Happy Holidays!

VSTE conference

I just attended the VSTE conference at the Virginia Beach Conference Center from Sunday - Tuesday.  It was great!  There were many exciting sessions to attend.  I am looking forward to sharing some new ideas with my staff. 

Looking forward to some changes in the new year!

Next week is the Hour of Code

KGMS students will watch an Hour of Code video during Foxes Den next Monday.

KGMS students will be participating in the Hour of Code through their Science classes.  Some will begin on Monday and others will participate on Friday.  We are all looking forward to it.

Coding will be offered at L.E. Smoot Memorial Library as well.  

     Dec. 3 at noon

     Dec. 8 at 4:30pm

     Dec. 10 at 2pm

Register at smoot.org

The Hour of Code is coming!

This year the Hour of Code is Dec. 5-11.  

The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching over 100 million students in more than 180 countries.  Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event.  Code.org is an excellent place to start.

Coding is for everyone - beginner to advanced!

Bloomz Overview

3 ways to connect with parents

1. remind.com
2. cel.ly
3. bloomz.net

Try one out today...

Save the Date - 2nd annual Spring into STEM night

Save the Date

What:  2nd annual Spring into STEM night

Who:   all are invited

Where:  KGMS

When:   March 2, 2017 from 5:30-7:30pm

This evening is an opportunity for community members, parents, teachers and students to LEARN about STEM in schools, SEE examples of student STEM projects and DO STEM activities with their children.

If you would like more information, please email Kathy Carr at kcarr@kgcs.k12.va.us.

If you are interested in helping sponsor the evening, please fill out the form at https://goo.gl/forms/Z5jJP1a8pyNFNcTt2

Hemingway Editor to help with writing

Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear.

The app highlights long, complex sentences and common errors; if you see a yellow sentence, shorten or split it. If you see a red highlight, your sentence is so dense and complicated that your readers will get lost trying to follow its meandering, splitting logic — try editing this sentence to remove the red.

You can utilize a shorter word in place of a purple one. Mouse over it for hints.

Adverbs are helpfully shown in blue. Get rid of them and pick verbs with force instead.

Phrases in green have been marked to show passive voice.

You can format your text with the toolbar.

**Taken from http://www.hemingwayapp.com/ **

Computer Science is Changing Everything

KG Code of Digital Citizenship

King George County Schools Code of Digital Citizenship Responsible actions in a Digital World

Protect

• I will only post information online that will not put myself or others at risk.
• I will report any online attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at myself or others.
• I will protect myself, my passwords, and my resources.
• I will protect others by not forwarding inappropriate communications or materials.
• I will refrain from pirating or distributing digital resources that aren’t free or don’t belong to me.
• I will verify the accuracy of online information.

Respect

• I will give thoughtful consideration as to what personal information about my life, experiences and relationships I post.
• I will respect myself and others through my online actions and responses.
• I will use electronic media in a way that is respectful and appropriate.
• I will remember that actions such as bullying, stalking, harassing, and insulting are not appropriate or respectful.
• I will request permission to use online resources when necessary and cite all references to websites, books, media, etc.
• I will respect all equipment and all resources available to me.

Blue Shirt Day

Today is Blue Shirt Day in recognition of bullying prevention.

Internet Safety Lesson Reminder

Middle School Internet Safety Lessons
Two units per grade per year
Grade	Unit	Topic	ISTE NETS•S	VA SOLs
7	Trillion Dollar Footprint	Safety and Privacy	1a-c, 2a-d	C/T 6-8.3. C/T 6-8.6
	Cyberbullying: Crossing the Line	Cyberbullying	2a, 2b, 5a, 5d	C/T 6-8.5
8	Which Me Should I Be?	Appropriate Online Behavior	1a, 1b, 4a, 4c, 4d, 5a	C/T 6-8.3. C/T 6-8.6, C/T 6-8.8. C/T 6-8.10. C/T 6-8.13
	Cyberbullying: Crossing the Line	Cyberbullying	2a, 2b, 5a, 5d	C/T 6-8.5

All lessons can be found at:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/erate-teachers

Tech Tips

To quickly bookmark a website, click ctrl and D.

To copy, click ctrl and C.

To paste, click ctrl and V.

To select all, click ctrl and A.

Club Sign-Up

Click here to sign up for a club

Club Day

You will view a slideshow in lunch advertising the clubs to choose between.  You will then select your top 5 choices in your science class at the end of this week.  Be sure to choose your top 5.

I just made a new Voki to remind students to bring in forms. See it here:

I just made a new Voki. See it here:

Be sure to check out voki.com.  You can make an avatar to advertise anything.

Welcome to a new school year!

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year!  Our theme this year is Under Construction:  Building Productive Citizens!  KGMS students know how to RAP - be Respectful, Accountable, and Productive!

5 ways to Stay Safe Online

1. Never talk to strangers.
2. Don't overshare/no personal information.
3. Never disclose your location - be sure to turn off location for all apps, websites, and games.
4. Always use privacy settings.
5. Be courteous online.

5 tips to Stop Cyberbullying

1. Don't respond or retaliate.
2. Block the bully.
3. Save the evidence.
4. Report it.
5. Tell a trusted adult.

5 Social Media Rules

1. Turn on privacy settings.
2. Think before you post.
3. Never post mean messages or embarrassing photos.
4. Turn off your location.
5. Don't spend all day online.

Spring into STEM night

What:  Spring into STEM night
            (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

Where:  KGMS

When:  Mar. 3  5:30-7:30pm

Who:  all elementary, middle, and high school students

This evening is an opportunity for community members, parents, teachers, and students to LEARN about STEM in schools, SEE examples of student STEM projects and DO STEM activities with their children.

Sign up here:  http://www.tinyurl.com/kgcsstem

Online Safety Contest update

Our school submitted two entries.  Good luck to each!