Welcome Back!
Students officially start school on Wednesday. Teachers and staff have our annual welcome back breakfast tomorrow, Monday, August 17, to kick off our new school year. We get together and chit-chat with staff we email or call but only see, in person, once a year. It's a hoot. The superintendent talks about our accomplishments the past year and we cheer and clap and celebrate. This is usually followed by a speaker whose ideas are to be the focus of the school year.
This year's speaker is Dr. Michael Shackleford, who'll discuss problem-based learning and effective instructional strategies. He'll meet with selected teachers throughout the school year to give more in-depth training. I'm looking forward to his words.
Part of my effectiveness strategies will include completing a policy and procedure manual for the library, completing a volunteer handbook, and dividing library duties between the media specialist and the media aide. I'm hoping this allows me more time to help teachers and students.
Author Visit
We get to have an author visit this year! The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) has offered to help us out. In the past 3 years we've had Brad Tassell come to speak to the 6th graders and Doug Wilhelm come to speak to the 7th/8th graders. I'm hoping we can find someone that can speak to all students and then do some break out sessions with a specific grade. My first thought is James Preller - we do a huge anti-bullying campaign at the beginning of the school year and I'm working on teachers to adopt The Bystander, which releases in October. It's a great book and I believe it fits in perfectly with what we're trying to accomplish!
What author would you love to have visit your school?
Upcoming Week
I'm hoping to read
Smudge's Mark by Claudia Osmond
Diego: Bigger Than Life by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Mare's War by Tanita S. Davis
Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French
The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller
That's a mix of library, diversity challenge, mock newbery, and professional books. I'll be posting reviews throughout the week too!
Have a wonderful day!
I'd love to have Jacqueline Woodson, Sharon Draper or Dana Davidson. Dana is a dynamic teacher and writer. She won Teacher of the Year in Michigan. Ms. Woodson is my favorite YA author and I've heard she's great with an audience. And who wouldn't want Sharon Draper? She is the consummate writer/teacher. She's taught and written for decades. I'd love to be in her presence.
ReplyDeleteYour line up of possible author visitors is awesome and your year sounds like it's jam packed with exciting plans. Would love to hear what Shackleford lead you into.
ReplyDeleteSusan - They've had Sharon Draper before but she's hard to get nowadays and pretty pricey! I haven't heard of Dana Davidson so just ordered two books from the library. Sadly, haven't ready any Angela Johnson but will remedy that tout de suite!
ReplyDeleteOh, I was dreaming aloud. Not surprised that Draper has a high price tag. She has paid her dues.
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