MAES / SES
April / May 2014
Volume 11 Number 4
April / May 2014
Volume 11 Number 4
Winners of the Golden Archer Award Announced
The students of Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools voted earlier this school year and, along with other young Wisconsin readers, have selected three of their favorite authors to win the state’s Golden Archer Award for children’s and young adult literature. Since 1996, the award has been sponsored by the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA). Award winners were announced at the association’s spring conference in Wisconsin Dells in March.
The primary age students chose Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen. Intermediate age students selected Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney, a sequel to last year’s winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever; the 2012 winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth; the 2011 winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days; the 2010 winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw; and the 2009 middle school winner Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal. Middle school and junior high readers selected The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan.
Students at both Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools cast their votes in choosing the Golden Archer winners. At the primary level, the first and second graders at both schools chose Press Here by Herve Tullet as their favorite. The third and fourth graders at both schools followed the state in choosing Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel as their favorite at the intermediate level. The winning titles in the elementary school library media centers are now marked with Golden Archer seals to note this special distinction.
The Golden Archer Award was the brainchild of Mrs. Marion Archer, an author in her own right and instructor of children’s literature at UW-Oshkosh in the 1970s. Her students asked why adults chose the winners of most children’s literature awards. Mrs. Archer and her assistant in the Educational Media Center of the university’s library, convinced university authorities to sponsor the students’-choice award. They contributed fifty dollars each and mailed nomination forms to every elementary school in the state.
More information about the award may be obtained at www.wemtaonline.org. Click on Golden Archer Award.
The students of Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools voted earlier this school year and, along with other young Wisconsin readers, have selected three of their favorite authors to win the state’s Golden Archer Award for children’s and young adult literature. Since 1996, the award has been sponsored by the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA). Award winners were announced at the association’s spring conference in Wisconsin Dells in March.
The primary age students chose Big Mean Mike by Michelle Knudsen. Intermediate age students selected Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney, a sequel to last year’s winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever; the 2012 winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth; the 2011 winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days; the 2010 winner, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw; and the 2009 middle school winner Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal. Middle school and junior high readers selected The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan.
Students at both Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools cast their votes in choosing the Golden Archer winners. At the primary level, the first and second graders at both schools chose Press Here by Herve Tullet as their favorite. The third and fourth graders at both schools followed the state in choosing Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel as their favorite at the intermediate level. The winning titles in the elementary school library media centers are now marked with Golden Archer seals to note this special distinction.
The Golden Archer Award was the brainchild of Mrs. Marion Archer, an author in her own right and instructor of children’s literature at UW-Oshkosh in the 1970s. Her students asked why adults chose the winners of most children’s literature awards. Mrs. Archer and her assistant in the Educational Media Center of the university’s library, convinced university authorities to sponsor the students’-choice award. They contributed fifty dollars each and mailed nomination forms to every elementary school in the state.
More information about the award may be obtained at www.wemtaonline.org. Click on Golden Archer Award.
District Teams Compete in Statewide Battle of the Books
As was mentioned in an earlier newsletter, selected fourth grade teams at both MAES and SES were preparing for the 2013-2014 Statewide Battle of the Books competition sponsored by Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA).
The competition was recently held via the Internet at a time during the week of February 24-28 that was convenient for the teams. Teams of four members were allowed 30 minutes to answer 25 regular questions and 5 tie-breaker questions based on the 20 titles selected for this year’s competition. Teams in the elementary division (Gr. 4-6) competed via a website that provided pull-down menus of titles and authors to select. The website access allowed teams to know their score as soon as their 30 minutes were up.
This year, the elementary division had 195 teams around the state compete, the middle school division (Gr. 6-8) had 141 teams, and the high school division had 76 teams.
Out of a possible 375 points, the Medford Area Elementary School team earned 255 regular points with 9 tie-breaker points; the Stetsonville Elementary School team earned 240 regular points with 6 tie-breaker points.
Mrs. Jennifer Shipman, District Gifted and Talented Coordinator, coached a team of Medford Area Middle School students in the elementary division (Gr. 4-6). This team earned 150 regular points and 0 tie-breaker points. The middle level (Grades 6-8) team coached by Mrs. Shipman earned 210 regular points.
Mrs. Pat Eloranta’s high school team earned 145 regular points and 12 tie-breaker points.
Thank you to the teams for working so hard and representing your schools in the competition!
To learn more about the Statewide Battle of the Books or to learn the results of this year’s competition, go to:
http://www.wemtaonline.org/
As was mentioned in an earlier newsletter, selected fourth grade teams at both MAES and SES were preparing for the 2013-2014 Statewide Battle of the Books competition sponsored by Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA).
The competition was recently held via the Internet at a time during the week of February 24-28 that was convenient for the teams. Teams of four members were allowed 30 minutes to answer 25 regular questions and 5 tie-breaker questions based on the 20 titles selected for this year’s competition. Teams in the elementary division (Gr. 4-6) competed via a website that provided pull-down menus of titles and authors to select. The website access allowed teams to know their score as soon as their 30 minutes were up.
This year, the elementary division had 195 teams around the state compete, the middle school division (Gr. 6-8) had 141 teams, and the high school division had 76 teams.
Out of a possible 375 points, the Medford Area Elementary School team earned 255 regular points with 9 tie-breaker points; the Stetsonville Elementary School team earned 240 regular points with 6 tie-breaker points.
Mrs. Jennifer Shipman, District Gifted and Talented Coordinator, coached a team of Medford Area Middle School students in the elementary division (Gr. 4-6). This team earned 150 regular points and 0 tie-breaker points. The middle level (Grades 6-8) team coached by Mrs. Shipman earned 210 regular points.
Mrs. Pat Eloranta’s high school team earned 145 regular points and 12 tie-breaker points.
Thank you to the teams for working so hard and representing your schools in the competition!
To learn more about the Statewide Battle of the Books or to learn the results of this year’s competition, go to:
http://www.wemtaonline.org/
Author Marla McKenna to Visit MAES and SES
On May 6, Wisconsin author Marla McKenna will visit the second and third grade classes at the elementary schools. Growing up in Wausau and now living in Waterford, Marla McKenna has always been passionate about the creative aspect of writing and graphic design. Mom’s Big Catch is Marla’s first children’s book, and is inspired by an actual event that took place at Miller Park where a girl is hoping to catch a ball hit by her favorite team. Mom's Big Catch is a book that can be celebrated by baseball fans of all ages. It also conveys a positive message with a warm sense of family!
During her presentations, Mrs. McKenna will talk about her background, how Mom’s Big Catch was inspired and the process of creating a book, from idea to publishing. She will also offer writing tips. Copies of Mom’s Big Catch will be for sale in advance of McKenna’s appearance. Staff members interested in purchasing the title are asked to contact Cathy Retzer before April 28.
For more information on Marla McKenna, visit her website.
http://www.marlamckenna.com/
PBS Parents - Education
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/
The education section of this parents' site offers a treasure trove of resources and activities for elementary teachers. With so much useful content on PBS Parents - Education, teachers (as well as parents) should ignore the site's name and head on over.
On May 6, Wisconsin author Marla McKenna will visit the second and third grade classes at the elementary schools. Growing up in Wausau and now living in Waterford, Marla McKenna has always been passionate about the creative aspect of writing and graphic design. Mom’s Big Catch is Marla’s first children’s book, and is inspired by an actual event that took place at Miller Park where a girl is hoping to catch a ball hit by her favorite team. Mom's Big Catch is a book that can be celebrated by baseball fans of all ages. It also conveys a positive message with a warm sense of family!
During her presentations, Mrs. McKenna will talk about her background, how Mom’s Big Catch was inspired and the process of creating a book, from idea to publishing. She will also offer writing tips. Copies of Mom’s Big Catch will be for sale in advance of McKenna’s appearance. Staff members interested in purchasing the title are asked to contact Cathy Retzer before April 28.
For more information on Marla McKenna, visit her website.
http://www.marlamckenna.com/
PBS Parents - Education
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/
The education section of this parents' site offers a treasure trove of resources and activities for elementary teachers. With so much useful content on PBS Parents - Education, teachers (as well as parents) should ignore the site's name and head on over.
MAES / SES
February / March 2014
Volume 11 Number 3
David Geister Visit Interests Students and Staff
On January 29 and 30, Minnesota illustrator David Geister visited with kindergarten through fourth grade students at Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools. Both students and staff enjoyed his presentations, where he talked about the role of a historical illustrator in the making of a picture book. They were shown four original oil paintings that became illustrations found in his books.
Geister ended his presentation by creating a drawing of a dinosaur, talking about what he considers while making the drawing.
For more information on David Geister, visit his website.
http://www.davidgeister.com/
Third and Fourth Grade Students Vote in Golden Archer Award Program
In the last newsletter, it was reported that the first and second grade students at Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools had voted in the selection of the 2013-14 Golden Archer Award. The Golden Archer Award is an award given to the author of a children’s book. What is special about the award is that it is chosen by school children in Wisconsin.
Recently, the students in third and fourth grade voted in the intermediate division category of the award. The students at both schools chose Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney as their favorite. Their vote totals, along with totals from other participating schools, will be sent to Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA). Winners will be announced at the WEMTA Spring Conference in late March.
Teachers Homepage: National Geographic Education
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/?ar_a=1
The National Geographic Education website is a wonderful find, as it includes resources for educators who wish to incorporate spatial knowledge, cultural geography, and a wide range of related subjects into their classrooms. The Fast Fact on the top left-hand side of the page is a great place to start. Moving along, the Teaching Resources area contains teaching units on political boundaries, the environmental conditions in the solar system, and extreme weather. One particularly fun area here is the Graphic Organizers Collection. Here visitors can download an assortment of blank, black-and-white graphic organizers that are designed to help students with problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research, brainstorming, and writing. The What is Geo-Literacy? section allows visitors to look at cartoons, articles, and videos that talk about the importance of this subject.
PBS Kids Lab -- Collections
http://pbskids.org/lab
This is a great source of games for ipads, tablets, and computers. You can search for age-appropriate games by device or by the particular skill you are trying to teach. The materials have been developed by the same people that have produced exceptional children's programming and literacy materials. While there, take a look at the activities section for some ideas on how to incorporate books into learning a variety of skills.
On January 29 and 30, Minnesota illustrator David Geister visited with kindergarten through fourth grade students at Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools. Both students and staff enjoyed his presentations, where he talked about the role of a historical illustrator in the making of a picture book. They were shown four original oil paintings that became illustrations found in his books.
Geister ended his presentation by creating a drawing of a dinosaur, talking about what he considers while making the drawing.
For more information on David Geister, visit his website.
http://www.davidgeister.com/
Third and Fourth Grade Students Vote in Golden Archer Award Program
In the last newsletter, it was reported that the first and second grade students at Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools had voted in the selection of the 2013-14 Golden Archer Award. The Golden Archer Award is an award given to the author of a children’s book. What is special about the award is that it is chosen by school children in Wisconsin.
Recently, the students in third and fourth grade voted in the intermediate division category of the award. The students at both schools chose Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney as their favorite. Their vote totals, along with totals from other participating schools, will be sent to Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA). Winners will be announced at the WEMTA Spring Conference in late March.
Teachers Homepage: National Geographic Education
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/?ar_a=1
The National Geographic Education website is a wonderful find, as it includes resources for educators who wish to incorporate spatial knowledge, cultural geography, and a wide range of related subjects into their classrooms. The Fast Fact on the top left-hand side of the page is a great place to start. Moving along, the Teaching Resources area contains teaching units on political boundaries, the environmental conditions in the solar system, and extreme weather. One particularly fun area here is the Graphic Organizers Collection. Here visitors can download an assortment of blank, black-and-white graphic organizers that are designed to help students with problem solving, decision making, studying, planning research, brainstorming, and writing. The What is Geo-Literacy? section allows visitors to look at cartoons, articles, and videos that talk about the importance of this subject.
PBS Kids Lab -- Collections
http://pbskids.org/lab
This is a great source of games for ipads, tablets, and computers. You can search for age-appropriate games by device or by the particular skill you are trying to teach. The materials have been developed by the same people that have produced exceptional children's programming and literacy materials. While there, take a look at the activities section for some ideas on how to incorporate books into learning a variety of skills.
MAES / SES
December 2013 / January 2014
Volume 11 Number 2
December 2013 / January 2014
Volume 11 Number 2
Illustrator David Geister to Visit MAES and SES
On January 27 and 28, Minnesota illustrator David Geister will visit the Kindergarten through fourth grade classes at the elementary schools. Growing up in Wisconsin and now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, David Geister always had an interest in history. He grew up drawing, reading, reenacting battles with toy soldiers, and dressing up in historic costume. As a young man, four years of service in the United States Marine Corps left him with a deep appreciation for the drama of American history and the desire to tell those stories.
David has worked for a number of years as an illustrator, and his paintings have been featured in The Saturday Evening Post and several issues of The History Channel Magazine.
The Minnesota Historical Society has called upon David's skills as a historical artist and interpreter for many of its sites throughout the state. For ten years, he worked as a costumed interpreter at Historic Fort Snelling. It is there that he met his wife, author and teacher, Patricia Bauer.
Geister’s published books include: B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet (written by his wife, Patrica Bauer), The Legend of Wisconsin, Riding to Washington, S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet, and Surviving the Hindenburg.
In his presentations, David Geister will talk about his childhood passion for art and history, give a detailed look at the creation of the artwork in his books, draw a sketch, and stress the importance of creativity in one’s life. Copies of selected books will be for sale in advance of Geister’s appearance. Staff members interested in purchasing books are asked to contact Cathy Retzer before January 13.
For more information on David Geister, visit his website.
http://www.davidgeister.com/
Students Vote in Golden Archer Award Program
Recently, the first and second grade classes at Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools played a role in the choosing of the 2013-14 Golden Archer Award winner. The Golden Archer Award is an award given to the author of a children’s book. What is special about the award is that it is chosen by school children in Wisconsin.
The Golden Archer Award consists of three categories: the primary division for students in the early grades (picture books), the intermediate division for students in upper elementary grades, and the middle/junior high division for students in middle school. The criteria for the award includes: that books are recognized as noteworthy and of special interest to students; are now in print and readily available (published within the last 5 years); and can be fiction or non-fiction, but must be individual book titles, not series names. Before May of each school year, schools can nominate a maximum of five books for each category that is represented in that school. Prior to the start of the next school year, the list of the top five nominees in each category is posted and schools vote for their favorite books. Vote totals from participating schools are sent to Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA), where they are totaled. Winners are announced each spring at the WEMTA Spring Conference.
Last year’s winners were:
Primary: Blackout by John Rocco
Intermediate: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
Middle/Junior High: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
In this year’s voting, first and second grade students at both Medford Area Elementary School and Stetsonville Elementary School chose as their favorite book in the primary category Press Here by Herve Tullet.
Third and fourth graders will be casting their votes soon for the winner of the Intermediate level.
Essays for the Elementary Student
http://badgerbios.blogspot.com/?utm_source=December+2013&utm_campaign=School+Services+Summer+Email&utm_medium=email
The Education Services division of the Wisconsin Historical Society has recently posted “Essays for the Elementary Student,” based on notable figures from Wisconsin history. With fourth through sixth grade reading levels, each essay is filled with images and information about the people and places of Wisconsin’s past. Featured individuals include: Arthur Davidson and Bill Harley, Belle Case La Follette, Aldo Leopold, Chief Oshkosh, and Kate Pelham Newcomb.
On January 27 and 28, Minnesota illustrator David Geister will visit the Kindergarten through fourth grade classes at the elementary schools. Growing up in Wisconsin and now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, David Geister always had an interest in history. He grew up drawing, reading, reenacting battles with toy soldiers, and dressing up in historic costume. As a young man, four years of service in the United States Marine Corps left him with a deep appreciation for the drama of American history and the desire to tell those stories.
David has worked for a number of years as an illustrator, and his paintings have been featured in The Saturday Evening Post and several issues of The History Channel Magazine.
The Minnesota Historical Society has called upon David's skills as a historical artist and interpreter for many of its sites throughout the state. For ten years, he worked as a costumed interpreter at Historic Fort Snelling. It is there that he met his wife, author and teacher, Patricia Bauer.
Geister’s published books include: B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet (written by his wife, Patrica Bauer), The Legend of Wisconsin, Riding to Washington, S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet, and Surviving the Hindenburg.
In his presentations, David Geister will talk about his childhood passion for art and history, give a detailed look at the creation of the artwork in his books, draw a sketch, and stress the importance of creativity in one’s life. Copies of selected books will be for sale in advance of Geister’s appearance. Staff members interested in purchasing books are asked to contact Cathy Retzer before January 13.
For more information on David Geister, visit his website.
http://www.davidgeister.com/
Students Vote in Golden Archer Award Program
Recently, the first and second grade classes at Medford Area and Stetsonville Elementary Schools played a role in the choosing of the 2013-14 Golden Archer Award winner. The Golden Archer Award is an award given to the author of a children’s book. What is special about the award is that it is chosen by school children in Wisconsin.
The Golden Archer Award consists of three categories: the primary division for students in the early grades (picture books), the intermediate division for students in upper elementary grades, and the middle/junior high division for students in middle school. The criteria for the award includes: that books are recognized as noteworthy and of special interest to students; are now in print and readily available (published within the last 5 years); and can be fiction or non-fiction, but must be individual book titles, not series names. Before May of each school year, schools can nominate a maximum of five books for each category that is represented in that school. Prior to the start of the next school year, the list of the top five nominees in each category is posted and schools vote for their favorite books. Vote totals from participating schools are sent to Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA), where they are totaled. Winners are announced each spring at the WEMTA Spring Conference.
Last year’s winners were:
Primary: Blackout by John Rocco
Intermediate: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
Middle/Junior High: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
In this year’s voting, first and second grade students at both Medford Area Elementary School and Stetsonville Elementary School chose as their favorite book in the primary category Press Here by Herve Tullet.
Third and fourth graders will be casting their votes soon for the winner of the Intermediate level.
Essays for the Elementary Student
http://badgerbios.blogspot.com/?utm_source=December+2013&utm_campaign=School+Services+Summer+Email&utm_medium=email
The Education Services division of the Wisconsin Historical Society has recently posted “Essays for the Elementary Student,” based on notable figures from Wisconsin history. With fourth through sixth grade reading levels, each essay is filled with images and information about the people and places of Wisconsin’s past. Featured individuals include: Arthur Davidson and Bill Harley, Belle Case La Follette, Aldo Leopold, Chief Oshkosh, and Kate Pelham Newcomb.
MAES / SES
October 2013 / November 2013
Volume 11 Number 1
Teams Prepare for Statewide Battle of the Books
Selected fourth graders at both MAES and SES are meeting with Cathy Retzer to prepare for the 2013-2014 Statewide Battle of the Books competition. The students’ third grade teachers and their present teachers recommended those chosen for the competition.
The Statewide Battle of the Books' program is designed to promote a love of reading among students. It encourages students to read a variety of books and remember information about the plots, characters, and settings of the books. Every question asked in a battle is worded so that the answer is the title and author of the book.
Sponsored by Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA), Statewide Battle of the Books consists of three divisions. The elementary division is for students in grades four through six. The middle division is for students in grades six through eight; a senior high division exists for grades 8 and up. The competition for each division consists of a list of twenty titles that the teams are to read. The elementary division reads the nominated Golden Archer winners for the primary and intermediate levels plus a variety of other titles recommended by library media specialists throughout the state. The middle level participants read the Golden Archer titles nominated for the intermediate and middle school level plus ten other titles, which were selected by media specialists throughout the state. The senior division reads the middle school level Golden Archer nominees, last year's winners of the Golden Archer, Newbery and Printz Awards, plus 13 other titles chosen by media specialists.
A team consists of four members; each school building is allowed only one team per division. MAES and SES teams were formed and introduced to the titles in September and will meet monthly to monitor their progress. In early January, the teams will begin meeting weekly to be quizzed on practice questions. The actual battle will be held the last full week of February, 2014. Coaches receive the questions via e-mail, conduct the competition at a convenient time during the week, and e-mail the answers back. Teams will have 30 minutes to answer 25 questions and 5 tie-breaker questions. The top teams will be announced in March.
Cathy Retzer has served on the Statewide Battle of the Books elementary division committee for many years, helping to monitor the titles selected for appropriateness, writing test questions, and selecting the questions to be used in the competition.
Statewide Battle of the Books booklists for each level, rules, timeline and other needed information can be found on the website (under Programs):
http://www.wemtaonline.org/
Keyboarding
This year, the third and fourth grade classes will be completing keyboarding lessons using a program on the Internet called All the Right Type. Students can access the program at school or at home (for additional practice).
http://www.atrtonline.com/login/index_usawimedfo222.php (Medford Elementary)
http://www.atrtonline.com/login/index_usawimedfo223.php (Stetsonville Elementary)
Please contact the classroom teacher for the username/password.
E-SmartKids
http://www.e-smartonline.net/xcelenergy/
Xcel Energy has created a website to help students learn how to use energy safely. The site includes games and videos designed for students in grades 3 through 7 about electricity and natural gas and how to use them safely.
Teacher resources include teacher’s guides, worksheets, experiments and activities, and tips to teach materials found on the website. Educators will also be able to order free student books from the website.
Selected fourth graders at both MAES and SES are meeting with Cathy Retzer to prepare for the 2013-2014 Statewide Battle of the Books competition. The students’ third grade teachers and their present teachers recommended those chosen for the competition.
The Statewide Battle of the Books' program is designed to promote a love of reading among students. It encourages students to read a variety of books and remember information about the plots, characters, and settings of the books. Every question asked in a battle is worded so that the answer is the title and author of the book.
Sponsored by Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA), Statewide Battle of the Books consists of three divisions. The elementary division is for students in grades four through six. The middle division is for students in grades six through eight; a senior high division exists for grades 8 and up. The competition for each division consists of a list of twenty titles that the teams are to read. The elementary division reads the nominated Golden Archer winners for the primary and intermediate levels plus a variety of other titles recommended by library media specialists throughout the state. The middle level participants read the Golden Archer titles nominated for the intermediate and middle school level plus ten other titles, which were selected by media specialists throughout the state. The senior division reads the middle school level Golden Archer nominees, last year's winners of the Golden Archer, Newbery and Printz Awards, plus 13 other titles chosen by media specialists.
A team consists of four members; each school building is allowed only one team per division. MAES and SES teams were formed and introduced to the titles in September and will meet monthly to monitor their progress. In early January, the teams will begin meeting weekly to be quizzed on practice questions. The actual battle will be held the last full week of February, 2014. Coaches receive the questions via e-mail, conduct the competition at a convenient time during the week, and e-mail the answers back. Teams will have 30 minutes to answer 25 questions and 5 tie-breaker questions. The top teams will be announced in March.
Cathy Retzer has served on the Statewide Battle of the Books elementary division committee for many years, helping to monitor the titles selected for appropriateness, writing test questions, and selecting the questions to be used in the competition.
Statewide Battle of the Books booklists for each level, rules, timeline and other needed information can be found on the website (under Programs):
http://www.wemtaonline.org/
Keyboarding
This year, the third and fourth grade classes will be completing keyboarding lessons using a program on the Internet called All the Right Type. Students can access the program at school or at home (for additional practice).
http://www.atrtonline.com/login/index_usawimedfo222.php (Medford Elementary)
http://www.atrtonline.com/login/index_usawimedfo223.php (Stetsonville Elementary)
Please contact the classroom teacher for the username/password.
E-SmartKids
http://www.e-smartonline.net/xcelenergy/
Xcel Energy has created a website to help students learn how to use energy safely. The site includes games and videos designed for students in grades 3 through 7 about electricity and natural gas and how to use them safely.
Teacher resources include teacher’s guides, worksheets, experiments and activities, and tips to teach materials found on the website. Educators will also be able to order free student books from the website.