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

 

Hoilday Store - December 3-7

 

Here are some of the items for sale at our Holiday Store next week.

We will be open before school, during recess and

from 5-6pm on Thursday evening, before Science Night.

A flyer and envelope went home in Thursday folders.

Happy Shopping!!

 

Holiday Store December 3-7

  The Holiday Store will be open next week!

  Items will range in price from $1-$10. 

Pictures coming soon to give you a sneak peek at the store. 

We will be open every morning from 7:15-7:50 and also during recess and lunch.

Let's stock the pantry!

The PTA would like to invite you to join us in helping stock the pantry with snacks for our teachers and staff. Please send them in with your student marked, "pantry." Thanks so much for helping take care of our Robertson staff.

 Here are some ideas of their favorite snacks:

• 100 calorie snack packs
• Cheez-its
• Gardettos
• Pretzels
• Granola Bars
• Fruit Snacks
• Chex Mix
• Popcorn
• Goldfish
• Pringles
• Wheat Thins

Feel free to email Tricia Stimac if you have any question. Thanks!
 PTA Hospitality at stimacs@live.com

Slimed!!

 

Landry P. had the pleasure of sliming Mr. I the Friday before

Thanksgiving Break. Landry had the most pledges and donations for Boosterthon.