Thanks for a successful first full week!

Teachers and staff,
We'd like to thank you for a wonderfully successful first full week in the library!  We met with all 17 classes (K-5) conducting orientations and enjoying a a grade-level specific library related story.  Students learned about book care, overdue notices, areas of the library appropriate for their level, and how to use passes this school year in the library. (NOTE: CLAIRIFICATION ON PASSES-Students will need their pass with them whenever they are in the library for a period of time.  This includes checking out books, using computers, using a table for study or reading time, or playing games.  They DO NOT need their pass if they are only returning books and going back to class immediately thereafter.  My apologies for any confusion there may have been.)

We are happy to report that we circulated 1,081 items this first week!  Averaging a bit more than 200 per day, this is up from a 180-190 average last year.  67 of these items were magazines, which makes me glad!  One of my goals last year was to build up a magazine collection that students enjoy reading.  Third, fourth, and fifth graders may check out magazines.  If second grade teachers are interested, I can do a magazine lesson for their students later in the school year (after winter break).  Magazines provide students with a nice variety of articles and many non-fiction features of texts (photos, captions, bylines, columns, etc.)  Magazines can also be a great option for reluctant readers, as they generally have shorter "stories" to read, rather than several long chapters which can prove frustrating.

When checking out the new Canon Powershot Cameras and Flip Video Cameras this year, please be sure to remove your photos and videos from the cameras and SD cards before returning them to the library.  Also, please recharge the batteries for the Canon Powershot Cameras before returning them.  (The charger is included in the tub when you check one out.)  If you have any questions regarding use of these tools, pleas let us know!  We'd be happy to help!

I would love to meet with grade level teams to sketch out major projects for the year (in Google Calendar) in the near future!  I would like to COMMEND the FIRST GRADE TEAM for having met and talking about their needs!  We are on our way to scheduling a super-meaningful year of collaborative efforts for these young learners.  We have some reading and writing collaborations as well as science ideas in our plans.  Thanks to Jennifer Crouch, Stacy Hestermann, and Pat Piche!  I love working with you ladies!

I am working on a plan for assisting Bonnie with passes during whole class checkout times.  After I talk with her, I will give you more information on having your students prepared when they come down so that we can keep this circulation time to the allotted 15 minutes.

Thanks for a SUCCESSFUL first full week with Riverdale Students!  Looking forward to the week ahead and helping with assessments. 
:) Dana

Staff Wordle created on August 16th!

Staff, Here is the beautiful wordle we created as a description of who we are as a staff!  Enjoy--and come try out wordle so we have a wonderful display for Back to School Night!  :)

Our Year's Mission

Here is a Wordle depicting where Adams 12 Five Star Schools is headed!  Enjoy!