Library Orientation Video

Just pulled this Flocabulary video off of my Pinterest page.  I do believe this video will get the attention of my freshman students during orientation of the Library Media Center.  Enjoy!

Chicago Library Media Specialists Rock!

2013 Librarian Back to School Event from Lisa Perez

Here's some pictures from today's 'Librarian Back to School Professional Development Day"  It was great seeing my Library Media Specialists colleagues, learning new strategies, embracing technology and preparing for common core.

Some of the Session Descriptions

Library Media Specialists from across the city hear greetings
from the Department of Libraries staff members

The CPS Library Media Specialist Hashtag:  #cpslib

Tim McHugh from Saddleback Publications
traveled from California to participate in today's event.

Chicago author PJ Gray presented on crutches!

One of my recommended book series of 2013:
"Coming Home" by PJ Gray

Library Media Specialists received
free books from Saddleback Publications 

Library Media Specialists enjoyed a vendor fair.
Our friend, Keith Morgan, World Book is pictured above.

Kevin Walsh from Children's Plus says, "It was a great day!"

2013-2014 LMC Orientation

Here's my teacher orientation presentation I shared with my teachers yesterday.

2013 - 2014 Library Media Center Orientation - Teachers from K.C. Boyd

Weebly It Is!

I am DONE with my old library wikispace.....it can kick rocks!

I've decided to try Weebly after hearing rave reviews from my colleague at Brooks College Prep .  So far, Weebly has lived up to all I've heard.  Uploading content, template options (I did opt to pay for the extras on the site) and the overall look of the site has been great.  I'm still uploading content but here's a sneak preview.

The Phillips Library Media Center Website - http://phillipslmc.weebly.com 

The Phillips Library Media Center Website

Are You A Champion?

Whenever I get frustrated, I watch this Ted Talk video. The late Rita Pierson BREAKS IT DOWN! If you need to be rejuvenated, watch this video and read this wonderful tribute to this respected educator.

Rita F. Pierson, "Every Kids Needs A Champion"

Visit from Saddleback Publishing

     Today my teachers and I were treated to a very special guest.  Tim McHugh of Saddleback Publications attended the Phillips High School 'Back to School PD."  He fit right in with my co-workers and participated in the ice-breaker activity!  The theme for today's PD was Media, Literacy and Tech. Savvy Day and his contribution was ON POINT.  He gave a really insightful presentation on struggling readers and shared Saddleback's long history/commitment for providing quality reading material for K-12 education.  Content shared really encouraged the teachers to work harder to connect students to reading material that they can relate to.

Here's a couple of pictures from the day.

Tim McHugh, Saddleback Publications

Cool Presentation!

Phillips teaching staff

Falling In Love With eCards

I've fallen in love with eCards this summer.  In some cases, I've made my own.  Check out some of my favorites from my Pinterest page.

Featured Speaker: CPS iPad Academy

Social Media Trailblazer - Wendell Phillips Academy High School from K.C. Boyd

I will be a featured speaker at the upcoming CPS iPad Academy.  Please enjoy my presentation below.

Also log onto the #CPSiPad hashtag to view live feeds from the day's conference.

LMC Signage: Ms Boyd's Ten Commandments

Sometimes traditional Library Media Center signage doesn't work for your program.  I learned this lesson a long time ago.   I stopped purchasing posters from the teacher's stores and began making my own.  Here's two examples of a new poster and a oldie but goodie.   These signs come in handy because like most teachers, I hate repeating myself and I just point.  Thanks Tamela for making sure I didn't 'go there' with my latest sign....LOL!

Here's the oldie but goodie....

Making A Change: Twitter

Follow Me On Twitter: @Boss_Librarian

Phillips Recruitment Video

#LATEPOST

Here's a Spring 2013 Recruitment video me and a couple of students produced earlier this year.  The video was shown to potential students during the spring recruitment visits our Admissions Department conducted.   The video (photographs and video) was shot on iPads.

So proud of the narrator Tangela, she's such a nice young lady and the #1 ranked Junior.

2013 Spring Elementary School Recruitment Video from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Phillips Wins!

     Wendell Phillips Academy High School has been awarded the 2013 Chicago Public Schools 'Spotlight on Technology Award'!  The award was given during the CPS Leadership Technology Summit is the ”Spotlight on Technology” Award.  This year’s award honored four exemplary school-based educational technology programs in Chicago Public School. The schools were recognized for visionary leadership to support program development, use of educational technology to promote standard-based learning, innovative uses of technology for instruction and assessment, documented student engagement and motivation, adaptability to meet the needs of all students, high levels of replicability and sustainability, and connections beyond the classroom. 

     Phillips High School was recognized for their ”Behind the Paws” student news program. This program targets the students, faculty/staff, and Phillips support community. Students, otherwise known as crew members, create newsworthy stories that document activities that take place at the school. Crew members serve as anchors, reporters, script writers, sound technicians, set designers, and video editors of this popular weekly program. These students also use a host of technologies, such as iPads, MacBook Pro, and an iPad Spark Digital Microphone, along with the LMC Promethean Board to produce this show. Crew members meet weekly to critique shows/projects and create new meaningful ones. 

Behind the Paws - S1 E14 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

     The ”Behind the Paws” crew members also provide technology assistance for classroom teachers. Crew members assist in highlighting special projects such as classroom lessons/units, assisting with service learning projects, and creating weekly public service announcements on a number of topics. The crew members are also responsible for maintaining a Twitter account, @PhillipsHSBTP.   Phillips is very proud to receive this award!

500th Tweet!

I'm so proud of the Behind the Paws crew. They have successfully completed their 500th tweet!

 

Screen Chomp App

Mi Comida Favorita - Desiree and Janel from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Here's a cool lesson that may be of interest to you.  Earlier this year, I collaborated with Mrs. Vinluan, who teaches Spanish I at my school.  The goal was to extend the classroom lesson into a digital project where the students could record their voices.  When this was first presented to me, I immediately thought about Screen Chomp.  It's free, very easy to use and can post completed projects to the internet, video hosting channel or the camera roll.  Plus, with various levels of iPad experience in her classes, we both decided that it would be easier to use the very basic screen annotating app.

The students were assigned a simple project which was to identify their favorite family member and describe one of the following:
- why this person(s) is special to them
- characteristics of this person (relationship, age etc.)
- something unique about this person


Mi Familiar Spanish Project - Erianna from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.
The challenge for this project was to use the Screen Chomp iPad app and record their narrative in Spanish correctly.  Students created their narrative and used Avancemos online as a reference tool to check their work. The students also had to select one picture of their choice that they would use for their project.  Annotating the screen was optional for the completion of this project.  The students presented their final projects in class using the classroom Promethean Board.

A couple of students completed their project early and were encouraged to record an additional  project.  Students selected their favorite food of their choice and identified an English to Spanish matching game online to annotate.  The worksheet used in the video was converted to a pdf and imported into Screen Chomp for use.

The overall goal of these projects was to demonstrate the growth of students who have been introduced to the Spanish language.

Mi Familiar Spanish Project - Yakerria from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Meeting the Mayor of Chicago

Greeting students

The Behind the Paws crew recently attended a ground breaking ceremony at Mandrake Park, a Chicago Park District football field.  This field is part of a multi-million dollar project paid by the city of Chicago.  The field has a sophisticated drainage system and is constructed of astro turf.  Phillips High School is especially excited because we are one in several high schools in the area that will be permitted to schedule sports games/activities.  Finally, students, parents and supporters of Phillips can remain on 39th street and enjoy games in our school neighborhood.

Mayor Emanuel asked, "What are you doing with the iPads?"

Mayor Rahm Emanuel greeted students, took pictures and spoke at the ground breaking ceremony.  My students, Ariel, Orlanda and Savannah had the opportunity to speak and take pictures with the Mayor.  I'm so happy that they were able to experience meeting the Mayor.  Most importantly, they now have an interesting talking point on their resume.....  :-).   Please enjoy the pictures!

Nothing but smiles!

Chicago Violence

Have you ever thought about what it is like to be a teen living in Chicago?  My colleague Mrs. Henderson recently challenged her students to write poems/skits describing what is taking place in some neighborhoods in Chicago.  Like my previous post, "Breaking the Cycle" these students are dealing with a reality that is not kind and shows no mercy.

These spoken word videos are raw, unflinching and describe a reality that many don't want to deal with.  My students are brave and despite of the obstacles placed in their path are determined to succeed.  The concept for these videos were solely the students with guidance from their teacher.  After developing a concept, poem and presentation style, I worked with the students to edit and finalize the project using iMovie.   All video was shot on the Library Media Center's iPads and images that appear in these videos are from Google images.

I'm really going to miss this group of graduating seniors.  I hope you will enjoy just a small sample of these presentations as much as I have working with the students.  Please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section of this post.  All comments will shared with the students.


Henderson 1st period Keyon, Mike from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Henderson 8th period Kendrick, Briana from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Henderson 7th period Tatiana, Leon, Don from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

"Breaking The Cycle"

I shared the video below with a couple of fellow 'Warrior Librarians' earlier this week.  After much encouragement from Dr. Vanessa Irvin Morris, I decided post the video here so that everyone could view it.  

My students tackling a difficult subject

My co-worker Ms Banks recently assigned her freshman writing class an interesting project.  The students were instructed to work in teams and create a persuasive advertising commercial.   The concept was solely the students as Ms Banks allowed them to be creative.  These students worked for weeks developing the concept/script  and used the Library Media Center iPads to shoot their commercials.  One group in particular, created a powerful commercial that brought tears to the eyes of some of the staff members at Phillips High School.

The honest fact is that students in today's society are dealing with real issues.  Sometimes these issues affect their behavior, self-worth and overall view of life.  Though very raw in presentation, the message is very clear.  I was not a part of the creation of the skit with the students and Ms Banks, I merely collaborated with them to edit the video in post-production.   Also if you look carefully, you will see Ms Banks standing behind the glass partition observing the students shooting the video. 

I hope you will enjoy this presentation and please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section of this post.  All comments will shared with the students.

Banks Project #11 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Overdue Library Books

Librarians have you ever said this phrase, "Just bring them back"?

I'm so happy that my students are checking out books regularly from the Library Media Center. The major problem is that they are so slow in returning their books. One of the reasons I learned why books are grossly overdue is that the books checked out by students are often times read by other members of the family that live in the same home. This wonderful because as a school librarian, I want to spread the love of reading, but I still need the books returned by the end of the year for inventory.  Recently I encouraged three of my students to create a commercial that emphasizes bringing overdue books back to the Library Media Center.

Just sharing one of my many ways of getting all the books back before the end of the school year. Wish me luck as I begin this journey of collecting back books from the 2012-2013 school year.

 
Just Bring Them Back! from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

The Harlem Shake...In the Library

Testing is over and my students enrolled in the 'Behind the Paws' class are tired. They have worked hard, overcome challenges and definitely deserved a break. My co-worker, Mr. Brown and I decided to allow the students to create, shoot and produce a 'Harlem Shake' video. The students made not one but two videos. Take a look at their creations below and get ready to laugh.

Behind the Paws Harlem Shake (students and staff) from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Behind the Paws Harlem Shake (students) from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

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.