Well I failed my drivers test. Awesome. I suppose that is what happens when you finally get around to it six years later.
Great news is, I managed to get all my supplies for next year ordered and also ten brand new tables! My dreams are coming true! The tables are from a Canadian (yeah!!) company called MityBilt.
--> http://www.mitybilt.com/
For the high school, it's exam time. So I have a lot of kids in here studying and hanging out. It can be loud in here, which is exactly what I want! I just have to make sure the rest of the staff is on board with that.
I've cleared out my ancient paper room and am making room for textbooks. Right now, the textbooks are out on the shelves taking up a lot of space. I figure they will stay nice and neat in the back room, and I can also keep tabs on who is taking those textbooks home next year.
I've decided to take on the responsibility of overseeing the Yearbook Committee next year. I just have to check and see if support staff can actually do this. I think it will be a lot of fun! I'm actually so excited for next year, new tables, new YA section, new charging station for laptops, new things to take on, new staff members to meet! WOO. Hopefully I can actually drive myself to work as well, ha ha...
I think that's all I have to say. I suppose I should get to making up bills for lost books now.
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
New Look! & Other Things..
My awesome wrist is acting up again so this is probably going to take an hour to write.
So as you (imaginary you) can see, I've tried giving this blog a new look. I love the font and the colours. I can't seem to get rid of that giant photo at the top.. I'll have to keep working on that. Still no followers, that's cool.... But I have added some widgets! I feel like I'm finally regaining my youthful technological knowledge. Yay!
The school year is winding down, and my mental list of things to do and people to call is growing. I have so many plans (sadly expensive plans) for my summer. I am not sure if this library remains open a few days a week to the public? Will have to find that out. Since it is my first year away from all of my family and friends, they are my priority for this summer. I cannot WAIT to see them!
For the end of the year, I need to obtain all overdue books (daunting task) but I'll see what I can do. I'm hoping I can generate enough funds from lost books for get some new ones in September! As I mentioned before, I will be weeding a lot of books from the library, but it would definitely not hurt to get some new ones for the kids. Diary of a wimpy kid, Dear dumb diary, Dork diaries (man they love diaries) and Big Nate, among the most popular.
Apparently also, I accept every single lock from the lockers for the whole school, the amazing school secretary has made me some awesome labels for the combinations for next year however, so amazing!
There are only fourteen (yeah 14!) days of school left, and 2 administration days, I will be here going through the books and reorganizing them. Any that I find that are outdated, in terrible shape etc will be stored to donate. I'm also toying with the idea of having a "Little Free Library" for books to giveaway, I'll have tons stored to replenish it.
Among all of this, the library is hopefully getting a new look too! A new mat, which I have designed myself, a more open concept, computers in the middle of the room as apposed to in the corner, new tables, books organized into genre in the Young Adult section, a listening centre, a board-game centre and a chalk board wall. I'm trying to make this place BUMPING! Since we don't have a cafeteria. It doesn't have to always be quiet in here right?
For me personally, these next two months are going to be jam packed. From sports banquets, to book club meetings, to days at the beach (can't wait) to concerts-SHANIA TWAIN HELLO! To driving tests, camping, weddings and road trips. The summer is going to come in like a lion.
Hope your end-of-year craziness goes well!!!
So as you (imaginary you) can see, I've tried giving this blog a new look. I love the font and the colours. I can't seem to get rid of that giant photo at the top.. I'll have to keep working on that. Still no followers, that's cool.... But I have added some widgets! I feel like I'm finally regaining my youthful technological knowledge. Yay!
The school year is winding down, and my mental list of things to do and people to call is growing. I have so many plans (sadly expensive plans) for my summer. I am not sure if this library remains open a few days a week to the public? Will have to find that out. Since it is my first year away from all of my family and friends, they are my priority for this summer. I cannot WAIT to see them!
For the end of the year, I need to obtain all overdue books (daunting task) but I'll see what I can do. I'm hoping I can generate enough funds from lost books for get some new ones in September! As I mentioned before, I will be weeding a lot of books from the library, but it would definitely not hurt to get some new ones for the kids. Diary of a wimpy kid, Dear dumb diary, Dork diaries (man they love diaries) and Big Nate, among the most popular.
Apparently also, I accept every single lock from the lockers for the whole school, the amazing school secretary has made me some awesome labels for the combinations for next year however, so amazing!
There are only fourteen (yeah 14!) days of school left, and 2 administration days, I will be here going through the books and reorganizing them. Any that I find that are outdated, in terrible shape etc will be stored to donate. I'm also toying with the idea of having a "Little Free Library" for books to giveaway, I'll have tons stored to replenish it.
Among all of this, the library is hopefully getting a new look too! A new mat, which I have designed myself, a more open concept, computers in the middle of the room as apposed to in the corner, new tables, books organized into genre in the Young Adult section, a listening centre, a board-game centre and a chalk board wall. I'm trying to make this place BUMPING! Since we don't have a cafeteria. It doesn't have to always be quiet in here right?
For me personally, these next two months are going to be jam packed. From sports banquets, to book club meetings, to days at the beach (can't wait) to concerts-SHANIA TWAIN HELLO! To driving tests, camping, weddings and road trips. The summer is going to come in like a lion.
Hope your end-of-year craziness goes well!!!
Thursday, 28 May 2015
What Could My Library Become?
A lot of people ask me, when they find out my job- "libraries are still a thing?" "Books are still involved in a budget?"
Why yes, of course! Why not?
Maybe not as many as ten or twenty years ago, but at least in my school, library period and downtime for reading are still a heavy part of the curriculum. As much as I love checking out books and putting them all back on the shelf, there are so (I mean SO) many books that haven't been held by a student in years. These can be "weeded" out and donated! I am so excited to do this. My best friend Pinterest has shown me some great photos and articles for weeding books from the library.
Why do I want to do this? So I can have more SPACE for new and cool things. I'd love to make this room a space where students and staff can come to communicate, cooperate and create! Don't worry about my books- they will still be here, and maybe I can replace some of the old beaten up/popular books with new ones.
This room needs new tables, new flooring and a re-vamp of how the room is laid out. We also have some older furniture that can be replaced with some benches/chairs/foot stools. This school does not have a cafeteria so a lot of students come in here to hang out, and if they haven't gotten enough sleep the night before, some come in here to relax and catch a few Z's. I definitely don't want to take that away from them.
I've been asking for feedback from some students, and privacy was a huge matter! The room is already light and open concept, but keeping some areas from the learning commons would need to happen. So much to think about.
I'll share a link that my vice principal showed me on re-creating an old library and turning it into something amazing! http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2015/05/25/fathers-school-library/27902597/
This morning I walked in to 13 brand new laptops, they are charged by USB and they no longer have disc drives! The future is now. (haha) I am not sure they will be my responsibility next year, which is o.k, maybe I can get the ball rolling faster on a re-vamped library.
I know I know, you're thinking "man where will she get this money?" It will take a long time, but I will make do with what I have until we can get it all done at once.
ONE MONTH LEFT OF SCHOOL!
Why yes, of course! Why not?
Maybe not as many as ten or twenty years ago, but at least in my school, library period and downtime for reading are still a heavy part of the curriculum. As much as I love checking out books and putting them all back on the shelf, there are so (I mean SO) many books that haven't been held by a student in years. These can be "weeded" out and donated! I am so excited to do this. My best friend Pinterest has shown me some great photos and articles for weeding books from the library.
Why do I want to do this? So I can have more SPACE for new and cool things. I'd love to make this room a space where students and staff can come to communicate, cooperate and create! Don't worry about my books- they will still be here, and maybe I can replace some of the old beaten up/popular books with new ones.
This room needs new tables, new flooring and a re-vamp of how the room is laid out. We also have some older furniture that can be replaced with some benches/chairs/foot stools. This school does not have a cafeteria so a lot of students come in here to hang out, and if they haven't gotten enough sleep the night before, some come in here to relax and catch a few Z's. I definitely don't want to take that away from them.
I've been asking for feedback from some students, and privacy was a huge matter! The room is already light and open concept, but keeping some areas from the learning commons would need to happen. So much to think about.
I'll share a link that my vice principal showed me on re-creating an old library and turning it into something amazing! http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2015/05/25/fathers-school-library/27902597/
This morning I walked in to 13 brand new laptops, they are charged by USB and they no longer have disc drives! The future is now. (haha) I am not sure they will be my responsibility next year, which is o.k, maybe I can get the ball rolling faster on a re-vamped library.
I know I know, you're thinking "man where will she get this money?" It will take a long time, but I will make do with what I have until we can get it all done at once.
ONE MONTH LEFT OF SCHOOL!
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
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Thursday, 21 May 2015
Everyone Has a Job.
Is this true?
Since beginning work here, I've heard multiple teaching and support staff state the phrase "what is your job right now?" to kids when they have come off-task. I've been asking myself this question as well. I have set out on a quest to ask my frequent library users what my job is in this room. I also ask what they think their job is when they enter the library. I've gotten a few of the obvious answers, remain quiet, return books undamaged etc. So I'm going to keep asking, seeing what the kids want from me and expect from me. I believe they should have a say in what I'm doing, as long as it is appropriate for the library.
April 6th was my starting point, and this month and a half has really taught me so much. The connections I've been making with students and to hear them say "will you be back next year too?" is wonderful. It really is one of the best feelings. The students that hold back from opening up to me and respecting the space are a little more challenging for me. This is the main thing I need to keep working at. I work alone and often there is nowhere to turn for advice, except for books of course. I finished the book "restitution" and it's working somewhat. I just need to keep repeating and restarting so that these students can learn to self-correct before someone else yells at them.
This room is a place of refuge, its comfy in here, and it's quiet. Students come here to relax. I want them to know as well that if they are having a bad day, I never leave here, and they can talk to me about whatever they want, without me trying to force them to class. These are the kinds of answers I'm looking for in my "job" quest. I want to know what the kids think my job is and should be. I also hope they know where they stand too.
Is there seriously only six weeks left?
Exam prep should be starting soon, along with the tantalizing warm weather and field trip season! Maybe I should post some study tips too in the coming future....
That's all for now!
Since beginning work here, I've heard multiple teaching and support staff state the phrase "what is your job right now?" to kids when they have come off-task. I've been asking myself this question as well. I have set out on a quest to ask my frequent library users what my job is in this room. I also ask what they think their job is when they enter the library. I've gotten a few of the obvious answers, remain quiet, return books undamaged etc. So I'm going to keep asking, seeing what the kids want from me and expect from me. I believe they should have a say in what I'm doing, as long as it is appropriate for the library.
April 6th was my starting point, and this month and a half has really taught me so much. The connections I've been making with students and to hear them say "will you be back next year too?" is wonderful. It really is one of the best feelings. The students that hold back from opening up to me and respecting the space are a little more challenging for me. This is the main thing I need to keep working at. I work alone and often there is nowhere to turn for advice, except for books of course. I finished the book "restitution" and it's working somewhat. I just need to keep repeating and restarting so that these students can learn to self-correct before someone else yells at them.
This room is a place of refuge, its comfy in here, and it's quiet. Students come here to relax. I want them to know as well that if they are having a bad day, I never leave here, and they can talk to me about whatever they want, without me trying to force them to class. These are the kinds of answers I'm looking for in my "job" quest. I want to know what the kids think my job is and should be. I also hope they know where they stand too.
Is there seriously only six weeks left?
Exam prep should be starting soon, along with the tantalizing warm weather and field trip season! Maybe I should post some study tips too in the coming future....
That's all for now!
Thursday, 14 May 2015
What Day Is It?
About an hour ago, I had a plan on what I was going to write today. Now, it's completely escaped me. I'm just going to write anyway.
This week has been ridiculous! However, it is my birthday tomorrow so I'm very excited about that. I don't have any plans for my big day and that is perfectly fine.
Great news- the school division has asked the teachers in it's schools to order 100 books for each class, which means for our school (since it's k-12) 1300 brand new books. I am not sure if I'll be cataloging all of these books or just labeling them class-wise. Either way, I think this is really cool. One thing I've really noticed with the kids is that they are always saying "my class doesn't have any good books, I want to work in here with the books in the library". Don't get me wrong, I love having classes in here for daily 5 and other purposes, but I know it will mean SO much to the kids and the teachers when they come to class one day with 100 specifically chosen books for their classrooms.
In order to keep up with this, I'll have to make sure I am on top of the new best-sellers all of next year. I've already been compiling a list, hopefully I can start ordering in September!
Yesterday school ended early, the kids were gone and the teachers were in meetings. This meant that I had the chance to re-organize some of the books in the elementary section. Surprisingly, there were only a few books that were crazily out of place! I got over halfway done, but it's a daunting task that must go uninterrupted.
A lot of my time spent this week has been on research. Thankfully I work in the perfect place for that. I am reading a book called 'Restitution' by Diane Chelsom Gossen. This is helping me to break my brain into itty bitty pieces at different points in the day. I need to keep reminding myself to remain calm, show that I care, and think differently than in previous jobs. This is a challenge that I enjoy, because I know no matter how long it takes, even if I take a million steps back- I will eventually make connections with these students. These students need to know that I will be here tomorrow and the day after that.
Over half the kids have given me compliments today, and it's so awesome to see smiles on their faces! I straightened my hair today and they are so flabbergasted. I also hid some minions around my desk and made the scanner into a fancy man with a mustache!
I must sign off now, since I'm just noticing that there may be a bird in the library.....BYE!
This week has been ridiculous! However, it is my birthday tomorrow so I'm very excited about that. I don't have any plans for my big day and that is perfectly fine.
Great news- the school division has asked the teachers in it's schools to order 100 books for each class, which means for our school (since it's k-12) 1300 brand new books. I am not sure if I'll be cataloging all of these books or just labeling them class-wise. Either way, I think this is really cool. One thing I've really noticed with the kids is that they are always saying "my class doesn't have any good books, I want to work in here with the books in the library". Don't get me wrong, I love having classes in here for daily 5 and other purposes, but I know it will mean SO much to the kids and the teachers when they come to class one day with 100 specifically chosen books for their classrooms.
In order to keep up with this, I'll have to make sure I am on top of the new best-sellers all of next year. I've already been compiling a list, hopefully I can start ordering in September!
Yesterday school ended early, the kids were gone and the teachers were in meetings. This meant that I had the chance to re-organize some of the books in the elementary section. Surprisingly, there were only a few books that were crazily out of place! I got over halfway done, but it's a daunting task that must go uninterrupted.
A lot of my time spent this week has been on research. Thankfully I work in the perfect place for that. I am reading a book called 'Restitution' by Diane Chelsom Gossen. This is helping me to break my brain into itty bitty pieces at different points in the day. I need to keep reminding myself to remain calm, show that I care, and think differently than in previous jobs. This is a challenge that I enjoy, because I know no matter how long it takes, even if I take a million steps back- I will eventually make connections with these students. These students need to know that I will be here tomorrow and the day after that.
Over half the kids have given me compliments today, and it's so awesome to see smiles on their faces! I straightened my hair today and they are so flabbergasted. I also hid some minions around my desk and made the scanner into a fancy man with a mustache!
I must sign off now, since I'm just noticing that there may be a bird in the library.....BYE!
Friday, 8 May 2015
What's New in my Zoo.
Yes, it is a zoo.
A month has gone by and here is a list of accomplishments:
The new Librarian is signing off!
A month has gone by and here is a list of accomplishments:
- Connections with students
- Putting my mark in the library (crafts on crafts on crafts)
- Knowing the timetable- a.k.a when kids should be in class, and when they should be visiting me.
- Cataloging an obscene amount of amazing books
- Learning what Minecraft, Clash of Clans, and Roadblock is (I know, I'm only 23 and I am SO out of the loop)
- Organizing everything I can so I know where I leave things
- Getting to know the staff: laminating every thing in speedy time (and cutting it all out, too)
- I have basically taught myself everything there is to know about anything in this library from scratch. This includes cataloging, using the computer program, fixing books that have been damaged, renting laptops/cameras, the printer (the printer is like a Rubik's cube) and memorizing the locations of the books- and then putting them all away.
The kids now know me by name, and it feels great. This has been an amazing experience so far, and I feel as though I have come a long way since the beginning.
Of course, there have been some bad days, it takes a level of self-control that I have never known existed in me. Even with the bad days, there are always great moments. I was lucky enough to be asked to work with a student every morning on reading recovery, sight words and sentence building. I am so proud of this student, and she has really started to open up to me. This student has already moved up several levels in one month! This makes me feel as though no matter what I am attempting, I am still making a difference.
One of my favourite things to do, aforementioned in my last post is reading to classes regularly. Although I do not have specific qualifications to be named a teacher-librarian, I am still trying to form some sort of lesson while reading specific books. I am always communicating with teachers to make sure I am reading books that pertain to their monthly themes or projects. I do a lot of improvising, however the kids are very smart, and they always answer my questions beautifully. I read a lot about cultures within the school, and about the environment.
This school is Kindergarten to Grade 12, so it is always fun yet challenging to portray myself in many different aspects. I have only just graduated high school 5 years ago, so I am mostly a friend to the much older kids, and a funny crafty big kid to the younger ones.
Thank you Pinterest for livening up my library each and every day! I will post the pins so that maybe you can use them too!
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