Wanted: Creative readers that would enjoy recording themselves reading a story. A Story Before Bed is a site developed by a teacher - it's genius! Basically, the reader (YOU) chooses a book in the large selection, reads it on a computer or device with a camera and saves. Back at school we go to A Story Before Bed and listen to someone we know read a story. If you're interested, me and I will give you the log in for your child's classroom and you can begin recording. Please invite family and friends as well. This is a great way to support our students, giving them a huge gift again and again.

We are 11% to our goal for creating a library "slush" fund that will allow me to buy books requested by students and teachers. My last post shared more about the Titlewish campaign. Some students have mentioned donating their own money - how cool.

I am shamelessly using this blog for personal reasons. My daughter will be Jessie for Halloween and I am going to be  Woody - I am searching for size 12/13 cowboy boots. May I borrow yours? Or do you know a cowboy with big feet that may give up their boots for a day? I also need a gun and holster - Anyone? Anyone?

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

Have you noticed the orange and purple button on the library home page? This is our Library Book Wish Blog button. Here students and parents can add a comment to a blog letting me know what books they would like to see added to our library collection. Over time, our collection will evolve into a collection built by us, such a good thing.

Rather than asking PTSA for library funds, I decided to work with our district publisher, Follett, and have a three week campaign asking for donations to our library so that I can purchase books being requested by students, teachers and parents.  Books purchased through Follett are sent to the library cataloged, labeled and covered, basically "shelf ready". The goal is $2,500 for books. Thank you in advance for helping to build a library fund. Click here to give.

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

Students ask everyday for books they would like to see in the library. They inform me of  the latest and greatest books and series. So that students know that we're listening, I've created a  link on the library home page that takes you to the  Book Wish Blog. Students, parents and teachers are invited to add a comment requesting a book they'd like to see added to the library collection. Please encourage your child to click on the Book Wish Blog!

We've decided to open the library before school and during recess, giving students more options. We are needing more volunteers to be with us in the library. Whether it's shelving books, supporting students in their book search, suggesting great titles, using the database, reading to small groups or checking out - you are wanted in the library. Most of our fabulous volunteers committee to a 1-3 hour shift each week, but we're flexible! This year our multi-media lab in not connected to the library, and a significant chunk of my time will be out of the library, supporting students in the lab. Having an adult volunteer in the library will be such peace of mind!

Time slots are available each day, with large holes on Monday. Please let me know if you'd like to be with us or answer any questions you may have. to send me an email.

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

We love Brain Pop and Brain Pop Jr.! Self-directed students can explore an area/concept they are interested in learning more about and do extension/enrichment activities to follow-up. We've purchased a school license for our students to have access, 24/7!

                                              Username: QAE and password: bp

Often times we will use Brain Pop to set up new learning and then invite students to explore a specific area. I am hearing from teachers that "homework" may include activities from Brain Pop.
For the iPad and iPhone there are Brain Pop apps available. I've heard Ms. Cryan share that her son, Jack, watches a Brain Pop movie in the morning and they talk about  it. Feed the brain in a meaningful and exciting way! Check it out.

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

How many books can I check out? How long can I keep the books? Both great questions, but maybe different answers for some children. My message to students is that "I am getting to know you as a library user, what you like to read, and if you return books". If students have overdue books and know exactly where they are located, it's likely that they can check out more. If a student has overdue books and they are not really sure where they're at, it's likely that these books will be held until overdue books are returned. If a student has an overdue book because they need more time to finish, then time is what they'll get and the opportunity to check out more. It's not likely that a student will be able to check out 3-5 books in the same series at one time. I not likely that a student will be able to check out more books if they already have five checked out.

Have you seen the Red Radio Flyer wagon (donated by a kind parent) on the main floor of the Tree House? It's next to the elevator with a sign above, Bookmobile. Students can put books in the wagon to be returned to the library for others to enjoy. Each morning I will attempt to fetch the wagon and bring to the fort. Student may also place books in the book drop located under the printer on the check-out counter. At this time, students are able to use the library in the morning, after 9:05 and during recess.

On Monday, the library computer automatically sends an email to parents with children with over due books. Thank you for supporting the library and your child in getting these books returned. If books are lost, please let me know. I will mark the book "lost" so that your child can continue using the library and at that time we'll make a plan for replacement.

Stop by and visit the library and say hi. As I build a relationship with every student, knowing you will be a huge plus! If there are books you'd like me to steer your child towards, . We're a team.

Jeffrey
Teacher/Librarian

Available this weekend for free are some of the Everyday Math learning apps. Our math curriculum has great resources on the web. McGraw-Hill has created apps for many of the online games and games played in the classroom. For iPads, iPod Touches and iPhones, these are highly recommended for practice. (I was playing Addition Top it with Madeline - she's ready for more!)

           Equivalent Fractions              Divisibility Dash             Addition and Multiplication Top-It
                     

Below is the first message from a wonderful volunteer taking charge of the lost and found. To view a photo of all the pieces in the collection, click on the Lost/Found link on the library home page. QAE Lost/Found Couture Collection. 

Hello QAE families! 

My name is Mindy Katz and I am in charge of the Lost and Found this year.  My son Jesse is in Mrs. Leland's first grade class.  This is Jesse's first year at QAE and he is loving it! I wanted to let everyone know a few things about the Lost and Found items.  There is a rack in the wood building where jackets and sweatshirts are hung up.  The rack is located to the right at the top of the main staircase when you enter the building.  There is also a box for items that can not be hung up under the rack.  This is the only rack of Lost and Found items.  If items are left in the brick building I will be moving them over so they can all be in one place.  Except for water bottles that were found during lunch.  They are on a shelf outside the girls bathroom on your way to the lunchroom. 

I will be updating pictures every two weeks.  Please write your child's name in jackets and clothes.  That way if someone sees something that belongs to a child they know, the lost and found can be avoided.  (I was about to take a picture of a sweatshirt when I realized it was my son's)! If you have any questions feel free to email me at  

Thanks!
Mindy

Three times this year our students will be given the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessment. The data becomes an important tool for teachers to begin developing learning plans for their classroom (groups) and students (individual). The data includes detailed information they need to build curriculum and meet their students’ needs, helping them to excel. MAP is a computerized adaptive assessment that captures a student's abilities, comparing the data with other students in the school, district and nation. MAP is one of many ways QAE teachers use to create personalized learning. The assessment is delivered with low stress and emphasis (it's fun) - we want students to enjoy the experience and see this as an opportunity for them to show us what they know. Data from the assessment on each student will be shared with parents soon after it becomes available, usually 3-4 weeks after.

To support your child in being more comfortable taking the assessment, it's encouraged that you have a conversation and provide practice. Clicking here will give K-2 students  an opportunity to see what the testing experience will look like and give them a chance to practice using the computer. Students in grades 3-5 will be given a non-audio version.

Practice assessment for the MAP in primary grades.

MAP Schedule: (Computer Lab)
This Mon and Tues - students in grades 3-5 will be assessed in math and reading. (50 minutes). The following days and next week students in grades K-2 will visit the lab four times for 30 minutes - (two assessments for each math and reading).

Feel free to stop by any time to talk about MAP or see it in action.

Jeffrey

While I very much miss our special McDonald kids and parents, I am loving our new home! I shared with my colleagues during our summer planning retreat that last year was our QAE introduction and this year was really chapter one. The new building comes with lots of wrinkles, but like anything new, time will wear it in well. We decided to call the gray building with all the classrooms (this year) the "treehouse", and the brick building with the library, gym (sort of), computer lab, cafeteria and office the "fort". There's really no rhyme or reason for their names, just felt right. Welcome to the Treehouse and Fort! 

Our new library, while much smaller than Lincoln, is a extraordinary space. It's alive with 8,000 new books, new computers and sunlight shinning in through 20' windows. I am still working on the  library schedule, but my goal is to see all the students in the library for checkout / library lesson / story and computer lab at least once a week. This leaves time during the day to support those teachers/students needing to be in the  the library/lab for project work, or small groups of students working independently. I hoping to fill the volunteer library schedule so that I can be with students in the lab or working one on one. 

Last year, my success as a first year librarian (actually every year of my 20 year career) is the partnerships/relationships I've developed with volunteers. The time voluneers spend in the library model for our students a strong sense of community involvement and allow me to provide greater support for students and teachers. Volunteers make our school great, and if you would like to join our team in the library/lab please let me know. You can either fill out the short  "Volunteer Form" or send me an email. I will be in touch!

My goals is to maintain this blog at least twice a week. Whether it's a book review, something students are working on, a pondering or thought, sharing a great web resource or sharing photos of my daughter Madeline, I hope it's just one more connection (bridge) that makes our school stand out. Every school is as great as it's community. Yes! 

Like last year,  here is my wish list. Not nearly as long as last year, but none the less big:

We have been gifted from SPS surplus with three huge Danish, post modern tables. These tables are fabulous and can accomodate up to 28 students. Comfortable, adjustable, chairs have been ordered. These tables have been used in high schools and middle schools over the years The wood border (laminate in the middle) has been adorned throughout the years with scrapings of many colorful words and designs. Looking for a small team of sanders and painters to beautify these tables and bring them to their true glory.