Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Conference
I don't know what made me look, but I think we need to plan on going to AASL Conference 2009. It would be November 4-8th in Charlotte, NC. I would rather go to NC than wait until 2011 and go to Minneapolis, MN. I think NC would be pretty in the fall. OR would it be better to save up on go to the big ALA?
Monday, November 26, 2007
I Need Titles!
I have a favor to ask you all. I am interested in knowing the BEST 10 (or more :)) YA books you have read or purchased for your library lately. What are your kids' favorites? I love knowing what you are all reading and buying. I read School Library Journal et all, buy from the awards lists. But, I perfer your recommendations! I trust you all! Can't wait to read your lists.
~Courtney
~Courtney
Saturday, November 24, 2007
SLIM SISTA reunion at Barnes and Noble
OK ladies here is a great opportunity to use our profession of choice as a means to have a SLIM SISTA reunion. Saturday, December 1st Barnes and Noble will be having two authors- Beverly Olson Buller author of From Emporia: the story of William Allen White and Lisa Harkrader autor of Airball. Who wants to meet for the author signings and have a long SLIM SISTA lunch??
Oh no! The Kindle!
Hey, have you read the article about the Kindle? NEWSWEEK cover story, Books Aren't Dead (They're Just Going Digital). What do you think? The author hits books hard.
My thoughts:
1. The I-Pod lovers are going to jump all over this, but I don't think I need one more thing to remember to charge up.
2. I would love to read newspaper articles on this thing, but that's about it.
3. Thank god it doesn't support animation, picture books will live on.
4. I wonder what it will do to book prices in general.
5. Even though there are other ebook reading devices on the market that have flopped before, I think this one will be the big seller.
6. If they combine it with music, it would be a fun toy to have.
My thoughts:
1. The I-Pod lovers are going to jump all over this, but I don't think I need one more thing to remember to charge up.
2. I would love to read newspaper articles on this thing, but that's about it.
3. Thank god it doesn't support animation, picture books will live on.
4. I wonder what it will do to book prices in general.
5. Even though there are other ebook reading devices on the market that have flopped before, I think this one will be the big seller.
6. If they combine it with music, it would be a fun toy to have.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Read IMMEDIATELY!!!
This letter is what I'll be handing over to my principal and superintendent. Let me know if I should add or change anything on the last page.
Thanks. Oh, yeah, enjoy!
(First page)
Incident that occurred with Tracy Benitz
Tracy approached me as I was conducting personal business with a photography client. (I also had my 3 year old daughter with me.) The incident that will be explained took place at Lindsay Miller’s house around 4pm on November 19, 2007.
I was leaving the residence of Mrs. Miller’s, I had just stepped out the door, when Tracy followed me out and asked me to explain what occurred with her son, Jett Benitz, during his library class last Wednesday. I explained the detention and reason for the detention to Tracy, as well as I could, since it had occurred almost a week ago. I explained to Tracy that Jett had 1 week to complete an assignment and then another two weeks to get that assignment turned in. Jett, along with his entire class, was told that if the assignment were not turned in by the end of the two weeks, a detention would need to be served. Jett, along with his class, was reminded of this at least two times each week; as that is how often I meet with the students each week. On the final due date, I asked Jett to hand in his assignment, he responded that his mother had thrown it away and he said to me, “You need to give me another one.” I responded, “No, Jett, I do not need to give you another one.” I then proceeded to explain to him that he had known about the deadline for well over two weeks, and that he had numerous chances to ask for another paper. While I was speaking, Jett continued to interrupt me and tell me that I need to just give him another sheet. I did raise my voice towards Jett in order to be heard, and I also explained to Jett that disrespecting and back-talking towards me would not do him any good. I ended the conversation by informing Jett that his detention would need to be served that Friday.
Tracy listened to my explanation, claimed that I ‘yelled at and embarrassed Jett in front of his friends’ and then Tracy proceeded to threaten me by saying, “Don’t ever speak to my son like that again, or else”…. I attempted to explain to Tracy that she had no right speaking to me like that, nor was it the right time and place to discuss those matters. I attempted to explain to Tracy that her accusations held no merit and were not the truth. I also attempted to explain to Tracy that she should have voiced her concerns, last week at school, when the detention with Jett was served. Tracy continued on with telling me that I need to teach differently and that detentions should not be given since library work is not graded. Tracy asked me as to why I did not contact her regarding Jett’s behavior, I responded by informing Tracy that Jett does not always misbehave, this was one incident, and that I didn’t feel that the incident was big nor horrible enough to require a phone call to her. I also explained that phone calls home are made to praise the child or when the child is in serious trouble. I tried to explain to Tracy that sometimes misbehavior comes from the fact that a kid is just being a kid, and that I don’t have time to call every parent regarding those small incidents that take place in the library. I don’t think she heard much of my explanation, as she continued to throw accusations around and raise her voice with me, never giving me a chance to explain in greater detail my reasoning.
Tracy then claimed that she tried to contact me at school three times last week, however I only have word of that contact attempt being made once, and that was on Thursday. (I was absent that particular Thursday as I had a procedure done with a GI doctor.) I tried to explain to Tracy that I had only known of the one attempt at contact and that I was gone that day. Tracy then responded, “Well, you need to keep your personal life separate and remain at school doing your job.” At that point, I began to walk away and Tracy began to yell out more accusations, claiming she had heard from people, that I have ‘bad mouthed’ her son through emails with Mrs. Fuller (again, another false accusation). I continued to walk away and told her that she could speak to my boss regarding problems and concerns with my teaching. I buckled my daughter into her seat, got into my car, and left.
(Last page)
I am in more ways, than one, upset and embarrassed by all that occurred.
#1-I was humiliated in front of paying photography clients, clients that view me as a professional.
#2-The time was the not the place for Tracy to approach me, as again, I was conducting personal business, it was not during school/work hours, and my daughter was present.
#3-The accusations thrown by Tracy, directed at me, hold no truth or merit but I was not able to explain this, as Tracy would not give me the chance.
#4-The fit that Tracy threw was immature and uncalled for. She has done this more than once, and never seems to understand how wrong it is.
#5-I feel that I should not have to stand for a parent to tell me how to do my job and tell me when I should or should not take time off for particular reasons.
If need be, I will explain now as to why work given during library lessons should be taken seriously and should be completed within given timelines.
As a media specialist (librarian) it is my job to teach the students, in all grades, information literacy. This includes reading, writing, technology, and research. I teach students how to research by using nonfiction books, dictionaries, the encyclopedia, and the Internet. I teach students the correct ways to find reliable, true information. I teach students how to correctly cite their information. I also teach students the pros/cons of technology and how they can use it to increase their knowledge. I spend my time preparing students for state assessments by reading with them, to them, and having them read to me. I am able to prepare the students through discussions of story elements, and I observe the students’ reading comprehension skills. All of this is done so that I can better see what areas need focused on, and what areas can use improvement. The students are able to benefit in so many ways. The students, by taking the skills learned during library lessons, can better complete curriculum assignments. They can research on their own, and make use of available resources with the understanding and knowledge of what can be taken from those resources. The students learn life skills during library lessons. They learn the importance of reliable information and how to acquire knowledge. The students learn reading skills and comprehension skills and are better able to perform on state and class assessments.
The reasoning for my requiring completion of the assignments is so that I have a way to evaluate the students’ learning. Without the completed assignments, a student may fall behind and not be able to acquire the necessary knowledge that will be needed throughout his/her life. With the completed assignments, I am able to review the students’ learned knowledge, and can emphasize my focus on the areas that the students need to improve and master.
Thanks. Oh, yeah, enjoy!
(First page)
Incident that occurred with Tracy Benitz
Tracy approached me as I was conducting personal business with a photography client. (I also had my 3 year old daughter with me.) The incident that will be explained took place at Lindsay Miller’s house around 4pm on November 19, 2007.
I was leaving the residence of Mrs. Miller’s, I had just stepped out the door, when Tracy followed me out and asked me to explain what occurred with her son, Jett Benitz, during his library class last Wednesday. I explained the detention and reason for the detention to Tracy, as well as I could, since it had occurred almost a week ago. I explained to Tracy that Jett had 1 week to complete an assignment and then another two weeks to get that assignment turned in. Jett, along with his entire class, was told that if the assignment were not turned in by the end of the two weeks, a detention would need to be served. Jett, along with his class, was reminded of this at least two times each week; as that is how often I meet with the students each week. On the final due date, I asked Jett to hand in his assignment, he responded that his mother had thrown it away and he said to me, “You need to give me another one.” I responded, “No, Jett, I do not need to give you another one.” I then proceeded to explain to him that he had known about the deadline for well over two weeks, and that he had numerous chances to ask for another paper. While I was speaking, Jett continued to interrupt me and tell me that I need to just give him another sheet. I did raise my voice towards Jett in order to be heard, and I also explained to Jett that disrespecting and back-talking towards me would not do him any good. I ended the conversation by informing Jett that his detention would need to be served that Friday.
Tracy listened to my explanation, claimed that I ‘yelled at and embarrassed Jett in front of his friends’ and then Tracy proceeded to threaten me by saying, “Don’t ever speak to my son like that again, or else”…. I attempted to explain to Tracy that she had no right speaking to me like that, nor was it the right time and place to discuss those matters. I attempted to explain to Tracy that her accusations held no merit and were not the truth. I also attempted to explain to Tracy that she should have voiced her concerns, last week at school, when the detention with Jett was served. Tracy continued on with telling me that I need to teach differently and that detentions should not be given since library work is not graded. Tracy asked me as to why I did not contact her regarding Jett’s behavior, I responded by informing Tracy that Jett does not always misbehave, this was one incident, and that I didn’t feel that the incident was big nor horrible enough to require a phone call to her. I also explained that phone calls home are made to praise the child or when the child is in serious trouble. I tried to explain to Tracy that sometimes misbehavior comes from the fact that a kid is just being a kid, and that I don’t have time to call every parent regarding those small incidents that take place in the library. I don’t think she heard much of my explanation, as she continued to throw accusations around and raise her voice with me, never giving me a chance to explain in greater detail my reasoning.
Tracy then claimed that she tried to contact me at school three times last week, however I only have word of that contact attempt being made once, and that was on Thursday. (I was absent that particular Thursday as I had a procedure done with a GI doctor.) I tried to explain to Tracy that I had only known of the one attempt at contact and that I was gone that day. Tracy then responded, “Well, you need to keep your personal life separate and remain at school doing your job.” At that point, I began to walk away and Tracy began to yell out more accusations, claiming she had heard from people, that I have ‘bad mouthed’ her son through emails with Mrs. Fuller (again, another false accusation). I continued to walk away and told her that she could speak to my boss regarding problems and concerns with my teaching. I buckled my daughter into her seat, got into my car, and left.
(Last page)
I am in more ways, than one, upset and embarrassed by all that occurred.
#1-I was humiliated in front of paying photography clients, clients that view me as a professional.
#2-The time was the not the place for Tracy to approach me, as again, I was conducting personal business, it was not during school/work hours, and my daughter was present.
#3-The accusations thrown by Tracy, directed at me, hold no truth or merit but I was not able to explain this, as Tracy would not give me the chance.
#4-The fit that Tracy threw was immature and uncalled for. She has done this more than once, and never seems to understand how wrong it is.
#5-I feel that I should not have to stand for a parent to tell me how to do my job and tell me when I should or should not take time off for particular reasons.
If need be, I will explain now as to why work given during library lessons should be taken seriously and should be completed within given timelines.
As a media specialist (librarian) it is my job to teach the students, in all grades, information literacy. This includes reading, writing, technology, and research. I teach students how to research by using nonfiction books, dictionaries, the encyclopedia, and the Internet. I teach students the correct ways to find reliable, true information. I teach students how to correctly cite their information. I also teach students the pros/cons of technology and how they can use it to increase their knowledge. I spend my time preparing students for state assessments by reading with them, to them, and having them read to me. I am able to prepare the students through discussions of story elements, and I observe the students’ reading comprehension skills. All of this is done so that I can better see what areas need focused on, and what areas can use improvement. The students are able to benefit in so many ways. The students, by taking the skills learned during library lessons, can better complete curriculum assignments. They can research on their own, and make use of available resources with the understanding and knowledge of what can be taken from those resources. The students learn life skills during library lessons. They learn the importance of reliable information and how to acquire knowledge. The students learn reading skills and comprehension skills and are better able to perform on state and class assessments.
The reasoning for my requiring completion of the assignments is so that I have a way to evaluate the students’ learning. Without the completed assignments, a student may fall behind and not be able to acquire the necessary knowledge that will be needed throughout his/her life. With the completed assignments, I am able to review the students’ learned knowledge, and can emphasize my focus on the areas that the students need to improve and master.
Friday, November 16, 2007
LJ the Librarian
It is OFFICIAL! The superdt. stopped into my room to congratulate me in front of my class. It was great because it is my class of all boys--all reluctant readers. He introduced me as the new school librarian for the 2008-09 school year--and they clapped and hooted for me! I couldn't ask for better PR than that..plus it made me feel good. I hope to see all of them in the library next year.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
anyone...anyone
Finished with Capstone......but trying to figure out how to copy my freewebs website onto a disk....it's a requirement to do that...any thoughts?
Monday, November 5, 2007
Oh it feels good to be wanted!
I knew that would get everyones attention!! I have a story to share with you all. I got an email last week from my old superintendent from Burlingame. He said that the librarian had put in her resignation letter that day and that the job would be open for next year and mine if I wanted it. Then over the weekend I got a phone call from one of the board members wanting to know if I had heard the news. She said she was sure the superintendent would do what ever he could to get me back in the district. My it feels good to be wanted. BUT- the very best part of this story is..... the day I got the email about the job- my current principal called me into his office to go over my evaluation. He told me to come into his office and shut the door. I said :hey if this is going to be bad I want to let you know right now that I had a job offer today." His eyes about popped out of his head but he smiled and said "what?" I told him about the email. Then during my evaluation-which was awesome!!! He said so I guess you don't need to worry about that other job right?? Life is good!!!!!!!
Hello ladies!
I am sorry to again be delinquent on my responses, but we have been having at-home computer issues again. So, today during my lunch, I decided to take a second to read the postings and say hello to everyone. I loved catching up as I read all of your postings. It sounds like there are a lot of exciting things going on with all of you.
MaryAnn - Congrats on taking the next step forward to getting a job in a public school.
Lori Jo - What is the status of your library job? I can definitely relate to being overwhelmed. That has been my story for the last 3 months or so. I love that the people here are so supportive. They have never had a librarian before so basically anything I do looks good, but that doesn't help me being completely overwhelmed. My library looks barren to say the least. I have not even had a moment to put up decorations. I feel like I am headed for a breakdown right now. I have met with my principal who is currently trying to delegate some of the responsibilities that ended up on my plate when they shouldn't have been. My caution to anyone at a new job is be careful of taking on too much.
Well, other than being overwhelmed, life in Denver is good. I think once this year is over I will feel a lot better. It is just hard starting all over again. I forgot what it was like my first year of teaching. But, dont' get me wrong, I definitely am sooooooooo glad that I am in a library. I just think all of the changes TJ and I made at once have gotten me a little overwhelmed.
Lets start planning a Denver trip now! I really want you guys to come visit. I could definitely use a weekend with you guys!
Talk to you soon!
MaryAnn - Congrats on taking the next step forward to getting a job in a public school.
Lori Jo - What is the status of your library job? I can definitely relate to being overwhelmed. That has been my story for the last 3 months or so. I love that the people here are so supportive. They have never had a librarian before so basically anything I do looks good, but that doesn't help me being completely overwhelmed. My library looks barren to say the least. I have not even had a moment to put up decorations. I feel like I am headed for a breakdown right now. I have met with my principal who is currently trying to delegate some of the responsibilities that ended up on my plate when they shouldn't have been. My caution to anyone at a new job is be careful of taking on too much.
Well, other than being overwhelmed, life in Denver is good. I think once this year is over I will feel a lot better. It is just hard starting all over again. I forgot what it was like my first year of teaching. But, dont' get me wrong, I definitely am sooooooooo glad that I am in a library. I just think all of the changes TJ and I made at once have gotten me a little overwhelmed.
Lets start planning a Denver trip now! I really want you guys to come visit. I could definitely use a weekend with you guys!
Talk to you soon!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
I need some Sista-ly advice
Hey SLIM Sistas-
Ok, well I've mentioned how I'm toying with the idea of going to a public school....I have a screening interview coming up later this month! I'm apprehensive about it for a few reasons, but I'm excited too. I'm starting to really dip my toe into the water rather than just talk about it, so here goes I guess....
So, to those of you who have been through this process before...what should I expect? What are they going to ask me??? When I talked to the HR person, she told me that I will be meeting with a building principal, and she will interview me using the ventures screening interview. The way she said it, I assumed that it's some type of known screening process. I Googled it however, and I can't come up with anything. In all honesty, I've never interviewed before, aside from my SLIM entrance interview with Candy, which was a joke. I was a long term sub before I took my current position, then I was offered a contract. There was no interview, lucky for me, but now I'm kinda nervous about the process.
One question that will probably come up, which I think is such a dumb question, is to list your weaknesses. I do know that you are to say things that can be turned into positives, like I'm too detail oriented, BS, BS....
Any and all suggestions are appreciated!!! I hope that all is well with you guys. Question, is our blog private? It would be kind of embarrassing if my blog postings came up to haunt me. I don't think that any Joe Blow can find us, but I'm not sure.....
Ok, well I've mentioned how I'm toying with the idea of going to a public school....I have a screening interview coming up later this month! I'm apprehensive about it for a few reasons, but I'm excited too. I'm starting to really dip my toe into the water rather than just talk about it, so here goes I guess....
So, to those of you who have been through this process before...what should I expect? What are they going to ask me??? When I talked to the HR person, she told me that I will be meeting with a building principal, and she will interview me using the ventures screening interview. The way she said it, I assumed that it's some type of known screening process. I Googled it however, and I can't come up with anything. In all honesty, I've never interviewed before, aside from my SLIM entrance interview with Candy, which was a joke. I was a long term sub before I took my current position, then I was offered a contract. There was no interview, lucky for me, but now I'm kinda nervous about the process.
One question that will probably come up, which I think is such a dumb question, is to list your weaknesses. I do know that you are to say things that can be turned into positives, like I'm too detail oriented, BS, BS....
Any and all suggestions are appreciated!!! I hope that all is well with you guys. Question, is our blog private? It would be kind of embarrassing if my blog postings came up to haunt me. I don't think that any Joe Blow can find us, but I'm not sure.....
Pictures
I sent everyone pics of my library via email. Karen...I think it overloaded your account or something. Let me know where I can send them so you don't miss out. I'm a little overwhelmed at the thought of tackeling the weeding, arranging and making it my own. I suppose it will be fun once Ruth hands over the keys.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
I know ladies, I'm pulling you back to a time you don't want to remember. I have a small celebration. Carol came out for her practicum visit and I also finished my practicum hours last month. Now, I just have to finish my digital notebook and also my online portfolio. I must admit something though. Mary Ann you asked if I submitted my question to my class online????No, it seems as though I got the retard group. Every time I log on to check the discussion board, there are thousands of new messages, I mean what do these people do, just hit reply all day. Plus, I have posted questions before and gotten shot down by many people, so I keep to myself. (Most were under the impression that we were staying the entire weekend, idiots). I know, I"m being harsh. I'm so ready to be done. Graduation is Dec. 14, I'll be there with bells on.
Wedding stuff....I'm just excited to be getting married. It's all just small stuff now. We are looking for a photographer, lots of great ones, very few cheap ones (that are good). Poor Dustin, he has no idea what all a wedding involves.
Hey, when are we going to Denver? Should we set a date for this spring or even summer?
Wedding stuff....I'm just excited to be getting married. It's all just small stuff now. We are looking for a photographer, lots of great ones, very few cheap ones (that are good). Poor Dustin, he has no idea what all a wedding involves.
Hey, when are we going to Denver? Should we set a date for this spring or even summer?
Friday, November 2, 2007
Just Do It! Join www.shelfari.com
Thanks Mary Ann for heading most of us in the right direction. I love playing around with Shelfari. I love looking at all your friends lists too. Make sure all of you check out Brittney and Kaitlin's too. They are Butterfly Girl and Monkey Queen.
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