They Arrived!

Although tenth and eleventh graders started the year with Chromebooks, most of which were awarded through a grant last year, CCS ninth graders have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of their Chromebooks since the first day of school. This week, THEY CAME! New devices need some preparation before being distributed, but this process was sped up with some long work days and a little help from the Intro to Computer Science students. On Thursday morning before classes began, freshmen were given their new computers.

Chromebooks allow our students to easily access information that they need for research, assignments in Google Classroom, grades in RenWeb, and documents, spreadsheets, and slideshows in Google Drive. They look ready to go, don't they?!

Oh No! My Chromebook!

It's inevitable. Technology gets broken. That is why we instituted an In-House Chromebook Insurance Policy. Built into the technology fee for each student in a grade that gets a Chromebook, is a contribution to our in-house insurance. So when someone forgets that his Chromebook is beside him, and leans too hard on it with his elbow... we can replace the screen at no charge to the student. We do simple repairs such as screen replacement right here on campus. More complicated repairs may need to be sent back to the manufacturer. We never want anyone to become frantic over an accidental break. We even have loaners for students if the repair is going to take some time. Forgiveness is free!

This was not a happy day...

Setting Our Sights on a Brand New Site!

Summer is a time to kick back, break out the flip flops, put your feet in the sand, visit new places, and relax... kind of. It is also a time to tackle new projects that you have been wanting to conquer.

This summer I did all of those things! I visited Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, went to the beach, read loads of books, and spent time with those I love. I also built our school a new website! Our old site was looking kind of dated, was built with a legacy web design program, and was not mobile friendly. Time to update! With input from many others as to the content, I put together a site that I hope will be user-friendly and inviting for our current families and for those who are looking for more information about our school. 

Check it out at www.conestogachristian.net. Click around the menus. Look for information you need. Is there something that you can't find? Let me know! Do you like what you see? Let me know that as well.

Building the website was a LOT of work. But it was rewarding to see it come together. Not quite as satisfying as seeing God's amazing handiwork in the Tetons, but good, all the same.

Before the mountains were born Or You gave birth to the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. Psalm 90:2

Silver Linings

Fourth graders are delighted with their new lab!

State money was tied up in political knots, and our supplies did not arrive at the beginning of the school year. We waited as long as we could; then we had to use our own funds to purchase books and other items that we could not do without to educate our students. But for the technology department, this stalemate allowed for a silver lining. State money, once it became available, was now able to be used to purchase computers for students. Who had the greatest need? Our elementary students, whose computer lab, though workable, had been plagued with numerous glitchy problems that made using it somewhat of an "adventure," were the ones who would really benefit from an upgrade. This week, with the help of some teachers and a couple of our P2P student technology team members, the old elementary lab computers were dismantled, and brand new, purchased-with-state-money LG Chromebase

P2P team members set up computers.

computers were put in place. Students sign in to these computers with their school-assigned Google accounts and can work in Google Drive to write, draw, and create, with their work saved "in the cloud." The all-in-one computers have large clear screens and perfect-sized keyboards for elementary hands. Online research is now a simple task, and computer instruction will truly benefit from being carried out on dependable computers that can connect easily. Fourth and fifth graders are learning important skills in digital citizenship as well as being introduced to basic computer coding and practical computer use. We are grateful to God for providing in this way for our technology program. We delight in His silver linings.

Tap, Capture, Post, Share - We're on Instagram!

Here at CCS we have expanded our social media presence by adding an Instagram account (@conestogachristianschool.) This way, we will be able to capture and share fun and interesting moments that happen here at school in real time. Parents, friends, family far and wide, and folks interested in looking into Conestoga Christian School will be able to get a taste of what life is like on our campus. Students, teachers, and staff learning, playing, collaborating, worshiping, investigating, and serving will fill our Instagram feed, showing all who follow what a great place this is! High school students were excited to learn that their school was on Instagram! "We have an Instagram?" more than one student remarked today when I was out shooting some photos. "Wow!" We hope you will follow us to keep up with the daily goings-on at school. Check it out!

The Force Awakens

If you know me, you probably realize that I was around when the original Star Wars movies hit the theaters. Though I am not a big science fiction fan, the human conflict and relatable characters drew me in. I'm a fan. I love R2-D2, Luke, C3PO, and even the Wookie! (Honestly, I was hoping that The Force Awakens would revisit the Ewoks. I was sorely disappointed.) And of course, with technology being a huge part of my life, I am naturally drawn to Star Wars.

In the weeks since we returned to school from Christmas vacation, I have had some interesting conversations with students in the hallway about Star Wars. Everyone has an opinion about what happened between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. We had a debate about the "Dark Side" and whether it is evil or wrong to identify with those in that camp. One student stated that an online test declared him 90% Jedi!

Has your family gone out to the theater to see the film? I have found two articles that might give you some ideas about how to turn the theater trip into a learning experience. The first is a blog post on Common Sense Media's website entitled, "5 Conversations to Have with Your Kids After Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens." They say that, "While The Force Awakens is more about action than introspection, there's plenty for families to talk about after the credits roll."

Plugged In, a website run by Focus on the Family, also has an interesting review of the movie which highlights the positive elements, spiritual content, and violent content, along with a conclusion which, among other things, states that the movie can, "be a starting point to talk about courage, friendship, faith and family." I definitely agree that the newest Star Wars installment has a lot to offer besides just its entertainment value.

Hopefully this was the blog you were looking for!

I loved BB-8!