Canastota: Fourth graders create web pages

With today’s advancing technology, students are being taught how to use the Internet, computer software and computer graphics at a very early age. Technology specialist Amanda Sgroi explained what fourth through sixth grade students are doing at Roberts Street Elementary School.

During the board meeting held April 8, Sgroi presented computer stories, told by elementary students through computer graphics.

Fourth graders created their biographies on web pages using graphics. The students placed a computer graphic of themselves in the center of the page. They were asked to select a few things they enjoyed; their favorite food and so on. By using pictures to describe their favorite items, they then arranged the graphics around their picture.

Students also gave PowerPoint presentations on why RSES needs a playground? They added their own visual effects and had to give brief verbal presentation.

“This is fun to watch,” Sgroi said.

“Teachers become engaged with the kids,” said Mary Farber, principal at RSES. “It’s also professional development for the teachers.”

Fifth grade students presented colorful graphics as part of a rocks and minerals project.

At the sixth grade level students are required to elaborate more verbally on their web designs, as part of the presentation, Sgroi said. They created biomes and designed constellations. Students also begin to list resources used at this grade level.

Sgroi said she is always learning about new programs and sites to offer the kids.

Students can bring some of their work home, too. About a minute long audio and video presentation by the students can be found on the school’s web site. Parents with computer access can find the child’s school and teacher, click on their name and view the presentation.
Visit canastotacsd.org.

In other news
School safety and security was discussed at length after an 18-year-old lit posters on fire in the hallway of the second floor of Roberts Street School a few weeks ago. The fire scorched the walls. The fire department was called to the scene.

Canastota police reviewed the video of the incident and was able to make an arrest.

“How do we handle this?” asked Fred Bragan, superintendent of schools.

Bragan explained that school security is very tight during the day. Visitors have to “buzz” the alarm and they are then identified before being let in.

“At night we are a little more lax,” Bragan said. “We are a hub for the community.”

Bragan asked how they could continue the walking programs and other activities after school hours and still keep the school safe.

“Do we hire someone at night during functions? Do we lock the upstairs? It’s an issue.”

Trustee Stephen Nellis said they could control the entrance and provide security at that point.

“We could get better control of what enters the zone. We don’t want to turn [the school] into a prison, but we need to do something.”

The board will meet again April 22 at 6:30 p.m.

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