Welcome to my class!

I am looking forward to an exciting 2007-2008 school year at Grey Nun Academy.  To that end, I have developed this web-page to help acquaint my students and parents with information that will be helpful now and throughout the year. 

About Me

This September marks the 40th year in education that I've had the privilege of working with students from Kindergarten through Graduate school. Before joining the staff at Grey Nun Academy, I taught Mathematics and Computer Science in Philadelphia for 31 years. During my tenure in Philadelphia I also held the positions of Disciplinarian, Department Chairman, Roster Chairman, and Technology Coordinator.  From 1980 through 2003, I worked as an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics at Arcadia University. I live in Newtown with my wife and two dogs.

                                                                                 Overview

      During the past year, we added SMARTBoards to the lab and most classrooms. Our major goal this year is to continue to integrate technology into the whole school curriculum.  I will also continue the use of the I-Safe program to help your children stay safe on-line.  With these goals in mind, here is what I hope to accomplish this year.

Curriculum Content


The Primary Program

A Major change the year is the initiation of a full year of computer instruction for all the primary students, including Pre-K.
       The chief goal for the younger students is to become familiar with the computer, keyboard, and mouse. I teach them some basic computer vocabulary and explain the proper handling of the machines.  We work with many programs that get the students comfortable with the equipment while reinforcing their skills in reading and math.  We do some simple word processing and drawing and combine them together to create a story with pictures.  we will be using Kid Pix, Sesame Street, I Spy, Kid Time and Scholastic Keys software.
     Seconds grade will also begin their instruction in keyboarding during the second half of the year using the "Type to Learn" program.


                                                                                       3rd grade

     We concentrate on Keyboarding in the third grade in order to encourage good habits at the computer, which will enable them to type more accurately and quickly as they progress in their studies.  We use the network version of the Type To Learn program for our keyboarding practice.  Once they have demonstrated good keyboarding skills, we move to word processing and drawing skills.

4th grade

We will work with Kid Pix Deluxe to learn basic drawing skills.  Then we will add the text feature of the program to allow them to make their picture into a story.  We will also be working on their word processing skills using Microsoft Word to continue their basic skills of editing, inserting and pasting.  In addition, they will learn to insert clip art into their text.   

5th grade

The past seven years, the 5th grade created their own newspaper, which we will continue this year.  They will be working with Microsoft Publisher to produce the paper.  This program will allow the students to make their stories in various styles with many different clip art pictures included in their text.  This activity helps students to organize their thoughts on the screen, move the text and pictures around to give a better appearance, and make use of the space and size features of the program. We will also use the new version of Easy Book Deluxe to create illustrated stories.

6th grade

Word processing is the primary program for the 6th grade this year using Microsoft Word.  We will also concentrate on the various tools available in the program to enhance each file the student creates.  We will also work on spreadsheets and create some graphs and charts.  PowerPoint  will be introduced to the students.  Digital camera activities will allow for individual creativity.

7th grade

The 7th grade will concentrate on word processing to prepare them for the third trimester when they will create a school newsletter using Microsoft Publisher.  They will also work on creating  databases and spreadsheets, making graphs and charts.  We will continue using PowerPoint and also create a small slide show presentation using the Office package.

8th grade

We will begin with word processing, working on typing correct letters and making the work look neat and centered.  We will be using Microsoft Word for these tasks.  Clip art will be included in some of our work.  We will also work with some database and spreadsheet applications using the Office package.   We'll be making presentations in PowerPoint and working with Publisher.  The eighth grade also creates their Yearbook and designs some of it in the classroom.

In addition to the programs mentioned above, there are several different programs we have that the students will be using throughout the year that encourage thinking & creativity, while improving their computer skills.

I look forward to working with your children.  Again, please feel comfortable about making an appointment to meet with me to discuss your child's progress or the computer curriculum.

My Favorite Links

Contact information

You may contact me via telephone at the school (215) 968-4151 (leave a voicemail message) or at via e-mail at Mr.Jastrzemski.  I will return voicemail and e-mail messages within 24 hours, barring unforeseen circumstances.