Mrs. French's Media Blog

Exciting Technology News!

frenchd — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:36:00 +0000

The District 279 Board approved a plan to enhance classroom technology last spring. The district made the decision to spend money that would normally be used for computer replacement on classroom technology. Edinbrook was allotted $35,373 from the District Technology Classroom Standards money. The Edinbrook Technology Committee decided to use our money to make sure that all classrooms had a digital projector and that they were mounted in all 2nd-5th grade classrooms (6th grade projectors were already mounted). We were also able to purchase 5 document cameras and get two classroom audio enhancement systems that will be piloted by a 1st and 6th grade teacher. Another district project this summer was to install wireless access throughout the buildings.

I am excited to see the impact that this infusion of classroom technology will have on our students!

RIF, New Books, & Graphic Novel Grant

frenchd — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:12:26 +0000

Edinbrooks’ second RIF (Reading is Fundamental) give-away will be held on March 25 and 26, right before Spring Break. RIF is funded by a federal grant and the District 279 Foundation. Through this wonderful program, students at Edinbrook get to choose 3 books each school year that are theirs to keep. We encourage parents to read their children’s RIF books with them and also to volunteer to help with the give-away event. Mr. Pietari’s 6th grade reading group will be creating a commercial for the RIF event in March. Through the commercial students will learn about the variety of books that they will be able to choose from.

We are fortunate to have received several new books this year. You can find lists of these new books on the media center’s home page.

Earlier this year, I wrote a grant to purchase Graphic Novels to encourage reluctant intermediate readers. Thanks to the District 279 Foundation classroom grant program, I have ordered $1500 worth of new graphic novels and comic books. These books will initially only be available to the group of students that the grant was written for, but will be added to the Edinbrook media collection next Fall. The Edinbrook students will be excited about the new graphic novel/comics section that will be created as a result of receiving the grant.

New at Edinbrook- Jake Maddox Series

frenchd — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:49:46 +0000

Try Reading A Maud Hart Lovelace Nominee

frenchd — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:27:28 +0000

The third-sixth grade students heard about the Maud Hart Lovelace Nominees during the month of November. You can read more about the MHL nominees and the Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Contest on the MHL website . This year, I am asking students to record their reading of the MHL nominees by filling out three simple questions on a tracking form. The form will help me keep track of which students can vote for their favorite book (must read at least three) and which students will be invited to a MHL celebration in April (must read at least six books). You can view the Maud Hart Lovelace nominee list and find the tracking form by visiting our library website.

Mr. Lewis’ sixth grade reading class promoted the Division 1 Nominees to EB third-fifth graders. They made Power Point Slides that we played during morning announcements, hung posters around the school, talked to classrooms and made video commercials. There are now long reserve lists for all of the Division I nominees. If parents or grandparents are looking for holiday gifts, a 2010 Maud Hart Lovelace nominee would be appreciated by most our 3rd-5th grade students.

TumbleBooks Are Here!

frenchd — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:41:46 +0000

Edinbrook teachers and students now have access to TumbleBooks. TumbleBooks are online electronic storybooks. Take a few minutes to explore this wonderful resource. You can get the password by calling the Edinbrook Media Center.