YES.  The Virtual Media Center page is frequently updated with news, information, and educational links several times every week.

Scantron Performance Series Tests are internet-based, computer-adaptive tests that students take on the computer in reading and math.   Students begin tests on grade level and move up (or down) in skill difficulty based on how well they are answering questions.  Students take Scantron tests during technology several times a year.

Scantron tests are to be done in school only.  This ensures that students are working on their own, without outside assistance.  The test results give teachers and administrators the most accurate read on how a student is performing in either reading or math. For information regarding your child's progress using Performance Series, please contact your child's classroom teacher.

YES.  If your child wants to save work (a document, etc.) that he/she is working on in school, a USB Flash Drive is required.  This allows students to go back and work on assignments at home, during Open Access, class time, or during technology.

6th Graders may use Google Docs in addition to using their USB flash drives for file saving and file sharing.  *Please note that students will need an e-mail address in order to use Google Docs.

For our purposes, a flash drive that is about 512MB works just fine although nowadays basic flashdrives are about 1GB and higher.  Flash drives usually cost between $10 and $20 and can be found at Staples or Best Buy.  Flash drives that cost more should not be considered at this time.

Please have your child's name and/or class on the flashdrive.  TIP!  A luggage tag or keychain with name does the trick.

NO.  The homework that is posted is for Mr. Hyman only.  Some classroom teachers do, in fact, post homework online.  Please e-mail  your child's teacher to find out more about their homework procedures and policies.

Detailed information can be found on the Reading/Writing Workshop link within these pages.

YES.  Mr. Hyman encourages the use of Links On The Go! at home for additional educational practice and test preparation. Links are categorized by subject (Technology, Keyboarding, Reading, Writing, Math, Social Studies, Science, Reference, Test Prep, and Interactive Help).

The SMART Board is a product of SMART Technologies.  It is a large, touch-controlled screen that works with a projector and a computer. The projector puts the computer’s image onto the interactive whiteboard, which acts as both a monitor and an input device. Users can write on the interactive whiteboard in digital ink or use a finger to control computer applications by pointing, clicking and dragging, just as with a mouse. A video overview of the SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard can be found here.

Every classroom from Pre-K to 6th Grade has a SMART Board and SMART Document camera.  There is also a SMART Board in the PS101Q Media Center.

SMART Boards are used for general lessons during class - and for every curriculum area.  They are especially helpful for fun, interactive test prep.  Examples of SMART Board lessons that have been done during technology can be found on the 'SMART Board' link on this page.

YES.  Every classroom has at least one new flat-screen desktop computer.  Grades 4-6 have two classroom computers along with additional access to rolling wireless laptop carts for classroom use.  Additional new laptop cabinets with 5 laptops each (Grades 3-6) will make its debut in September, 2011.

PS101Q currently uses Windows XP and the new Windows 7.  Additionally, Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007 is used throughout the building.

NO.  Windows are used on Dell and HP laptop and desktop computers.

Typically, assignments for Mr. Hyman for grades 3-6 are due the next time the class has Technology (approximately 1 week later).  Nevertheless, due to days off or special events, assignments can be due several weeks later.

Grades on Keyboarding are based on a performance rubric.  Download the rubric here.

Yes.  Download the rubric here.