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Since the Vancouver Winter Olympics were happening at the same time as Orchard School’s I Love to Read Week, we decided to give our celebration a distinctive Olympics twist.

The I Love to Read Week "flame" remained "lit" in the library during the entire week's celebration.

The I Love to Read Week – Olympics Style “flame” remained “lit” in the library during the entire week’s celebration.

To begin the special week, students paraded to the gym for a whole school morning meeting, which would be the “Opening Ceremonies” for I Love to Read Week-Olympics Style.  Students followed a banner they created for their class’s favorite author.  The Olympics theme music was playing and the Olympics flag was waving as each group entered the gym.  Class representatives carrying the banners formed a circle around the entire student body.

Orchard’s principal, Mark Trifilio told the group that whenever they heard the Olympics theme during the week, everyone in the school would DEAR (Drop Everything And Read).  He informed us that all week, there would be guest readers, including college hockey and basketball players, in classrooms.  All students, faculty and staff members were asked to fill out a “Gold Medal Reader” medallion to hang in Orchard’s “Hall of Fame.”  This gold medal included a picture of the honoree and stated that person’s favorite book.

Then came the highlight of the “Opening Ceremonies” – the lighting of the I Love to Read Week “flame.”  As the Olympics theme played, our “torch runner” entered the gym carrying a giant pencil.  When the runner touched the cauldron and said the words, “Let the Reading begin! (instead of “Let the Games begin”), book covers, representing every class’s chosen author, mysteriously began to rise out of the cauldron.  It was an amazing sight!

I Love to Read Week - Olympic Style

Here is our Olympic runner with her giant pencil "torch."

Students paraded into the gym for a whole school morning meeting following a banner they created for their class's favorite author.

On the afternoon of March 26, St. Johnsbury Academy Library, the Academy English Department, and Kingdom Books jointly sponsored a live jazz improvisation and poetry reading by award-winning poet F.D. Reeve, father of the late actor Christopher Reeve.  This spring program of the Fireside Literary series was held in the Academy’s library and was free and open to the public.

Joe Deleault provided a setting of live jazz improvisation for a reading by Reeve from his poetry volume The Blue Cat Walks the Earth (2008).  Deleault’s recording credits include Bon Jovi, as well as Zydeco master Clifton Chenier among others.  He performs internationally, composes, and works as a session pianist.  Together, F.D. Reeve and Joe Deleault have performed The Blue Cat series of programs at the Jazzmouth Festival as well as Off-Broadway.

Before the afternoon program, F.D. Reeve met with students in a Creative Writing class at the Academy.  He generously offered to review student poems which were mailed to him ahead of time.  The students were enthralled by this unique opportunity, and the charm and wit of the 82-year old Reeve.

A two-time winner of the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award, as well as the Award in Literature of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the May Sarton Award, Alan Tate Award, and the Golden Rose Award of the New England Poetry Society, F.D. Reeve is also a noted translator of Russian literature.  In 1964 he accompanied the poet Robert Frost, as his translator, on a cultural exchange trip to Russia and wrote a book about that experience:  Robert Frost in Russia.  F.D. Reeve lives in southern Vermont and is Professor Emeritus of Letters at Wesleyan University.    His poems have been published in many top U.S. literary magazines including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Antioch Review and Sewanee Review.  In addition to his translations and ten volumes of published poems, F.D. Reeve has written seven novels, libretti, literary criticism, and essays.

Who is Blue Cat?  He’s a sly, hip creature with lots of opinions on the world around him.  He uses poetry to express his ideas on art and politics and on life in general.  Blue Cat’s wise and funny poems really resonated with our students and it was delightful to see the sixty plus years difference in age between poet and students vanish.  After the program, the poet and jazz musician joined students, faculty and friends for Chinese takeout.

Listening to a scary story

On Friday night, March 19^th, the Bristol Elementary School Library was transformed into Read Fest: The Night of the Living Books. Thirty-six BES students in grades 4-6 and a few guests enjoyed an evening filled with fun, snacks, and creepy stories. Students used their skills and imagination in a scavenger hunt.  They played Readers’ Jeopardy games, and gave dramatic and silly performances in readers’ theater skits.

This free event originally began as a student request.  Named and designed by a group of sixth grade students, planning began in the fall of 2002 for the first Read Fest in early 2003. It has since become part of a school-wide celebration of I Love to Read and Write Week.  Snacks and help are provided by parent and staff volunteers each year.

I began this year’s Night of the Living Books by reading selections of local creepiness from Joseph Citro’s Green Mountain Ghosts, Ghouls and Unsolved Mysteries, followed by a dark telling of Teeny Tiny and the Witch Woman.   Other evening highlights included a face-off of scary faces during the scavenger hunt, and PowerPoint Jeopardy games with questions from categories such as Seriously Series and DCF 2010. The event concluded with amazing student performances of readers’ theater skits based on Mary Amato’s The Chicken of the Family, Roald Dahl’s The BFG, Margie Palatini’s Piggie Pie, and more.

Practicing scary faces

Students performing a skit

Do you know any good creepy stories? I can hardly wait for next year!

Kyra Ginalski, Librarian

Bristol Elementary School

As I looked over my 2003 IPDP in preparation for writing my reflection narratives, I had to smile when I saw what I had written for the Standard of Colleagueship: “I will continue to actively participate in VEMA . . . .”  When I wrote those words, I imagine I was just planning to attend regional meetings, but shortly after my plan was approved, I became the VEMA secretary — I can’t remember now if I was asked or if I volunteered — and thus began a wonderful adventure.

VSLA President Marsha Middleton attended the SLJ Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., in October.

VSLA President-Elect Claire Buckley attended the SLJ Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., in October.

In the spring of 2004, the Legislative Affairs Rep was unable to go to Washington, DC for “Legislative Day,” so along with State Librarian Sybil McShane, I met with Senators Jeffords and Leahy and attended a reception honoring Representative Sanders for his support of libraries in the face of the requirements of the Patriot Act.

During this trip, I casually mentioned to Sybil that high school librarians had long wanted to have a student choice award like DCF or Red Clover for high school students.  She replied that she thought that would be a good idea and asked me to start one.  A wonderful committee came together under the guidance of Grace Greene, and the Green Mountain Book Award was born. In 2005, I received the VEMA Award, a highlight of my life.  Eventually I became editor of the VSLA newsletter, then President-Elect, and President.  I value this time I have spent working with dedicated VSLA members to fulfill VSLA’s mission to promote student learning and to support Vermont’s school librarians in their professional growth, implementation of standards, and collaboration with others in the educational field.   This association has greatly enriched me.  If you would like to join us on the Board, please let either VSLA’s President-Elect Claire Buckley (cBuckley@sbschools.net) or me (mmiddleton@ncuhs.org) know.  The openings we currently have are: President-elect, Treasurer, Webmaster, Southeast Regional Rep, North West 1 Regional Rep, and Fall Conference Committee Chair and Fall Conference Committee members.  We welcome you to join us.

Marsha Middleton

North Country Union High School

Registration is now open for the first of a new series of courses available for school librarians in practice. Anna Bolognani, VSLA member, will be offering Powerful Web Tools for the School Library Media Center: Changing the Way We Teach and Learn, an online course from May 24 to June 25, 2010.  Here is an opportunity to get up to speed on some Web 2.0 tools that you could incorporate into next year’s teaching.  Summer is a great time to think about how you can improve your lessons.  Perhaps a teacher in your school would take the course with you and you can work on some curriculum planning collaboratively.

Here is the Course description:

This class will explore Web 2.0 literacy and how tools such as blogs, wikis, twitter, social bookmarking, mashups, podcasting, and vodcasting can be used to foster collaboration and learning in our schools.

Participants will explore current research and information on student learning in the digital age.  Through the use of blogs, wikis, twitter, IM, social bookmarking, mashups, podcasts and vodcasts they will become familiar with the technology and develop ideas on how to use them for collaboration and lessons in an educational setting.  Students will use web tools to develop a multimedia web based presentation.

Go to the UVM registrar’s site to sign up now. http://www.uvm.edu/~rgweb/

In mid April, the fall 2010 course, School Library Leadership in 21^st Century Schools will be available for registration.  That course promises to be an in-depth look at the connection between the 2007 AASL Standards and school library leadership and advocacy.

Here is the course description:

21^st Century Standards have been developed to meet the changing educational needs of learners in schools across America.  Library Media Specialists are asked to revision the future for school library practice for the future, and the future is now.   This course will explore the ideas presented through the AASL documents, Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs (2009), and the Standards for the 21^st Century Learner (2007).  The focus of the course will examine the concept of educational leadership, and  offer ways to create leadership opportunities for library media specialists to become agents of change and educational leaders within the school community to ensure the continued support of equitable access to resources, both physical and virtual, through Library Media Centers.

Keep reading to see the complete list of proposed courses from our flier:

University of Vermont School Library Media Studies Sequence

Advanced Level Courses

During the next two years, UVM will be unrolling professional development opportunities for School Library Media Specialists in practice.  The courses will concentrate on topics that are loosely defined as “Contemporary Issues,” and are geared to practical application of emerging technologies and new guidelines for 21^st Century Library Media Programs.  The courses will be offered online and will vary from one credit to three credits, depending on the scope of the topic.  Course delivery will be through synchronous and asynchronous modes.  Participants will need access to a high speed internet connection, and a computer with a web cam and microphone for webcasting.  Participants are encouraged to enroll with partners or as district learning communities, as well as, individually.

Fall 2010

School Library Leadership in 21^st Century Schools-3 credit course

Judy Kaplan, Instructor

Course description:

21^st Century Standards have been developed to meet the changing educational needs of learners in schools across America.  Library Media Specialists are asked to revision the future for school library practice for the future, and the future is now.   This course will explore the ideas presented through the AASL documents, Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs (2009), and the Standards for the 21^st Century Learner (2007).  The focus of the course will examine the concept of educational leadership, and  offer ways to create leadership opportunities for library media specialists to become agents of change and educational leaders within the school community to ensure the continued support of equitable access to resources, both physical and virtual, through Library Media Centers.

Spring 2011

Contemporary Issues in Children’s/Young Adult Literature: The Literacy Connection-3 credit course

Course description:

Reading is described as a “window to the world,” as a common belief listed in Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs.  (ALA 2009)  Library media specialists face challenges in making the literacy connection between collections of literature for children and young adults and young learners.  New pedagogies for teaching reading skills and comprehension, written expression, and other communications skills impact student learning.  To be effective educational partners and collaborate with classroom teachers in literacy instruction, library media specialists will be introduced to many of the recent learning theories and practices that are used in the literacy classroom.  Basic language literacy and other 21^st Century Literacies will be addressed as well.  Library media specialists will use current children’s and young adult literature to apply these new pedagogies and literacies in the School Library Media Program.

Summer 2011

Assistive Technology in the School Library Media Center-1 credit course

Course description:

The School Library Media Center is arranged so students have complete physical access to library materials.  Aisles are wide, shelves are low, but can students actually access the content of your collection? Can the students see the print, can they use the computer mouse?   Assistive (or adaptive) technology can help all students who need accommodations to use library resources for their learning needs.

Copyright News in the Time of the Social Web-1 credit course

Course description:

Changes to concepts about copyright have recently emerged in response to the impact of Web 2.0 social network tools for student learning.  This course will provide a guide to navigate the new interpretations of fair use rules and how to help students and colleagues make sense of using resources appropriately.

Collection Development for Virtual Libraries-1 credit course

Course description:

21^st Century School Library Media Centers or “Learning Commons,” require a virtual library presence along with a physical presence to accommodate student learners 24/7. The scope of this course will include an overview of concepts that drive the development of virtual libraries, the technological components necessary for implementation, and principles for developing a collection of resources for the virtual library. Students will use knowledge gained to produce or enhance a virtual library.

Fall 2011

Instructional Design for 21^st Century School Library Media Centers-3 credit course

School library media specialists are learning specialists and instructional partners in the 21^st Century school environment.  With the focus on the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills (2002), and school reform,   students in this course will use the AASL documents, Empowering Learners (2009), and Standards for the 21^st Century Learner in Action (2009) to examine methodologies and pedagogies that support instructional and curriculum design in schools.  Students will explore common beliefs about learning and develop collaborative models for successful student learning.

Judith Kaplan, MA Judith.Kaplan@uvm.edu

(802) 233-0880
Library Media Specialist
School Library Media Studies Sequence Coordinator
University of Vermont
Link to UVM Registrar’s Site: http://www.uvm.edu/~rgweb/

Advocacy.  It’s on everyone’s minds these days.  How do we communicate what we do to our biggest stakeholders?  What can we do to assure that our role in the school is seen as vital?  I began thinking about these questions right after the spring Vermont Library Conference last year.  One of the keynote speakers talked about marketing our libraries, and cautioned that if our administrators, colleagues and parents don’t know what we do it’s nobody’s fault but our own.  So for this school year I decided to do something about it!  I’d be proactive and hope that by continually putting my program out there I wouldn’t be forced in the future to re-act and scramble to put the ALA Advocacy Toolkit to use!

Last June I came up with an idea for an ongoing series targeted to parents (probably our most important allies).  I talked with my principal about it because it could impact my class schedule.   I wanted this series of events to be consistent, ongoing, and easy to remember–maybe a catchy name with alliteration.  I wanted it to be convenient for parents to come.  After looking at the fixed schedule of classes, my principal and I decided on “Third Thursdays” because my classes that day were all in the afternoon which meant I could plan a monthly coffee hour right after morning drop-off.  (We don’t bus in our district.)  There were no months where there was a vacation day on the third Thursday so it worked beautifully.  I decided right from the start not to schedule a program in December, since   everyone is too busy that time of year.

These gatherings are intended to showcase student work completed either in my library classes or small groups, and collaborative projects involving the library.  I also use them to explain different aspects of my program, to do booktalks, and to discuss issues around raising readers.

What is the process to prepare for these monthly events?  I try to plan the topics for 2-3 months at a time, knowing that I can change if necessary.  About a week before each session I send home a half-sheet flyer, distributed during library time.  I post the pertinent details and topic on our webpage.  I always invite our curriculum coordinator, our principal, the superintendent, and associate superintendent.  These folks have been very gracious and attend when their schedules allow, and I’ve received great feedback from them.

With book fair profits, I purchased enough coffee cups and coffee to last through the year.  Each month I bake something to have with the coffee, but have found that having a lot of food isn’t really necessary.  Younger siblings attend although that can be a bit challenging for some of our parents.  Some topics I’ve addressed so far and things I’ve shared:

Destiny—what it is and how parents can access it at home

Navigating the school webpage, what’s on the library webpage

Kindergarten orientation (Photostory I created)

Browsing through our new books in September

Seven Wonders video (3^rd grade project inspired by Betty Birney’s book—idea from Carol Scrimgeour at Essex Elementary)

Booktalks—The Power of the Picture Book, and “Kathy’s favorites for the Holidays”

The Red Clover program

The research process at the primary level

Family Reading Night (an annual event in February)

Podcasting with our students (something new I’ve launched this year)

Summer reading (our public librarian and our Reading Specialist will be our special guests for this in May)

Overall, this has been a positive step.  The parents have appreciated the information and enjoyed viewing projects that students have been a part of.  I feel like I have a new group of people who are aware of the kinds of things that take place in the library and the steps I’m taking to stay current and integrate technology.  These parents would be the first I’d go to if I needed someone to speak on behalf of the library during a budget crisis.  My hope is to continue this next year, although it’s not likely that I will have a morning slot to work with in next year’s schedule.  I’m thinking that a 2:00-3:00 gathering before dismissal once a month could work just as well.  I know I’m not reaching everyone, but it’s a start!

Funny thing about Vermont Librarians: A few months ago, Rebecca Brown, former librarian at People’s Academy in Morrisville, came to Cairo from Warsaw and interviewed for the position of business manager at Cairo American College, where I work.

Beth Phillips and Rebecca Brown at Cairo American College

Rebecca and I went out for dinner and yakked about the wonderful world of Vermont Libraries and all the people we knew. As it turned out, Rebecca was offered and accepted the job. Next August, she’ll come to Cairo as CAC’s new business manager. How cool is that!

Beth Phillips

MS / HS Librarian

Cairo American College

Cairo, Egypt

bphillips@cacegypt.org

Kirkus says, “The collaboration of text and illustration is seamless and presents a complex operation in a manner completely accessible and understandable to young readers. Lovely.”

And SLJ: “Its approach is unique, showing the loving relationship between a mother and her daughter through the seasons as the animals are fed and sheared; the wool is cleaned, carded, spun, and dyed; and a sweater is knitted. Schubert’s musical text has a predictable, soothing structure: “‘What are you doing?’ the little girl asked. ‘Feeding the sheep,’ her mother said. Snowy day, corn and hay. ‘What are you doing?’ the little girl asked. ‘Shearing the wool,’ her mother said. Soft and deep, sheepy heap.’”

Leda will be signing, reading, and demonstrating the wreck she made of trying to knit small sheep at Bear Pond Books on May 1—just in time for Mother’s Day. But boys of all ages are welcome as well.

Leda was for 17 years the school library consultant at the Vermont Dept. of Ed, and she still misses you all.

Vermont School Librarians put their collective best foot forward, and there will be 3 “library” strands each day (of 9).  Overall, there are 70 fabulous sessions to select from, all of which will be of interest to librarians as well as teachers, technology specialists, and administrators.  Keynote speakers will be nationally acclaimed school librarian Debbie Abilock of NoodleTools.com and international educational technology leader Ruben Puentedura.  Endnote speakers will be Tom Corbett of Cushing Academy, which eliminated books from its library last fall, and Ed Barry, who will speak on the new Vermont technology integration “scenarios.”

Register early- the Dynamic Landscapes Conference frequently sells out before the EarlyBird registration closes.  For those intending to spend Wednesday or Thursday night in the Burlington area hotels & motels, be aware that St. Michael’s College Graduation 2010 is May 12 and 13, so you will need to reserve a room as soon as possible.  Information on accommodations, dining, etc., can be found via the search function at the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce website.

Hope to see you at the Dynamic Landscapes 2.0 Conference in May!

Sue Furry-Irish,

Conference Coordinator

The deadline for articles this time is March 31, and you can expect to see them up on the VSLA website early in April.

Please see the Newsletter Guidelines before submitting.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Marcia Peterson, M.S.
Library Media Specialist
Ottauquechee School
304 Dody Lane, P.O. Box 353
Quechee, VT 05059-0353
(802)295-8654

petersonm@hartfordschools.net