Weekend Update: October 11, 2013

First of all, Good Luck to all our Elk teams and organizations this weekend.

The Marching Band is marching today at Sioux Valley.
The Football team is playing tonight at Colman-Egan.
The Volleyball team is playing tomorrow at the Chester Classic.

Go Elks!

Reminder that there will be NO SCHOOL this coming Monday, October 14th for Native American Day.

Cross Country will participate in the Region meet this coming Wednesday in Howard.  Good Luck to all the athletes and parents involved.  Both the Head Coach and the Volunteer Assistant are excited to continue the excellent season.

Nate Wolters in Sioux Falls.

Last night, former SDSU Jackrabbit standout, Nate Wolters, played in the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD for the Milwaukee Bucks.  Wolters got a "ceremonial" start for the game, and acquitted himself well, scoring 10 points.  For more info, see Argus Leader writer Terry Vandrovec's Excellent Coverage.



Did anyone see the PBS Frontline Special "League of Denial"?  It aired on Tuesday, and I watched it (streaming and online) on Wednesday evening.  Really shocking information on there, and it really makes you stop and think what the future of football is.  If you are interested, it is available for online streaming for free, just click on this link.

As far as weekend plans go... the Harmings will be painting some bedrooms.  If anyone is interested in coming over and grabbing a brush or roller, you are more than welcome!  :)

The rest of the weekend?  Well the SDSU Jackrabbits will be traveling to Macomb, Illinois to take on the Leathernecks in Football action.  The Jackrabbits need a win, in a big way.  Got to end the 3 game losing streak.

Go Big.  Go Blue.  Go Jacks!

Go Bolts!

The Chargers don't play until Monday night this week.  Taking on the Colts.  The way the two teams have been playing this year, it looks like it could be a tough one for the Lightning Bolts.  But, I'll keep cheering anyway.




For the Friday Video.... Next Week Pearl Jam is releasing their new album, so here is one of the songs from that....

Enjoy, "Sirens"

Weekend Update for September 6th, 2013

Well, it's been another busy week in the Technology Office.

The new machines for Roland Colony are almost completed (I am working on the last one, right now).

The Smarter Balance Technology Readiness Tool is completed.  This is something all schools in SD have to complete as the testing moves to online this year.  It was actually quite a lengthy process and complicated...took me a long time to get it figured out.

We've had a few staff computers with some issues, I've been able to solve most of them so far, although there are a few still giving me some trouble.

The images for all the student machines have been updated for duplication.  There are a few students who had trouble with their machines in the first couple days who were issued loaners...Their machines are being imaged as I type this.

Chromebooks are off and running with grades 5-8.  All students 5-8 have learned how to log in to the network, and into their chromebooks with their state e-mail credentials.  This is really going to benefit them down the road, especially judging by the number of Freshmen who are struggling with their logins and passwords already... they were used to just logging in with the general "student" credentials...the younger students are developing skills at an earlier age.

Completed the 2nd School Podcast yesterday... that link is available HERE.  These have been pretty fun to do, and really...now that I have the program set up, and the intro and outtro music done...they don't take very long to put together.  I have also been in talks with Mr. Farnham about his communications class doing their own podcast... a student version, I guess you would call it.  Still working out the details, but that could be a really cool opportunity for our students

The WEEKEND:

Good Luck to the Elk Football Team tonight as they take on the O-R-R Raiders in Rutland.

Go Elks!

First Cross Country Meet of the season tomorrow at White.  I'm excited to see what the Elks and Lady Elks can do.  Could be the start of a special season.

Saturday afternoon the SDSU Jackrabbits Football team will take the field against the University of North Dakota.  The game will be broadcast on Midco Sports Net and Fox College Sports Pacific.

Go Big, Go Blue, Go Jacks!

Sunday, the NFL season kicks off for most of the teams.  Hope it is a fun and exciting season for all the fans.

Today's Friday Video is from 3 Doors Down... Enjoy "Kryptonite"!

Weekend Update: March 22nd

Well, the dream run for the Jackrabbits Men's basketball team ended last night with a loss to Michigan in the NCAA tournament.  The loss ended the careers of both Nate Wolters and Tony Fiegen.  While it is sad to see their time with the Jackrabbits end, it's important to recognize their accomplishments.  Two straight Conference Tournament Championships, 2 straight NCAA Tournament births, and a school record for most wins in a 2 year period.  They help raised the program up from a difficult transition from Division II athletics.

However, not all is lost in Jackrabbit Land... The Womens Basketball team still has a chance.  They will play in their 5th straight NCAA Tournament tomorrow against South Carolina.  Good Luck to Coach AJ and staff, and the ladies as they look to upset the Gamecocks.

Go Big, Go Blue, Go Jacks!

Elkton will be holding it's annual Prom this weekend, and I certainly hope everyone has an enjoyable time.

Not much else on the weekend agenda, other than watching the NCAA tournament.  Hope everyone has a safe and restful weekend!

With Prom coming up, I thought today's Friday Video should channel something in that vein.

Enjoy OMD's "If You Leave" from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack.

Go Big, Go Blue, Go Jacks!

NCAA Tournament today!

The odds are against them, they face a very good Michigan team, in Michigan.

6:15 pm tonight on CBS!  Verne Lundquist and the legend Bill Rafftery on the call!

Go Big, Go Blue, Go Jacks!

Teacher Tidbits: Social Media and Digital Citizenship

Good Tuesday Morning!

Did anyone happen to see who was on the cover of CBS Sports Webpage yesterday?

Nate Wolters on the cover of CBS Sports Webpage

Very Excited to see what the Jackrabbits can do against Michigan on Thursday night.  Hope it's a good game, and may the best team (that night) win.

Today's Topic - Social Media and Digital Citizenship

With the influx and proliferation in Social Media, throughout society, I think it's important as educators (and parents) that we work toward educating our students in "digital citizenship".  

According to Wikipedia a "Digital Citizen" -  commonly refers to a person utilizing information technology (IT) in order to engage in society, politics, and government participation.

So basically, a person who uses the Internet to participate in any number of activities.  Social Media is part of society, and therefore a large part of digital citizenship.  Anyone who participates in the multitude of Social Media outlets, whether it's:  Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIN, etc, etc...  they are participating in society through the digital media.

There are some great resources out there to help people with their understanding of digital citizenship.  These are things that would be good for everyone to review, but also these are things that would be helpful to teach to our students.  How can we expect them to know, and follow, the expectations of digital citizenship, unless they are taught to them?

Some good Digital Citizenship sites are:

1. http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/
2. http://digitalcitizenshiped.com/
3. http://www.nisd.net/digitalcitizen/
4. http://www.ciconline.org/DigitalCitizenship
5. http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/digital-citizenship

One good idea to keep in mind, in dealing with students and children and their use of the Internet and social media.  Be an ACTIVE participant in their use.  Follow what they are doing.  Check up on their online activity.  Have them show you the sites they go to (use can use the history files for that).  Be Vigilant!  They won't know what's right and/or what's wrong unless they are taught.

Teacher Tuesday: Scam and Scammers

Good Morning Tuesday!

Today the South Dakota State Jackrabbits will play for the Summit League Championship for both the Mens and the Womens BB team.  This is the second year in a row that both teams have made the finals (with both teams winning and advancing to the NCAA tournament last year).  Just another step closer from changing the name from "The Summit League Tournament" to "The Jackrabbit Invitational".

Today's subject is Scams and Scammers.
I was actually inspired this morning by a CBS New Feature on the "Jamaica Lottery Scam".  There is no streaming video of this yet, I checked, or else I'd attach a link to the story here.

This Article does a better job of explaining the scam than me.  Basically, scammers are calling older US citizens, and tell them that they won the lottery, but they have to pay taxes.  And it begins.

There are a number of scams and frauds out there.  The Government even has a handy website, with hints and suggestions to help you avoid a scam.

What are some of the more popular scams?  Well, here is a list of the Top 10 e-mail/internet Scams of 2012.  I have recieved several of these e-mails over the years, including the Nigerian Scam (which is really quite hilarious if you read the whole thing), The Lottery Scam, and Disastery Relief scam.

Also, this year we have had several "Phishing Scams" with e-maill sent to staff members, asking them to click a link.  (The State usually does a great job of "catching" these, and letting me know exactly who got the e-mails).

So, just some general hints and thoughts to help keep you and your family safe.

1. People won't track you down to give you free money.  This doesn't happen, except in the movies.  Now if a lawyer arrives at your doorstep, with paperwork and documentation...that's one thing.  But anyone on the phone or over e-mail is NOT to be trusted.
2. You have to buy a ticket to enter a lottery!  If someone says you won the lottery...think about it, did you enter the Jamaican lottery?  When did you buy a ticket?
3. Never, Ever, Ever - Give out passwords, PIN numbers, or anything like that.  
4. Reputable organizations that help the needy; like the Red Cross and Salvation Army would NEVER e-mail you soliciting for donations.  They are usually linked to from other sites (like Katrina relief or Sandy relief or whatever the case may be).  But if you get an e-mail out of the blue...that's not them.
5. Make purchases and/or transactions online only on secure sites.  How do you know they are secure? Well, usually there is a "lock" symbol in the address bar that shows they are secure.

Notice the "lock" on the left?

This is good, you are secure.

And the always reliable, dependable, trustworthy, rule of thumb:

"If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is".  

Weekend Update! March 1st...

Started the Weekend off with a really good night on Thursday Night!

1. I got a 30 minute "Tempo" Running Workout in.
2. I was able to give M and M a haircut, which was long, long, overdue.
3. The Jackrabbits Won, and clinched their first outright Summit League regular season title!
4. The Tarheels Won!
5. Duke Lost!
6. Coach K was upset about Virginia storming the court.
7. The Lakers Won!

We just need the Elks to win tonight, and it will be a perfect couple of days!  

Go Elks!

Today's Friday Video is posted with the Elks game tonight in mind!  

Enjoy Muse..... Let's have a bit of an Uprising tonight in the Elmen Center.

Good Luck tonight Fellas!

Also just for fun... a great photo of Coach K from last night, that I must share.

Serendipity?

Weekend Update

Welcome to another addition of weekend update.

North Lab

This week the Tech office was super busy.  I am continuing to work on the North Lab in the school, making sure that each machine in there is being used and treated properly.  I have found many of these computers that have had changes made to the desktop over the week.

Other things that students are doing to the computers include:

1. Changing the background image or wallpaper
2. Students are adding "shortcuts" to the desktop.
3. "Pinning" programs to the task bar, so they stay up and running.
4. Changing the size of the icons on the desktop.
5. Changing the resolution of the screen.
6. Changing the size of the display
7. Changing the mouse (or pointer)
8. Changing the color of the windows (Pink and Black seem to be the favorites).
9. Moving icons on the desktop around.
10. And general mischief... mouse unplugged, keyboard unplugged, etc, etc...

Please keep in mind, and remind your students, all of them, that the North Lab computers are for the use of all students... Particularly those that don't get their own netbooks (Grades K-8).  The computers in the lab should not be "personalized" for individual students, as the computer is not set up for one person, but the use of all.

The more settings and/or changes made to the computers can lead to problems down the road.  I would like to see the number of programs on the desktop and/or taskbar minimized.  The more programs that are on there, the more RAM is being dedicated to have those programs "ready to run".  While I know it is common practice to have your commonly used programs on your desktop with a shortcut, the LAB is not a personal computer... we'd like to keep it "streamlined" so that everyone sees the same screen.

Two easy ways to ensure that the lab is being used correctly:

1.  Do NOT send students to work in there, unless they are being supervised.  (I chased two JH kids out there again this morning).

2.  When supervising watch your students... are they working on their programs, or are they changing the screen resolution?  Are all of the keyboards still plugged into the machines?  

Mobile Lab

In addition to the North Lab, I focused on getting some more computers ready for the Mobile Lab.  We had 20 in there, earlier... but #20 died, and a few others have started to show some problems (there's one that has a sticky keyboard, and another that has a noisy fan).  I worked on getting a few more in there, so that we can have the lab filled, and then remove the problem ones, and see if we can get them running, as well.

I know that having a lab that will work consistently, each time you use it is the number one goal.  I am hoping that the changes we have made to the lab, and to the machines, will help us.

Weekend!

Not a great deal planned this coming weekend, the 3rd and 4th grade boys will have their final BB game tomorrow at Deubrook.  Good Luck boys!  (It has been a joy and a pleasure to help these guys this year)

Saturday Night the SDSU Jackrabbits will be on espn2 facing Murray State in the annual "Bracketbusters" challenge.  Should be good exposure, but I hope we get a little better end result than the last game on espn2. (Game vs Alabama, that they lost on a last second shot).

Otherwise, some household duties, a few maintenance issues, and a few good runs (hopefully outside) to look forward to.

For the Friday Video, enjoy a little Black Keys "Tighten Up"

Have a great weekend everyone!

Weekend Update: Feb. 8th-10th

In case you missed it ... Last Night South Dakota State University's Nate Wolters exploded for 53 points in a Summit League conference game at IPFW.

Nate Wolters - National Celebrity?

SDSU beat writer Terry Vandrovec has a host of links on his blog.

One of the coolest things about this is waking up in the morning, and turning on Sportscenter and seeing the accomplishments of a Jackrabbit on the "Scroll" at the bottom of the screen.  But having his own highlight package, is pretty cool too.

53 points for Jackrabbit?  Sounds interesting.

And another thing to add... seeing your school have a headline on espn.com college basketball page, is also pretty nifty.

I'm sure USD graduates can't wait until they get a player and/or team that can do something like this.  Don't hold your breath, coyote fans... however, if you'd gone Division I when you were supposed to, maybe you'd be at the point where you could have a super star too.  (I kid, I kid)

Weekend Update

Tonight the Lady Elks will be hosting the Arlington Cardinals in Girls Basketball action at Lake Benton... Go Elks!

Tomorrow, the Elkton Boys JV team will host a JV tournament in Elkton.  Good Luck to Coach Leuning and the JV Elks!

Also on Saturday, the Jackrabbit Mens basketball team will face off with Oakland, Michigan, and the Lady Jackrabbits will host Oakland.

Sunday will be a day of rest and recovery in the Harming household... Hope everyone has a great weekend!

For the Friday video, let's listen to some Loverboy... in honor of Nate Wolters game last night.

Weekend Update: Super Bowl

The Return of the Weekend Update!  (It's been awhile)

Certainly has been a cold couple of days, with no school yesterday, and a late start today.  On the bright side, it is supposed to start warming up throughout the day, and through this Sunday.

Congratulations to the SDSU Jackrabbits for their decisive victory over the USD Coyotes last night in Men's Basketball.  The victory was the Jackrabbits 27th straight Victory at Frost Arena (tying a school record).

Opponents have learned to "Fear the Frost".

Tonight we have a double header basketball games with Lake Preston at Elkton.
Schedule is as follows:

North Gym:
4:00  JH Girls
5:00  JV Girls
South Gym:
4:00 JH Boys
5:00 JV Boys
6:30 Varsity Girls
??    Varsity Boys (following Varsity girls)

Go Elks and Lady Elks!

Weekend:
I will be coaching and my son will be playing in the "C" Team Tournament in White Saturday.  Daughter and wife will be attending "Junior Day" at South Dakota State University.

After the Tournament, I will be attending the SDSU vs UMKC Mens basketball game at Frost Arena.  With a win, the Jackrabbits will break the school record for most consecutive wins at home.  Should be a good time.

Sunday is Super Bowl XLVII featuring the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.  Personally, I don't care who wins, but I always enjoy watching the game, and soaking in all the "Hype" that surrounds the event.

The Friday Video:  Enjoy... a little R. E. M.

Award for Zenner!

Zach Zenner named All-American.

http://www.gojacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15000&ATCLID=205820482

1 of only 2 sophomores on the AA team.

Run, Zach! Run!

Tuesday Technology Tidbits

Nothing too substantial in today's edition.

Has anyone else out there used the Google Play store?

https://play.google.com/store

I suppose people with Android phones have, but that's probably it.  Well, the "Play Store" is like Google's iTunes... you can buy music, books, magazines, movies, apps, etc, etc... from the google play store.

If you have iTunes, and you're happy with it, that's fine.  Just throwing the Google Play store out there.  I've recently bought some music off of there ( I usually buy music on Amazon), and it seems to work just fine.  Haven't ordered a movie yet, but probably something I should try.

First Girls Basketball game tonight!  Assistant Coach Harming is excited to coach his first game with this team.

Some Inspiration for the Lady Elks....

Fun Fact:  19 years ago I began my coaching career as the assistant Girls Basketball coach for Elkton High School.  (In fact, Cassidy Gebhart was born during that season... I ran practice that day because Coach Gebhart was at the hospital.)  And all this time later, I'm right back where I started... life is strange and wonderful.

Not much else to report on.  Tough weekend of football in the Harming Household.   The Jackrabbits lost to the Bison, the Chargers managed to snatch defeat from the hands of victory yet again (which is so common now, it's pretty much the expectation).  The only solace to be found was on the bb court, where the Jackrabbit Men and Women's teams each had nice victories on Saturday night.

I'll leave you with this picture someone posted on Google Plus.  Just thought it was a cool picture.

Have a great week everyone!

Go State! Go State!

(I took this title from the "Pride of the Dakotas" marching band, who used to chant "Go State! Go State!" before their performances)

(although I know this doesn't make alot of sense, because this week the Jackrabbits take on the North Dakota State Bison... they are also State, but I digress)

Did you hear that there's a football game this weekend?

Well, that's my weekend update.  Jackrabbits.  Bison.  I'm watching.  

That's it.  

NDSU Round 2 Preview from South Dakota State Football on Vimeo.

Really looking forward to the game tomorrow.  Two very good, solid football teams, with a rivalry built on mutual respect, facing off in the playoffs.

The only thing wrong with it, is why are these two teams playing each other in round 2?  The selection committee really kind of shot themselves in the foot.  Particularly if this game is another knockdown, drag em out, hit you in the face, one possession game... and then the Bison (or Jacks, but more realistically, the Bison...they are #1 for a reason)... run through the rest of the playoff field without being challenged.

No matter the result, I'm very proud to call myself a fan of this particular Jackrabbits team.  They have been very fun to watch, and really epitomize the "team" aspect of football, especially on the defensive side.  No real stars on this defense, and yet they are a top ten unit in the nation.

I hope Brock Jensen looks like this Tomorrow!

Playoffs?

We're talking about Playoffs!

Go Big.

Go Blue.

Go Jacks!

Halftime Highlight from South Dakota State Football on Vimeo.

Run Rabbits!

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to be able attend South Dakota State University's first ever home playoff Football game.

The Jackrabbits hosted the Eastern Illinois Panthers in first round FCS football action at Coughlin Alumni Stadium in Brookings, SD.

Despite reading comments from the Panthers that the Jackrabbits, "Didn't do anything special".  And that, "We've faced good running backs before."  And how they had heard that SDSU "keeps the grass a foot long, to slow down the game".

The Jackrabbits had little trouble with the Ohio Valley Conference Champions, winning 58-10.  Sophomore running back Zach Zenner, broke the school's single game rushing record with 295 total yards and 3 touchdowns, and basically took the 4th quarter off.  In fact, his backup, redshirt Freshman Reggie Gandy, also ran for 150 yards and had two touchdowns of his own.

Run, Zach! Run!

While it was fun watching the Rabbits dispatch a clearly outmatched foe, it only sets the table for this weekend's coming Rivalry Rematch!

SDSU will travel up to Fargo, ND to face the NDSU Bison for the second time this season.  Last time, the Bison were able to win the game 20-17 to capture the Missouri Valley Conference football championship.

This time?  Who knows?  The Bison are certainly a solid team, and play the same type of smart, hard nose football as the Jackrabbits.  While it's strange to comprehend how the selection committee could set up the top two teams in the top conference in the nation to meet in a second round matchup... I'm pretty sure that the Jackrabbits were not the team the Bison wanted to see right away, either.

Go Big. Go Blue. Go Jacks!

Nov. 9th: Weekend Update!

Pretty Successful Week in the Tech Office!

I was able to get the computers at Roland Colony online, finally.  In addition, I was able to get one of the "wireless" projectors to work.

Had a few computers come in this week with memory/hard drive problems.  A few of these were sophomore computers... I had a school board member come in this morning with a computer that won't run, and Principal Neill's computer decided to quit working this week.  (This was not surprising, as two other staff members who had the same make and model (bought the same year) had their computers stop working as well.

So, I've been keeping busy.

Also, this week.... the state updated the Lightspeed filter, and I received new "credentials" to manage the system.  I know of one staff member who was having trouble with students getting on facebook during class, which should be blocked.  I did hear from the state yesterday, that the update was done, and that we should be up and running correctly now.  Please let me know if you have any other issues.

And now... the Weekend Update!

Big Sports Weekend for the SDSU Jackrabbits!

Tonight the Men's Basketball Team takes on the University of Alabama Crimson Tide at Alabama.  Should be a tough test for the team, in their first game of the season.  The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Tomorrow the SDSU Football Team takes on the #1 Ranked, and defending National Champion NDSU Bison in Fargo.  A very big game for the football team.  Both teams are tied for the lead in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and the winning team will take a one game lead in the Conference, with one game to play.  Very likely that the Conference Championship will be decided on Saturday in the Fargodome.

Go Big.  Go Blue.  Go Jacks!

Sunday, I plan on watching the Chargers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa.  Could be a tough game for the Bolts, but I'll be watching.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Video: Nate Wolters

Really enjoyed this Video on Nate Wolters at SI.com

Monday, Nov. 5th.

Congratulations to the SDSU Jackrabbits Football Team, as they defeated Southern Illinois in Carbondale, Illinois this past Saturday.

This sets up a possible Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship game this coming Saturday, in Fargo, against the NDSU Bison.  Both teams are 5-1 in the conference, and would take a 1 game lead with one game to play.

This week in the Tech Office:

1. Continuing to work on projectors for a couple classroom.  Darn Epson projectors won't connect to the new HP computers, and I have to figure out why.  I've been working on this for weeks, and I'm just tired of it.
2. Need to run out to the colony to try a few ideas I have.  The new computers I installed can't connect to the internet.  I've got a few thoughts, that I'd like to try.
3. Apple Server - need to do some work with Mr. Farnham, as he is having trouble logging in with his older apple computers, and need to work on getting him Youtube access.  
4. E-rate - have to get the form 470 done and completed.
5. Wednesday - I'll be heading over to Lake Benton to work on any tech issues they have over there.
6. Regular Tech office stuff.

Nov. 2nd: Weekend Update and video

First off, Congratulations to the Lady Elks Volleyball team for their win over Madison last night!

District 5A Champions!  Great job Ladies!

Technology office was busy again this week.  Have many computer coming back from having screen repairs, and I'm busy with many projects and problem solving items (like a few projectors, school photo software, troubles with the Apple computers connecting)

Weekend:
-Sounds like the Harming family is making a trip out to the Missouri River this weekend.
- The SDSU Jackrabbits will play a critical game against the So. Illinois Salukis, in Missouri Valley Conference Football play.  A win this weekend, sets the Jackrabbits up for a playoff appearance.
-The San Diego Chargers will not play this weekend, because they had the Thursday Night game last night, and whooped up on the Chiefs 31-13.

Hope Everyone had a great Halloween, and has a wonderful first weekend in November!

For today's Friday Video, let's turn to Franz Ferdinand.

Enjoy:  "Take Me Out"

Monday, October 29th

The November Newsletter is online.  Click the link to read.

Reminder:  Teachers, if you want something in the newsletter, you need to get it to me by the due date.  My goal is to send to the office for publication at the end of the day, on the due date.

Weekend Wrap-up - The SDSU Jackrabbits had a successful Hobo Day with a decisive victory over Youngstown State.  I attended and had a great time.

This week, I'll be working with the Lifetouch Photo program, and loading the photos of the students onto infinite campus.

I'll also be making a trip out to Roland Colony again, to try and get Internet connectivity to a few of their computers.

Student computers with broken screens are being sent off, and are coming back.  If your student has turned in a laptop with a broken screen, check with me in the Technology Office to see if it has returned.