Early America Research

During November 2019, the students in Mr. Smerka's seventh grade Social Studies classes spent over a week in the library for a research project.  During this project, groups of 3-4 students researched Early American topics and presented their findings to their classmates.

Student groups chose from topics such as: Northern Colonies, Middle Colonies, Southern Colonies, Sons/Daughters of Liberty, Salem Witch Trials, and The Lost Colony of Roanoke. These topics were very broad and open-ended, meaning that the groups had the flexibility to take their research in many directions.  This made for a challenging task for the groups.  Not only did they have to comb through sources to find relevant and interesting facts, but they also needed to present their information in a way that was organized and engaging.

The first few days of the project were devoted to introducing students to the various resources available for research.  Students spent time using nonfiction and reference books available in the library.  There were close to 150 library books on these topics, so every group found interesting information when browsing the books.  They recorded their research on MLA note sheets, which helped them to stay organized and avoid plagiarism.  Later this year, students will learn how to make MLA formatted works cited pages during an ELA research project.

Note Sheets help students to stay organized during the research process.

Once students exhausted the information found in the books, we moved on to using web resources to gather more facts.  Credible websites were displayed in a Symbaloo organizer found on the middle school library website.  Students were also encouraged to find their own sources through internet searching, but were instructed to evaluate sources for credibility prior to use.  As with the book sources, students filled out MLA note sheets for all of their web resources.

The Symbaloo organizer displayed helpful websites for the project.

MLA note sheets kept the students' research organized.

At the end of the third day of research, the students completed an online "Research Check In" form that was posted on the library website.  This check in allowed Mr. Smerka and I to see if students understood the importance of using reliable sources and if anyone was experiencing issues with the research process.  The data gathered from this was extremely helpful.  Students that might not have been comfortable telling us that they were having problems researching felt comfortable letting us know on the form.  Over the next few days, we were able to provide targeted assistance to those students.

A check in page via Microsoft Forms was distributed to all students.

The groups then worked on PowerPoint slides in order to provide a visual for their presentation.  The majority of these projects were well organized and utilized advanced features such as hyperlinks and transitions.

Students worked on research and PowerPoint presentations while in the library.

Student groups prepared to present to their classmates.

The flexible seating in the library allows students to work in comfort.

The last few days in the library were devoted to presenting the group projects.  Students received a grading rubric prior to presenting, so they had a clear idea of the assessment criteria.  The presentations were wonderful!  Many student groups displayed tremendous creativity (and the groups that brought snacks were much appreciated!).

Mr. Smerka instructs students on effective presentation techniques.

One group made Johnnycakes (a colonial recipe), and even brought in a sub tray!

The sub tray was a wonderful treat the day before the long weekend!

Having Mr. Smerka's students in the library made for a very enjoyable week and a half.  Most importantly, students were able to practice their research, teamwork, and presentation skills.  The seventh grade teams will return to the library for an ELA project in January where they will continue to hone their skills.

Jerry Craft Author Visit

The school librarians at Iroquois are extremely lucky to be in a district that values literacy initiatives.  As part of our annual budget, money is set aside each year to fund high quality author visits for students in grades K-12.  I have worked in a number of districts, and have never been so fortunate as to have money already earmarked for author visits!  It is exciting to know that each year our students will have the opportunity to connect with book creators.

During last school year, I was made aware that Jerry Craft would be visiting Buffalo for the WNY Children's Book Expo.  Jerry Craft is the author and illustrator of the hugely popular graphic novel New Kid.  New Kid tells the story of Jordan Banks, a student of color starting at a new school that is predominantly white.  The story is funny and touching, yet also discusses important issues in an age appropriate way.

I knew Mr. Craft would be a great candidate for an author visit to Iroquois Middle School.  Thanks to Kim Krug (organizer of WNY Children's Book Expo and owner of Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore), we were able to make arrangements for the visit!  Not only would Mr. Craft visit the Middle School, but he would visit the fifth grade Intermediate School and select high school students as well.

Visit Preparations
At the Middle School, preparations and publicity began for the visit as early as September.  As part of library orientation, all students visited the library for a video scavenger hunt.  One of the videos featured the "fun stuff" that the library had planned this year...it was a perfect opportunity to announce the author visit.  From this point on, there was a LONG waiting list for New Kid.  That waiting list continues through today!

This announcement during library orientation
alerted students of the upcoming author visit.

Each ELA teacher was presented with a copy of New Kid during library orientation.  This was helpful, as they were able to share the book with interested students in their class.  The availability of the book in the classroom helped to introduce more students to Jerry Craft prior to the visit.  ELA classes also showed their students videos of an interview with Jerry Craft in order to further their exposure to the author.

In the weeks leading up to the visit, Ms. Chernowski and I hosted a Jerry Craft trivia contest for all fifth grade through eighth grade students.  Interested students picked up an entry form and used Mr. Craft's website to find the answers to the trivia questions.  Five students were chosen at random to receive a free copy of New Kid.

The trivia contest entry form.

The students weren't told this, but we had embedded an extra perk into the trivia program.  Each student who chose to enter the trivia contest was invited to an exclusive meet and greet after the author assemblies.  There were approximately 30 students that entered the trivia contest.  Each of these students, as well as students that preordered a copy of New Kid, received an invitation to the meet and greet event.

Entry forms for the trivia contest were available in the library.

Meet and Greet Invitation

During the days prior to Mr. Craft's visit, students worked on getting welcome displays ready for both the front foyer and the library.  Sixth grade students in the library for study hall were eager to help with this!

Display case in the front foyer.

The whiteboard in the library housed many welcome messages.

Right before Mr. Craft's visit, we learned that he had just won a very prestigious honor.  The Kirkus Prize for Young Peoples' Literature is awarded to one book each year.  New Kid was awarded the Kirkus Prize for 2019!  The book was chosen out of approximately 1,600 titles, and Mr. Craft received $50,000 for his outstanding literary efforts.

Congratulations to Jerry Craft!

Author Visit Assemblies
When Jerry Craft came to Iroquois, he was scheduled for two assemblies in the Intermediate/Middle School: one for fifth and sixth graders, and another session for seventh and eighth grade students.  Keeping the attention of hundreds of middle schoolers is no easy feat, but Jerry Craft's presentations were engaging and inspirational.  He discussed the hard work that goes into writing and illustrating, and how to stay focused even after receiving multiple rejections.  In addition to speaking to students, he also showed them how to create illustrations using simple shapes.  This inspired many pieces of artwork when students returned to their classrooms!

Jerry Craft discusses New Kid.

Students were eager to participate during the assemblies.

Jerry Craft shares the books that motivated
(and de-motivated!) him as a young student.

The special meet and greet for the trivia participants took place after the second assembly.  The students were provided with snacks and the opportunity to have a casual chat with Jerry Craft.  He graciously answered the questions students asked him about his life and books.  Mr. Craft even took the time to draw SpongeBob!

Jerry Craft shows students the tablet that serves as his on-the-go art studio.

Jerry Craft shares some of his favorite chapter titles from New Kid. 
Lots of Easter eggs for careful readers to find!

Happy fifth grade students pose with Mr. Craft and Ms. Chernowski.

After the meet and greet session, Mr. Craft was off to the high school to speak to a select group of students.  His high school session were also well received!  Strangely enough, the high schoolers were also eager to have Mr. Craft draw SpongeBob.  I can't really explain this phenomenon.

Jerry Craft shares his comic strip, Mama's Boyz, with high school students.

A Memorable Day
I cannot say enough great things about our day with Jerry Craft.  The feedback Ms. Chernowski. Mrs. Freatman, and I received from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive.  It will definitely be difficult to top this year's author visit.  Thank you Mr. Craft for your willingness to visit Iroquois, and for the inspiration you provided to us all! 

A great day with Jerry Craft!

Fall Sharing 2019

When you're a school librarian, it can sometimes be difficult to find professional development opportunities geared solely towards your needs.  Luckily for me, we have an amazing organization devoted to high quality professional development just for school librarians.  The School Librarians' Association of Western New York (SLAWNY) hosts many events throughout the year.

One of the largest events held by SLAWNY is the annual Fall Sharing conference.  This conference provides librarians with access to a nationally known keynote speaker, hour long/speed sessions on a variety of topics, and time to connect with area vendors.

This year's conference was held at North Tonawanda Middle School and was expertly planned by SLAWNY's President, Katie LaFever.  Everyone was really excited to meet Mr. Schu, the Scholastic National Ambassador for School Libraries, who served as this year's keynote speaker.

Only a few days away! Can't wait to welcome @MrSchuReads to Western New York. See you at Fall Sharing this Saturday, October 19th. For more info, visit: https://t.co/bKtjtOaHuI #SLAWNYleads pic.twitter.com/YoCTw1KPwR

— SLAofWNY (@SLAofWNY) October 17, 2019

The morning began with smiling faces at the registration desk.  Upon receiving a packet of information for the conference, librarians were presented with two copies of the book Game Changer by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp.  These books, a perk of membership, were donated by the Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES School Library System.  They will serve as an advocacy tool for area librarians.  Librarians were encouraged to keep a copy of the book, and pass the other copy to a school administrator in order to discuss the need for book access for all children.

Susan and Abby working at the registration desk.

Welcome, Award, and Keynote
After a quick stop in the cafeteria for coffee and breakfast, the librarians assembled in the school's music suite.  SLAWNY President Katie LaFever provided a welcome message and an overview of the day's events.

Fall Sharing begins! Thank you SLAWNY President @LafeverKatie for all of your efforts in putting this day together. #SLAWNYleads pic.twitter.com/DrUr8Pyavb

— SLAofWNY (@SLAofWNY) October 19, 2019

Everyone was eager to hear the winner of SLAWNY's Advocate of the Year Award.  This year's winner was the incredible Donn Riggi, librarian at Alden Middle School.  Over her career, Donn has built a reputation for being a creative and generous educator.  Donn is always finding ways to get students excited about reading.  She spearheaded the start of a regional Battle of the Books tournament (which Iroquois Middle School students LOVE to participate in!).  She has also hosted many student teachers throughout the years, which allows her to share her infectious enthusiasm for school libraries.  She has made a monumental impact on the WNY school library community, and is so deserving of this honor!

@DonnRiggi is such an inspiration to me and is definitely deserving of SLAWNY's Library Advocate award! #smilefile #slawnyleads pic.twitter.com/kxcSKiEqUr

— Stephanie Pritchard (@sk348) October 19, 2019

“I can’t imagine a greater honor than being recognized by your peers.” - @DonnRiggi, Sharing her thoughts on winning this year’s SLAWNY advocates of the year award. #SLAWNYleads

— SLAofWNY (@SLAofWNY) October 19, 2019

It was now time for the first keynote address from Mr. Schu!  I've had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Schu at several conferences.  Whenever I see him, I always feel energized and empowered regarding the good work that school librarians can do.  Mr. Schu is a huge proponent of effective school library programs and how librarians can promote kindness and a love for reading within their schools.

During his address, Mr. Schu shared how educators have the ability to impact students, either in a positive or a negative way.  I know this to be true.  Throughout my own K-12 education, I can recall educators that went out of their way to make school a kind, encouraging, and welcoming environment.  Sadly, I can also recall teachers who did not make school a positive or welcoming place.  Mr. Schu reminds us that we have the power to shape students' perception of education, and we should use our platform in an uplifting way.

The message educators send to students can leave a lifelong mark on their hearts. @MrSchuReads challenges SLAWNY librarians...what message will we tattoo on our students’ hearts? #SLAWNYleads pic.twitter.com/uOiesniGcC

— Maria Muhlbauer (@muhlbs83) October 19, 2019

We create a "Circle of safety and a circle of compassion" in our school libraries. Mr. Schu #SLAWNYLeads

— William Street School Library (@LibraryWilliam) October 19, 2019

Hour Long Sessions
After hearing from Mr. Schu, conference participants took a short break before choosing an hour long session to attend.  The hour long sessions allowed presenters to delve into a topic a bit more in-depth than a shorter session allows.  There was a nice variety of session topics, which made it easy for attendees to find a session that would meet their needs.

Descriptions of the Hour Long Sessions.

I wish that I had more pictures from the hour long sessions, but I was presenting at this time!  The topic I chose to present on was advocacy.  Sometimes I feel it is difficult to discuss library advocacy issues, but it is a conversation worth having with library stakeholders.  The librarians that attended this session had great advocacy ideas, so I walked away with some fresh ideas as well!  The link to my advocacy presentation can be found by clicking here.  I only wish I was able to clone myself to attend the other sessions!

Learned how to perfectly puzzle with breakout boxes from @sk348 @SLAofWNY #slawnyleads pic.twitter.com/2de6Ob7OAn

— Haley W. (@burakowh) October 20, 2019

Networking with Vendors
Once the hour long sessions concluded, conference attendees had close to an hour to network and visit with vendors.  The vendors and other sponsors are what made the day possible!  It was helpful to get time to meet with them to hear about the latest and greatest library supplies available to us in Western New York.

Thank you, sponsors and vendors!

Happy birthday to Harry, and happy retirement to both Harry and Linda!

Chris presents selections from Gumdrop Books.

Thank you, Follett Library Services!

Rosen Publishing shares its print and digital offerings.

It was great to partner with NFRC this year!

Sharon presents the latest from Children's Plus.

Monkey See, Monkey Do Children's Bookstore shares new titles for young readers.

Speed Sessions
The time with the vendors seemed to fly by!  The next portion of the conference was dedicated to the speed sessions.  During this time, attendees are encouraged to view a variety of short presentations.  Although not as in-depth as an hour session, the speed sessions are a perfect length to have a quick chat and gain some helpful insights from others.

A listing of Fall Sharing's speed sessions.

Thankfully, I was able to visit most of the speed sessions.  During this time, I was able to grab some helpful ideas for new titles, as well as genrefication ideas for the library's nonfiction area.  I'll plan to put some of these ideas into practice!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge during the speed sessions! #SLAWNYleads pic.twitter.com/ErAXZriPW7

— megan moelbert (@MMoelbert) October 19, 2019

Thank you to authors @amylvpoemfarm and Dee Romito for sharing your passion and expertise at today’s Fall Sharing conference! #SLAWNYleads pic.twitter.com/FICO7n24hV

— SLAofWNY (@SLAofWNY) October 19, 2019

Wonderful to see Charlie Kelly, our @nyla_ssl President, today at SLAWNY’s Fall Sharing conference. Thanks for sharing info about student volunteers with us! #leadoutloud #SLAWNYleads pic.twitter.com/d0MZpMYnJR

— SLAofWNY (@SLAofWNY) October 19, 2019

Jessica shares ideas for QR codes and book reviews.

Melissa shares practical tips for genrefying your library.

Brandon provides ideas to make the most of Google and Microsoft products.

Final Keynote
As the event concluded, participants were treated to lunch in the North Tonawanda High School Library (beautiful space!) and more time with Mr. Schu.  Expanding upon his theme from the morning, Mr. Schu continued to share the book love and the ways librarians can make an impact on students.

Mr. Schu invites Fall Sharing participants to celebrate book birthdays for newly-published books.

Conference Takeaways
I left Fall Sharing feeling energized, inspired, and full of new ideas for the library.  After viewing the conference posts on Twitter, it's clear that other librarians in attendance felt the same way!  Being a school librarian can sometimes be a strange job.  Being the only librarian in a building can often feel isolating, which makes librarian-specific professional development time all the more special.

A central part of my heart as a child was nurtured and inspired by Mr. Rogers. I believe that part of my heart led me to become a school librarian. That part of my heart grew again today with nurture and inspiration from @MrSchuReads. Thank you. #slawnyleads

— Stephanie Devaney (@sdevLibrarian) October 19, 2019

Mr. Schu @MrSchuReads is pure joy. I couldn't capture a moment where he wasn't in constant action. I'm going to try and snag a sefie later #SLAWNYleads @SLAofWNY pic.twitter.com/8gAaHZVjqR

— Christina Carter (@CeCeLibrarian) October 19, 2019

Some pictures from #SLAWNYLeads Fall Sharing this weekend! pic.twitter.com/drSZPx6Wqk

— Katie LaFever (@LafeverKatie) October 21, 2019

Thank you to all that made Fall Sharing 2019 such a special and memorable experience!  I'm already looking forward to Fall Sharing 2020.

Makerspace Progress

Over the summer, I received some exciting news regarding the physical footprint of the library.  The Teacher Resource Center room adjoining the library is now part of the library!  This room was once used as a conference meeting space, but will now be solely student space.

There are many features of the room that make it ideal for a student creation space.  Most importantly, there is an abundance of storage.  This is perfect for storing STEM items, craft supplies, and ongoing student projects.  The space itself is open, making it possible to store the bulky LEGO League mission board.  There is also a bank of windows leading into the library.  This means that students can be working in the creation space while being supervised from the library itself.  A long counter underneath the windows makes for a perfect workbench.  All of these features are opening up many possibilities for our library program!

After lots of cleaning over the summer, the room was ready for its transformation.

The back room prior to any re-purposing.

Here are some pictures of the room in its current state:

The long counter is a perfect workstation.  The bank of windows
make the room visible from the library itself.

All drawers are labeled and contain various craft supplies.

The LEGO League mission board fits perfectly in this large room.

All cabinets are labeled with the supplies each contains.

The LEGO League teams have their own cabinet
where they can keep their supplies organized.

Maker and STEM books have been added to the library's collection. 
Many of the books are now on display in the student creation space.

Access to a sink makes messy projects a reality!

Maker Mondays
Now that the space was ready for visitors, it was time to invite the students in to enjoy the space.  The first "Maker Monday" program took place on Monday, October 7th during sixth grade study hall.  During this time, students were invited to visit the library to participate in coding activities using the BlueBot coding tool.  Students learned how to use the coding tool, then applied their knowledge to tackle various coding challenges.  It was great to see students try something new and work together to meet the needs of each challenge!

Students were challenged to create the longest code possible using the BlueBot.

Students worked together to create a code that would
avoid the fire squares on the BlueBot mat.

There was lots of enthusiasm for the first Maker Monday activity!  Future activities will include STEM challenges as well as craft activities.  The library books purchased will be used for project inspiration.  We're lucky enough to have an abundance of duct tape that needs to be used, too!

Future Steps
We're off to a great start, but there is still a long way to go in building this hands-on component of the library program.  Some next steps include:

1. Naming the student creation space!  I'll be putting together a contest for students to come up with a creative name for their new space.

2. Expanding the Maker Monday program to include new projects and grade levels.  Student input on September's library orientation survey will help with program planning, as they indicated the types of activities they would like to see happen within the library.

3. Decorate the space!  Although the room looks cozier than it once did, there is room for improvement.  Ideally, students should take the lead on making the space their own.

4. Foster more opportunities for student creation through use of recording resources.  We currently have a green screen, but it has yet to be mounted in the space.  Once dedicated recording capabilities are up and running, students will be encouraged to create their own recordings within the library.