Computer Programming for Kids

Computer Programming for Kids

Are your kids spending too much time playing mindless computer games? Encourage them to use their minds and write their own computer games instead. Of course, they probably won’t be cranking out a competitor to “Angry Birds” right away, but that doesn’t mean kids won’t love to write programs. Just because they can’t play basketball like Michael Jordan doesn’t stop them from loving to play basketball. Computer programming is powerful and fun, and kids don’t need to become professional programmers to learn from the activity. Computer programming teaches kids problem solving, logical (computational) thinking, and determination, and it fosters creativity. The best part is you don’t have to know anything about computer programming to get your kids started. You simply head to the Internet for the software of your choice.

Scratch
Scratch (a programming language developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and supported by the National Science Foundation) is a free, fun, visual, programming language for kids from third grade on up. They can create games, interactive stories, animations, music, and art. They simply drag and drop the code blocks onto the programming area, and then they can instantly see the result. The different commands snap together. This avoids all the frustrating syntax errors of typing computer code while keeping all the mind expanding experiences of computer programming. You can view this short video to see what Scratch can do.

Kodu
Kodu (sponsored by Microsoft Research FuseLabs) is another free visual programming language for kids. It has a very specific video game focus. Kids begin with their own story and develop the characters, worlds, and actions to tell their story as a video game. In Kodu the programming code is icon based. Kodu, which is Windows based, also has an Xbox 360 version available for a fee of 400 Points (about $5).

Ladybug Mazes
Ladybug Mazes (part of a Utah State University collection of interactive math manipulatives) introduces the concept of computer programming to kids as young as kindergarten. Kids make a plan for the ladybug to follow by choosing step blocks and turn blocks, which appear at the bottom of the screen. When they click the play button, the ladybug follows the command blocks they have chosen. Most kindergartners need help getting started, but they generally catch on quickly.  Kids can play Ladybug Mazes online for free.

Programming software designed for kids is a great way to move your student from game player to game designer, from consumer to producer. Try one today; you will be glad you did.

Happy Friday!

I want to thank all of the students, families, and staff that came out to the MLK March on Monday! Please see our Facebook page for more pictures from the march https://www.facebook.com/AnneFrankIA/

Valentines Day Dances

• Elementary School Valentines Family Dance & Crafts
• February 13 5:00-6:30pm 
• Parents: $3
• Students: $1
• Middle School Valentines Day Dance
• February 14 5:00-7:00pm
• Students: $5
• High School Valentines Dance
• February 15 7:00-9:00pm
• Students: $5

AFIA School Clean Up

We will have a voluntary school clean up on February 1 from 1-3pm. We will be beautifying the outside of our campus. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to Mrs. Conover at bconover@braination.net  We appreciate all of your support!

AFIA Re-Enrollment Form 

It is time to start planning for next school year's enrollment. Re-Enrollment forms are being emailed and are available at the elementary and middle school receptionists desks. Re-enrollment forms are due back by February 15th. Failure to submit your re-enrollment form by February 15 will result in your student(s) not having a guaranteed spot here at AFIA. If you try to enroll later, you will have to be placed on the waiting list. Please make sure that you turn in your form on time. 

Basketball Playoffs

Congratulations to the AFIA Middle School Boys Basketball Team! They finished the regular season 6-0, won their division, and compete in the playoffs tomorrow. The boys will play Saturday January 26 at 10am. The game will be held at the Jubilee Lake View Main Gym: 325 Castroville Rd,San Antonio,TX,78207. Entry to the game will be $5. Kids under the age of 8 are free.

AFIA Senior Graduation Ceremony

We are excited to announce that our high school graduation will be held at the Retama Auditorium on the UTSA campus. The graduation ceremony will begin at 7pm on June 1, 2019.

MLK March

If you are attending the march today I am located right next to the ATT center in lot 1 at the Freeman Coliseum. The buses are located here and parking is free. If you are having a hard time finding me, please text me at 210-446-8608. 

Have a great day!

MLK March

On Monday January 21, 2019, we will be taking part in the Martin Luther King, Jr. March. We will meet at the front of the ATT Center at 9:00am and shuttle to the event. The signature event, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March, is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. at the MLK Academy. If you would like your child to come out and march with us, please have them wear an AFIA shirt and meet us at the academy.

We encourage all parents to come out and march with our students as well. If you are able to participate, please wear an AFIA or blue shirt. We have shirts at the school that can be purchased for $5 for all parents and family members that want to participate. 

The March is 2.7 miles and a map of the route can be found by clicking on the link below:
https://www.sanantonio.gov/Portals/0/Files/MLK/MLKWalkingRoute.pdf

To get more information on the march you can click on the link below:
https://www.sanantonio.gov/MLK

Just a reminder that Friday is an early release and Monday is a holiday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will not have pizza or smoothies this Friday or extended day. All students must be picked up at the times below:

K-2: 12:30pm

3-8: 12:45pm

9-12: 1:15pm 

Enjoy the remainder of your week! 

Have a Great Weekend!

This has been a great week at AFIA! Our students took part in different field trips, benefited the community with different service projects, created amazing projects, and took part in different musical demonstrations. Please check out our Facebook page to see different pictures from our week!

I want to give a special shout-out to Mrs. Volgamore and our elementary and middle school music students for putting on amazing performances this week. Thank you to all parents that came out to support our amazing music and dance students. 

Just a reminder that Friday December 21 is an early release day! We will not have extended day and all students must be picked up at the times listed below:

• K-2: 8am-12:30pm
• 3-5: 8am-12:45pm
• 6-8: 8am-12:45pm
• 9-12: 8:30am-1:15pm

The middle and high school students are collecting can goods for a Christmas Donation to the San Antonio Food Bank! We are asking that all students bring in 5 can goods to donate for a good cause. We appreciate the support!

The Elementary PFO is getting ready for the elementary holiday party and we need your help. Please, see our sign up list for supplies, food donations and volunteer opportunities. We appreciate all the help.

For LOWER school click here: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA5AB29ABFE3-christmas1 

For UPPER school click here:

 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA5AB29ABFE3-christmas 

Anne Frank Inspire Academy is going to be giving the ACT on campus on February 20 for our high school students.  We will be giving the complete ACT plus the writing part for a cost of $58.00.  The deadline to register for the Act is Wednesday, December 19.  Please email Mrs. Sparks if you would like to register your son or daughter for the test.  The email is esparks@braination.net. 

We are excited to announce that the High School senior graduation will be on June 1st on the UTSA campus! More details will be coming soon to our senior parents.

Have a great weekend!

Weekly Update

Happy Sunday! We have several upcoming events this week here at AFIA. Please see below for all of the exciting events.

Senior pictures are tomorrow and Tuesday. Tuesday will be used as a make-up day. After pictures are taken, proofs will be sent home for ordering.

AFIA Holiday Programs:

• Elementary School: "December Lights"
• December 14 @ 9:30
• Location: Elementary Cafeteria
• Middle School: "Santa's Holiday Hoedown" with a special performance by our dance and choir chimes teams
• December 11 @ 7pm
• Location: Middle School Plaza

Our middle school basketball team plays on Monday and Friday of this week. We encourage you to come out and support our student-athletes.
Monday December 10 @ 7pm: School of Science & Technology: Discovery

• 5707 Bandera Rd., Leon Valley, TX 78238

Friday December 14 @ 6:30pm: School of Science & Technology: Discovery

• 5707 Bandera Rd., Leon Valley, TX 78238

 

All AFIA Holiday parties will be on December 21st. Please remember that December 21st is an early release day. Release times are below. We will not have extended day on the 21st and all students must be picked up on time. 

• K-2: 8am-12:30pm
• 3-5: 8am-12:45pm
• 6-8: 8am-12:45pm
• 9-12: 8:30am-1:15pm

Weekly Update

We hope that you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with your family and friends! I am very thankful for all of the relationships that I have been able to build here at AFIA and the support each one of you provides.

Report Cards will go home this afternoon! If your child's report card does not make it home, or they were absent, please email gcasarez@braination.net

Just a reminder that we will have pizza and smoothies this Friday. Please be sure to submit your payment by noon tomorrow (11/29/2018).

We have several winter concerts coming soon...

• Elementary School: "December Lights"
• December 7 @ 1:30 & December 14 @ 9:30
• Location: Elementary Cafeteria
• Parents, please plan to attend one show from above
• Middle School: "Santa's Holiday Hoedown" with a special performance by our dance and choir chimes teams
• December 11 @ 7pm
• Location: Middle School Plaza

Elementary PFO Message:

The AFIA Elementary PFO Fundraiser is still underway. Have you made your donation yet? If each student collects just $10, we will raise $1,500 for field trips, special events, facilitator appreciation lunches and more. We will be collecting donations until this Friday, November 30.

To donate online visit the AFIA Elementary PFO webpage: 

https://afiaelementarypfo.wixsite.com/elementarypfo/fundraiser

For cash donations, download this form and turn into the donation box inside the front office (we are unable to accept checks or money orders at this time):

https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/87099f_ac9099ccb1d544bc866aa97cacef77fb.pdf

**Make sure you include your child’s grade on your donation.**

The grade that receives the most donations will receive a pizza party provided by the PFO. If we raise our $1,500 goal the whole school will celebrate with a pajama day.

Please, remember, any donation amount will go directly to the AFIA elementary.

Thank you for your support,

AFIA Elementary PFO

High School PFO Message:

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Now comes the stress of shopping. Let the High School help you relieve that stress for 3 hours, with Parents Night Out!!! Your children will be watched, fed, and entertained with The Polar Express, all for just $10!!! Payment is at the door. Additional concessions will be offered during the evening for an additional cost. Please sign up on the link so we have an idea of how much food to prepare. Siblings age 4-15 are welcome. Thanks for supporting the High School students!!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4aacaa2ba4f85-parents

Enjoy the rest of your week!