Students stay in touch on-line

In years past, the two probably couldn't have the time together since Katie is a student at Holy Spirit School in East Greenbush while her grandmother lives in Florida.

But third grade teacher Becca James has made the connection possible by utilizing technology. With the help of an email account, family members of students can send a note or warm wishes that students will read when they take their mid-morning break.

You've got mail

Students receive everything from electronic greeting cards to notes reminding them to bring specific assignments home. Katie's email allows her to bridge the miles between her and her grandmother.

"When my grandma sends me email, I'm happy because I don't see her a lot," she said.

Katie also gets the opportunity to let her grandmother know how much she is loved. "I tell her I can't wait to see her and how I'll be happy to see her in the summer."

On-line contact

Sam Oswald enjoys receiving email while he nibbles on fruit or the occasional cookie. "My mom sends me cards," he said. "They're usually active ones."

Carly Vallee receives messages from her parents, sister and brother, and friends. Not only does she use email at school, but she is proficient at sending it from home as well.

"I always want to see if my friends are online so I can instant message them," she said. "Instead of calling my friends, I email them."

Techno-talk

Using technology has also assisted parent-teacher communication. Parents can email Ms. James with concerns or questions they have about their child's progress. Problems, she said, can be worked out without playing phone tag with parents.

This snack time effort also gives students a chance to practice computer skills like cutting and pasting, scanning, and keyboarding, Ms. James said.

Technology, she said, is integrated into the curriculum as well, with students using the computer for reports and utilizing the internet for research.

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