Watch Us In 2020!

Jefferson Academy students began their training using 35mm cameras, the @DoInkTweets app & building worlds in MineCraftEducation before winter break.  Watch our students in 2020, their digital projects will amaze you!😎   Our Makerspace will be lit! 🔥 

Easy Like Sunday Morning: Just A Friendly Reminder...

     There’s allot of things that I’ve been reflecting on since school ended on Friday.  My greatest challenge this school year so far has been to rebuild my school’s library program.  This involved me physically organizing/re-shelving books for my school’s new  library.  This rebuilding also included moving towards a change in view that the library is more than a ‘meeting’ space or activity area for large groups of students/adults.  This re-building also meant that I had to say, ‘No,’ to teachers/staff because we all need to work towards utilizing the ‘program’ to its maximum potential instead of falling back into ‘old habits.’  By no means is my library program ‘perfect,’ growth in mindset of the program and my role is still on the agenda as we head into 2020.

     This brings me to a New York Times article that was written by Erica L. Green and Dana Goldstein back in October of 2019.  The article, ‘Reading Scores On National Exam Declines In Half The States.’  I can remember how I initially cringed when I read the title of the article that was widely circulated on social media. Now months later I’ve processed it and have a deeper view.  

     The authors highlighted two standouts of all of the 50 states and Washington D.C.  Mississippi’s fourth  grade reading scores improved and caught up to the national average.  Washington D.C.’s 8th grade scores jumped three points but were still below the national average.  Now I learned a valuable lesson while working at Phillips High School:  celebrate all  academic gains, this means whatever you are doing right, continue the practice. So, I’m celebrating those three points. 

     

     I can’t comment on what Mississippi is doing right, but I have a little insight on my district that was highlighted in the article.  This is my third urban school district I’ve worked for and my third year working for the District of Columbia Public Schools System.   Though the authors did not articulate this in the article, school libraries and school librarians were a part of the success of the improvement in reading scores for 8th grade.   So essentially I’m viewing this with ‘fresh eyes, and of all of the districts I’ve worked for, DCPS is on point. Here’s how I see it:

8th Grade Improvement in Reading Scores:  Washington D.C.

1.)  Strong school library programming in all schools.

2.)  Certified/university degree school librarians

3.)  Dedicated school library budget for new books.

4.)  Leadership at the district level (Assigned Manager and Director of Libraries)

5.)  Targeted professional development for school librarians and encouraged use of PLN’s (personal learning networks).

6.)  Access and use of various platforms of technology by school librarians to support and help drive  classroom instruction.

7.)  District supported school librarian leadership opportunities within and outside the district. 

8.)  Classroom libraries that further encourage students to seek expanded and additional resources from the school library collection. 

9.)  Use of middle school or young adult bibliotherapy/social emotional themed books for leisure or book club reading.

10.)  Ongoing partnerships with library programming with the District of Columbia Public Library System. 

     Some of my district colleagues may argue some of the above ten items still need some sizable improvement.   Others may argue all ten items on my list are not present in their school, guess what?   All ten items are not present in my school either but collectively as a district, there is evidence that they are there and working.  I agree 100%, there’s always room for improvement, and I’m looking at this critically.  In my opinion, what should be noted is the staffing, funding, support and programming that is in place and how it has had an impact on reading.  What also should be noted is there are other districts across this country that have all of the above ten components of a strong library program in place but were not highlighted because the article focused on states and not so much on districts.  

     I want to be crystal clear about this: school librarians are not looking for the fanfare ‘public accolades,’ for their work. More so, just a simple acknowledgment that the work that we do everyday to support academic achievement in our schools/districts is a part of the success equation and is noted and appreciated.  

 

Easy Like Sunday Morning: The Last School Week of 2019

     Here we are, the last school week of 2019.  It's hard to believe that the school year is half way over.  Because I'm mentally drained, I'm not going to reflect on the last 6 months now, I will do so during my winter break.  In the mean time, I'm going to share a couple of highlights from the month of December with you during this week.

    My first highlight is a recent discovery through my favorite PLN (personal learning network) Twitter.  I saw this on Amanda Jones' feed, lost my mind and decided to order one for myself.  It's a LED programmable scrolling pin...yes the uses for this in a library program are endless.  I chose to pair this with my last and final push for winter break leisure reading.  I shared a booklist with my teachers and parents to reference while selecting books to read/purchase over the holiday break.  (you will not see this list, I'm currently serving on the Newbery Selection Committee!).   In addition, I sent my last meme of the year encouraging teachers to schedule time for their classes to visit the library and check out books to read during the break.   All of this is done in the name of READING!

   As I mentioned somewhere on one of my social media feeds, I have a Amazon.com addiction.  I really need to remove the app from my iPhone!  Here's the ordering specs., but please keep this in mind, there are several LED pins to choose from, just identify the one that will best serve your personal needs.

    Until next time!  

Easy Like Sunday Morning: School Librarians United Podcast

     I had a great time talking with Amy Hermon, host of the School Librarians United Podcast .  I have been interviewed before but this interview was really special.  I spoke at length about what inspires my drive to work hard serving school children/communities and some experiences that have defined me as an educator.  

     The podcast can be found on the School Librarians United website and also on the Apple podcast menu.  Many thanks to Amy for her commitment to this platform of supporting school librarians and the work that we do for our students.   

Hang In There!

You know this week is going challenging on many levels.  The holidays can be tough for some of us and the stress from the job can be very difficult for others.  This week, take a moment to check in with a friend or online colleague to see how they are doing.  Someone can benefit from a kind word or even virtual hug.  Together, we can do this!

Hang in there! 

K.C. (Boss Librarian)

#KC_SaidIt 

Easy Like Sunday Morning: Ms Boyd’s Poor Memory

Lately, my response to students and staff members has been, ‘I forgot, charge it to my poor memory and not my heart.’   Here are a couple of posts that I TOTALLY forgot about.  

I am looking forward to going back to Chicago for the holidays.  I need a break and to re-charge.  

My friend sent me a monetary donation for these beauties for the windows in my Makerspace.  I’ve thanked him personally, here’s my public thank you😎

My new table layout in the fiction reading room.  Children aren’t sitting on top of one another anymore!

These lovelies met me at the Makerspace door at 7:45am.  

Mind you, school doesn’t begin until 8:25am 😎

Top Patrons and Honor Roll Students - Quarter #1

Day of the Dead Art

Loving This Video

Check out this video!

Easy Like Sunday Morning: The #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

As much as it seems like I have it all together, honestly I don’t. When one visits my library media center/Makerspace you will see books placed neatly in order on the shelves, displays, and a burst of colors that are pleasing to the eye.   What you don’t see is the frustration in developing a program, display, activity or de-escalating stereotypes or major ‘asks,’ from the principal/staff.  

If there’s one thing I am is a very creative person.  I come up with my best ideas in the morning and jot them down in the notes section of my iPhone.  This area of my phone is filled with tons of ideas.  Some I’ve implemented, others I’m still developing.   I can also create something on the fly and run with it. Sometimes it’s very successful and sometimes not.  Despite this, I continue to push the envelope of on-the-fly/creativity because those are usually examples of my best work.  

Yesterday morning, I saw a Twitter post from someone I follow that expressed their frustration with a patron that used a piece of gum in the book as a bookmark and left it in the book for the circulation desk librarian to remove....eeeew right???  I started thinking, school librarians have some pretty unique and funny things that we experience.  Some are highly relatable and represent a unique struggle that public, academic and special librarians don’t experience.  

I created the hashtag #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus on the fly yesterday morning and posted ten examples of it on Twitter.  The responses and DM’s I received were hilarious.  That said, I want to share them here along with a couple more that really describe our pain and downright funny situations we find ourselves in as school librarians.  Remember this is all in good fun, the posts are based on my current and past experiences (I have to say that because my co-workers follow me online) so enjoy and comment.

Until next time....

#dcpslibrariestransform #dcpslibraries #tlchat #schoollibrary #schoollibraries #schoollibrarians #LibraryMediaSpecialist 

#TrojanLMCMakerspace 

How I look when visitors in my library media center say to my face, ‘Well, you don’t look like a librarian!’....*sigh #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

Eating way too much of your parent give-away candy for SLC Night. - #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

When my students are having an ‘off behavior’ day and you have to say this phrase after making an example out of one of them. #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

When your darling cat named Daisy Lee insists on destroying your Golden Pathos propagation project. - #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

When you are asked to watch students during your lunch break and the person asking clearly sees that you are eating and says, ‘Well they can sit over here on the side and they won’t bother you.😤 - #SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

When a staff member is clearly trying to ‘unload’ students from their watch and they bring them to you stating, ‘The students can help you shelve books and do anything during the period!’ - 

#SchoolLibrarianStruggleBus

Easy Like Sunday Morning: 'We’ve Always Done It This Way'

     This post is not a rant, just a reflection on many things I've seen over the course of this week:  Social media posts from librarians who are really struggling with staff/administrators, messages from my mentees who are frustrated with treatment at their schools, Chicago Public Schools Librarians who are fighting for full reinstatement of library positions throughout the district, and clueless comments about why do we need school librarians.  *Sigh....   Plus,  I'm an introvert and it's hard to really get me to verbally share my 'true' feelings when I'm not disrespected, angry or threatened.  I express myself best through writing because I learned a long time ago, people will forget what you have said, but will always refer to what you have written.

    I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the above statement from staff and administration while serving as a library media specialist.  Often times this it is made from a unknowing perspective.  Sometimes it is a fear of trying something new and it can also be a blatant disregard that the school library program has changed and evolved over time.  The statement, "we've always done it this way," means to me people want to remain in a 'safe space' where they can predict outcomes and not work any harder/longer/more efficiently than they had in the past and a recorded excuse for not 'rocking the boat' with the staff.   

     While it is the job of the library media specialist to educate all within the learning community about our programming, skills and services we provide,  I am also critical of our partners in education.  I've worked with educators who initially refused to view or use the library program as it should.  Those who refused to, 'Move Their Cheese,' and trust the judgment of the library media specialist, viewing them as a 'second rate' or 'not a REAL teacher,' in the building.  Challenges ranging from programming, to curriculum support, lack of access to IEP's to properly support students, use of space and yes, professional babysitting services.  Yes I said it!   When I've reached my limit of the foolery, I get really quiet...that's when you should be concerned if you work with me.  

     I belong to a number of professional listserves and social media groups where the above is shared.  You can feel the frustration and sometimes anguish library media specialists tolerate daily.  Let me be clear, our challenges should not be viewed no less than a classroom teacher's challenges.  We share frustration, anger and sadly burnout, and our issues are different but the feelings are definitely mutual.   Respect is the important factor here, we may not understand exactly what everyone is experiencing, but we need to respect each other's roles and efforts.

  I have so many ideas to share and test out, but sometimes hesitant.  My fear is I won't be taken seriously and my efforts will be disregarded.  It's a fear that I will hear that statement, "we've always done it this way."   This is something I need to continually work on professionally because some of these ditched ideas could have a great and positive impact on the school community.  Change is essential.  It makes us better, it makes us stronger.  Change can be good, it can be productive and in education has the opportunity to reach the learner in ways we never imagined.  Continually reverting back to bad habits and practices of the past is detrimental and prevents all of us from moving past GO!  

   So this post was really loaded with allot of #KC_SaidIt - isms and is based off of over 20 years of observations.  So you nay-sayers, give me a break, you haven't walked in my shoes.  I'm coming up on my teaching anniversary on November 1st and you can't help but reflect on your practice.  I've experienced allot and seen allot, so that alone gives me the foundation on which I speak on today.  

Until next time!

Keep On Pushing

Cancel out the negative noise and continue to do YOU!

Day of the Dead Preparations

My students are busy preparing for Day of the Dead celebrations this year.  During the lunch/recess period, we have watched informative videos, movies and now completing a little artwork that will be posted very soon.  Check us out!

Kids and Reading

So.True!

This is why my two book rule is so important.

Easy Like Sunday Morning: Busy-Busy-Busy

I've been so busy over the last month.  Between shelving books, locating lost boxes of books from the move, student orientation, lunch periods and now opening Jefferson's first library media center Makerspace, I still can't believe we've made it to the second quarter.  

The following posts represents just a taste of activities that have taken place in the library media center since I've last posted.  The students and I have been having so much fun and my prayer is that they will continue to be engaged and participate throughout the school year.  Just continue to scroll down and read the trailing posts about the #JAReaders activities.

Getting Parent Involved:  I was thinking how could I generate more traffic in the library media center on SLC (Student Lead Conference) Day?   I strongly believe that parents need to be aware that the library media center and Makerspace is a FREE resource that their child can enjoy and use everyday at Jefferson. 

As a staff, we are trying to instill the love of lifetime reading within our students.  I firmly believe that when this seed is planted, students will enjoy reading and their academic achievement will definitely improve.  We want our students to visit the library independently (outside of class scheduled time) to check out a book for leisure reading.   In terms of the SLC's, I know many of my colleagues will advise the parents of their students that they should be reading independently daily for at least 30 minutes.   

I created the flyer above as a means of encouraging parents to visit.  I also took it a step further to speak to the teachers during their weekly afterschool professional development meeting and solicit their support in handing out the flyer at the end of the SLC.   All of this of course was approved by the principal prior to me speaking to the teachers.  

I started off the day with two bags full of candy packs and I ended with this. 

I also gave the parents a little thank you card with my contact information and a reminder of the general services offered.  Many thanks to my co-workers who supported this effort.   I had a very nice turn out of parents who visited/learned more about students services offered by the library media center and new Makerspace.  For that alone, I'm grateful.  Until next time!

Our First Green Screen Activity

When I say this was a activity done on the fly, it was done on the fly.  Our first green screen activity was the bomb!

My 6th grade students took pictures/video of themselves in front of the green screen, then I demonstrated through the Green Screen App by Do Ink how they could add layers of backgrounds, imagery and video.  The end result was a good first project out of the gate.  There will be more projects to come in the near future and I will provide a more step-by-step tutorials on how you can create it.  The app is super easy to use and the kids will enjoy all of the templates and images that appear in the menus.

Before-During-After

Here's a couple of pictures describing what my library media center looked like pre-construction, during construction and after.

Before

During

After

Our First Makerspace Activity

I've been juggling over the last month.  Shelving books, searching for lost boxes of books from the move, decorating, hosting classes...it's allot.  Despite this, I was able to squeeze in our first Makerspace activity.  It served as a tester for a couple of ideas I have for the near future.  The students for the most part caught on to making a 3-minute butterfly.  There were students who had far more experience than their peers and me (I've never been good at making origami artifacts) These experienced origami creators jumped in and helped their classmates.  It was a fun to watch the students and we have so many butterflies, we can decorate in other areas of the library media center and school building.

I like this video because the pacing is perfect for following along while making the butterfly.