Getting Ready for a new School Year

Meet the Teacher is August 22nd 5:30-7:00pm

Butterfly Contest

 

Art students from Frisco ISD swept entire categories of competition in the annual Butterfly Art Contest held recently in Wimberley, Texas.

More than 100 students were recognized for their work in categories for fantasy and realism. We want to congratulate one of our third graders, Riley, on her entry and Honorable Mention Award. Way to go Riley!!!



 

Apps

More than ever schools are using digital media in the library and classrooms as teaching aids. Devices such as the iPad where the interactive component allow kids to be engaged and actively participate in educational apps that encourage feedback, imagination and creativity.  Each day Children's writers and app developers convert wonderful classics  and  create amazing new books as apps. There are countless titles based on age, topic or content, just waiting to be discovered & downloaded.

 

During kids book & app discussions, the first question often asked is “What’s a book app?” A Book App is so much more than an eBook, it’s a digital book brought to life with animation, music, narration and fun filled activities or games woven into the story. Book apps encourage kids to read, play and explore and are available for use on digital tablets such as the iPad, and smart phones.

 

 

 

 

Best of all, they’re very inexpensive and provide a unique, entertaining and learning environment. Most fall within the range of 99c-$4.99, a flat fee which usually won’t have ‘in app purchases’. Paid book apps are a preferable option to free apps which bombard our kids with ads or prompt a purchase in order to proceed.

 

You can find book apps  in the iTunes App Store, under the Books category.

In Google Play, you can find book apps under Android Apps > categories > books & reference. There you’ll find wonderful, interactive stories that deliver an animated reading experience. Book Apps like “Grendel’s Great Escape” for iPad /Android and “Treasure Kai and the Seven Cities of Gold” for iPad/iPhone allow children to interact with the story, through reading, music and fun activities.

 

 

 

For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a book app, visit the Kids Korner.

http://bluesandpiper.webs.com/kids-korner

 

To see a 2-minute video called “Kids Have Fun Reading on the iPad” visit

http://youtu.be/QEIzvxQo3Vo

 

Not sure which book apps are suitable for your child? These sites feature the best cildren apps and reviews, and provide direct links for downloading.

 

 

 

 

Digital Storytime www.digital-storytime.com

The Appy Mall www.appymall.com

 iMums  www.theimum.com

 I heart this app iheartthisapp.com

 

Guest blogger; Michelle Anaya is the Author of Grendel’s Great Escape & the soon to be released Monster Jam Children’s book apps. She finds that creating books on a digital platform not only entertain kids, but helps them learn to love reading as well by making it fun & interactive.

 

Grendel's Great Escape Children's book App:

iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8

Android tablet: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.bluesandpiperimprints.grendelHD&feature=search_result

http://www.bluesandpiper.com

 

Treasure Kai & the seven cities of gold https://itunes.apple.com/app/treasure-kai-seven-cities/id565841661?mt=8

Hello~

Our annual Field Day event at Robertson is coming up on May 10th. The makeup date will be May 17th if it rains. This is an all-day event run by Coach Moore, Coach Bustillos and our Field Day Chairperson, Toni Parham. We are in need of a lot of volunteers to make this run smoothly. You can sign up at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C4FA4A92BA31-robertson We will begin setting up around 8:00 AM and would like to have about 5 volunteers to help with the set up. We could really use some strong men for this. Stations will be set up outside around the school. Some of the stations are roller racers, tug-o-war, water waiter, etc. Grades K-2 will participate from 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM and Grades 3-5 will participate from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.

 
Volunteer times are set up in 45 minute increments.  Each station is 10 min 
max and we'd like each parent there for at least 45 minutes. If you volunteer, 
you will be able to find your child after your volunteering shift to continue 
through the stations with them. 

If you want to spend more time with your child during Field Day, consider 
volunteering during an opposite time of day (e.g., if you have a 1st grader, 
volunteer to help in the afternoon so you can spend the full morning with your 
child).

Volunteer shirts are available for $6.00 each. 
If you would like to order one, please email Toni Parham at admartin@alum.howard.edu 
by May 2nd.  Be sure to indicate the size that you need.


This is an event that the kids really enjoy.  We could definitely use your help 
to make this a success. Don’t forget to sign up at:   www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0C4FA4A92BA31-robertson
If you have any questions about Field Day, you can contact Toni Parham at 
admartin@alum.howard.edu. 

Thanks for all that you do to make a difference at Robertson!

Stephanie Keys
Volunteer Coordinator

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Robertson PTA for winning 4 awards from the Texas PTA:
1. Membership Increase Award
Presented to each local PTA with a membership increase on December 1 as compared to the previous year’s December 1 total. Totals are based on the records maintained by Texas PTA.
2. Silver Award
Presented to all PTAs that recruit and report membership totals equaling at least 50% of the school’...s student enrollment by the Spring award deadline of March 15.
3. Golden Apple Award
Presented to all PTAs that recruit and report 100% of school faculty as members by the Spring award deadline of March 15. Texas PTA’s definition of faculty is: principals, assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and aides employed at the campus full time.
4. Texas STAR Award
Presented to all PTAs that have a President on record at Texas PTA, were active by October 15, have updated bylaws within the last 5 years and increased membership by March 15.

Book Fair April 8-12

Students are previewing Monday, Thursday and Friday this week, April 1-5. Our book fair will be open next week, April 8-12 for purchases.

Kinder Round-Up

Frisco ISD invites parents to pre-register their children to enter kindergarten for the 2013-2014 school year.
All 33 elementary schools will host Kindergarten Round-Up the week of April 8-12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Extended hours will be available Tuesday, April 9 until 7 p.m.



To attend kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 1, 2013.
Note: A student who is younger than five years of age as of September 1 may only enter kindergarten if he or she is able to pass the third grade STAAR test.

To complete pre-registration, please bring your child’s birth certificate, social security card and immunization records, as well as proof of residence (for example, a utility bill) and a parent’s driver license.

Note: If you are living in temporary housing and are purchasing a home in Frisco ISD, you must present a proof of contract at the time of pre-registration if you want your child to begin school in the attendance zone where your permanent home will be located.

Specials Week April 8th-12th

Hi Parents!

Next week is Specials Teacher Appreciation Week! Let's show our Specials Teachers how much we appreicate them by sending in daily treats. Click on the sign-up below to view their favorites!

Feel free to contact me with quest...ions or ideas at stimacs@live.com

Thanks!
Tricia Stimac
PTA Hospitality

http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/2030020620104

 

PTA Highlights from Round Up

Please join us at the Rough Riders Game on April 11.

 

Claire G. received her ribbons from the Frisco Council of PTA for her Reflections entry.

 

 

2013-2014 Executive Board Positions

Celebrating Black History Month

This guest post is by Tia Beaumont, School librarian. Tia's Black History Month displays are both educational and entertaining. The perfect mix of digital media & traditional books to appeal to the varied tastes of Robertson’s kids. This included Author bio's, Book Reviews, scannable barcodes and video footage on iPads/computers. 

 

 

Of all the books and dynamic video footage of amazing & notable people who've contributed so impressively to our society, the one that's getting the most attention from the children is Jazz Age Josephine

 

 

Josephine Baker was born Freda Josephine McDonald in 1906 to a laundress and a musician. At the age of 13, she began touring the United States with the Jones Family Band and The Dixie Steppers, two comic groups. She performed various comical skits. When the troupes split, she tried to advance to a chorus girl, but she was turned down because she was “too skinny and too dark.” She continued to have trouble landing roles as a singer, actress, and dancer, so she moved to France.  

She was wildly popular in France. During World War II, she performed for the French troops and smuggled secret messages for the French government that were written on her music sheets. In the 50s and 60s, she visited the United States to help fight for Civil Rights. She spoke out about her experience of being refused service at the Stork Club. To show that children of different colors could get along, she adopted 12 children from around the world. She called her family the Rainbow Tribe. She spoke at rallies and was a speaker at the civil rights convention where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. 

Click to See Josephine in action (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=MsXyDrf9HO0

General Meeting - February 21, 2013

Don't forget. Our next PTA meeting is next Thursday, February 21, at 6:30p.m. We will have a guest speaker from the Mockingbird Education Foundation. The topic will be "Strategies for Helping with Homework". Check out their website: www.mockingbirdeducation.net

Robertson Library

There’s a lot going on in the Robertson Library this month. Mrs Biamont and her volunteers have set up a Valentine’s day book display plus children are getting instruction on gaining access to E books & Audio books from the FISD library thru personal digital devices. She’s also preparing an awesome Black history month display with audio & visual examples of exemplary African Americans & their contributions.

 

 

 

 

The picture book of the Month is Ruby Saves Valentine’s Day. The K- 2nd Graders loved hearing about the Valentines party that was cancelled due to snow storm. Ruby was a problem solver & pack ed her sled with the valentine goodies and took the party to her friends.There are a few twists & turns but in the end Ruby had indeed saved her favorite holiday and got to spend it with her friends. Ask your kid’s how much they liked this book & what happened along the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For books on the go, access the FISD digital library via the free App ‘Overdrive’

All that’s needed is a password & an e-mail address. Books have a two week due date.

This is great for week-ends and perfect timing for Spring Break road trips & vacations.

Difficulty getting access? Mrs Biamont your friendly librarian will help!

 

 

This Blog post was written by a Robertson Volunteer & Mom who’s children’s e-book is featured in t his months Dallas Child magazine. Download Grendel's Great Escape on iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8  or Android Tablets: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.bluesandpiperimprints.grendelHD&feature=search_result

Children's Apps

In the vast sea of Children’s apps available today, choosing the right ones can be a difficult and daunting task for parents of digital kids. As a Mom, I prefer Apps that encourage learning with fun interaction and well crafted stories to encourage reading. Here are some of the best fun & reading ‘go to’ Apps listed by age group, the links below  are for iPads/iPhones but many Apps are also found on Android tablets as well.

 

Grendel’s Great Escape Blue Sandpiper Imprints - 4-8yrs                                 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grendels-great-escape/id585972636?ls=1&mt=8

A funny show and tell’s day adventure about Martin, a messy little boy and his pet Ferret Grendel. Kids will love the animation, interactive features and surprises on every page. The Features include original background music and sound effects, as well as the read to me/read by myself function with highlighted words.

Beck & Bo react-in -Preschool & K                                                                         https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beck-and-bo/id557624393?mt=8

Beck and Bo is not stop fun and giggles. The unique creative artistic style and music is a great backdrop for the activities and it’s a great learning environment and entertainment for children.

Leo’s pad Appisode1 - kidaptive inc. - Preschool -1st Grade                                                                       https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/leos-pad-appisode-1/id566773525?mt=8

This is a perfect blend of entertainment and education which encourages user interaction. Features include lovable characters, amazing 3-D animation.Kids engage in a series of story-related activities which includes drawing a birthday card or finding letters and shapes as they watch the animated story staring Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci

 

Little Fox Music Box - Shape minds Preschool -K https://itunes.apple.com/us/genre/ios/id36?mt=8

Young children will love this music & sound based sing along App with 3 Children’s songs and lovable characters.

 

My Beastly ABCs  Duncan Studio  -PreSchool  & K                                     https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-beastly-abcs/id578158826?mt=8

Kid’s join in this interactive adventure on a magical day filled with friendly monsters from around the world! This brilliant original story comes to life in an educational, fun experience sure to enchant kids. Features include entertaining games and fun interactive activities.

My Dad Drives a roller Coaster Car -Crabhill press preschool-6yrs        https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-dad-drives-roller-coaster/id428268576?mt=8

The name says it all! A funny, interactive book App that’s full of actions to touch and discover. This picture book App combines interactive graphics and sound effects to keep younger children entertained. The amusement park setting and whacky park rides is filled with surprises around every corner.

The house that went on strike -Jumping pages  4-8yrs                                 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/house-that-went-on-strike/id543678181?mt=8

The home and it’s appliances go on strike against it’s family to win their respect. This app about respecting the home is wonderfully told in rhyme and beautifully illustrated. Features include loads of interactivity, Original music and word highlighting.

 

The Magnificent traveling palace -PlaneTree Family Productions 4-8yrs               https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/magnificent-travelling-palace/id512502528?mt=8

You’ll be instantly transported to India in The Magnificent Traveling Palace which is a unique animated book app for children. This app uses technology to bring the enchanting world of India and it’s culture to children. The captivating colorful 3-D illustration and animations together with original music, authentic sounds, and rich interactivity, create an exciting Indian atmosphere through which the adventure comes to life.

 

Treasure Kai and the lost gold of shark Island -Treasure bound books 5-10yrs https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/treasure-kai-lost-gold-shark/id418289114?mt=8                                      

This is one of the most unique and original Apps available which has set the standard for interactivity and activities that move the game forward. Join Kai a modern day explorer as he embarks on a treasure hunt through history in search of lost gold. This unique treasure hunt adventure app uses a choose-your-adventure format.

 

Gone Wishing by Fi Productions 5-9yrs                                                    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gone-wishing-interactive-storybook/id488516540?mt=8

Gone wishing is a highly interactive story about a Genie who couldn’t grant wishes. This app features a fantastic world of Goblins, Fairies, loads of magic and amazing graphics.

The Fantastic Flying books of Morris Lessmore    5-9yrs                                https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fantastic-flying-books-mr./id438052647?mt=8

Based on the short film, this story app is just lovely. This well illustrated, wonderfully told story is vividly stunning. The animation and activities such as the piano and the alphabet cereal are seamlessly integrated into the story.

This blog post is by Michelle Anaya, a children’s book writer and blogger. As the mother of two boys who gravitate more towards electronic games than books, Michelle created Blue Sandpiper Imprints. A company dedicated to creating interactive books and apps that encourages voluntary reading through digital technology. www.bluesandpiper.com An Article featuring her work can be found in The February ’13 issue of Dallas Child Magazine