June 28th, 2018

Thank you for an amazing school year everyone! I truly loved being able to be the Grade 4/5 teacher to this amazing group of students.

Just a few reminders for the summer break. First, don't forget about our Summer Reading Challenge! Here is the information originally shared about this activity:

Did you know that when kids don’t read over the summer they are likely to fall behind when they head back to school? These learning losses are often called the “Summer Slide,” and our classroom has made it a priority to keep our students’ skills sharp by encouraging them to read all summer long. Today the students and I discussed our "Summer Reading Challenge." This year, we have set up a classroom FlipGrid page where students can post a short video sharing their reading with the class throughout the summer, similar to the "Book Talks" that we have used throughout the year. It is a fun way for us to keep in touch and see what each other are reading over the break. Students are already familiar with using FlipGrid from other activities we have done throughout the year. In order to post a video students will need the FlipCode (2c54a6) and Password (Ms. Barrington), as this grid is protected so that only our classroom can view and post videos. This information will also be posted to the classroom website for students to access over the summer. I also shared the "Ms. B's - Summer Reading Challenge" recommended booklist with students today. Obviously students are not being asked to read every book from this list. It is only meant to help students who are looking for a good book recommendation. This list is made up of: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, etc. meant to encourage students to find and read something new. Thank you for your support! Have a great summer everyone,


FlipGrid - https://flipgrid.com/
FlipCode - 2c54a6
Password - Ms. Barrington

Second, the students and I already discussed this but I want families to be aware as well. There will be a change to the student GMail accounts this summer. Please see the information from Mr. Rutledge below:

Important Notice to Parents/Guardians: Changes to Student Google Accounts

There will be some important changes to student Google accounts over the summer - please see the news release from FMPSD Technology Department linked here: 

News Release Posted on FMPSD Website

Essentially they are deactivating and removing all existing student Google accounts on August 27th, 2018. Students who wish to backup/secure any files saved in their Google drives can do this by using Google Takeout to transfer and secure files. Below is the link to Google Takeout and a tutorial on how to use it. 

Google Takeout 

Tutorial on Google Takeout

In September students will receive new Google accounts with improved security and parental control updates. 

This is all the information I have at this time. If you have any further questions you can contact Ali Syed Director, Information Technology, FMPSD at Ali.Syed@fmpsd.ab.ca


Finally, have an amazing summer! You have all worked so hard this year. I can't wait to see you in September and to see all the amazing things you will all accomplish in Grade 5 and Grade 6.
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