Tracey Platenyk, Technology Coordinator

4th Grade Introduction to Database Management

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Database PowerPoint.pptx

Lesson Assessment..In case you lose your paper copy, please download this so you may complete it on time. It is due May 25th at the beginning of Computer Class.

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/assessment for databases test.docx

WOULD YOU EAT THAT?

http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/you/the-exhibit/your-appetite/would-you-eat-that/?THEBIGDEALBOOK=634724410273515000

COMPUTERS - 5th grade May 15

FOOD CHAIN WEBQUEST

GO TO http://www.cspinet.org/EatingGreen/tour.html

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: You may open up WORD to complete this exercise. Use complete sentences and be sure the proper heading is included.

What are the major ‘stops’ in the food supply chain?

How many gallons of water is used each year to irrigate crops and feed livestock?

How much water does it take to produce one pound (lb) of beef?

What are the effects of over-irrigation?

COMPUTERS - 5th grade May 15

FOOD CHAIN WEBQUEST

GO TO http://www.cspinet.org/EatingGreen/tour.html

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: You may open up WORD to complete this exercise. Use complete sentences and be sure the proper heading is included.

What are the major ‘stops’ in the food supply chain?

How many gallons of water is used each year to irrigate crops and feed livestock?

How much water does it take to produce one pound (lb) of beef?

What are the effects of over-irrigation?

MIddle School HEALTH 5/10/12

Gender Complementarity
                                   Reflect upon the following two questions and write your reflections / answers in your Journals to be shared in class next week.
                                 Assignment being completed will be for a grade.


                                           1. How do you view the world without girls or boys?

                                           2. How do male and female complement one another in a positive way?

BASEBALL MATH

Use the following websites to complete the Baseball Math worksheet. You may work in pairs.

Ken Grifffey, Jr. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/2148/ken-griffey-jr

Cal Ripkin, Jr. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/789/cal-ripken

Conversion: http://www.metric-conversions.org/length/feet-to-miles.htm

Technology Assessment

Be sure to have paper and a pen/pencil to answer the following questions. This is a test that will be used as a study guide.

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Technology Assessment(2).docx

When completed, you can log onto the GLENCOE site for additional keyboarding practice. Remember, go to 'my class pages' and scroll down until you find 'Keyboarding Exercises" The GLENCOE site is the first link. Be sure to do your work without talking to your neighbor. Others are concentrating and you should be respectful.

Middle School Health Homework May 3rd

Grades 8,7,6

                              Read Chapter 5 in your 'Growing in Love' workbook and write down on loose-leaf paper each term that is is written in BOLD-FACED type. Place your name and date on homework...we will define each term next Thursday in class.

                              Continue class presentation on Love, Sex and Chastity.

                               Activity next week: Case Study on Relationships b/w genders

May 15th and 18th Lesson Plan - FLAGS

Click on these 2 links below and answer the questions on the handout that I will give you.

http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtale.html
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtriv.html

If time allows, you can create a copy of one of the early American Flags so that I can it on the bulletin board.

5th grade Health nutritional websites

In class, you will be given a game to assess. Once you've played the game, write a short summary of what you learned from this website/game. Be prepared to share it with the class.

http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-games/childrens-educational-healthy-food-games

Middle School Safe Homework Assignment

Due: April 26, 2012

Think of yourself as a news reporter who will be interviewing "the person on the street' for his or her opinion about this question: WHAT is a safe adult or friend?

On your own, or working with a friend (Groups of 2) conduct a total of 4 interviews with your friends, family members, and classmates and record their responses.

Be sure to address each of the five "w" questions with each person you interview. What is a safe adult or friend? When would you need a safe adult or friend? Why do you need a safe adult or friend? Where do you find a safe adult or friend? Who is a safe friend or adult? How do we know someone is a safe adult or friend?

After completing the writing, reread it and ask yourself.... Do you think anything was left out? If so, what?

Compile a closing paragraph to 'wrap it up' like reporters on the street generally do.

Write your closing remarks.

Finally, on April 26th, return to class prepared to share what you have learned. We will discuss your findings and we will reflect on what your response would be if someone asked you to answer all 5 questions regarding UNSAFE adults.

WHAT IS AN UNSAFE ADULT?

Nutrition Elective

www.webmd.com/hw/heart_disease/hw233473.asp

www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist.htm

Keyboarding Exercises - 3rd, 4th and 5th grades

Click here to begin:

http://www.techconnect.glencoe.com/techconnect/keyboarding/start.htm

For more practice:

http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/cjh/appliedtech/Business/Keyboarding/Index.html

Scholastic’s Games for Grammar and More!

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities

Once you're there, just select the GRADE, SUBJECT and ACTIVITY TYPE...try them all and challenge yourself...try the next Grade Level.

Ask, Listen, Learn Magazine - 5th Grade- Alcohol Awareness Magazine

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Scholastic's Ask, LIsten, Learn Magazine - Alcohol.pdf

HEALTH - Middle School March 15, 2012

Read Chapter 5 in your Workbook. Be prepared to discuss during class. We will be role playing some scenarios to further discuss 'conscience.'

FAMILY LIFE - VIRTUE OR VICE? Due March 1, 2012

This will be graded and count as a HOMEWORK grade.

On loose leaf notebook paper, in pen using cursive or printing, written NEATLY with the proper heading, take a few moments to reflect about the following issues/topics. Ask yourself is this a virtue or a vice? Place a + sign (virtue) or - sign (vice). Include where you were when you reflected upon these topics.

Issues/Topics: There are many things in our daily lives that can lead us either to virtue or to vice, depending upon how they are used. Look at the items listed below and think about how you use each one. Next to each item, draw a "plus" (+) sign if you believe your usage of each item is leading you to virtue, or draw a "minus" (-) sign if you believe your usage is leading you to vice. Pick one that seems to leading you to vice and focus on turning the (-) to a (+) in the next week.

texting
social networking (Facebook, Twitter)
video games
paying attention in school
being honest with parents
prayer
homework
language - profanity, respect
weekend activities - conflicts between attending church vs. sporting events, musical activities, other weekend events.

The assessment: Papers will be graded on the following attributes:

Is it neat?
Is it handed in on time?
Is the proper heading included?
On the correct type of paper?
Are there any spelling errors?
Is it in pen?
Did you include the place in which you reflected?

COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY FLASH CARDS

Use these links to brush up on your computer vocabulary.

http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-281996

http://www.studystack.com/flashcard-205979

SIX SOUNDS CONTEST

http://njaet.org/njaet/Grants%20%26%20Contests/2011-2012%20Six%20Sounds%20Contest/

DINOSAUR WEBSITE

www.zoomdinosaurs.com/subjects/dinosaurs/allabout

1st and 2nd Grade Dinosaur PowerPoint Project

http://oakdome.com/k5/lesson-plans/powerpoint/dinosaur-powerpoint-activity-kit.php

HEALTH - Middle School

Virtue-Beads and journal documentation

Each day students should be practicing 10 virtues. Write which ones were practiced with a short phrase to remember what was done to accomplish the specific virtue. This will be discussed in class and will be graded as a homework assignment. Be sure to bring both your book and your journal to class so that you are fully prepared.

ONLINE SAFETY

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/internet_safety.html

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/online_id.html#

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/k_ergonomics.html

Scratch Tutorial 5th grade

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPLKltqLANE

HEALTH HOMEWORK - 2.2.12

Due 2.9.12 _ This will be graded as a QUIZ. Be sure to bring both your journal AND your workbook to class.

In journals, 8th grade: Answer #1 on page 43

In journals, 7th grade: Answer #3 on page 43

In journals, 6th grade: Answer questions/do exercises on page 34

Food Quizzes for Health

FACE THE FATS QUIZ 1

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Face the Fats Quiz 1.pdf

FACE THE FATS QUIZ 2

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Face the Fats Quiz 2.pdf

SODIUM SMARTS QUIZ

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Sodium Smarts Quiz.pdf

HEART SMART QUIZ

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Heart Smart Quiz(1).pdf

MyPyramid.Gov website for Calorie Counting

We will use this website in class to estimate caloric intake using the 3-day food log.

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/SuperTracker/foodapedia.aspx

Typewith.me Lesson and Link 1.21.12

http://willyou.typewith.me/p/platecompute1

SCIENCE 1.19.12 - 6th Grade Notes

HOMEWORK: Page 76 Answer questions #16 - 21.

The following questions were created by class to assist in studying for Test tomorrow. I recommend organizing information on index cards to complement notes.

Section #1

What kind of circulatory system and digestive system do mollusks have?
How do mollusks breathe and how do they move?
What is a mollusk?
List 3 types of mollusks?
What is the thin piece of tissue covering the internal organs? What purpose does it serve?

Section #2

What are the major groups of arthropods?
What are the characteristics of arthropods?
What are the appendages of a crayfish?
What do dust mites feed on?
Name 4 arachnids?

Section #3

What are the 3 sections of an insect?
What are 3 ways insects obtain food?
What is an insect?
What do antennae do?
What is the difference between gradual and complete metaphases?

Section #4

What is a consumer?
What is a producer?
What is a decomposer?
What are pollinators?
What are pesticides?

Section #5 (only 3 questions in this section)

How do sea stars swim?
What are body parts of a sea star?
What are 4 major groups of echinoderms?

Additional

What is the purpose of a pesticide?
What could be used as pesticides?
How does a pesticide work?
How does it attack the bug? (or gut)
Why don’t we use more pesticides?

Health - Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012

Please bring your JOURNALS for this class. Sister Mary Lou will be checking them and it will be graded (Completed/Updated: 4; Incomplete: 2; Unprepared/Did not bring: 0 )

All classes will view Ch. 4 Theology of the Body DVD.

We will review all the Theological Cardinal and other Chirstian virtues also in oder to prepare for the next 2 classes as there are activites planned in conjunction with them.

CHRISTIAN VIRTUES for Middle School 1.19 class

CHRISTIAN VIRTUES - Middle School Class on Jan. 19, 2012

3 Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, Love ( charity )

4 Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude , Justice

OTHER Christian Virtues to know: humility, simplicity, charity, trust, gentleness, kindness, honor, generosity, mercy, loyality, persistence, perseverance, reverence, patience, selflessness, compassion, integrity, self-control, will, effort, joy, meekness, ethics, fairness, peace, honesty, chastity, modesty, purity, abstinence...

Middle School Health Lesson - Alcohol and it’s

Create a poster - no larger than 28" X 22" (the standard size) - that is attractive and educational on the dangers and consequences of alcohol. Include pictures/graphics/visuals and reasons/consequences encouraging individuals not to drink.

Requirements:
5 or more consequences/reasons not to drink
3 or more graphics
3 or more blurbs and/or facts about drinking
Needs to be colorful/attractive/neat
Provide at least one resource for individuals who want to learn more

Make sure you are persuasive and convincing. We want to inform people of the dangers of drinking and ultimately persuade them not to start drinking, especially not before they can legally do so.

Due in one week - Jan 12th. Please bring to Health class.

Here's a summary of what we discussed in class today for reference. http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Health Effects of Alcohol.docx

Lemonade Stand Worksheet

Click on the link below to access your Excel Spreadsheet. You will use this spreadsheet to record the decisions you make about how to run your lemonade stand, the data you collect, and the outcomes of your game. Name the spreadsheet and save it to your H: drive.

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/DataCollectionSheet for Lemonade Stand Exercise.xls

Middle School Health Project Due Date Changed to February 16th

HEALTH - 7 and 8th grades

Using the index card distributed, discuss with loved ones how Faith, Hope and Charity are present within your home. Place in workbook in designated area in Chapter 2.

WE ARE RECORD HOLDERS

I am very proud to announce that we were part of Mrs. Obama's record breaking event. According to Michelle Obama, 300, 265 people did jumping jacks within a 24-hour period, of which we took part. For more information, click below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/12/michelle-obama-jumping-jacks-world-record_n_1143024.html

Food Flight Holiday Edition

Your snowman is hungry, but can you feed him healthy food? Use the arrow keys to move the snowman left and right. A game that teaches nutrition and calories.

http://kidshealth.org/kid/misc/_bfs_foodflight.html

Middle School Health - Textbook Information

Below are websites that will provide information to parents as well as students.

Theology of the Body for Teens
                       www.TOBforTeens.com


                       Growing in Love ( textbook )
                       Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division
                       Harcourt Religion Publishers
                       www.harcourtreligion.com

Middle School Health Project

Due: Dec. 22, 2011

You are a news reporter who will be interviewing "the person on the street' for his or her opinion about this question: WHAT is a safe adult or friend?

Working with a friend (Groups of 2) conduct a total of 4 interviews with your friends, family members, and classmates using a video recorder, tape recorder or writing their responses.

Address each of the five "w" questions with each person you interview. What is a safe adult or friend? When would you need a safe adult or friend? Why do you need a safe adult or friend? Where do you find a safe adult or friend? Who is a safe friend or adult? How do we know someone is a safe adult or friend?

After completing the tape/video/paper, play/read it back/review it, and listen to what various members said.

Do you think anything was left out? If so, what?

Compile a closing paragraph to 'wrap it up' like reporters on the street generally do.

Record/Write your closing remarks.

Finally, on Dec. 22nd, return to class prepared to share what you have learned. We will discuss your findings and we will reflect on what your response would be if someone asked you to answer all 5 questions regarding UNSAFE adults.

WHAT IS AN UNSAFE ADULT?

Photography Elective

Homework: Due Wednesday Dec. 30th - next time our class meets.

Define the following terms as it relates to Photography and Cameras

1. LCD

2. Resolution

3. Sensor

4. Shutter Speed

5. Time Lapse

6. Tripod

7. Storage Card/Memory Card

Human Reproductive System Middle School Health

Sister Mary Lou will present a brief review of the Human Reproductive System from an anatomical and theological perspective. Specific grade levels will be taken into consideration. Girls: Nov. 17, 2011; Boys: Dec. 1, 2011.

Place The State Game

This is a game for all grade levels to enjoy, anytime!

http://www.history.com/topics/states/interactives/place-the-state-game

Grades 4-8 Presidential Challenge

As part of our Focus on Fitness program this year, we will be conducting the Presidential Fitness Challenge three times; once each trimester. The last one completed in April/May will be used to determine the award level for each student; Presidential, National, or Participant. While much information on the fitness challenge can be found on the Internet, I found the following site informative.

Our first challenge will take place on November 2nd and 9th. The first week we will do CURL UPs and the ENDURANCE RUN. On Nov. 9th the activities will finish up with the RIGHT ANGLE PUSH UPs, V-SIT and the SHUTTLE RUN.

https://www.theharmonyhouse.net/uploads/Presidents_Physical_Fitness.pdf

CHRISTIAN MUSIC

During class we listened to the following artists. Please feel free to either google or, with parental permission, look up on youtube.

Michael W. Smith Matt Maher

Chris Tomlin Switchfoot

Casting Crowns Jars of Clay

HOMEWORK 10/27

6th, 7th and 8th Grade: Health Homework

Complete/Finish Collages that symbolize your uniqueness and God's love in your life.

5th Grade Health Quiz review for Nov. 10th

Click on the link below for a review for Quiz on Bones, Muscles and Joints. 5th grade will take quiz on November 10.

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Bones, Muscle and Joints quiz review 5th grade.pptx

WORK IT OUT Health Homework Due Thursday, Oct. 27

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/WORK_IT_OUT[1].pdf

Gym on 10.17.11

Pre K3 and Pre K4 enjoying NERF HOCKEY

8th GRADE PE Video Project

This project will be assigned and discussed on Wed. Oct. 19th.

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/RUBRIC FOR PE VIDEO grade 8.docx

HEALTH HOMEWORK 10-13 DUE 10-21

Please write your answers to the following 2 questions. Use proper heading and use cursive writing.

If you ask me....

1. Three relationships that helped me who I am today...(2 people who have influenced you over the years to be who you are)

2. What I think makes humans different than animals is: (2 things)

BULLYING - ELEMENTARY GRADES 1 though 5

Click on the link below and choose WEBISODES. You will need your earpods.

http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/being_bullied/index.html

4th grade Technology Project - City Wildlife Powerpoint with Voice Over

Students using the internet will research facts about 3 animals that live in cities. Students will locate several images of city wildlife animals. Students use their research and images to create an informative and interesting PowerPoint. Specifically, the objectives is for students to learn to switch between screens, cut and paste, use transitions and effects in PowerPoint as well as how to record and use timings for presentations. This project is expected to take the remainder of the first trimester to complete and present.

Their PPT should include:

Name of city wildlife animal
What does the animal eat?
Where does the animal live and how does it look?
5 interesting facts about each animal
2 photos of each animal

This link below will assist students to visualize what a finished product might look like.

http://oakdome.com/k5/lesson-plans/powerpoint/powerpoint-city-wildlife.php

Middle School Health Note from Sister Mary Lou 9/22/11

Peace and all Good

Dear Parents,

I was happy for the opportunity to meet some of you this past Monday evening at MTRS Back-to-School night. It is my hope that we will all be able to work together this year as we begin our new Family Life Program and guide our Middle School teens to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God’s immense love for us as person’s created in His Image.

Please take a moment and review the ‘Growing in Love’ workbook that we will be using in class this year. I am sure that you will find the book to be beautifully presented and with great sensitivity and respect for all of the moral topics we will be exploring. Above all, the content of your child’s workbook as well as, the classes to be held on Thursday mornings are in keeping with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on Faith & Morals.

If you have any questions please contact me and or the school.

We ask that you please date and sign the inside cover of your child’s workbook that you have reviewed the contents by Thursday, September 29, 2011.

Thank you and may the Lord give you His peace in all its fullness.

Sr. Mary Lou

Tuesday, September 20th

6 Science - Read section 2 on cell structures.

7 Science - What is the difference between a Neap Tide and a Spring Tide?

8 Science - You are the planning director in your city. Create regulations for transporting hazardous substances through your community and research current regulations for transportation. Specify how to load, unload, and pack chemicals.

8 Religion - Finsh your faith map from class today and study for your quiz which is tomorrow.

Teaching Touching Safety Presentation for Parents

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/TEACHING TOUCHING SAFETY - PARENT OVERVIEW.pdf

THEOLOGY OF THE BODY websites for Health

These are three (3) sites that may help you during the year as we work through the Health program: Growing In Love.

www.TOBforTeens.com www.ConnectSafely.com www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities

Please feel free to contact Sister Mary Lou or myself with any questions and/or comments.

COMPUTER USAGE CONTRACT 2011-2012

Please read this document with your student and print out Page 4 to complete and return to school. Thank you.

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Computer Usage Contract.pdf

5th Grade Webquest on History of Computers - Tues. September 13, 2011

Click on the link below and follow the directions. We will do all the necessary work in class.

http://www.taconichills.k12.ny.us/webquests/InventorComputer/index2Newsletter.html

Visit NJ Webquest - 5th Grade

This will be completed in class with your assigned group. Please click on the link below to find out more about the project. We will begin this project on 9/20 and will be due on 10/4.

http://www.mcvts.org/ettc/mentoring/VisitNJ.htm

Physical Education

Welcome to the school year 2011-2012. We will be focusing on improving our overall fitness and wellness over the course of the year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children and adolescents should exercise approximately 60 minutes a day. According to their website: This may sound like a lot, but don't worry! Your child may already be meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. ... easy and enjoyable ways to help your child meet the recommendations. Encourage your child to participate in activities that are age-appropriate, enjoyable and offer variety!

At MTRS, our long term goal is to focus on cardiovascular activity and muscle and bone strengthening all while having fun! We will take the Presidential Challenge three times during the upcoming months, allowing the students to gauge their own individual progress over the course of the school year.

Each week the students are expected to be prepared: Wear their gym uniform, long hair should be pulled back and all bracelets and jewelry should remain home on gym days.

I recommend that each student brings their own water bottle, clearly labeled with their name, rather than use the water fountain.

I look forward to working with your children again this year and thank you for the opportunity.

9/11 Lessons

Week of 9/12

New York City Monuments and Statues - 1st and 2nd Grades http://www.hmheducation.com/history/pdfs/911/nyc-g1-pp-14-15.pdf

Events Shape the Nation - Grade 3 http://www.hmheducation.com/history/pdfs/911/events-shape-the-nation.pdf

Facing New Dangers - Grades 4 and 5 http://www.hmheducation.com/history/pdfs/911/facing-new-dangers.pdf

Extension - Grade 5 http://www.hmheducation.com/history/pdfs/911/fighting-terrorism.pdf

Welcome Back!

Dear MTRS Families and Community,

I am very excited to get the school year underway. With the earthquake and Hurricane Irene behind us, I hope you're ready as well. Below is a link to the rubric that I will be using throughout the year for grading purposes. At times, I will have rubrics for projects that I will post as well. If you have any questions at anytime, please feel free to contact me. Email is the easiest method of communications, but you can always contact me via the phone, as well (732-291-1050). I know this is going to be a great year!

http://www.mtregional.com/images/uploads/Grading Rubric 2011-2012(1).pdf

Sincerely,

Tracey Platenyk

Biography

My name is Tracey Platenyk. I am the Technology Teacher/Technology Coordinator as well as the Physical Education/Health teacher. This is my fourth year at Mother Teresa Regional. I am a lifelong resident of New Jersey. I have been married to Jeff for more than 27 years and we have lived in Middletown for the last 22 of them. We have two children. I enjoy family and friends, the beach, walking, The Yankees and reading.

I received my undergraduate degree from Montclair State University. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters Degree at New Jersey City University (NJCU). I am certified to teach K-5 Elementary and Science Grades 6-8 (Middle School).

I look forward to a very exciting school year with your children and working with our MTRS community.