Monday, March 20, 2017

Taking Risks is FUN


Of course this quote applies to our students, however,

I changed STUDENTS to TEACHERS.


(Photo courtesy of Chris Dupont)

I love being a school librarian because of the opportunities to work with all of the teachers in our building, working collaboratively across all content levels, taking risks and trying things that I have never done before.  I'm genuinely interested in all content areas, recently admitting that I could be a professional student or if able audit any one of the courses currently being offered in our building.

Here are just some of the various ways I support teachers:

(Supporting Teachers by Sarah Oldenkamp (CC BY-SA 2.0))






Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Supporting our kids in the Library

The library is bustling with students all day long and I am very thankful the environment we have created provides a safe place for our students!

Count of students choosing to be in the library throughout the day:


(This graph does NOT represent students who only stop in to purchase an item from the Novel Cup, have a brief chat with one of us or check out materials. )


Count of students choosing the library before school:

So...all of these students are coming to the library, what are they doing and why are they here?

We are working hard to provide a space that is flexible to support students in what they need at the precise moment they enter this space.  Students and staff feel comfortable asking a wide range of questions and expressing a wide range of needs.  If we can't help, we direct them on a path to get the help they need.  
  • Social and emotional support:
    • Providing an environment where students can de-stress
    • Getting support from friends
    • Coloring
    • Playing games (video games and board games)
    • Listening to music
    • Support from any staff member in the library, we have students who use this space to check in or as a safe place to help them refocus for the day
  • Academic support:
    • Collaborative space to study
    • Research help 
    • Quiet place to study and focus
    • Space to record audio/video for classroom projects
    • Individual work completion
    • Any type of academic support
    • Learning new skills by trying out resources we have in the makerspace


(Want to know how to use creative commons images and cite them like I did above this line?  Check out this web-guide: Copyright-Friendly Images and Music or ask your librarian)

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

New and Upcoming Items in the Library

After an extremely long hiatus from this blog here is a new post!

Here are some new things happening in the library:
  • Makerspace Recap
    • Our first Makerspace challenge was a success.  We had students that worked together to create/invent an original game using cardboard.  While it wasn't as successful as I had hoped, for our first event I was happy that we had 5 games created.  Those students that worked hard on their games were very excited to explain them to students and library staff, updating us on their progress!  When they finished the game they were very proud of their hard-work!  
  • Here is a glimpse of what the library looks like during enrichment!  Students are working, participating in Makerspace activities, or enjoying a game with their friends.
  • Whiteboard question of the month:


  • Student council and Key Club members have been busy tying the P for next year's homecoming!


  • Physics class has been busy working on their toothpick bridges!  Thanks Mrs. Jabens for bringing down your classes!!!



  • Students have discovered the piano in the library and have been providing the library with beautiful music!


Here are some items that are COMING SOON:
  • Our recording room will be outfitted with music recording equipment and a podcast booth for student and teacher use.

  • Mini lessons based around projects being assigned, as well as various lessons on research, organization and reading.  (I am also open to other ideas, so feel free to share them!)

Thursday, April 21, 2016

New Books added to Professional Library

In need of professional reading for the summer?  One of these hot reads would be a wonderful beach/pool companion! :)

We added a few new titles to our professional library.  Check out the slide show of covers below.  (Titles and authors are also listed at the bottom of this post.)

Another book order will be placed in July.  If you have any professional, non-fiction or fiction book recommendations let me know!



Answers to Essential Questions about Standards, Assessments, Grading and Reporting
By: Thomas R Guskey, Lee Ann Jung

Unstoppable Learning
By: Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey

Living with Intensity
Edited By: Susan Daniels, Michael M. Piechowski

Teaching outside the Box: How to Grab your Students by their Brains
By: Louanne Johnson 

In the Best Interest of Students: Staying True to What Works in the ELA Classroom
By: Kelly Gallagher

Reading Nonfiction: Notice and Note, Stances, Signposts, and Strategies
By: Kylene Beers, Robert E. Probst

Notice and Note: Strategies for Close Reading
By: Kylene Beers, Robert E. Probst

Monday, April 18, 2016

NHS Blood Drive 2016

NHS Blood Drive Showcase
Huge thanks to Matt Alexander and the PHS National Honor Society for transforming the library into a blood drive!  It was a success and awesome to see faculty and students donating blood.