Physics is.....

If you're curious about how the universe works, physics is a great place to start. Physics allows us to understand the complex world around us by breaking things down to basic building blocks and simple rules; then, we can use these basics to explain what makes the rest of the world and the cosmos tick. It's an exciting subject going from the subatomic scale to the galactic, and used in fields ranging from medicine to energy.
Information about the topic of physics can be found in the nonfiction section under the Dewey Class number 530. Some subheadings for information found in this area are matter and antimatter; mechanics of solids, fluids, and gases; sound and related vibrations; visible light (optics); heat, electricity and electronics; magnetism; and molecular, atomic, and nuclear sciences. Explore a few of the ways this ancient discipline is taking us into the future. Check out the 530's in the nonfiction section!
This week I am at the Middle School on Tuesday, November 29. On Thursday, December 1, I will be meeting with K-Geelan, 4-Hildman, and 2-Glawe.

Enjoy a good read!
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

If you're looking for history and adventure try one of the recipients of the Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award! This award is given to outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World. Below is a list of titles with authors:

1. The Fighting Ground by Avi
2. Two Suns in the Sky by Miriam Bat-Ami
3. Charley Skedaddle by Patricia Beatty
4. The Honorable Prison by Lyll Becerra de Jenkins
5. Elijah of Buxton by Curtis Christopher
6. Alice Ramsey's Great Adventure by Don Brown
7. The Game of Silence by Louise Erdich
8. Bull Run by Paul Fleishman
9. Stepping on the Cracks by Mary Downing Hahn
10. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
11. Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki
12. Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
13. Worth by A. Lafaye
14. The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle
15. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
16. Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O'Dell
17. Jip: His Story by Katherine Patterson
18. Trouble Don't Last by Shelley Pearsall
19. A River Between Us by Richard Peck
20. Shades of Gray by Carolyn Reeder
21. Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Robinet
22. Under the Blood Red Sun by Graham Salisbury
23. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
24. The Land by Mildred D. Taylor
25. A Time of Troubles by Pieter Van Raven

Enjoy!

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

This Week...

This Friday, November 11 is Veteran's Day. A day we honor all men and women who have served in the military. Thank a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine for their service to America.

On Tuesday, November 8, the first graders will watch a bilingual video based on the book "I Love Saturdays Y Domingos" written by Alma Flor Ada.
On Thursday, Novemeber 10, K-Jass will watch 2 books via AEA 267's BookFLIX - "Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning" by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup JR. and "Thanksgiving" by Trudi Strain Trueit followed by a vocabulary game based on the books. Later, 2-Tangeman will listen to the book "Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving" by Laurie Halse Anderson and take home an activity sheet.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Mrs. T. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian

It's Book Fair Time!

The WH Elementary School Library is sponsoring a Book Fair to be held this week! Students will be able to preview the books during school media classes and make a "wish list' of wanted titles. Besides students/parents/others being able to purchase books and other items from the book fair to take home, profits from the sale will be used to purchase additional titles for the elementary library collection. The Book fair is open during Parent/Teacher Conferences on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-7:45pm in Britt in the Elementary LMC.

I will only meet with 2 Kindergarten classes this week. On Tuesday, I will meet with K-Jass and on Thursday I will meet with K-Geelan. Both will watch the DVD of Bats in the Library based on the book written and illustrated by Brian Lies.

On Halloween day, I dressed in a costume and read a story in the the K-4 classrooms. It was a lot of fun! The HS students were treated to book related videos during their visits in the HS LMC.

Happy Halloween!
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian.

Teens' Top Ten 2011

Readers ages 12-18 recently selected their top ten favorite books out of a field of 25 nominations. The 2011 winners are:

1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare


2. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins


3. Cresendo by Becca Fitzpatrick


4. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore


5. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa


6. Matched by Ally Condie


7. Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel by James Patterson


8. Paramormalcy by Kiersten White


9. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver


10. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

How many have you read?

This week I will meet with three classes on Tuesday, October 25th: K-Geelan - We will listen to Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler, 4-Hildman - We will use the Iowa AEA online databases, and 2-Glawe - We will listen to One Witch by Laura Leuck. On Thursday, October 27th I will meet with 2-Davoli - We will listen to One Witch by Laura Leuck, 3-Zuehl - We will listen to Jeepers Creepers by Laura Leuck, and K-Loeschen - We will listen to Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING BACK YOUR LIBRARY BOOK! You can not check out a new one UNTIL the checked out book is returned. Contact the school libraries if you have any questions.

Happy Reading!

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

College and Career Ready?

Last Thursday and Friday, I attended the Iowa Library Association's 121st Conference in Council Bluffs. It was very educational and rewarding to "rub elbows" with fellow public, school, and academic librarians. I don't know why I had never attended a ILA con before!

One of the sessions I attended was "College and Career Ready: What does it mean? What can we do?" It was hosted by Dr. Jean Donham, Associate Professor, School Library Studies at UNI in Cedar Falls. In this session we examined selections for the Literacy Core Curriculum to discuss how the library program contributes to implementation. We reviewed first year college assignments to assess what skills and dispositions are necessary for success. In short, here is what I took away from this session for students to be college and career ready:

1. Students need to be engaged in meaningful, rigorous classes all 4 years of High School. No senior slacker classes.



2. Preparing for college/career begins in Middle School. Students need foundational skills in composition, math, reading, and science.



3. Students need to develop "Academic Discipline," that is the ability to work alone to meet a goal, the ability to think out a problem, the knowledge to use resources to solve the problem, and the ability to 'self-check' their work.



4. Helpful dispositions for students to posses are to be open-minded, be curious, be investigative (persistent), use reason, and use evidence.

There is much evidence here to support the collaboration of classroom teacher and teacher librarian to assist students in getting college and/or career ready!

This week I am at the HS/Elem on Tuesday. I meet with:

• 2-D where we will listen to Pumpkin Soup written and illustrated by Helen Cooper.



• 3-Z where we will go to the online catalog: http//destiny.wh.whancock.org



• K-L where we will watch an ebook downloaded from NEIBORS: The Best Place to Read

On Thursday, I will be at the MS. I will be giving a demonstration about NEIBORS, a consortium of public and school libraries that allows free download of ebooks to public library patrons.

We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself - Lloyd Alexander

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

ORANGE You Interested In...

With the beginning of October comes the thoughts of PUMPKINS! 80% of the pumpkin supply in the U.S. is available in October. I went out to Furleigh Farms and picked out a few pumpkins for myself. I thought you might like to read a list of suggested book titles about pumpkins....

• Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie - Jill Esbaum


• Calabazas=Pumpkins - Jacqueline Farmer


• I Like Pumpkins!: Me Gustan Las Calabazas - Dianne Helton


• Pick a Perfect Pumpkin - Robin Michal Koontz


• Postcards from Buster: Buster and the Giant Pumpkin - Marc Brown


• Big Pumpkin - Erica Silverman, ill. by S.D. Schindler


• Pumpkin Soup - Helen Cooper


• The Pumpkin Fair - Eve Bunting


• Pumpkin Fever - Charnan Simon, ill. by Jan Bryan-Hunt


• The Pumpkin Patch - Margaret McNamara, ill. by Mike Gordon


• Oh, My, Pumpkin Pie! - Charles Ghigna, ill. by Ken Spengler


• How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? - Margaret McNamara, ill. by G. Brian Karas


• Pumpkins: A Story for a Field - Mary Lyn Ray


• The Ugly Pumpkin - Dave Horowitz


• The Legend of Spookley, the Square Pumpkin - Joe Troiamo, ill. by Susan Banta


• Pumpkin Day - Nancy Elizabeth Wallace


• "Tiny", the Littlest Pumpkin - Joseph S. Smith


• Squashed - Joan Bauer (takes place in Iowa)

Of course there are many more!

All 3 media centers have received new curesty of the annual AEA 267 book give away. The HS also received one of their yearly book orders - over 100 new titles. By the end of this week those books should be ready for check out.

On Friday, October 7, Mrs. Abels from the MS and Mrs. Johnson from the HS will be attending a workshop for library aides in Clear Lake. While there, they will be introduced to the new Iowa AEA Online databases available to students and staff by hands-on demonstration. They will also connect with other library aides from around our area to discuss trends, problems, and usage of school library media centers. I will be attending with them.

This week I will be in Kanawha on Tuesday, October 3rd and at the elementary on Thursday, October 6th.

Orange you glad you can rfead?

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

JustFreeBooks - Add this search engine to your browser.

JustFreeBooks - Add this search engine to your browser.

Short week

Due to the Labor Day holiday, we will have a short week at WH.
On Tuesday, 6-SEP-11, I will meet with 3-Zuehl and together we will watch and discuss a powerpoint about parts of a book. Mrs. Loeschen's K-class will listen to Mr. Wiggle's Book written by Paula Craig and we will discuss proper book care.
Kindergarteners, don't forget to bring your book back on library day. Each time you do, you get a gold star on your bumblebee. After 4 gold stars you get a sticker! Library days are Day 1: K-Loeschen, Day 4: K-Jass, and Day 5: K-Geelan.
On Thursday, 8-SEP-11, I will be in Kanawha at the MS.

Welcome to Mr. Davoli, the new 2nd grade teacher!

Keep Reading!
Mrs. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian

Some Library Stats

We are now entering into our 2nd full week of school and things are starting to fall into place. I've already met with a few of the students and they are ready to READ!

This week I will be in Kanawha at the MS on Tuesday, August 30th. On Thursday, September 1st, I will meet with K-Geelan, 4-Hildeman, and 2-Glawe. K-G will listen to Mr. Wiggle's Book written by Carol Thompson and illustrated by Bobbie Houser. 4-H will be in the computer lab at www.abcya.com. 2-G will watch a power point on library orientation in the computer lab.

The 2011 state library reports are sent, but I thought you might like to read some results...

2010-2011
Items checked out by staff and students
HS - 1143, MS - 5019, and Elem - 7500

Items borrowed from AEA 267 by Teachers
HS - 306, MS - 199, and Elem - 1020

Total Number of Items: Books, Audio-Visual, and Equipment, etc.
HS - 3,700, MS - 8,789, and Elem - 9,920

Estimated value of Library Media Center Collection and Equipment
HS - $76, 472.19, MS - $104, 545.80, and Elem - $108, 220.49

Thank you to all who support reading and libraries in the schools.

Mrs. Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian

Excitement in the air!

As I type this I am sitting in my little office in the WHHS LMC and planning for the upcoming school year. I love this time of year! I know we think of January as the start of a new year, but to me it's in August.
I have always enjoyed school, learning, reading. I remember when I was little, the start of school meant new clothes, new school supplies, new teachers, and sometimes, a new school. While I knew I would miss all the summer activities and weather, there was a sense of excitement of what was to be - the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - and a time to grow in mind, body, and spirit. Of course, my 2 sisters, brother, and I had our picture taken in that 'just right' new outfit when it was our turn to line up for the big day.
I hope you as students (or parents) take this opportunity to make a fresh new start for the 2011-2012 school year. That first few weeks can be so important! Learn something new each day!
Please return each week to read my blog. Try to enjoy those last rays of summer. And Good Luck and Good Reading in the upcoming year at West Hancock Community Schools!
Mrs. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

3 Activities That "Count" as Reading

Reading isn't just about books. These activities can also help build kids' skills.

1. Reading Directions. Step-by-step directions not only call for close reading, they also develop kids' logic and sequencing skills. So encourage kids to be the navigator on family trips, to build models, to play board games, and to try out new recipes in the kitchen.

2. Playing Video Games. Kids obviously shouldn't sub all their reading for screen time, but many video games require players to follow a complicated storyline and read chunks of text, which can help build children's skills. Check commonsensemedia.org for game reviews.

3. Browsing the Internet. Sure, Facebook isn't War and Peace, but kids are doing a lot of reading while they play games and socialize online. Incorporate more "meat" by encouraging kids to visit a reading site like The Stacks (scholastic.com/the stacks) or the teen writing site figment.com. [reprinted from Instructor. It's Summer. Let's Read!. Summer, 2011. p. 57]

This week I will be in the WH district on Tuesday, May 24, and Wednesday, May 25. On Tuesday, we will have the last library skills classes of the year. I will meet with the first graders and read the Marcus Pfister book, Milo and the Magical Stones: An Enviromental Story with TWO Endings. Mrs. Hildman's fourth graders will watch The Andrew Carnegie Medal winner, Notes Alive! On the Day You Were Born: A story concert with 3-D Animation. This VCR features the Minnesota Orchestra with original music by Steve Heitzeg and conducted by William Eddins. The text is taken from the award winnging story On the Day You Were Born by Deb Fraier with narration by the author.

It's been a great year! Don't forget, READ EVERY DAY!

Mrs. Theresa Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Mark Your Calendar!

The end of the school year is fast approaching. Please put these library-related dates on your calendar.....

SENIORS: ALL library books are due this Friday, May 13th. The Library dept. can not sign checkout sheets until your book is returned or paid for to replace it.

GRADES 9-11: ALL library books are due Friday, May 20th. Checkout sheets can not be signed until your book is returned or a replacement paid for.

GRADES K-4: Last book check out for students is Wednesday, May 18th. ALL STUDENT BOOKS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY, MAY 20th.

*Please Note: The school library media centers are NOT closed; just limited check out for students.

This week on Tuesday, I will meet with K-Jass and we will listen to Really Rabbits, written by Virginia Kroll and illustrated by Philomena O'Neill. 2-Tangeman will listen to the book Color, written and illustrated by Ruth Heller and make their own bookmarks. On Thursday, I will meet with 2-Bruns and finish our book report mobiles and 4-Kahlstorf and practice Dewey Decimal Review.

Next week I will be in Kanawha at the MS on Tuesday and meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Thursday.

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Children's Book Week!

Children’s Book Week, May 2 to May 8, is the national celebration since 1919 of books and reading for youth. It is a time to celebrate books and reading in classrooms, libraries, bookstores and homes. Share a book with a child.
Just a reminder to seniors to return any library books/materials they may still have out. We can not sign off on their check out sheet until all LMC materials are returned/paid for.
This week I will meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Tuesday. The kindergartners will listen to the story Really Rabbits written by Virginia Knoll and illustrated by Philomena O'Neill. The 2nd graders will listen to the story Color written and illustrated by Ruth Heller and make their own book marks. On Thursday, 3-Zuehl will finished their book report mobiles.
Next week I will meet with K-Jass, 2-Tangeman, 3-Bruns and 4-Kahlstof.

DON'T FORGET YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS!!

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

El Dia De Los Ninos/El Dia De Los Libros!

April 30, 2011 marks the nationwide Hispanic celebration Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day).

Children’s Day is celebrated in many countries throughout the world at different times during the year. On the North American continent, Dia de los Ninos grew from the annual celebration started in 1925 in Mexico.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the American Libraries Association’s annual commemoration, along with the National Association to Promote Library Information and Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking (REFORMA), which emphasizes advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Designed for children pre-school age through fifth grade, many libraries will feature such activities as storytelling, crafts, games, music and dance, piñatas, prizes and snacks.

This week I will meet with several classes on Thursday, April 29th. The first graders will listen to Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children's Day/Book Day = Celebremos El dia de los Ninos/El dia de los Libros written by Pat Mora and illustrated by Rafael Lopez. This book was the 2010 winner of the Pura Belpre Award. Mrs. Hildman's class will review decimal placement in the Dewey Decimal System. Mrs. Bruns's class will start work on their book mobiles.

Next week I will meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Tuesday, May 3rd and 3-Zuehl on Thursday, May 5th.

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Turnoff Week/Digital Detox Week

Who would ever think that families of today would unplug their televisions and video games, turn off their media players or computers, or put their cell phones on silent for one day, let alone for an entire week! Well, believe it or not, it will happen. Families across the nation will be turning their media screens off for a week during Turnoff Week running April 18-24. Also called Digital Detox Week, this national event encourages people to use electronic screened media responsibly and have more time for a healthier life, personal time, and more community participation. Families are to turn off media appliances with a screen for a week and go out and get some exercise, socialize with friends, or read a book or read to their children. Can you or your family go seven days without watching TV or playing with any electronic toys? According to a January 2010 study by Kaiser Family Foundation, youth ages 8-18 spend an average of 7 1/2 hours a day with electronic entertainment (and manage 10+ hours of total media since they multi-task,) Our media savvy kids are watching TV, playing video games, posting on Facebook, surfing the net, texting, and listening to music! The maximum time recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics is just 2 hours a day! Take the Dare....Join others across the nation and unplug for ONE week! This Tuesday I will meet with 3-Bruns and 4-Kahlstorf. The third graders will work on their book mobiles and the 4th graders will listen to the Toni Buzzeo book, Our Librarian Won't Tell Us Anything! I will not be in the district on Thursday or the Tuesday after Easter. Next week I will meet with the first graders, 4-Hildman, and 3-Bruns on Thursday. READ EVERY DAY! Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

National Library Week, April 10-16

National Library Week will be observed April 10-16, 2011 with the theme, "Create your own story @ your library®."

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries - school, public, academic and special - participate.

Many school libraries also celebrate the month of April as School Library Month sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians, a division of ALA, with the same theme as National Library Week. Other celebrations during National Library Week include: National Library Workers Day, celebrated the Tuesday of National Library Week (April 12, 2011), a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers; National Bookmobile Day, celebrated the Wednesday of National Library Week (April 13, 2011), a day to recognize the contributions of our nation's bookmobiles and the dedicated professionals who make quality bookmobile outreach possible in their communities; and Support Teen Literature Day, celebrated the Thursday of National Library Week (April 14, 2011), aimed at raising awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today's teens.

This week I will meet with Mrs. Zuehl's 3rd graders on Tuesday. We are making Book Mobiles. Look for them in the elementary hallways when we are done. On Thursday I will be at WHMS.

Next week I meet with 3-Bruns and 4-Kahlstorf on Tuesday and I will not in the district on Thursday.

READ EVERY DAY!

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

10 Reads for Teens

The Alex Awards are given to 10 books written for adults that have a special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. The award is sponsored by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust and Booklist. Edwards was a young adult specialist for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Her work is described in her book FAIR GARDEN AND THE SWARM OF BEASTS, and over the years she has served as an inspiration to librarians who serve young adults. The Alex Awards are named after Edwards, who was called "Alex" by her friends. This year's award winners are as follows: 1. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had to - DC Pierson, 2. Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard - Liz Murray, 3. Girl in Transition - Jean Kwok, 4. The House of Tomorrow - Peter Bognanni, 5. The Lock Artist - Steve Hamilton, 6. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake - Aimee Bender 7. The Radleys - Matt Haig, 8. The Reapers Are Angels - Alden Bell, 9. Room - Emma Donoghue, and 10. The Vanishing of Katharina Linden - Helen Grant. This week I will meet with 1-Kobes, 1-Savoy and 4-Hildman on Tuesday. The first graders will watch a DVD of 3 farm stories: Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin; The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash written by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Steven Kellogg; and The Pigs' Wedding written and illustrated by Helme Heine. 4-H will listen to Our Librarian Won't Tell Us ANYTHING! written by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa. On Thursday I will meet with K-Jass and 2-Tangeman. Read Every Day! Mrs. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Late for an Important Date!

OK! I'm late with my blog this week! Sorry!!! This past Tuesday I was in Kanawha at the middle school. Mr. Kronemann and I worked on the availability for the laptops to download ebooks for students and staff to read for next year. This Thursday, I will meet with K-Geelan and students will listen to The Pirate of Kindergarten written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avril. This book is the 2011 winner of the Schneider Family Book Award. Students in 2-Glawe will practice putting author names in ABC order by doing 'Minute-to-Win-It' contests. Next week I will meet with the first graders and 4-Hildman on Tuesday [5-April] and K-Jass and 2-Tangeman on Thursday [7-April]. Keep on reading! Mrs. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

3 Special Awards for People!

Besides books winning awards, authors and illustrators are also recognized. Three special awards are also given to authors and/or illustrators. They are the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, The May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture Award, and the Margaret Edwards Award.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal is a prize awarded by the ALA to writers or illustrators of children's books published in the USA who have over a period of years made substantial and lasting contributions to children's literature. The bronze medal is named after its first winner, 20th century American author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Originally awarded every six years starting in 1955; since 2001 it has been awarded every two years. The latest award recipient is Tomie dePaola [2011]. (Who can forget the Little House on the Prairie series by Wilder?!?)

The May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture was established in 1969 to honor American educator May Hill Arbuthnot. The lecture is given each year by an author, artist, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher who has made a significant contribution to the field of children's literature. The 2011 lecture will be given by author Lois Lowry. The award is given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the ALA.

The Margaret Edwards Award is awarded annually by the YALSA division of the ALA to an author for a specific body of his or her work, which has made a significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. It recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world. It was named for 20th century American librarian Margaret A. Edwards. This year's recipient is Terry Pratchett, author of the following: The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents [c2001], The Wee Free Men [c2003], A Hat Full of Sky [c2004], Going Postal [c2004], The Colour of Magic [c1983], Guards! Guards! [c1989], Equal Rites [c1987], Mort [c1987], and Small Gods [c1995]. The award has been given since 1988.



This week I will visit with K-Jass and 2-Tangeman on Tuesday, March 22nd. K-J will listen to recent Schneider Family Book Award winner, The Pirate of Kindergarten written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avril. 2-T will listen to Never Trust a Squirrel! written by Patrick Cooper and illustrated by Catherine Walters. On Thursday, March 24th, I will visit with 3-Bruns where we will discover the 800's category, especially jokes and make an autograph book. Later 4-Kahlstorf will play reading for information games.



Next week I go to Kanawha on Tuesday and have class with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Thursday.



Keep on Reading!

Mrs. Reiter

K-12 Teacher Librarian

"A top 'o' the morning to yee!"

It's once again time for one of my favorite holidays... St. Patrick's Day! being a wee bit Irish meself, I always like to celebrate! Bring on the potato soup, soda bread, & corned beef!
Good reads come from other countries. And there's an award for that! The Mildred L. Batchelder Award is presented to an American publisher. It seeks to recognize translations of children's books into the English language. The award id sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Mildred L. Batchelder began her career working in an Omaha, Nebraska Public Library , then as a children's librarian at St. Cloud State Teachers College, and subsequently as librarian of Haven Elementary School in Evanston, IL. She eventually joined the ranks of the ALA in 1936, spending the next 30 years at the ALA promoting the translations of children's books. [cited from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_L._Batchelder_Award]
This year's award recipients are as follows:
Award Winner: A Time for Miracles, published by Delacorte Press, written by Anne-Laure Bondoux and translated by Y. Maudet. Originally published in French in 2009 as "Le Temps des Miracles," the novel tells about a young refugee as he searches for identity, safe haven and truth, from war-torn Caucasus to the freedom of France, over five arduous years.
Honor Books: Departure Time, published by Namelos, written by Truus Matti, translated from the Dutch by Nancy Forrest-Flier. [Originally published in 2009 as "Vertrektijd."] and Nothing, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, written by Janne Teller, translated by Martin Aitken. [Originally published in Danish in 2009 as "Intet."]

This week I will visit with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Tuesday, March 15th and 3-Zuehl on Thursday, March 17th. Expect St.Partick's Day fun for all three classes.
Next week I will visit with K-Jass & 2-Tangeman on March 22nd and 3-Bruns & 4-Kahlstorf on March 24th.

Erin Go Braugh!
Mrs. O'Reiter

Diversity in the Library Media Center

There are two book awards given anually that address diversity and/or the experience of diversity. They are the Schneider Family Book Award and the Stonewall Book Award.
The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. The 2011 award winners are: for Middle School readers - After Ever After written by Jordan Sonnenblick (Tells the story of Jeffrey who is free of cancer, but not the fallout from the treatment. Tad, his cancer survivor buddy and he swap wisecracks as they cope with their "chemo-brain," other cancer effects and typical 8th grade angst.); for Teen readers - Five Flavors of Dumb written by Antony John. (Dumb is not the name Piper, a high school senior who is Deaf, would have chosen for a heavy metal band, yet she volunteers to manage this disparate group of would-be musicians.); and for the Young Child readers - The Pirate of Kindergarten written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Lynne Avril. (Ginny's eyes play tricks and, in her world, there are two of everything. Reading, math, and kindergarten activities are a challenge. Wearing an eye patch turns her into the pirate of kindergarten, and glasses help bring her world into focus.).
The Stonewall Book Award is presented by the GLBT Round Table of the ALA for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered experience in the fields of fiction, non-fiction, and/or children's & young adult literature. The 2011 winner in the Children's & Young Adult category is Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher. (This remarkable book takes a hard look a the difficulties and pain experienced by young male-to-female transsexuals from an easily relatable perpective. A small-town Missouri boy's world is rocked when he falls for the new girl at school who was born male and is in transition to becoming a female.).

This week I will meet with 3-Bruns and 4-Kahlsdorf on Tuesday, March 8th. 3-B will listen to The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh written by Janet Nolan and illustrated by Ben F. Stahl and 4-K will play reading for info games. On March 10th, I will meet with 1-Kobes and 1-Savoy, and 4-Hildman.

Until next time...Keep Reading!
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Read Across America - March 2, 2011

What better way to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday than reading to a child? On March 2nd (Dr. Seuss's birthday), Random House and the National Education Association (NEA) urge you to participate in Read Across America and read to a child.
Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love of children and learning. Also his use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills to be successful. When we celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading, we send a clear message to America's children that reading is important.

For more information on Read Across America, please visit the NEA's website at www.nea.org/readacross.

On Tuesday, March 1st, I will be meeting with the 1st graders and with 4-Hildman. The 1st graders will listen to Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! written by Dr. Seuss and illustrated by Jack Prelutsky and Lane Smith. The 4th graders will be playing one of two board games: Outlast or Capture the Flag. In both games, players use their reading comprehension skills in a race to be the winner. On Thursday, March 3rd, I will be meeting with K-Jass and 2-Tangeman. Mrs. Jass's class will watch a DVD of Dr. Seuss stories. Mrs. Tangeman's class will experience using Playaways. A Playaway unit reads aloud a story while the reader, using headphones, follows along in his book. It's like listening to an audio book except there are no tapes or CD's to bother with and more than one person can listen at a time. Our stories will be about dinosaurs.
Next week I will meet with 3-Bruns and 4-Kahlsdorf on March 8th and 1-Kobes, 1-Savoy, and 4-Hildman on March 10th.

Don't Forget to return your Books!!!
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Audio & Video For Children

Let's learn about 2 special audio visual awards: The Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video and The Odyssey Award.
The Andrew Carnegie Medal, presented yearly by The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), was named in honor of 19th century American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It honors the producer of the most outstanding video production for children. The 2011 medal goes to The Curious Garden, produced by Paul R. Gagne and Melissa Reilly Ellard at Weston Woods Studios. The video shows how the actions of one small boy can make a lasting impact.
The Odyssey Award is an annual award given to the producer of the best audio book for children and young adults, available in English in the USA. It is jointly awarded by two divisions of the American Library Association (the Association for Library Service to Children and the Young Adult Library Services Association) and is sponsored by Booklist magazine. The 2011 award winner is The True Meaning of Smekday, produced by Listening LIbrary, narrated by Bahni Turpin, and written by Adam Rex. The 2011 honor audio books are Alchemy and Meggy Swann (author L.A. Meyer); The Knife of Never Letting Go (author Patrick Ness); Revolution (author Jennifer Donnelly); and will grayson, will grayson (authors John Green & David Levithan).

This Tuesday I will be in Kanawha at the Middle School. On Thursday, I will meet with K-Geelan and we will listen to The Twelve Days of Winter: A School Counting Book written by Deborah Lee Rose and illustrated by Carey Armstrong-Ellis. Students in 2-Glawe will experince listening to fiction books about dinosaurs on "Playaways". Playaway units contain the audio version of a book and multiple listeners can read along with their own book.

Next week I will meet with the first graders and 4-Hildman on Tuesday, and K-Jass and 2-Tangeman on Thursday.

HAPPY READING!
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

YALSA Award for Exellence in Nonfiction & The Sibert Informational Book Medal

This Part 2 in a continuing discussion of book awards presented annually by the American Library Association.


The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) branch of the ALA presents the Award for Excellence in Nonfiction to honor the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18). The 2011 winner is Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel. "From her humble beginnings in a small town in Texas to her marquee life as a superstar of 60's rock, Janis Joplin remains an icon of music. Despite her short life, she left an indelible impression on the music on an era." Other finalists are They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti; Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement by Rick Bowers; The Dark Game: True Spy Stories by Paul Janeczko; and Every Bone Tells a Story: Hominin Discoveries, Deductions, and Debates by Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw.


The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually by the ALA to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the receding year. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, IL. The 2011 medal winner is Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Bird, written by Sy Montgomery and illustrated by Nic Boshop. "Kakapo Rescue is an inspiring call to action. This visually appealing and engaging book takes readers on an unforgettable journey to New Zealand. Naturalist Sy Montgomery and wildlife photographer Nic Bishop document the successes and failures of the rescue team dedicated to saving a species of flightless parrot numbering fewer than 100." Sibert Honor Books are Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan and illustrated by Brian Floca; and Lafayette and the American Revolution written and illustrated by Russell Freedman.

On Tuesday, 15-FEB, I will visit with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe. K-G will listen to Hokey Pokey: Another Prickly Love Story by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Janie Bynum. 2-G will listen to the book, Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters and Nancy Carpenter. On Thursday, 17-FEB, Mrs. Olson will meet with 3-Zuehl and will read Abraham Lincoln Comes Home by Robert Burleigh.

Next week I will be in Kanawha on Tuesday and meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Thursday.

Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

And The Winner Is......

This the start of a multi-part series on 2011 Book Awards. This week we will look at the John Newbery Medal and the Randolph Caldecott Medal Awards. These medals are awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

The Newbery Medal was named for the 18th-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
The 2011 Newbery Medal Winner is Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. (The town of Manifest is based on Frontenac, KS, the home of debut author Clare Vanderpool's maternal grandparents. Vanderpool was inspired to write about what the idea of "home" might look like to a girl who has grown up riding the rails.) 2011 Newbery Medal Honor Books are Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm, Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus, and Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Rick Allen.

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of the 19th-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The 2011 Caldecott Medal Winner is A Sick Day for Amos McGee, illustrated by Erin E. Stead and written by Philip C. Stead. (In this tender tale of reciprocity and friendship, zookeeper Amos McGee get the sniffles and receives a surprise visit from his caring animal friends. Erin Stead's delicate woodblock prints and fine pencil work complement Philip Stead's understated, spare and humorous text to create a book perfect for sharing with friends.) 2011 Caldecott Medal Honor Books are Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Laban Carrick Hill; and Interrupting Chicken, written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein.

This week's schedule:
Tuesday - 3-Bruns will listen to the book Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books written by Kay Winters and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. 4-Kahlstorf's students will watch and discuss the DVD Math Curse based on the book written and illustratred by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.
Thursday - 1-Kobes and 1-Savoy will listen to the book If You'll Be My Valentine, written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Fumi Kosaka and do an activity. 4-Hildman's class will watch and discuss the DVD Math Curse based on the book written and illustrated by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.
Next week I will meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe on Tuesday and 3-Zuehl on Thursday.

More award winners to come!
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Did Phil see his shadow?

With all this snow and wind, I'm hoping that groundhog doesn't see his shadow this week! I'd sure like the weather to get more 'springy'! Don't you? Below is some information about Groundhog Day taken from Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia:

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2 in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter will soon end. If on the other hand, it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly "see its shadow" and retreat back into its burrow, and winter will continue for six more weeks.
Modern customs of the holiday involve celebrations where early morning festivals are held to watch the groundhog emerging from its burrow. In southeastern Pennsylvania, Groundhog Lodges (Grundsow Lodges) celebrate the holiday with fersommlinge, social events in which food is served, speeches are made, and one or more g'spiel (plays or skits) are performed for entertainment. The Pennsylvania German dialect is the only language spoken at the event, and those who speak English pay a penalty, usually in the form of a nickel, dime or quarter, per word spoken, put into a bowl in the center of the table.
The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day, already a widely recognized and popular tradition, received worldwide attention as a result of the 1993 film of the same name, Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and featured Punxsutawney Phil.

On Tuesday, I'll meet with 3-Zuehl and we will watch a video about the Groundhog Day celebration and Punxsutawney Phil. On Thursday, I'll be in Kanawha at the middle school.

Next week I'll meet with 3-Bruns and 4-Kahlstorf on Tuesday and both first grades and 4-Hildman on Thursday.

Looking for spring,
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Books On Bullying

To help kick-off the 8th Annual No Name-Calling Week, I've included a list of suggested books on bullying, name-calling and teasing....

FICTION

1. Oliver Button is a Sissy - Tomie dePaola
2. The Berenstain Bears and the Bully - Stan Berenstain
3. Bootie Barker Ballerina - Barbara Bottner
4. Arthur's April Fool - Marc Brown
5. Jake Drake, Bully Buster - Andrew Clements
6. Pinky and Rex and the Bully - James Howe
7. The Rat and the Tiger - Keiko Kasza
8. The Field of Dogs - Katherine Peterson
9. Radio Fifth Grade - Gordon Korman

NON-FICTION

1. Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story about Bullying - Becky Ray McCain & Todd Leonardo
2. Stop Bullying Bobby!: Helping Children Cope with Teasing and Bullying - Dana Smith-Mansell
3. Hot Issues, Cool Choices - Sandra McLeod Humphrey & Brian Stassburg
4. The Meanest Thing to Say - Bill Cosby
5. Mom, They're Teasing Me - Michael Thompson
6. Don't Pick On Me: How to Handle Bullying - Rosemary Stones
7. The Anti-Bullying and Teasing Book: For Preschool Classrooms - Barbara Sprung

There are many more! Contact your school librarian or counselor for suggestions. Or go online.

This Tuesday I will meeting with the first graders and 4-Hildman. The first graders will listen to Snow written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Lauren Stringer while 4-H will work on comparing and contrasting with 'Creepy Creatures.' On Thursday, I will meet with K-Jass and 2-Tangeman. K-J will listen to City Dog and Country Frog written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Jon J. Muth and the 2-T will listen to Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola.

Until next time..

Mrs. Reiter, K-12 Teacher-Librarian

NO NAME-CALLING WEEK, January 24-28, 2011

I know NNCW is next week, but I wanted to give you a heads up about this event. No Name-Calling Week (NNCW) is an annual opportunity for students like you to discuss their experiences and feelings toward name-calling and bullying in the schools. No Name-Calling Week 2011 will be held from January 24-28. Every year thousands if educators conduct NNCW activities in the classroom. Parents/Guardians: this might be a good time to share your feelings about name calling and bullying. Free resources are available at www.nonamecallingweek.org.

This week we will try a repeat from last week as we didn't have school last Tuesday. This Tuesday I will be in Kanawha at the MS. On Thursday (Day 5) I will meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe. The Kindergartners will listen to City Dog, Country Frog written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Jon J. Muth. The 2nd graders will learn about books that have won the Caldecott Award for illustrations. They will listen to the 1949 winner The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader.

REMEMBER: No sticks. No stones. No dissing.
Mrs. T. Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Dorothy Holmberg, Britt HS Teacher

I came across a delightful book titled Tributes to Iowa Teachers, edited by William L. Sherman in 1996. The book contains teacher tributes by Iowans and former Iowans. Britt High School teacher Dorothy Holmberg was honored in a testimony by Don Muhm, Farm Editor (Retired), The Des Moines Register of Des Moines, IA. I thought you might like to read it......

"Several teachers (and professors) stick out in my mind as "favorites" - those who you felt really cared about you and learning and what might happen in your life. To them, teaching was more than a job - much more. And it showed.
One very special teacher was Dorothy Holmberg, who came from Decorah during World War II to teach at Britt in northern Iowa. A Luther College grad, as I recall.
At the time, I was a farm boy with a most uncertain future. I knew I loved to read and write, received good grades in English, but I didn't know where such things would take me. Somehow, in her classes, writing as a career became a distant hope. Miss Holmberg's unbridled enthusiasm (in the classroom or directing the junior and senior class plays) sort of rubbed off on some of us.
In the end, I was to spend my career putting words together, for nearly 40 years, on daily newspapers in Marshalltown, Omaha, and Des Moines.
Her influence came during a critical growing-up time in my life. And, I never forgot her.
P.S. Nearly half a century later, I still remember the name of our senior class play, for which she picked me for the lead role. It was Grandad Steps Out."

This week I will be in the West Hancock district on Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesday (Day 5)I will meet with K-Geelan and 2-Glawe. The Kindergartners will listen to City Dog, Country Frog written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Jon J. Muth. The 2nd graders will learn about books that have won the Caldecott Award for illustrations. They will listen to the 1949 winner The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader.
On Thursday (Day 1) I will meet with 3-Zuehl and we will review the Dewey Decimal System used to classify nonfiction library materials.

Until next time...
Mrs. T Reiter, K-12 Teacher Librarian

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope the start of the new year was a good one for you! I also hope you were able to set aside a few minutes to enjoy some reading. Did you get a book for a Christmas present?

This week I will be in the WH school district on Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesday, I will meet with 3-Bruns and we will review the Dewey Decimal System; while 4-Kahlsdorf with discuss the differences between primary and secondary resources. On Thursdays, the first graders will listen to the book Under the Snow written by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Constance R. Bergum; while 4-Hildman will discuss primary and secondary resources.

DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION: An American named Melvil Dewey devised the Dewy Decimal System in the late 1800s. This numerical system organizes the nonfiction books and other media in the library into 10 categories of knowledge. Each item has a specific set of numbers assigned to it.

PRIMARY RESOURCE: Firsthand accounts communicated by someone concerning his or her experiences or observations. For example, birth certificates, diaries, government documents, interviews, eyewitness accounts, last will and testaments, legal contracts, letters, photographs, Constitution of the United States, and time capsules.
SECONDARY RESOURCE: Materials written after the fact. Such as, editorials, encyclopedias (print and electronic), historical novels, movies (e.g. Apollo 13), newspaper articles, television documents, textbooks, U.S. history books, web site information, and weekly news magazines.

Until next week -
Mrs. Theresa Reiter
K-12 Teacher Librarian