Great Stone Face Books on our Nooks

The Maple Street School Library has recently purchased two Nooks.  I loaded many of the 2013 Great Stone Face Award books on to them, and Mrs. Raymond and I are busy reading them over summer vacation.  I have read eleven of the twenty-five books so far, and I have really liked all of them except for one (more about that later).  I plan on writing all about them, so stay tuned.

We will also have hard cover copies of the books available when you come back to school in September, or if you want to get a head start – here’s the Great Stone Face List for 2013.  We appreciate the PTA’s support of this program which enables us to buy multiple copies of the books.  The books are always in high demand.

What are you reading this summer?

Yay Summer!

For educators, summertime is a time of transition and renewal.  It is a time to let go of the last school year, and start preparing for next year's classes.  Some educators will take courses, travel, or catch up on professional reading.  They will plan lessons, organize materials, and reflect on ways they can teach more efficiently and effectively in the coming year.  For many of us educators, this means finding new ways to incorporate technology into our practice.

This summer, I will be exploring new ways to get the word out about how our libraries support learning.  First, I am taking a WordPress course so that I can update the library web page.  Second, in collaboration with the high school librarian, I will be expanding the use of LibGuides to the elementary level, to make it easier for students and staff to find resources.  Third, I will work with one of our Tech Integrators, Karen Locke, to coordinate efforts to provide consistent instruction in regards to use of Internet resources.  And last but not least, I am also looking forward to joining colleagues in a Responsive Classroom Book Group.

I am grateful for this time of year to retool, sharpen my skills, and recharge my batteries so I can start the school year with new ideas and fresh energy.