Summer PD

We were fortunate this year that our upper admin granted us time to hold some summer professional development days---two days paid, two days comp days, which was awesome.  I have never had a district admin team show as much support for libraries and librarians as my current team and it is much appreciated.

Y'all, we had a blast.

We have 2 new members of our team and another who just joined us in the spring, so not only did we do a lot of learning, we did a lot of bonding this week.  I sent out a Google form in the spring so everyone could give their input on what they wanted to learn/work on and what book they wanted for our book study this year. Everything we did was designed & taught by our very own team. Flexibility was intentionally built into our schedule so we could run with those teachable moments and move along quickly when everyone already "got it."

We went over our proposed new state standards, Future-Ready Librarian information, and maker-spaces for all levels. We worked through the process of creating a new Mission and Vision statement.

 

We played with an Epic Instagram Challenge I used Canva.com (my fave!) to create this challenge as a way to help us think beyond our usual go-to's with photos and social media updates of library happenings. We didn't all actually post our pics on Insta, but this was practice for the upcoming year. (feel free to use it if you like it)

#booksonashelf

We had time to play with Canva.com, Google, and our Texquest resources and brainstorm ideas about how to get the word out to our stakeholders about all things in library land.

We discussed Gary Hartzell's work about building influence and specifically referenced Doug Johnson's blog post about making the principal your ally.

We got our new book-study books and I AM SO PUMPED.

We broke into elementary/secondary specific sessions, too, for a bit.  Author visits and Bluebonnet Battles were planned. We came out of this week with a new shared Google Drive folder and are looking forward to building content together.

We discussed the power of Twitter chats for awesome continued growth, and are planning to do one as a team to get the newbies used to them. You just can't understand the amazingness of them until you live it.

On the next-to-last day our Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction stopped by.  We were energized as a team to see their genuine excitement and support of our library programs.  Without a shadow of a doubt, we know that they recognize that strong school libraries support student achievement---and that is super-affirming.

I want to thank my new partner-in-crime for stepping up to take the lead elementary librarian role.(She blogs over at MrsTaylorsTales, so go check her out!) We have a shared vision and are working towards excellence!

I am so energized for this coming year, guys.  What are you doing to get inspired?  I'd love to hear all about it.

#ta7tc

Yesterday was my last official work day of the school year and I spent it in the most awesome way possible. I traveled up the road to White Oak Middle School and spent the day learning from the best at the TCEA Area 7 Conference, put on by my good friend and librarian extraordinaire, the ever-fabulous Michelle Cooper.

Our keynote speaker was Shannon Miller.  Um, yeah.  SHANNON MILLER!  Y'all.  May I just say that I left the keynote so inspired, so determined, and so ready to really champion for my kids to use their voice and left the first session more excited than ever to be a Future-Ready Librarian. While I've followed her on Twitter, read her blog, and have been involved in the Future-Ready Libraries Facebook group, I had never had the opportunity to meet Shannon until yesterday.  What a delightful person!  I feel like I gained a friend. She is so sincere and knowledgeable and real.

The breakout sessions were great, too.  I went to one that was a Future-Ready conversation, led by Shannon Miller, Mary Kay Wisener, and my friend & mentor Sharon Gullett. One of the things I really loved about this session was the feeling of camaraderie in the room and the support given to folks who are brand-new incoming librarians.

My second breakout session was also led by Shannon Miller and was a celebration of some her favorite innovative things going on in libraries. I left with a list of apps to try and was texting library friends with lists of things they need to try!

I went to a breakout session led by Marsha Edney (also a good friend and such a hoot!) about using green screens.  So, I've always thought green screens are cool and all, but I got ideas yesterday on how to use them with classes that could be game-changers for our students.  Inspiring! I think I have a place in mind that would be perfect for this in the library.  Now to convince the powers that be.

Even my lunch break was enjoyable.  I was the lone librarian from my district to attend, so I didn't go with ready-made lunch partners.  However, I made a new librarian friend (she is both a new librarian and new friend) and we enjoyed getting to know one another during this time.  We've connected on Twitter and I can't wait to see how her year goes.

My last breakout session was led by Andy Adams from Region 7, who was an engaging speaker and again, I left with lists of apps to play with both for creating my own videos and for having students create videos to use in innovative ways.

Our closing speaker was Jamie Donnally who began #globalmakerday  which I will totally be participating in from now on.  SO COOL.  Seriously, anytime a learning day ends with play-do and Bloxels, and 3-D pens you know you've had a good day.  This is something to remember in our own days-of-learning with students. Did I mention I came home with the cutest, coolest sphero ever? YAY! for door prizes!

What a day, y'all.  What a fabulous, learning-filled, FUN-filled, glorious day to end my school year on just the perfect note.

Today I had an opportunity

Yesterday I was home sick with a sinus infection.  Monday morning I awoke and tried to convince myself I didn't really feel as bad as I felt--but luckily common sense prevailed and I hightailed it to the doctor right after dropping off my 7th grader at school.  I waited in the parking lot until the office opened up at 7:30 and rushed in asking if there was any way they could fit me in.  Thank goodness they were able to squeeze me in (relatively quickly, actually) so that I could be READY to be awesome today.

I was invited to speak to the elementary principals at their meeting today, on the subject of Strong Libraries = Strong Schools. I was SO excited about this opportunity, y'all.  I just wanted to do it justice.

I am passionate about libraries and librarians.  I had a captive audience. BUT...my goal was to make a positive difference, not just not bore them.

I had a PowerPoint--a short one--about 10 slides. Mostly quotes on pictures. A few with a few sentences.  None text heavy.

I had a library swag bag for each of the principals that I handed out at the very end of my short presentation.

Each bag contained:
A bottled water: because libraries with certified librarians are VITAL, not an "extra"
A LARGE chocolate bar: because reading for pleasure is so very sweet and we make that happen. We create a love of reading, a culture of literacy in our schools.
A hand sanitizer: because we reach EVERY person in our schools
A bookmark: because I want to know what THEY are reading. Are they reading to their students? Are they reading for pleasure? The bookmarks are ones I made especially for this event.  They said          Strong Libraries = Strong Schools 
Nacogdoches ISD (heart) School Libraries
                   #gladtobehere

I am really happy with how the meeting went.  I sincerely hope that I will be invited back because I certainly have more to say on this subject!

I am feeling SO good about today y'all!

Listening

Mom & me

When I was a little girl my mother, who is also an educator, was working on her masters degree, and then her doctorate.  At the time, of course, I didn't realize how difficult that must have been for her.

Y'all, my mom is a Super-Star. 

No, I'm totally serious.  By the time she was working on her doctorate she was a wife, mom of 3 wild & crazy kids, working full-time as a high school teacher, and holding it all together like a boss. She's a total class-act; a lady.  As a grown woman with a husband, 2 wild & crazy kids of my own, and a job I totally love I stand in AWE of what (and how) my mama did everything she did.  I swear, as a kid, she made it all seem easy.  We ate meals together as a family--she baked homemade cookies--carted us to & from all our events--and never, ever even raised her voice. My friends from high school still want her to adopt them almost 30 years after our graduation because she is still the best.mom.ever. 

Despite all her busyness, my mom was always willing to listen to me.  As a mama myself I realize now that it certainly wasn't because she had nothing else to do or that she cared as deeply about the major life importance of the unfairness of frenemy drama as I did at the time---but it was because she cared deeply about me. Did I mention that no matter how inane my conversation might have been she never once made me feel annoying or idiotic and she never once met my concerns or questions with an attitude that wasn't caring?

 I totally want to be her when I grow up.  

My mom and I were talking the other morning (we talk every morning--the day just doesn't seem right if we miss our phone chats) and she was reminding me how I demanded that she "look at me when I talk" as a little one.  We laughed because my Liv says this to me all the time. 

"But Mama is driving, honey.  I can't look at you right this minute." 

"Oh yeah.  I forgot," Liv will say.

Funny how the universe works.  Over the last week, I have had multiple reminders of just how important it is to listen. *** To listen with your whole body.  To really be present in the moment. That everyone needs to feel heard. I believe this is a basic universal human thing.  I guess this post is to say I'm listening, Universe.  Thank you for this reminder.

I posted a link for my new training manual for my incoming student pages last week.  One of the things I will train students to do is to put the electronics down, put themselves aside, and be with the people they are serving. 

As parents, we expect our children to listen. As educators, we expect our students to listen. As librarians, we want & hope folks will listen to just how important & relevant we are in this new era. All of these expectations are absolutely right on target. But...

Are we listening to them?

I don't mean are we rushing around doing all that we must get done and mumbling "um-hum.  yeah. um-hum" as someone talks.  I mean, are we listening to them?  With our whole bodies?  Being really present in the moment?  Letting them know they are heard and therefore valued? Yes, we ALL want to be heard, and I absolutely believe that librarians must become awesome at tooting our own horns. If we aren't teaching folks about all that we do they will. not. know.  
However...
in our quest to share our mission...are we listening to our students? our teachers? our administrators? Are we being the change we want to see in the world?

Are we building relationships? 

I realize we are all busy. I realize that the world spins very fast. I realize we all have much to do. With that said, it is more important than ever that we specifically make the time to listen.  Ask questions about what they need/want/desire from their library instead of assuming you know what they need/want/desire or assuming you know what is best for them regardless of their needs/wants/desires. Take a moment and remember how good it feels to know you have been heard and acknowledged. Believe me, I am talking to myself here!

My mom has known & loved me longer than anyone else on the face of this planet.  The fact that she still asks those types of questions of me and really listens to my answers--looking at me unless we are in the car & she is driving-- makes me feel incredibly secure and grounded.

It says YOU ARE IMPORTANT.

I want to be sure to remember this--to fold this knowledge into my little pocket and carry it around with me--so that I will remember to be this present for others.  It helps us all move forward, really.

***here are a few of the things the universe has thrown at me this week that spurred this post:

• a conversation with an old friend whose hubby is a long-time restaurant manager regarding how they have to specifically train hostesses to be social with guests because so many of them come in not knowing how to chat with folks these days.
• Reading posts also on this topic by amazing folks such as Jennifer LaGarde (she links to 2 other posts in this one that also speak to the topic--be sure to read those, too!)

Genrefying

Day 10 of the Slice of Life Challenge from Two Writing Teachers

The genrefication is moving along swimmingly.  By the time I left work today I had completed two sections of the first bookshelf--which I realize doesn't sound like much but is right on target for the goal I've set for completing an entire side of each Fiction bookshelf per week. 

After much deliberation, I've settled on the following genres to label:

Realistic Fiction 

Fantasy

Sci-Fi

Mystery 

Adventure

Classic

Historical Fiction

Story Collection

These labels will be placed at the top of the book spine, and I have some secondary labels available for the bottom of the spine (these won't change the location of the book, but will just aid students in finding what they want within a genre section) of Sports, Romance, and Suspense. 

So, all the books will be labeled, have their spine labels changed to reflect the genre, and be changed in the catalog.  I'm also making sure to denote the series in the cataloging (ex. Need Chronicles, bk. 2) as I go along.  

My plan is to label all the books first, and then do the big switcharoo once I have a better idea the size area I will need for each section.  

It is a big undertaking, but I love being able to see the progress as I move along and the students have been so excited to know this is where we are headed.

My real job

Day 7 of the #SOL15 Challenge

If you've read my blog at all you know I absolutely love my job. From the smell of the place (coffee & books) to the excitement of receiving new boxes of books (Squeee!) to helping students with their research & other scholarly needs, I love it all.  One aspect of my job that I didn't really fully understand before my time with secondary students is making the library a safe haven.  I mean, I knew I wanted it to be a cozy welcoming place, but I didn't really get how necessary this aspect of the librarian gig actually is.  

Every day--EVERY.SINGLE.DAY--the library is filled with kids who need a place; kids who are hurting as they try to figure out this thing called life.  I am honored to be able to provide a place for them. I really believe that as much, as I love bringing books & people together, that is my true calling--to help provide that space for those who need it. Sometimes these kids find their way into my office, or behind the circ desk at the front with my lovely assistant.  Sometimes they find their way through high school by finding "their people" who are also in the library.  Life is less difficult with friends to help you navigate the sometimes rough seas.  

Truthfully, there are days when it is hard for me to smile one more time at one more person; days when my to-do list is left half-done because those things I needed to do cannot be a higher priority than the students I am there to serve.  People are important, and they need to know they matter to someone. 

And so it begins...

image created in PowerPoint using Word clip art

Yesterday we held  FISH camp.  All incoming freshmen were there to learn about and tour the high school. I was on the agenda--speaking to 5 groups of about 70 each rotating through the library over the course of a couple of hours.  

I have been working on what to say to these kiddos for about a week--in my head at least!  Regardless of whatever I was actively working on, my brain was still working on what on earth I would say to these students.  

Now, for full disclosure I LOVE talking to and with students.  I love public speaking.  I'm a theater girl at heart, so the getting up in front of large crowds thing doesn't worry me.  It was what to SAY that had me a bit bumfuzzled.  I mean, this is my first rodeo with a high school library gig! What the heck do I know?

A post regarding high school library guidelines on a wonderful library list-serve I follow, LM_Net, caught my eye last week.  Someone mentioned they liked the always-amazing Doug Johnson's expectations and the words really spoke to me.  I knew I wanted to incorporate them into my talk somehow.   I remember watching a video this summer made for kids entering the school that said, "We trust you." I probably watched this as a part of my Summer Learning Challenge run by Todd Nesloney, but I might have come across it through another post or blog---honestly, I follow so many great blogs and awesome folks on Twitter, etc. that I don't always remember who posted it, or where it was posted---but I DO remember the ideas! (edited to add credit for the video--it was from Michelle Luhtala and thanks to reader Amy Barbarino for that info!)

Here is what I finally came up with share with the FISH swimming through the library:

1.  Welcome! I'm glad you are here.  
2. I am new and we will learn together. 
3. I want you to be in the library.  My job is MUCH more fun when YOU are here.  
4. This is a place for you to Read, Think, Dream, Create, & Explore.
5. We have books that will take you places and loads of technology, too.
6. My expectation for you in the library can be summed up like this:  Keep It Awesome.  This is a place for you to be productive in a way that allows others to be productive. I trust you to Keep It Awesome.  
7. If you need something and we don't have it, let me know. I will do my very best to get it.
8. You come with a class or a pass.  
9. We will host some amazing opportunities for you: book clubs, Makerspaces, & lunch and learn sessions. 
10. We are connected: Instagram, Twitter & Facebook--look us up and follow.
11. This is not MY library, this is OUR library.  Let's Keep It Awesome!

Information on fines and procedures can wait.  I have to get the kids IN the library before any of that really matters anyway----so my main focus was to inspire them to get IN there. 

It went well.  The kids were great; they listened and asked questions.  It was really funny during a couple of sessions to see the kids who went to the other middle school last year glancing around at all the kids who were at my middle school last year like what the heck is going on? when the kids broke out in loud applause and cheers when I introduced myself to the group.  ;)

I got hugs, kids asked me to save books for them for the first day, and just about everyone left smiling. I consider that a success!

New Year, New Goals

Writing my goals for this new year has been an interesting exercise.  While I am working to keep things measurable some of what I will do is create a welcoming and teen-friendly atmosphere while still maintaining that sense that it is a haven and a place of learning, something that is difficult to really measure in a tangible way.

There is a term in Denmark called hygge.   It is a word for which there is no easy translation, but it basically means that cozy, contented feeling you have when surrounded by a warm fire, friends, and a good book. NPR has a great little article with awesome pics to describe it HERE.  I guess, in a nutshell, hygge is what I'm trying to create.  

My 2014-2015 NHS Library Goals

1.  Prepare for Fish Camp

• On August 15th I will stand before the incoming freshman class and introduce myself to them as the high school librarian for the very first time. Half of these kiddos I know because they are coming up from my former middle school, which is awesome.  The other half?  Well, it is first-impression time for them and I want to do the library justice.  I want to quickly and in a friendly, engaging manner let them know the library belongs to all of us, and they are wanted there.  Then I want to smile, shut up, and sit back down.  This isn't a time to drone on and on about the rules, or book fines.  This is a unique opportunity to invite them in to be a part of our library community.

2. Genre-fy the Fiction Section

• Genre-fying the middle school fiction was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions I made.  I realize not everyone out there in library land is on-board, and that is okay---but I have to say having SEEN the difference it made for my students made me a true believer.  Not only is it easier for my kids to find what they want, but it makes shelving a breeze--which means those books are getting back out into circulation much faster.  
• My plan this time is to sticker the books throughout the year and then be able to do the ole switcheroo towards the end of the year.  I hope this plan will make for a smooth transition into a genrefied library.  

3. Update the website

• Our district has updated the district website---we have a whole new platform to learn, etc. I hope to get some training soon!  The website aspect is so important because it is what allows our library resources to be available 24/7 365 days a year.  

4. Grasp Scheduling

• I am in a whole new world with scheduling, y'all.  I'm coming from a one largish room library to a two story, with multiple techie rooms on the top floor library.  Each section has its own schedule of availability.  I will also have a full time aide for the first time in YEARS, and thank goodness she knows what she is doing because she will have to teach me!

5. Learn new databases

• I am SO thankful that our state is now providing database access again!  FREE our first year--AWESOME!.  BUT...these are slightly different than the ones we have had in the past so learning these suckers is on the list.

6. Connections (via social media, etc.)

• I am a connected librarian.  I want the library to be connected, as well.  Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Remind accounts have all been set up.  Now to market them!

7. Learn the curriculum

• This will be a long process, not something I can fully accomplish this year.  The more in tune I am with the curricular needs of the teachers and students, the better I am able to assist.  

8. Hold one event per month

• Whether it is a maker event, a lunch & learn, or a book club meeting, the goal this year is to host one event per month in the library.  I hope to add more than one, but am trying to set a reasonable goal for my first year.  Promoting these events and marketing the library in general are going to take time and effort. 

9. GT collaboration

• I have been the GT campus coordinator at my middle school for many years.  I'm leaving that behind, but still want to be there for our GT kids in some way.  I have heard for years that "oh, the GT kids will be fine...they are smart and will learn regardless" which is true---but not the right thing to do.  I was a GT kid, and I have GT kids of my own.  These students deserve to also be stretched and academically challenged in ways that allow them to explore their passions and to learn to take chances without fear of failure (which is often how we learn, right?) Many GT students fall into one of two categories.  Either they don't give a rip unless they are interested, don't turn in homework but ace the tests, and are generally bored and wreaking havoc OR they are incredibly worried about their GPA to the extent that they don't want to risk lowering it by testing new theories and taking chances.  I hope to work with the coordinator and other teachers at NHS to create a passion-driven learning environment for these kids. 

10. All in all, learn the HS library

• It is a shift, a curve, an incredibly exciting challenge.  I have a LOT to learn and will be out of my comfort zone, which is exactly where the magic happens if we let it!

The Dawning of a New Age

image found at: http://home.comcast.net/~jpittman2/pacman/pacmandossier.html

This morning I received an email from a colleague of mine. It was about a blog post from The Ubiquitous Librarian regarding the recent announcement by Amazon of its new Kindle books service. While I had already heard the news about Amazon (I'm a prime member--from way before the current publishing house vs. Amazon issue) via email directly from Amazon.

Truth be told, the only surprise here is the whip-quick time it took for this to happen. It was inevitable, I think, and as The Ubiquitous Librarian mentions, some of this could mean really exciting news for readers all over the world.

Beyond the initial issue of a David and Goliath mega-store book seller situation, and the what-will-this-mean-for authors (and publishers, and everyone in the book industry), my initial thoughts run, of course, to what will this mean for libraries?

This is not a new conversation by any means.  The Kindle subscription service is merely the latest in a long line of happenings that should be causing us as to take a really good, hard look at what we do and why & how we do it.

Seriously--if you AREN'T yet having these conversations, you MUST begin.  If the conversations have started, it is TIME to put those thoughts into ACTION.  The time is NOW, folks.

"The only thing that is constant is change." 

-Heraclitus 

It is a new age, for sure.  One of the many, many reasons librarians simply MUST start thinking outside the box is that we are certainly no longer the only game in town when it comes to information and we haven't been for quite some time.  First Google, now Amazon, right?  And while WE know what we do is actually even more important in today's global world, do our patrons, our administrators, our communities and our lawmakers understand that?  

I believe our public librarians are doing a GREAT job of moving forward.  Even in my small little town we have an amazing public library.  My greatest concern is for the school librarians.  I know there are some absolutely fabulous & connected ones out there. My PLN is full of them, thank goodness.  I learn and share with them via Twitter, listen to amazing podcasts, and read great information about really cool programming on their blogs.   

We MUST up our game, both in terms of WHAT we actually do AND in promoting our libraries as forward-thinking spaces (both brick and mortar AND virtual) for information, collaboration, curation, and learning in all its forms.  

We MUST keep this in mind when planning out our goals/events/programming for the upcoming year. Do our plans tie in and give added value to the Campus Improvement Plan?  Are we assisting in meeting the goals set for our students?  Are we constantly sharpening our saw so that we can be ready to prepare our students for the future that awaits them?  Are we able to assist our teachers in their growth, as well?  

I know that these are a few of the questions that I will definitely keep in mind as I prepare for the new school year.

The cool part is that while change can be hard, and this sure is a mighty paradigm shift we are going through, if you look at this as a fantastic opportunity we can work  to expand ourselves and our libraries beyond our wildest dreams.

Blind Date with a Book

Not a novel idea anymore (sorry, hard to resist a bookish pun) as one can find pics of blind dating books all over the Internet (Pinterest, anyone? yes, please!), but one I haven't found time to do in my library...until now.

My student assistants had SUCH a great time choosing and wrapping these books for our Valentine display. True, they probably would have felt that way about anything that got them out of shelving for a couple of days, but they really did seem to enjoy working together to make this display.

I want to thank ALL librarians who joyfully share their fabulous ideas whether it be on your own blog, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, or whatnot.  Seriously guys, sharing IS caring...and makes us ALL better.

You rock!
Mrs. S

the larger view

up close and personal with a few good books...

Ah, young book love.

Puppy love is overrated.  Give me books any day!

Our day with G. Neri

It is always wonderful to have the opportunity to host an author at your campus.  

It is even more special when the author visit is the culminating event to a school-wide reading event, because everyone can claim some "ownership" of the story---everyone in the room has something in common, and we all are on the edge of our seats to see what having the actual author in the same room can add to the collective experience. It is a powerful thing.

We were lucky enough to host Greg Neri this week---and wow! what a day!  First, I must tell you that SO many of my students let me know that they saw themselves in Ghetto Cowboy.  "It was about me---this is my life," was a common refrain. 

Without a doubt, even though I love Ghetto Cowboy, my favorite part of the day was our special Yummy session.  This was a by-invitation-only event for my students who read Yummy and loved it so much they came back asking for "more books like this one."  I'm telling you, I have bonded with these kids over this book, and they've read it and passed it on to friends.  I have 8 copies in the library and they are ALWAYS checked out with a waiting list.  I have had several kids tell me this is the first book they ever read all the way through and the first book they've ever liked.  That, too, is a powerful thing.  

A couple of my 8th graders have become "secret" readers because of this book----they give me the guy head nod when we pass in the hall, but then come back around the library when no one is around to chat about what they are now reading and check with me to see if "any more books like Yummy" are in, to talk to me about hard things going on in their lives, or just to tell me it is nearly their birthday. I am honored, truly, to have earned their trust and their respect. In large part, I owe this to Yummy, and to G. Neri. 

If you have the chance to host Mr. Neri, I cannot recommend him enough.  He was a pleasure to listen to, to learn from, and to hang out with for the day. 

Speaking to the students.

Speaking to the students

We just got his autograph!

Yummy Group

Author Greg Neri visits!

from www.gregneri.com

In my last post I mentioned some very exciting upcoming events---and this week we have a BIG one! Author Greg Neri will visit every elementary school and middle school campus in my district!

It all started with our middle schools choosing Ghetto Cowboy as our One Book, One School selection for the year.  I am so very blessed to have a PTA that is incredibly supportive of this annual literacy event, and assists my campus in purchasing a book for EVERY child AND adult at our school----and a district that recognizes that author visits can be incredibly meaningful for our students, and bookmarks funds just for brining one in nearly every year.   My students responses to Ghetto Cowboy were enormous and positive--WOW, did they ever love this book!

Because the book is on the current Bluebonnet List, it was the perfect book for our elementary campuses too---and while each campus did their own thing regarding grade levels, number of books, etc. every campus participated.

And now...fabulous finale time---the author visit!

Not only did my middle school kids love Ghetto Cowboy, but his gritty graphic novel Yummy has flown off the shelves all year.  I literally cannot keep them in (did I mention the library owns 8 copies!) and the waiting list is l-o-n-g.  Because of the response to this book, the day he visits my campus we will have a special dessert session for the kids that were really impacted by this story, as well as having Mr. Neri speak to all the students about Ghetto Cowboy.

I am THRILLED about his visit and will post pics and details about his visit Thursday evening.  In the meantime, please check out Greg Neri's website to learn more about him and his work.

Read on, Gentle Readers; Read on!
Mrs. S

A new year filled with excitement!

2014 has been a year (okay, a month....um...partial month) filled with excitement already. Since returning to school on the 6th it has been relatively non-stop action in my library world---and I'm sure it has in yours, as well.  The spring semester always seems to move at a pace resembling what you'd experience on the Autobahn and my To Do list just keeps getting longer. 

I'm super excited about much of what is coming up, though, and that makes the pace more bearable.  (well, that, and I really did take a much needed timeout over the holidays).  I've been working on my Spirit of Texas middle school committee work with Jeri,  a wonderful library colleague, for one thing.  I could NOT POSSIBLY be more thrilled to work on developing programming focusing on fabulous Kelly Milner Halls' work. I've been a fan since reading her Cryptids book and hearing her speak at the Texas Library Association conference (TLA) a couple of years back.  And of course, if you scroll back in my blog you'll see the Thinglink I developed for Teen Read Week this year using her In Search of Sasquatch book! 

If you aren't familiar with the Spirit of Texas reading list (SPOT), please check it out---trust me, you'll love it and use it and thank me for introducing it to you!  There is a middle school level AND a high school level reading list---and the brjilliant part is that we have the programming all done and ready to roll for you (active, passive, and academic with the TEKS listed!)  

Seriously, go now and check out the lists and if you plan to attend the TLA conference in April come on out to the SPOT session to learn more. 

Along those lines, I've also been hard at work on my portion of the presentation that will be given by the #TXLchat moderators at both TCEA and TLA.  My portion deals with building your PLN, which just  happens to be a passion of mine, thus making it a total blast to work on the presentation.  By the way, be sure to join us for our next twitterchat on January 28th, 8:00pm CST!

Add to all this a dash of helping my students prepare for various academic competitions (One Act Play, Model United Nations and Future City for example),collaborating with 8th grade ELA teachers to create some innovative learning stations, and helping my own kiddos (daughter the eldest with her Girl Scout bronze award and cookie sales, daughter the youngest with learning to read)---well, you get the idea.  

I'll take another entire post to write about our upcoming author visit---I am SO STINKIN' EXCITED for author Greg Neri ( author of Ghetto Cowboy, Chess Rumble, Yummy)to visit our schools at the end of the month!

Believe me, I DO realize I'm not alone in all the business and busy-ness of the inquiry and book-filled existence that is being a school librarian.  I'd love to hear whats going on in your neck of the woods, too---nothing beats sharing ideas and learning from one another. 

Man, what a ride!  I can't wait to see what lies ahead in such a wonderful field and  in such exciting times.  

Read on gentle readers; Read on--

Mrs. S

image found at morguefile: http://mrg.bz/eo2VnI

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

There are many wonderful things about being a middle school librarian.  Getting to read amazing books by fantastic authors is indeed high on the list.  

I've long been a fan of Joan Bauer's work and I'm especially fond of her underdog-makes-good stories like Hope was Here and Rules of the Road.  She just has this magical way of writing that always makes me feel like her characters are not only actual people, but people that I know and love. 

Sugar Mae Cole might just be one of my all-time favorite characters, and that's saying something!  I absolutely love her voice, and her wisdom, and her strength throughout all her many trials and tribulations.  

Hard times hit Sugar and her sweet mama Reba, leaving them homeless and in charge of a puppy named Shush.  They may be down, but don't count them out! Saving their world and impacting those around them with their sweetness-and-strength combination makes this book a fun and inspiring read.

Grab it up and get cozy in a comfy chair---

Read on, Gentle Readers; Read on...

Mrs. S

Branding Your Library

As one of the moderators of the Twitter Chat #TXLchat I've spent a lot of time and energy lately pondering our latest chat topic, branding your library.  We discussed it last week, and will continue for the next couple of weeks (we'd love you to join us Tuesday nights from 8-8:30, Texas time) speaking with a couple of experts on the topic.

While working on brainstorming for creating my own library's brand, I came across this fun video that has some great reminders on branding.  Go on, take a look-see!


What is Branding? from Bret McQuinn on Vimeo.

I've taken a good long look at the TEA library guidelines and standards document to really properly evaluate the current state of the library, if you will, noting strengths as well as weaknesses,  and I've created my new combo mission/vision statement (I'm feeling pretty good about it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, too)

The MMMS Library exists to:
Empower learners with information literacy skills, creating an information commons where inquiry, knowledge, enjoyment, and creativity all come together; a space where minds are nutured, inspired, and challenged. 

Now I'm focusing on some keywords in the statement that should be reflected in my brand (inquiry, knowledge, creativity, inspire) and trying to gather up bits of inspiration for a logo and catch-phrase.

Hey!  Here's another word for me to ponder--transform--because that is exactly what I'm in the process of doing in the library!

Where are you in the process of branding your library?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Mrs. S

LOVE this house!

 I think I've finally found the perfect house design for me....

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/house-of-shelves.html

SHOCKING!!! THIS JUST IN...

It's the end of the school year and we are all tired.  I get that.  I'm tired, too.  Yet, I still send out fairly pleasant emails detailing the annual turning-in-all-the-crap-you've-checked-out-from-the-library plans.  I specifically put "please dust off all equipment before returning" instructions in the mix. Now, in my mind, this is an obvious thing. Like when you read the back of shampoo bottles and it says "do not put in eyes" or "do not ingest".  Yet, these instructions are on the backs of potions of all sorts because people do this stuff.  Really.  

Imagine my shock and awe when a *truly* very lovely teacher who shall remain nameless sends 2 students down with this bag.  Did I mention the bag is not tan, nor khaki, nor cammo in color, but rather is BLACK.  Yes, you heard it here.  It is was a black bag. 

I was speechless, and believe you me that is REALLY saying something.  And then, I wasn't.  I think howls of animal-like pain were heard all over the tri-state area.  ;)  I wish I could say this was the only example from this year, but friends, you know it ain't so.  

Yep, it's shocking...but people do this stuff.  Really.  

Mrs. S

Focus Walk

I learn so much from all the fine folks on my various list-serves.  One of them, the fabulous Alice Yucht, posted a link that will be WAY too familiar to those of us who work in the public school system. She apparently ran across it on another blog.

I didn't leave the regular classroom to leave teaching--in fact, I do it every day, but MAN does this video make me cringe with the memories of working at one of my previous schools, in particular.  Rarely is it the actual  teaching part of being a teacher that drives people out of the business in droves. Eerie, really, how close this comes to the reality tons of us work in on a daily basis.  It's this kind of mess that makes me beyond thrilled to be in my happy little home away from home---my wonderful school library.  Not a perfect world, but surely a bit closer to perfect than this.

 Make sure you watch it all the way to the end. 

Focus Walk

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to listen to Jimi Hendrix, and then possibly make your own movie. 

How do we make a meaningful shift occur in our world of education?  Any thoughts?


Awaiting your answers...

Read on, gentle readers, Read on.

Mrs. S.

p.s.Alice has a mean turkey recipe she posts every Thanksgiving for those of us on the list-serve.  That woman is surely a wonder!

p.p.s.  that super-funky-cool shot of Jimi is from http://www.jimihendrix.com/, a most intoxicating site to experience.

Teen Read Week 2010

Here are some photos from our Teen Read Week celebration last week.  Now that I am *almost* recovered from the week, I can post these pics!

The entire school was able to meet with Mike Wimmer, who, as always, did a fantastic job.  He really is able to reach the kids--and I'm always so amazed by his talent. That talent made it extra-special for our GT artistic kids to get to work with him in a small group setting the following day.

We also brought in the Ellen Trout Zoo---did you check out the *lovely* hissing roaches from Madagascar.  They brought the cutest little hedgehog, too!   

And then came a school favorite....our murder mystery days.  I'm actually extending our TRW activites through tomorrow in order to be able to accommodate all the ELA classes.  This year we took part in the Rock and Roll Over Dead mystery.  Great fun was had by all! 

Wrestlemania Reading Challenges went out last week, NaNoWriMo preparations are in full swing, and the school is still in the midst of our One Book, One School---The Hunger Games. 

Hopefully with all these activities each and every member of our school family will experience something wonderful and amazing. 

Friday morning--a quick note

It is 7:04 on Friday morning.  My duty doesn't officially begin for 6 more minutes and  I am fortunate enough to have administrators that realize my morning duty station needs to be in the library.  This is the calm before the storm.  I'm standing here at my circulation desk looking out over the library, and already we have 2 kids playing checkers, with 3 students watching. Two little girls are discussing a research project at on table, and 8 students are on the computers.  I have 3 that have turned in books and are busy looking for new ones.  Within about 6 more minutes I will have upwards of 30 students in my little middle school library. 

I love that my students love to be in the library. 

Life is good, my friends.  Life is good. 

Must run...off to assist the students...