New Faces, New Episode!

After a long absence, the Phillips 'Behind the Paws' crew has produced a new episode.

• New Faces
• New Music
• New Animation
• New Bloopers

Special thanks to Mrs. Kaushal for being so flexible during her interview!

Enjoy!

My Busy Week!

Last week was so busy!  Here's a day by day breakdown:

Sunday:  Reflection

Still overcome with emotion after watching the #Selma50 celebrations on C-Span

I snapped this picture when I was getting my locs maintained.  #SoInspiring

Monday:  Wake Up!

The big reveal took place:  I was named a 2015 Library Journal 'Mover and Shaker.'  Huge honor!

Updating the Phillips Twitter page, listening to Bob and drinking coffee

Anime/Manga Club Meeting:  The students are working on their next project, and I'm the subject!!!

Yup, they are up to something!

Selfie Tuesday!  

Here's a couple of pictures

I found my glasses, Tuesday is a good day!

My students just love coming into my personal space.

Fortee' is way to comfortable on top of my library table!!!

Wednesday:  

Good news and tears

I received some really good news from CPS.  Stay tuned!

When these kids graduate in June, I'm going to lose it.  #EmptyNester

Thursday:  

Technology Thursday 

So happy to see my Techie Girl Rebekah today!

Friday, March 13th is National Digital Learning Day!  See Phillips video below!

Classroom Libraries

In an effort to help once again...I've created another board on the school's Pinterest page.

Wendell Phillips Academy Classroom Libraries Pinterest Board

http://www.pinterest.com/boydkc/classroom-libraries/

The Classroom Libraries Pinterest board provides teachers with a virtual guide for setting up a marvelous library in their classroom.  Teachers can see creative physical spaces, gain decorating ideas, download helpful signage/labels and read more about how the classroom library feeds into the central library within the school.

Now I know those of you who are teacher-librarians really take a hands off attitude about assisting with the classroom libraries.  Like you, my library budget has been cut in several schools so that the classroom libraries can receive the financial support....ouch right?   Years ago, Chicago Public Schools librarians were instructed to provide a teacher overview of how to set up classroom libraries.  After the presentation, the classroom teachers received a set of books across the genres for their libraries.  Librarians did not receive books but did receive a heartfelt thank you.  That really stung.  Okay, I'm being a little snarky here but that really angered many of us.   In addition, I refuse to re-org my library by genre, lexile or whatever new reinvention of the wheel that they come up with.  When libraries are re-orged, it hurts the students because there's no transfer of knowledge when they visit libraries that are organized by Dewey.  Let me stop my rant now.

Teacher-Librarians Are Leaders!

Returning to the 'positive', there are some benefit I see in supporting my fellow teachers in providing advisement on setting up classroom libraries .  Also, if you have any additional benefits, please share them with me!:

1.  Classroom teachers are often 'lost' when it comes to setting up their libraries.  They request my support because I am the trusted and reliable reading/book/literacy expert in the building. 

Book display in the  Library Media Center

 

2.  I read the books (really I do!!) and can connect them directly to the curriculum.  Teachers use me as their 'go to' person in the building.

3.  I share with classroom teachers which books kids will actually read (not just enjoy) and those they will put down.  When shopping at those half-off and discounted stores, teachers will be a little more selective in their purchasing decisions.

4.  Books in the classroom libraries can provide just a taste for reading, but the school library will satisfy a hunger for reading.

5.  Because the classroom library is an 'unbalanced collection' and does not represent all interests, beliefs and cultures students will use the school library as a greater and expanded resource of information.

6.  Students will see that the classroom library and school library do compliment each other and both encourage the love of reading. 

One of my fav book displays I pulled off of Pinterest

All roads lead to the school library right?  The main key to making this work is school libraries must receive financial support to purchase books from the school budget.  They shouldn't have to rely on grants, donations or other means to maintain a healthy collection that serves the entire student population.  No program should be deemed more important than the other.   Face it, no classroom collection can duplicate the depth of a great school library collection....not one. 


Source:
The Ultimate Classroom Library:  Your School Media Center
by Buffy Hamilton
http://www.aasl.ala.org/aaslblog/?p=438  

Meme - The Four Roles of the Teacher-Librarian
http://tl-ng.wikispaces.com/The+Four+Roles+of+the+Teacher+Librarian 

Getting Away...Jamaica

Essentials:  sunglasses, sunblock
and a iPad mini w/the Kindle app

Smooth flight!

I made a promise to myself that I would take some time to myself to relax-relate-release.  This trip was planned since January when Chicago was under several feet of snow and I had reached my patience with bad weather.  

The only place I can truly rejuvenate and rest is in Jamaica.  This school year was really challenging.  Personally I set and achieved many goals that I set.  In some cases, the tasks that had to be completed were so tedious and tested my patience (of which lately I have none!)  Overall I'm happy with the results.

Me and my new
Dr. Dre Beats Headsets

Tumeric Plant

I designated this trip as a 'total learning experience'.  I've done the excursion thing for years so I wanted to try something totally new.  

     Since arriving on June 19th, I learned from the best:  Rastafarians.  This group of often times misunderstood Jamaicans believe is natural living and healing.  Through their instruction, I've learned how to cook steamed spicy Jamaican fish with Callaloo, identify the best plants back home to remedy the common cold and learned how the Tumeric plant and coconut water used together relieves pain.  (yes, my back pain has eased quite a bit!).  Most importantly, their belief of meditation and not 'worrying' about things you don't have any control of is a life lesson.

I had to haggle with a Ratafarian
 to get a good price on this coconut

Another cool thing about this trip is I met a University professor from the UK.  It was really interesting to discuss issues as they pertain to K-12 and higher ed education in our respective countries.  I also owe her greatly because she really calmed me down after I heard about the 1,100 teacher layoffs back in Chicago.  I'm fearful for my job as well as my friends.  I swear this is really tough times!  We go through this every year in my district and it's so disheartening!

My name twin:  Kimberly!

Even though I'm on vacation, I couldn't help visiting a the St. James Parrish Public Library and visiting with a librarian colleague.  Last Friday I volunteered at the Mount Olive Basic School reading books to pre-school children and donated board books for their much needed library.  Sadly, the lack of books in both school and public libraries were dismal and in some cases reminded me of some of the libraries I've visited in the states.  

The Mount Olive Basic School is located in the hills north of Montego  Bay.   The kids were sooooooo cute!  They even sang a little song for me and some of the other volunteers. 





 
     This experience brought me back to my first teaching assignment of working with young children.   I haven't taught little ones in years so I forgot how 'wiggly' they can be.   One little boy, Wellington, grabbed my iPhone and took some of the pictures you see here.  The pictures came out great, the only problem was I had a hard time getting my phone back!  

Sarah, Wellington and I

Now if I only could meet Usain Bolt, my trip would be complete!

Just Bring Them Back!

First period book return

During this time of the year I have to scramble to to get my books back from my students.  Last year I stopped charging late fees to encourage my students to bring their books back and not keep them out of fear.   So far, the book return has been going very well this year.  Above is a picture of some books that were returned during first period earlier this week.  

Returning a book from his favorite Manga series.

So far it's working but I decided to do something a little different this year.  My students created a PSA about returning library books.  I gave them some basic information and encouraged them to be creative and encourage their peers to return the books in their own voice.   What I appreciate greatly is my students really understand how challenging it is to get all of my books back at the end of the school year.

I guard my precious four library book carts with my life!

The students used iPads and a MacBook Pro to shoot and edit the video.  They also included a funny voice over along with two things that I love:  Bob Marley music and cats.  Intrigued?  The outtakes of the video are hilarious.  The students were really critical about shooting the video and making it just right.  I'm proud of them and they did a great job!  Take a look at this funny presentation.

Support Jermaine Attending EIU

My student Jermaine Lumpkin graduated from Wendell Phillips Academy High School on June 7th with honors.  He was a member of the Phillips Debate, Bowling and Golf Teams during his tenure. Jermaine will be attending Eastern Illinois University this fall, majoring in Biology. 

Jermaine is need of serious financial help. Since the passing of his grandmother, Jermaine's family support and home life has been 'less than desirable'.  Despite these challenges, Jermaine has kept his grades up and continued to maintain a positive attitude.  His relatives did not attend graduation nor are they supporting his dream of attending college. Essentially Jermaine is on his own.  

My co-workers will be driving Jermaine to campus later this summer to begin a early bird program for freshman students. Currently we are organizing a Trunk Party for Jermaine that is scheduled for Friday, June 13th at Wendell Phillips Academy High School.  I along with many others at Phillips believe that this young man can make it!  Jermaine is an example of the 'good' that is produced out of the Englewood neighborhood.  At this time, Jermaine needs some support getting on his feet and beginning the next chapter of his life.

If you can assist and/or encourage friends, family/church members or organizations to donate the following items or gift cards, that would be wonderful! Items needed are toiletries, school supplies, and clothing (t-shirt - L, pants - 32-34, shoes - size 12).  These items are not covered by his partial scholarships he has been awarded.  

The school's address is:
Wendell Phillips Academy High School
244 East Pershing Road
Chicago, IL  60653
Attention:  Jermaine Lumpkin

If you have any questions, please contact me directly at 773/535-0315.

A Day in the Life of Libraries

#Repost from the Urban Librarians Unite Facebook page

Libraries Now: A Day in the Life of NYC’s Branches
By Jesse Hicks and Julie Dressner

For those who think libraries are becoming obsolete in the digital age, think again.  The foot traffic in public libraries across the country is astounding.   After watching this video highlighting the work that New York City public librarians provide, I began to think about my work as a school librarian.  I see so many similarities in the work we do.  I also believe Special Collections Librarians and Academic Librarians can also chime in....Libraries and Librarians are a resource that is needed in 21st Century America.   I hope you share my opinion after viewing the entire video.

National Library Week

#Reposted from American Library Association: National Library Week

Libraries and librarians have a powerful and positive impact on the lives of Americans on a daily basis. Their stories are key to communicating the value of libraries.   National Library Week is the perfect opportunity to encourage your community to tell the story of how the library has changed their life.

It's time to celebrate in Chicago and around the country!

School Librarian

I saw this on the School Librarian Workshop's Facebook page and had to share.

What do you think?

Winner of the CPS ReVITAL Grant

Singer Pharrell's song, 'Happy' is the perfect song that expresses my feelings about a recent award I have received.  My students and I are HAPPY about receiving the CPS ReVital Grant for libraries!   Last week, a MacBook Pro and ten iPads were delivered to my Library Media Center and in a couple of weeks, the ChromeBooks will arrive.

There are so many ways this technology can be used at Phillips.  The video below is just a little snippet of how we will be using these digital devices to aide in instruction and help further advance students in the digital age.   Enjoy!


ReVITAL Grant - HAPPY from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Providing the Service That Counts

     Three years ago I posted a very personal presentation describing, "Why I Am A Librarian". Three years later with school libraries under attack, I felt it was time to update the presentation.  Often times I'm so busy with my students, books and learning/applying new technologies,  I don't articulate well what I do.  I'm guilty....I do a very poor job describing accurately what I do with print and non-print material.  Along with encouraging the love of reading, my job now consists of using technology to instruct, create and enhance lessons taught in the classroom.

That's me reviewing my students
'Behind the Paws' Twitter Activity

     Honestly, if you were to pass by my Library Media Center doors during the day you will think that all I do is sit behind my desk.  Not true, that glance of me behind the desk is only a snapshot of the numerous tasks that I complete in a day, week and month!   "School Library Media Specialists:  Providing the Service That Counts" accurately describes the work I do every day through technology supporting my fellow Library Media Specialists and serving the students and staff at my school.   If you would like to view the videos from some of the slides, just copy and paste the website address from the presentation into the address bar and the video will load.
     I am a school Library Media Specialist and I love what I do!

School Library Media Specialists: Providing the Service That Counts from K.C. Boyd

Holiday Greetings from Behind the Paws

Continuing in the holiday spirit, here's another episode of the Phillips High School, "Behind the Paws" student news show. Enjoy!
Behind the Paws S2 E7 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

BTP Holiday Show

     Here's the latest episode of my students news program, "Behind the Paws".  This is a fun show where the students have the opportunity to capture holiday greetings from the teachers and staff members of Phillips High School.  This show is shot on iPads.
     I'm so proud of my students and the hard work demonstrated last week to produce this show.  Make sure you check out the segment produced by my two students Myiah and Rosalini.  The students used the iMovie app to create the Nelson Mandela tribute.

Behind the Paws S2 E2 6 from WPAHS Video Page on Vimeo.

Schoology @Phillips HS

Yes, my school is a Schoology school!

     Schoology is an online learning, classroom management, and social networking platform that improves learning through better communication, collaboration, and increased access to curriculum and supplemental content.   Teachers in my building use this website heavily and the students love it.  Many students have downloaded the app on their Android/iPhone devices and enjoy completing their classwork and homework assignments with greater ease.

     Below is a video highlighting how my co-worker, Ms Decker effectively integrates Schoology into her daily lessons.   Library Media Specialists:  This is another way you can support the curriculum at your school. Videotape your peers teaching lessons that successfully integrate technology and share it with other teachers.  Maybe just maybe, videos like this will inspire teachers to try integrating more technology in their classroom.

     Sorry for the shaky camera work.  I had the flu when I shot this video.

If you would like to learn more about Schoology, play the video below.

A Shameless Plug

I'm LOVING my library inspired Wrist Candy!  This little bracelet was created and designed by teen author Ni-Ni Simone.   Did I mention, her new book for teens will be released in November?  I students are crazy about her books.  Check out her website - http://ninisimone.com

Here's my fellow librarian Sharon's Wrist Candy

 ...and my friend Karen's, who happens to be a HUGE Chicago Bears fan.

Apps for Research

I'm really excited.  Gale has an app for iPhone/iPad and Android for their databases.  So that I won't be repeating myself a million times after database orientation, I created a short tutorial in iMovie for the students.   I just hope they will find the mobile app to be a helpful tool when working on research papers/projects this year. 

Student ID Woes

     I can't wait until the students receive their ID's.  Right now I'm using the old sign in sheet system and it's driving me nuts.  I didn't want to delay lunchtime gaming so I began circulating iPads two weeks ago.  So far the kids are having a ball enjoying their 20 minute free period/lunch.  If my students want to 'Game' on my Library Media Center iPads during their lunch period, they are either giving up their cell phone or their book bag.  I'm not playing this year.  
#libraries #librarians #tlchat #elearning

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

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