Chi City Youth by Jazmine McKinney

I selected Jazmine McKinney's poem, 'Chi City Youth' to wrap up poetry month.   This spoken word poet eloquently describes the violence that Chicago's youth must face daily.  McKinney's vivid description of the day-to-day struggle is not to be taken lightly and she does not hold back.  This video is a 'real' and provides the listener with a true account of life in Chicago's from the lens of a young person.  

This video is part of a projected funded in part by a City of Urbana Arts grant and produced by University of Illinois PhD student Raymond Morales.   I encourage you to listen 12 audio works and several videos by six Illinois artists.   The audio is available for download on Morales website at The Show 1045.  

Like my friend said, "Poetry is a way for young people to express themselves, allow them to use a pen, paper and their authentic voice as their instrument."

A Special Project

     This week the 'Behind the Paws' student news crew shot a very interesting project in the Library Media Center.  'The Belle's of Bronzeville Prom Boutique Extraordinaire' is a dress donation program for Phillips female students who are in need of prom attire.  Eligible participants will have the opportunity to select gently used prom attire for FREE!

     Created by Phillips Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Henderson and SGA Community School Coordinator, Candice Peoples, this program will assist financially challenged students find the perfect dress for this special event.

     Some members of the BTP crew served as models while others shot video and created a 'mini' runway for the fashion show in the library!  It was really cute, all of the students and audience members had fun during the show.  My library media center has been used for many events but never something so creative and 'fashion forward' as this event.

     The boutique will open on May 18, 2013, so mark your calendars.  If you are interested in donating gently used/dry cleaned prom attire, please watch the following video for contact information for this program.

The Belles of Bronzeville Prom Boutique Extraordinaire from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Collection Development and Street Lit.

CPS Librarian Hall of Fame Sideshow

Yesterday I gave a presentation at my district's annual librarian professional development day at the Chicago History Museum.  My presentation, "Urban Fiction/Street Literature Collection Development for School Libraries" provided librarians with a blue print for including great Street Lit. reads for 6th-12th students.  Books that appear on my list also include adult Street Lit. titles that teens would enjoy reading.  

So far, this year has been a wonderful school year for me.  My work with using technology with teens  has been highlighted and I have gained so much from learning from others during special training sessions.  The highlight of yesterday's professional development was my induction into the Chicago Public School's Librarian Hall of Fame.  To receive this recognition from my librarian peers meant more to me than all of the awards/recognition I've received this year.  As I said at the beginning of my presentation, "I'm a librarian, and it happens to be the best job on the planet!."

Enjoy the presentation below!

School Library Journal Announces the SLBAM Young Adult Winner/Honorees

School Library Journal recently announced the SLBAM Young Adult Winner and honorees.  The Street Lit. Book Award celebrates the best that has been published within the Street Lit. genre each year.  The winners and honorees are based on popularity by readers in school, public and academic libraries.  

The SLBAM committee is comprised of public, school and academic librarians from across the country.  The I'm proud to say that I have served as a committee member since 2010.   The committee members are proud of our contributions to this medal award because it serves as a wonderful resource for librarians as they continue to develop their Street Lit. collections in their libraries.  

To access this year's winners and honorees, adult and young adult, log onto Dr. Vanessa Irvin Morris website StreetLiterature.com.  To access a list of winners and honorees from years past, logon onto SLBAM Historical List.  

Re-posted from School Library Journal

A Special Interview: WGN TV's Gaynor Hall

     The 'Behind the Paws' crew recently interviewed WGN-TV assignment reporter Gaynor Hall.   During her visit to Phillips high school, the students were able to interview this Chicago Public Schools graduate on a number of topics.  

     Hall was gracious and discussed her positive experience while a student at Beasley Elementary and Whitney Young High Schools.   She also shared her rewarding work as a TV reporter and how young people can obtain the experience to prepare them in the field of broadcasting.  Ms Hall really inspired the students!  Her parting words of wisdom:  You can do anything and be anything if you just work hard at it.  

     The interview is featured in the latest episode of the 'Behind the Paws' television show along with several school wide news and announcements.  Please enjoy the video below along with pictures from that day.  

"Behind the Paws" S1 E7 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

New Episode

I've been busy, busy, BUSY!

Much has been taking place and I haven't been able to upload a single post.
I have a new Twitter handle - @Boss_Librarian. You can view the feed on the right panel of this page. Here's the latest episode of 'Behind the Paws'. The students continue to get better and better. I'm so proud of them. Many thanks to my co-worker, Mr. Rose. The 'Boy Genius' created a smooth jazz intro for the show that sounds really good. Thank you Mr. Rose! Enjoy!

"Behind the Paws" S1 E5 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Digital Learning Day @Phillips HS

Phillips High School participated in the 2nd annual 'Digital Learning Day' activities.  Digital Learning Day is a national campaign that celebrates students/teachers and shines a spotlight on successful practice and effective use of technology in classrooms across the country.   Students from the 'Behind the Paws' students news crew used Twitter to discuss and Tweet current events articles using the ABC and CNN iPad apps.  You can see some of the news articles that were discussed and Tweeted below:

Our very own crew member Tangela was responsible for Tweeting the attached pictures to the Digital Learning Day, #DLDT hashtag.  Both pictures were featured on the site as 'top photos'.

Digital Learning Day - Part II

     Digital Learning Day is almost upon us.  The "Behind the Paws" student news crew finally completed shooting all of the video needed to participate in this nationwide celebration.  Below is a video highlighting how Phillips High School utilizes digital learning everyday.  Special thanks to all of the teachers and students who allowed crew members to videotape them.   The skit at the end of the video is priceless, my co-workers have a REALLY good sense of humor.

CPS Tech Talk 2013

On Friday, February 1, 2013, Chicago Public Schools held 'Tech Talk', a energizing conference that highlights technology integration in K-12 education.  During the ceremony, I was one of eight educators that was awarded the 'Ones to Watch Award.'   This is a huge honor and I am very thankful for it.  Below are two presentations that I presented with LaVonna Williams and my co-worker Reginald Brown, Jr.   Check out the Tech Talk hashtag feed, #cpstt on Twitter to view related conversations from the day. 

Please enjoy the presentations and pictures below.

Lights! Camera! iPads! Phillips HS from K.C. Boyd

Nook Book Clubs: Learn How to Create A Club In Your School! - hirsch and phillips hs from K.C. Boyd

Chicago Public Schools Social Media Toolkit

Reprinted from Chicago Public Schools Spotlight Webpage 

Social media – it's a mainstream tool in today's high-tech world. Facebook and Twitter are the preferred methods of communication for many within the Chicago Public Schools community, especially the district's tech-savvy students and parents.  In schools across the city and at the CPS Central Office, social media has been added to the list of tools that are used to connect with families and improve education.  As a result of this interest, CPS has created a new 'Social Media Toolkit' and instructional video series. This toolkit provides guidance for administrators, teachers, staff and the community when creating a social media presence for their school. There is also a handy worksheet/exercise and links to additional resources designed to help schools implement a social media presence at their school.

At Phillips Academy High School, students are learning how to use social media in a professional capacity. The students that are members of the "Behind the Paws" news crew use Twitter to make school announcements, share current events and promote their weekly television broadcast.  All social media activity is monitored by my co-worker Mr. Brown and I.

Phillips High School is also honored to be named a 'Social Media Trailblazer' in a new instructional video series produced by Chicago Public Schools!  The first video below focuses on social media etiquette and while the second video provides some instruction on how to effectively manage a school Twitter page.   

Enjoy!

February 6, 2013 - Digital Learning Day

February 6, 2013 is Digital Learning Day!  Digital Learning Day is a national campaign that celebrates teachers and shines a spotlight on successful instructional practice and effective use of technology in classrooms across the country.  This is Chicago Public School's second year participating in this nationwide initiative.   Here are four ways you can get your school involved:

#1. Show Digital Learning in Action at Your School! (Chicago Public Schools)
Record a short 1-2 minute YouTube video showing how digital learning  is being utilized at your school. Creativity is strongly encouraged! Submit your YouTube video to this form, http://
tinyurl.com/CPS-DLD13Form, for consideration on the CPS Digital Learning Day webpage.  Video
submissions are due by February 8th, 2013 at 5 PM.

#2. Meet Tech Talk 2013’s Ones to Watch!  (Chicago Public Schools)
Each year the Center for Digital Education helps CPS put on TechTalk, a one day conference dedicated to engaging staff in conversations around educational technology.  Learn about CPS TechTalk’s Ones To Watch 2013 and the excellent work they do daily in the district.  2013’s Ones to Watch Winners (Announced after February 1st, 2013)  For a list and bio of TechTalk 2012’s Ones to Watch Winners: http://cpstechtalk.blogspot.com/p/ones-to-watch-tech-leader-award.html

#3.  A Special Message from Jonathan Scott!
Chicago Bears player Jonathan Scott (#79, Tackle) has a special message for CPS about Digital
Learning Day 2013. Please visit http://vimeo.com/57653483  to view what he has to say.

#4. Join the National Conversation!
The Alliance for Excellent Education will be putting on a Digital Learning Town Hall Simulcast on
February 6th, 2013 from 12-1:30 PM.  This online event will celebrate dignitaries, policymakers,
and education leaders from around the country.  Visit http://digitallearningday.eventbrite.com/ to
sign up.

Last year, I submitted the video below for consideration for the CPS Digital Learning Day.  I didn't exactly follow the directions (LOL!) but I was pleasantly surprised that a couple of clips from my school were actually included in the district's compilation video (2nd video).

@The Phillips Library from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Remember! Celebrate! Act!

Mr Brown and I are so proud of our students who are members of the "Behind the Paws" students news group.  Last week they really worked hard to shoot and appear in their own Dr. King holiday message.  This video is posted on the school's website for all to see.  They did a wonderful job and I think you will agree after viewing the video.  Additional Dr. King Holiday resources including a slideshow from my trip to his memorial can be found on the Phillips Library Wiki at - http://wphillipslibrary.wikispaces.com/Special+Library+Programs+and+Events

The King Holiday 2013:  Remember!  Celebrate! Act!

Dr Martin Luther King Jr Holiday Message from AUSL Wendell Phillips Academy High School - 1080p from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

So Proud!

My students continue to make me proud.  Their on-camera presence and interviewing skills continues to get better with each day.  Their camera and production work is wonderful is very precise and on point.

We needed a tele-prompter and Ariel and Kaylan created their own.

The students are looking for interesting news stories to Tweet using the
ABC and  CNN iPad app. All Tweets are posted on the Behind the Paws Twitter page @PhillipsHSBTP.

The students are interviewing Mr. Brown, Phillips High
School's Refocus Room Manager and Bowling  Coach

 

New Equipment!

Blue Spark Digital Microphone for the iPad

     I received good news this week, the new equipment that was requested has arrived. Since owning an iPad, I've noticed the sound quality can be quite crappy. Yes, I said it. Now that my students are really getting into the groove with interviewing, I really want to capture sound without distortion.

     My co-worker, Mr. Brown found the Blue Spark Digital Microphone on the Apple Store. I can't wait for January 7th to come so we can use it for the first time.  Now, the next thing I need to work on is a iPad light for low light situations.  Any suggestions?  You can see what I mean by viewing the latest episode of "Behind the Paws."  It was great to capture the students performances at the recent Holiday Extravaganza assembly but I just wish the auditorium had better lighting and the iPad sound/picture was better. Am I pushing the limits of this device? Maybe so, but I'm such a critic of my work!  
      Here's the latest episode of "Behind the Paws."

 
"Behind the Paws: Holiday Edition" - S1 E3 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Season's Greetings!

Send story ideas to BehindThePaws@gmail.com

Holiday Greetings from the 

Behind the Paws Student News Program!

In this episode of "Behind the Paws," the students shot videos for:

- VIP Member Luncheon (student interviews)
- Upcoming Phillips Talent Show
- Preparations for the Upcoming Holiday Extravaganza Assembly (Ms Alexander and Ms Kamysz)
- Chicago Elite Classic Basketball Games (Mr. Briggs and Kenyon)
- World AIDS Day Celebrations (Mrs. Taylor)
- Holiday Greetings (several staff members)

I cannot tell you how proud Mr. Brown and I are of these students.   Please when you have a chance, please watch the video below and compliment them on their Twitter page @PhillipsHSBTP.  Enjoy the holiday music and until next time.


"Behind the Paws" - S1 E2 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

It's Official

It's official:  The Behind the Paws News Crew has a Twitter page!  Follow my students and keep up with all of their stories as they relate to exploring the world of television production.

Below are a couple of tweets the students have posted over the last couple of days.  Many teachers have been so nice and have complimented the students on their work.   One of the students sent a lovely tweet about the Library Media Center.... #Wonderful!

Behind the Paws Student News Program

"Behind the Paws" - S1 E1 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

     "Behind the Paws", is a new weekly student produced news program at Phillips High School.  The students will be responsible for editing and producing content presented on this program.  The tasks that lead to the development of such a finished product will include interviewing Phillips personnel, shooting video using iPads, writing stories, and editing video.  The goal of this program is to provide students with the skills to create new material and inform peers with Wildcat news, announcements and other school events on video.  
      I am really proud of my students; they have accepted the challenge of learning how to use iPads and editing software within a short period of time.  Their efforts should be applauded.  Please enjoy the video!

"Behind the Paws" - Season 1, Episode 1
Link:   http://www.phillips.cps.k12.il.us/ 
This Segment Includes:
Stories about the Academic Skills Center, John Byrne and Joi Tillman interview.

12 Reasons to Be Thankful You Are a Teacher

You know I love Twitter.  Recently while sifting through my Twitter feed, I ran across a post from Teacher Hub that I just had to share.  Yes, I'm a teacher, a teacher-librarian for those who don't understand the true role of school librarians.   

Reprinted from Teacher Hub

 http://www.teachhub.com/12-reasons-be-thankful-you-are-teacher

Teaching is not a profession known for instant gratification. Sometimes, we teachers can feel completely unappreciated.  Dubbed a “thankless job”, teaching comes with many daily challenges. Grading, meetings, more grading, planning and the seemingly hundreds of tasks we are charged with can make us feel frustrated and burned out.  More often than not, we take  on much more than our job description.  Everything from improving student’s academic abilities to making up for their inadequate home life leads to a feeling of overwhelm and negativity.  

In his 2009 Reader’s Digest article, “How to Be Thankful and Improve Your Life”, David Hochman discovers that “life gets better when you adopt and attitude of gratitude.” In other words, look at life from the “half full” point of view instead of the “half empty” one. Take time to appreciate yourself and the positive aspects of your profession.  Here are 12 unexpected reasons to be thankful for being a teacher.  

Teachers, Be Thankful For...
1. Your heavy teacher’s bag...
because it symbolizes your employment. Take a moment to think about how many people you know who have been laid off. According to The Wall Street Journal, there were over two million people collecting unemployment in early October. Be grateful you are not one of them.

2. The deductions from your paycheck...
which account for your health insurance. Insurance is expensive. Many of our students go without medical attention, medication or glasses. In fact, The US Census Bureau tallied
nearly 50 million people without health insurance in 2010. Appreciate your health coverage.

One of my library books!

3. Monday mornings...
because they come after weekends and holidays off. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have weekends and holidays off. Many of our spouses may be required to work Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day and even Thanksgiving or Christmas. Feel fortunate to have these days off from work.

4. Rising at an early hour...
since going to work early means you can leave early. Although most of us take work home at night or on weekends, the actual hours we are required to be "at the office" allow us to
be home at a reasonable hour. Welcome the idea that you can get home before dinner actually begins.

5. Parent meetings...
because they are an opportunity to reach out to parents and students. Meeting with parents is a chance to connect with a family and demonstrate your willingness to help.  Take advantage of the possibility that may make a positive impact upon parent and student.

6. Student loan statements...
which are invoices for an educational investment. A good percentage of the world’s population does not have the opportunity to seek higher educated. Be thankful for yours.

7. Wearing an ID...
which can be very useful. Yes, it is annoying - getting caught on everything and constantly misplaced - but flashing your school ID can get you discounts at many retail stores. Money saved is certainly something to be thankful for.

8. A noisy classroom...
which signifies productivity. Learn to embrace the racket that comes with learning. Noisy students are discussion books or significant classroom topics. Be thankful that your students are excited to learn.

9. The pile of unread books on your desk...
because it is evidence that you can read. According to a 2009 USA Today article, a federal study found that one in seven US adults cannot read well enough to comprehend a newspaper article. Acknowledge that the ability to read makes your life better.

Phillips High School Professional Development

10. A full email inbox...
which symbolizes your ability to communicate. Out of all the email or voicemail correspondence we get, there will be a “thank you” from a parent or a commendation for a job well done. Appreciate the ability to communicate.

11. A lesson that doesn’t follow the script...
because it means your students are thinking. Embrace those teachable moments that may not be part of the master plan. Pride your self on being confident enough to teach off the
cuff once in a while.

12. Challenging students...
Meeting a challenge only makes us stronger and helps us learn more about ourselves. Be thankful for the opportunity to grow as a person and as an educator.

Try, Try Again...

In order to succeed you must fail, so that you know what not to do next time.  Anthony J. D'Angelo

Oops, I messed up again!

Lately I've been thinking about this popular quote written by contributing author and editor of the New York Times bestseller, "Chicken Soup for the College Soul."  The students are still going through a crash course in video production and there's been some successes and hiccups.   Mistakes are being made but most importantly the students are learning from them.  Overall, the students are thriving and enjoying using the iMovie and Videolicious software programs.   Two interview segments have been shot so far and now the students are shooting the opening and closing segment to the news program.    My colleague Mr. Brown and I are so proud of this video crew.

Here's a example of the shot log recorded by one of the crew members.
The students have learned that taking notes helps greatly when it's time to edited the entire video.

Stay tuned for the first complete production of, "Behind the Paws" student news program!

What Can Parents and Educators Do to Encourage Black Boys to Read?

I marvel at the number of students that are checking out books in my library media center.  

This student enjoys reading the Charlie Bone series.

Books selected range from Anime/Manga and adventure to informational texts and Street Lit.  I've also noticed the strong increase of readership of males checking out books across the genres.   I'm just so happy to see my students relish in the love of reading, the excitement and the smiles.  To remain abreast of studies, I look for journal/magazine articles and blogs that discuss new trends or thought about the subject.  Below is an excerpt from an article posted on Getting Boys To Read blog.  The article discusses how parents and educators can encourage black males to read, provides GREAT tips and references a thought provoking journal article by University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Jeffrey Lewis.

Enjoy!

What Can Parents and Educators 

Do to Encourage Black Boys to Read?

Getting Boys To Read

1.  Provide their sons and students with positive black male role models. Enroll their children in mentoring programs, hire black male teachers, give boys examples of positive black male role models, bring in adult black male readers to read to classrooms.

2.  Provide black males with a male-centered learning environment.

3.  Make sure libraries and classrooms are stocked with books and magazines that cater to African American culture. It can get frustrating for black kids to continuously read about white protagonists. Check out www.brownsbooks.com, a site committed to African-American Children’s Books, Multicultural Children’s Books and Workshops. 

4.  Be sensitive about stereotyping ANY student of a different race or gender. Have a zero-racism policy in your classroom/ library/ home.

5.  Be encouraging. If your son or student whines that he “can’t,” remind him that “can’t” is a lot different than “won’t.” Black boys are JUST as capable as anyone else. They just have more obstacles in their way sometimes.

6.  Make sure their basics needs are being met. It is hard to concentrate on reading, or school work in general, if one is hungry, cold, or living in an abusive environment. Be sensitive to what’s going on at home or even in school when you are not there.

7.  On the other side, hold ALL boys, regardless of race, accountable for their behavior. Don’t allow their homework to slide or their attitude to be less than respectful based upon their race or gender. 

8.  Parent-teacher contact is important and vital to student’s educational growth. 

For more information about providing black male students educational support, read this recent article from EducationNews.org entitled Supporting African American Boys in School by the Wisconsin Center for Education.

"Behind the Paws News Program"

Trameka tests out the Videolicious app

Phillips high school has a new student news program called, "Behind the Paws."   Behind the Paws is a weekly news program where students report on Wildcat events/highlights of student life at Phillips.  My colleague Mr. Brown and I are working with a group of sophomore students to create this new program.

So far, the students have been very busy this week.  They've interviewed the Athletic Director, Manager of the new Phillips Academic Skills Center and shot tons of video.  

Raekwon is shooting video on his iPad while Erianna (left)
is using an iPhone to shoot Mr. Brunson's tutoring session.

Mr. Brown and I love our iPhone and Galaxy III Smartphones!

Devices used for this project are iPhone/Galaxy III smart phones and iPads.   After receiving a tutorial on using Videolicious and iMovie apps, the crew feels very confident to tackle more projects.  

Wish us luck!

Things That Make Me Smile

When I first began teaching, my late father and CPS veteran gave me the best advice:  To be a success in the field of education you must,
1.  Have knowledge of your subject matter
2.  Patience
2.  A sense of humor

Well, the third is what I hang onto the most because it make my day go by faster and keeps me motivated.

Here are some things that make me smile everyday.  (please note:  some of the pictures are from Homecoming Spirit Week at Phillips)   Click on the picture to take a closer look.

Enjoy!

1.  My students willingness to share fashion, fun with school events and to be themselves.

 2.    My students smile/happiness when they realize they can check out books that are on the displays in the Library Media Center.

 3.    My students love of reading....priceless!

Receipt for books checked out

The student on the right is an avid reader of e-books

4.  Book donations and my growing Street Literature collection....I'm so thankful for them!!!

The most recent donation is from author, Wahida Clark

5.  My students following directions during lunchtime.

LMC Entry Sign-in-sheets

iPad Sign-in-sheets

You want to use a iPad, give up your i.d.

Thank you for removing the finger prints off of your device.

6.    My student's ability to hold strong onto their Republican beliefs....and discuss the issues in the 2012 election intelligently.

7.  Girls reading Anime/Manga!

 

8.   Students asking for recommended reads.

9.   Students discussing books!

Ms Tillman's Reading Class from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.


10.     Finally, a cool pic of my LMC.  Thank you Mr. Rose!