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!

October 5th: Weekend Update

I like this one... might use it every Friday.

Spent a great deal of time in Lake Benton the last few days, doing updates on the AVG antivirus program.  Ran into a little difficulty, as there were 4 different versions of AVG installed on the computers, so it really depended on which version was installed... one type would take about 2 minutes, another would take about 15.

Just recently discovered that the image on the Sophomore's computers is missing the "GeoGebra" program.  So, any Sophomore who needs to have Geogebra installed, can come and see me, and I will get it installed.

Next week, I should begin installing the projectors in grades K-3.  (applause!)  I will need to probably do it after school, since I'll be working in the ceiling tile area... we'll see how quickly it goes.

Still working on the "projector problem" for Mr. Gebhart and Mrs. Harming.  This has been driving me crazy, and I'm determined to get it figured out next week.

I am currently finishing up the installation on the new library computers, and then I have 3 computers to load up for the Roland Colony.  These are going pretty smoothly, and they should be done by the end of next week.

Weekend:

The SDSU Jackrabbits have a bye this weekend, so no Jacks game this weekend.

Congratulations to SDSU Women's BB Coach Aaron Johnston and his wife, Laurie, for the birth of their baby girl.

The San Diego Chargers play at the winless New Orleans Saints this weekend.  Despite the Saints poor record (0-4), I am expecting a tough game.  They are playing at home, and their banned Coach and GM (Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis) will be watching the game from the stands.  They'll be fired up.

For the Harming family this weekend, we'll just be doing a bit more unpacking, and making our house a home.  Building a dog kennel, getting things where we want them to be, that kind of thing.

Enjoy your extra Vacation day on Monday!

Good Luck to the Elks FB team tonight as they host the Colman-Egan CE-Hawks tonight.

For your weekend video this week, let's go with a little Florence and the Machine.

Enjoy "No Light, No Light"

Friday, September 28th

Weekend Update for Mr. Harming's Blog

Saying "Weekend Update" makes me think of Seth Meyers.

As the week pulls to a close, I have completed the software installations for the Elementary School Touchscreen computers! (applause)

The electricians were able to get outlets installed for the projectors early this week, and so we will begin installing those...one room at a time.

Homecoming week seemed to be a rousing success to me.  It would have been nice to have won the game, but it was close, and entertaining.

The South Dakota State University Jackrabbits will be hosting the Missouri State Bears this weekend, in The Beef Bowl.  The Jacks played well last week in knocking out a very good Indiana State team.

The San Diego Chargers will travel to Kansas City to play the Chiefs this weekend.  Two teams with vastly different approaches this year...the Chiefs kinda stunk the first two weeks, and won last week.  The Chargers won the first two weeks, and stunk last week.  Be a big win for the Lightning Bolts if they pull this one out.

The Harming family will be making a trip out west to Chamberlain this weekend.  It will be our last trip to the "River City" for quite a while.  I hope to get a run in this weekend.  With all the moving and packing and unpacking, and the installation of services, and figuring out all the new stuff... I just haven't been able to run.  I really miss it.

Have a great weekend Everyone!  It's supposed to be beautiful, so get outside and enjoy it!

For your weekend video let's go with a little... R.E.M.

Enjoy "Pretty Persuasion"

Homecoming Day!

Homecoming Day here at EHS.

Go Big.  Go Blue.  Go Elks.

Tonight the Elks will face off with the Arlington Cardinals.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

The Harmings will be spending their weekend unpacking, and unloading, and generally getting their home in order.

Today's Friday Video:  Enjoy Madness

Friday, August 3rd

In the office again today.

Hoping to finish some teacher laptops this morning.

Next week the plan is to get the teacher nettops running, and order some more equipment for the touchscreen setups.  Once all the orders are completed, and the equipment has arrived, we will begin installing.  Still hoping to get them up and running by the start of school, but if that doesn't happen it won't be long after the start of school.  The major holdup has been getting the correct projector to make the system work.  We have ordered two different ones that weren't capable of doing what we wanted.

I'm also working on Infinite Campus, learning how to get people logins and etc.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, I'll be heading back to the River City, and back in Elkton on Monday.

For the Friday video this week, let's go with something upbeat, enjoy Katrina and the Waves.

Monday at work

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

I am putting in a few more hours this week.

Getting lots of tech equipment in the mail, and working toward completing all the orders and getting everything up and functional by the start of the school year.


I'm sure I am going to be very busy in the coming weeks, installing programs, and putting in hardware.  Hopefully things turn out for the best.  I am going to try my best to be ready for the "Open House" on August 16th.


Have a good one! 

Working for the Weekend

Been busy today, ordering things, learning a bit of this and a bit of that.

We will be installing the state's new firewall system today.  Former Tech Director Gabe Pooler will be assisting me in setting this up.  I'm grateful for his help and advice (not just today, but for answering my numerous e-mail questions, as well).

One of the features I did on my blog last year, was to post a weekly "Friday Video".  Just for the fun of it, I post a music video here, just for the weekend.  I'm tempted to actually put Loverboy's "Workin for the Weekend", but that would be too obvious.

So, for this week, let's go with something a little more modern.

Enjoy Foo Fighters...

A Busy Friday

A Very Busy Friday in the Chamberlain School District.

First, the Elementary is holding their field day on the track today.  There are two sessions, but I am unsure of what the timeframes are.

Also today at 2 pm is the 8th Grade celebration in the HS Multi Purpose room.  8th Grade students will receive a number of awards and things of that nature.

Tonight at 7pm is the CHS Athletic Banquet, held at the Armory.

And then, the weekend is just beginning for me, as I will have to drive to Brookings for the Brookings Marathon, Half Marathon and Brookings Marathon Relay.  I will be running the Half Marathon (for which I am NOT prepared) and Cameron will be participating in the relay.

After finishing our running, Cameron and I will drive back to Mitchell for my wife's Grandparents 65th Wedding Anniversary celebration.

Then on Sunday, aside from Mothers Day, Mrs. Harming and I will be celebrating our 17th Wedding Anniversary.

So a busy weekend in store for the Harmings!

Hope you all have a good one.

Today's Friday Video is:  Slade's Run, Run, Away in Honor of the Brookings Marathon.

Friday the 13th!

Welcome to a RAINY April Friday!

JH students are having ICU/Fun day today.  Students on the list will have work, students not on the list will have fun day.

High School Personal Fitness will have game day.

Weekend:  Nothing planned.  staying home and working on some Grad School stuff. 

Lesson Plans... not posted online yet.

The Friday Video...  Enjoy the Eurythmics!

Thursday, April 5th

Lesson plans for next week are completed, but not posted online, yet.

No School on Friday, April 6th or Monday, April 9th for Easter Vacation.

Dakota STEP testing will be held for grades 7, 8, and 11 next week on Tuesday-Thursday.

Weekend plans.... probably going to head East to visit the family back in the Brookings area over the weekend.

Video:  Today's video is from Peter Schilling

Enjoy Major Tom!

Friday, March 30th

Lesson Plans are not done yet.  Should be posted later.

Weekend Plans:  Final Four on Saturday, and that's about it.

Good Luck to the Cubs Track teams as the travel to Winner today.

No School next Friday for Easter Break.

Friday's Video:  Enjoy Santa Monica from Theory of a Dead Man.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Friday, March 9th

Announcements:

1. Today is the end of the third quarter.  Monday will be the start of the 4th quarter.
2. Next Thursday, March 15th, we will have a 2 pm dismissal for the State A Basketball Tournament in Sioux Falls.
3. Chamberlain will face the Aberdeen Roncolli Cavaliers at 7pm in first round action.
4. No School on Friday, March 16th, due to the State A Basketball Tournament in Sioux Falls.

Be sure to watch "Selection Sunday" on CBS or ESPN this coming Sunday evening to see where the SDSU Jackrabbits will play in their first ever NCAA Tournament.

Lesson Plans for next week are posted.

Weekend! - not much planned for this weekend.  I'm sure we'll be busy doing something or another, but for the most part... not much planned.

For today's Friday Video, lets go with a little bit of The Black Keys

Enjoy "Lonely Boy"

Friday, Lesson, Weekend

Welcome to a cold January Friday!

Lesson plans for next week are posted.

Congratulations to the Cubs Boys Basketball Team for their win over Todd County last night.

Also, congrats to the SDSU Jackrabbits for their big win over the USD Coyotes last night.

Full weekend of events coming up... CHS Wrestlers, Gymnasts, Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball are all in action this Saturday.  Best wishes to all the Cubs teams!

Also, a good luck shout out to the Cubs JH Boys Basketball team as they travel to Winner to play in the Winner Tournament.

Saturday is a big Basketball day in our house, as not only do both kids team's play, but also the UNC Tar Heels, The SDSU jacks mens and womens teams, and the LA Lakers all play!

This weekend will also be the NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Sunday I have my first 10 mile run scheduled for the new year.  Could be tough.  I've only gone 8 miles once, so I may be dragging a little.

For the weekend video, my younger boys have had me listening to "The Rocky Story" CD in the van the last few days, so I've got Rocky tunes on the brain.

Enjoy Robert Tepper's "No Easy Way Out"

Thursday, Dec. 22nd

Last Day of School before Christmas Break!

MS students will be having an "ICU" or "List" Day.  Students who are missing work, will work on anything missing.  Students who are currently caught up, will watch the movie "Rudy".

HS students will have their Personal Fitness Semester Test in Mrs. Long's classroom during the 2nd testing period today.  I hope the students have taken the time to take the practice test.

Weekend:  We're having a bunch of family over this weekend for Christmas, however on Friday we will be taking coachette to have her tonsils removed in sioux falls.  We should be home Friday afternoon though.  No other real big plans over break, except to possibly run to Brookings to try and catch a Jacks BB game.

No lesson plans this week.  I'll write those when we come back to school in January.



Video:  Enjoy RUN DMC this holiday season.

Friday, Dec. 19th

Lesson plans for next week are done, click the link.

High School Classes will have Semester Tests next week on Wednesday and Thursday.
An on-line practice test is up and available for Personal Fitness class. Again, click the link.

No School on Friday next week to begin the Christmas holiday break.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas season.

Good Luck to the Lady Cubs and Boys BB teams tonight as they host Parkston in double header action.  Go Big.  Go Red.  Go Cubs.

Good Luck to the CHS Wrestling squad as they will travel to Madison for a tournament tomorrow.

Weekend Plans:  Harming family Christmas back in Aurora this weekend, so we will be travelling.  Looking forward to getting the whole clan together.

In other news, another semester of Graduate School is done and in the books for Mr. Harming.  One more semester to go, and I'll be graduating in May from DSU with a Masters of Science in Educational Technology.

Weekend Video:  I'll be Home for Christmas from She and Him

Have a great Weekend Everybody!

Friday - Early Dismissal

Early Dismissal today at 12:30 pm for Staff Development.

I will post lesson plans once completed.

Tomorrow afternoon is the 112th annual Army/Navy Game on CBS.

Go ARMY!  Beat NAVY!


The Friday Video is Loverboy's "Workin for the Weekend", enjoy this little slice of the 80's.

Have a good weekend!

Friday, Dec. 2nd

Well, got to see the elementary school concert last night.

Really enjoyed their version of "the nutcracker".

Lesson Plans for next week are done.

Feeling a bit like a "poser" this morning, because I was unable to get out for a run yesterday.  When I arrived home my in-laws had just arrived as they were attending the Elementary Christmas Concert.  So, I had to stay and visit with them.  So my first run will be today.  I have to remember the working man's running motto:  "sometimes life gets in the way".

Has anyone else out there tried Google Music yet?  Pretty neat.  Google allows you to upload all the music you have on your computer to their "cloud" and you can keep it there forever... for free.  When I started uploading it told me it had room for 12,000 songs, so it's a pretty neat deal.

The idea of cloud computing is really catching on.

Weekend Plans
Well, I'm going for a run tonight, and plan on attending the girls basketball red/white scrimmage. 

Nothing major planned for Saturday, probably a run and hang Christmas lights on the house.

Sunday will be family time, and yeah I'll probably try to get a run in.

This week's video is from... Vampire Weekend.

Enjoy A-Punk

Friday Fun Day

Can you believe it's the last Friday until Thanksgiving?

No School Thursday or Friday next week for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Reminder:  Today is the Mid Term for the 2nd Quarter.
Midterm reports will be mailed next week.

Lesson Plans for next week are up.

Friday Fun Day! - For Students not on the ICU List we are in the gym playing dodgeball today.

Personal Fitness Game Day will also play dodgeball in the weightroom.

Weekend:  CHS staff are starting off the weekend with a bang!  First Ever Chili Cook-off and Pitch Tournament will be held tonight at the High School.  Good food and good times will be had by all.

My San Diego Chargers travel to Chicago this weekend to play the Chicago Bears.  Not only are the Bears playing much better right now, but they are also my brother's favorite team.  Be nice to win one.


Video of the week:  Since we're supposed to get our first winter storm of the year this weekend, starting around midnight tonight.... How about some November Rain?

Have a great weekend Everyone!

Friday - Hobo Eve

Lesson Plans for next week are done, please click on the link.

Health Classes this week started Chapter 7, which was on "Preventing Violence".  A very informational and good subject matter for our young people to be exposed to.

This weekend marks the 99th Annual Hobo Day in Brookings, SD.  I will be attending with my family.
We usually make a full day out of it, starting with running in the Bob Bartling Hobo Day 5K run in the morning. Then, we run back to my parentsto change and head back to the Hobo Day Parade.  After the parade, we will have lunch and then attend the game.  This year's opponent is the So. Illinois Salukis.

Hoping for a Victory for the Jackrabbits.

Also this weekend, my favorite NFL squad the San Diego Chargers, take on the favorite team of my Father, and two of my sons, the Green Bay Packers.  I'm not expecting a very good game from my end of things.

I thought I'd double up on videos this week.  In honor of hobo day, let's have a performance from The Pride of the Dakotas marching band, and an SDSU Jackrabbits football highlight video.

Welcome to the Show!!!

Lesson Plans/Weekend/Video

Lesson Plans for next week.

I hope everyone has an excellent 3 day weekend!

At my house, it's going to be school work (Grad School), watch the Jacks game (on KSFY this weekend) and probably house/yard work.

Monday is Halloween!  I'm not sure what I'm going as, but I know I want to get home in time to catch most of the Chargers/Chiefs game on Monday Night Football!

This week's video is from Foster the People.

I was talking with my 6th period class about them today, most of the class hadn't heard of them, so I thought I'd put them on the blog.

Enjoy the live version of "Pumped Up Kicks" from Saturday Night Live a few weeks ago.