“The Lord is My Rock and My Salvation” -Psalm 18:2

September 8, 2009

Dear ASLS Families,

Welcome to Computers! My name is Sandra Mercier and I am the K-8 Computer Teacher this year. I also teach 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade P.E. I pray that you had a blessed and restful summer break. I would also like to share with you a little about myself and my expectations for this school year.

I received my Bachelor of Arts and California Clear teaching credential from Concordia University in Irvine. I received a Masters of Arts in K-12 Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, as well. This school year marks my eleventh year of teaching at ASLS…I love it here!

I expect my students to respect their classmates, teachers, and all adults on campus. I expect my students to come to class prepared, with any supplies needed for assignments (such as research notes and something to write with). Enforcing these expectations will allow for an optimal learning environment for all students. I truly believe that every child can learn and that learning is a continual process that is meant to be fun!

There is a major change going on in the computer lab this year. Rather than using the Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), we will be using Google docs. It is free and allows students to create word processing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets, just like with Microsoft Office. Students can create documents at school, and access them at home, make changes anytime, and the changes will be saved in their account for when they return to school. Unlike last year, students will not be required to use their flashdrive to save all documents, but can use it on an as-needed basis. Google docs accounts will be created for K-8th graders and I will provide 2 copies of log-in information to each homeroom teacher: 1 to keep in the classroom, and 1 to send home with each student. I will also keep all password information in the computer lab for students in case they need a reminder.

I can also help with any questions about AR (Accelerated Reader), Easy Tech/ Learning.com, and Gradelink. All student passwords will remain the same as last year, and I will send home password reminder sheets to all new students. All homeroom teachers will also have password lists in their classrooms, and I will, too. Please e-mail me directly if you get “locked out” of Gradelink and I can unlock your child’s account. (After 3 unsuccessful log-in attempts, the system will think you are a stranger and will lock you out until the account is reset.)

We will continue using a standards based, self-monitoring program called Easy Tech through www.Learning.com for grades K-8.

*Kindergartners will learn mouse basics, computer basics, instruction in keyboarding/typing, beginning graphics, visual mapping, and database basics.

*First Graders will build on the above skills and add word processing basics and computer navigation.

*Second Graders will build on all of the above and add spreadsheet basics, graphing in spreadsheets, and web browsing basics.

*Third Graders will build on all of the above and add e-mail and presentation basics.

*Fourth Graders will add to the above skills with formulas in spreadsheets and creating databases.

*Fifth Graders will enhance the above skills by adding basic HTML instruction.

*Sixth Graders will focus their instruction on computer fundamentals, word processing software, spreadsheet and presentation software, use web browsing to cite and research properly, designing and layout of multimedia databases, and will design/write basic HTML code.

*Seventh and Eighth Graders will add to the above skills by studying them more in depth.

I have a blog on www.abidingsavior.com. Just click under my picture and you can view my blog and/or send me an e-mail. I am here to help in any way that I can. Call or e-mail me anytime. I look forward to a wonderful year!

In Christ,
Mrs. Sandra Mercier
949-830-1461 x228
smercier@abidingsavior.com