The Remind 101 Android app is a safe way for teachers to text message students and helps keep parents "in the loop". Students and parents have to enter a confirmation code to state that they do want to be contacted by you through the service. Remind 101 keeps phone numbers hidden so that the parties cannot see each other's numbers. This app is currently being used in my classroom and soccer field. I have reminders such as: Library Day, Assignments Due, Parent/Conference schedules and more. I have really enjoyed using this app with my students and athletes. I'm sure you will too!!

Resources:

Byrne, Richard. (October 22, 2012). Remind 101 Launches An Android App. Free Technology for Teachers. Web. Retrieved on 8 of Janurary 2013 from http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/10/remind-101-launches-android-app.html.

iStation

Your student's school is participating in Texas SUCCESS which provides state-funded access to interactive reading and math programs for Texas public school students in grades 3-8. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has selected iStation as the Texas SUCCESS reading provider.

As a result, your students will now have FREE and UNLIMITED access to iStation Reading at home. You will need your child's login information that was provided my me, Mrs. Cedillo. Be sure to install iStation on your home computer to maximize your child's reading performance.

Information is also available on how to view your student's progress, access reports and other resources by logging in to the iStation parent portal. Thanks to Texas SUCCESS, your student can now continue his or her school experience at home!

www.istation.com/iStationHome/TX

Click on the link above to get started now.

If your child has misplaced their user name and password, please send me an e-mail.

Mrs. D. Cedillo

Place your child's book order online.

* Click REGISTER
* Register as a PARENT
*Enter your information
*Enter your child's information (keeps record of your child's books)
*Activation CODE H82BM
*Shop for your child

Thank you for ordering books online!

Edmodo

Teachers and schools have been preparing the use of Edmodo this academic school year. Many current users have found Edmodo easy to use and a great place to secure, connect and collaborate, and share applications. Edmodo was created with teachers and students in mind. This website has embraced the power of social media in helping teachers customize their classroom for different student learners.

This is a FREE website students and teachers can use. There are also materials available online for making a smooth transition into this digital era. Here's the first step in adapting to change:  Sign up for your subdomain and review the School & District Guide. Then follow the directions to ensure your utilizing all it's resources.

Resources: (2012). Edmodo. Edmodo, Inc. Copyright. Web. Retreived on 24 August 2012 from http://about.edmodo.com/.

Personalize Your Rubric

If you are having to rewrite your own rubric, here's an easier way! RubiStar allows you to access, save, and edit your own rubric online which can be accessed anywhere. This is another FREE website, so take advantage and sign up. Once you register, you can select from templates of different subjects you wish to customize. This assists students in better understanding what is expected of them and how they will be graded.

Rubistar has partnered with Subjective Metrics and created a web-based software to make rubrics interactice. By doing this, teachers can now add feedback to their students. This software is also integrated  with Moodle and Blackboard, and has made authentic assessments possible.

Resources:
(2002-2008). Rubistar. 4Teachers.org. ALTEC at University of Kansas. ALTEC Copyright. Web. Retrieved on 21 August 2012 from http://rubistar.4teachers.org/.

Technology Applications Teacher Network

This Teacher Network is an excellent resource for teachers to discuss and share technology strategies with other teachers in the classroom. By joining, you have access to FREE resources to implement the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

TATN (Technology Applications Teacher Network) offers resources that contain methods in teaching the six technology applications (Digital Graphics/ Animation, Desktop Publishing, Web Mastering, Multimedia, Video Technology and Computer Science). It also contains resources to integrate the K-8 Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills into the content area classroom.

Use this as an opportunity for professional development and share what you already know.

Resources: Technology Applications Teacher Network. (2012). TATN. Technology Applications Teacher Network Copyright. Web. Retrieved on 21 August 2012 from http://www.techappsnetwork.org/.