Computer Applications

CAPPS offers students the chance to become proficient computer users, an important skill in today’s world.   All students in grade 5 come to CAPPS every day for one marking period.  Students in grades 6 & 7 come to CAPPS every 3 days, all year. It is a “specials” area subject.  Fifth graders receive letter grades; 6th and 7th grade students are graded on a pass/fail basis..
Our state-of-the-art CAPPS lab offers 30 computers, black & white and color laser printers, 2 scanners, and the latest software, including Microsoft Office Suite, Macromedia Design Suite, and Photoshop Elements.  Ample time is allowed for students to complete CAPPS projects in class, but students may save work on CDs or “flash” drives to take home. 

All school computers are connected through the District network, so students may easily work on projects anywhere in the school.  All computers provide high-speed access to the Internet, which is filtered through WebBlocker software to prevent inappropriate content.  Students and parents should read our District-wide “Acceptable Use Policy,” which can be found in the student handbook.

Here are some planned activities:

5th Grade:  Focuses on touch typing.  By the end of the marking period, most students will type about 20—40 words per minute without looking at their fingers!  We use Mavis Beacon software (which is widely available if you’d like to purchase it) in addition to custom lessons I created.  Please encourage your children to practice at home as much as they can.  My keyboarding  web site,   http://www.sdst.org/sms/academics/Key_Page/index.html , provides at-home practice lessons.

6th Grade:  Our exciting year will include: -- Internet search skills  -- Advanced word processing -- Creating drawings and graphics -- Spreadsheets and formulas -- Creating cards, flyers, brochures -- Basic HTML and web design -- PowerPoint Travelog Presentation

7th Grade:  Scheduled activities are: -- “Flash” Animation -- Advanced Web Design with Dreamweaver -- Digital Photography -- Scanning -- Photo editing -- PowerPoint Stock Market Presentation -- Creating Posters in Publisher.