soon as possible!

Have I mentioned yet that my computer lab has been changed around?  You heard the planning discussions last year, well those discussions have turned into reality.  If you want the sneak peek before the school year starts you can take a quick look at the new layout to the computer lab.  I have to say I really like it! 

Other Points of Interest

Google Apps Accounts

Just like last year every student will be receiving their Google Apps for Education Accounts during the school year.  These accounts are VERY useful as they will allow you to create documents, papers, homework and more at school or home, and bring them wherever you go.  All you need is a computer with an Internet connection then you can access all of your work without needing any special software!  Your Google Accounts will be released for student use as soon as possible!

Handouts & Materials for Computers

I am continuing my policy this year on handouts and worksheets.  Each student will receive 1 copy of an assignment/worksheet/handout when an assignment is issued.  It is up to YOU THE STUDENT to keep track of your materials.  Organization is a MUST in my class.  If you lose your assignment/worksheet/handout it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get another copy on your own time.  You can do this by making use of the Classroom Files link located at the top of the web site.  Copies of all assignments will be posted there when they are assigned.  If you need another copy you can download and print another copy.

With All That Said…

With all that said there is one last thing to do.  Let’s get this school year started on a great note!

Have a great first week of school!

Mr. Hendricks

Grade 6

Monday

• Course Introduction

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Computer Account Setup
• Web Site Setup & Information
• Google Apps Accounts

Thursday/Friday

• Google Docs Activity – Who Are You?

Grade 7

Monday

• Course Introduction

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Computer Account Setup
• Web Site Setup & Information
• Google Apps Accounts

Thursday/Friday

• TBD

Grade 8

Monday

• Course Introduction

Tuesday/Wednesday

• Computer Account Setup
• Web Site Setup & Information
• Google Apps Accounts

Thursday/Friday

• TBD