May 19, 2020
As you settle into your summer, I just received word that the county libraries will be open for curbside pick up of actual books beginning June 3. I haven't found a lot of details with this yet but wanted to let you know.
I look forward to seeing most of you in the fall, and for 8th graders, please come back for a proper goodbye! Best of luck to you!
And everyone, keep reading!
May 14, 2020
Please, please bring your books back to school during your drop-off/pick-up days! I need to let these books "quarantine" for a couple of weeks, and then I want to be able to offer everyone all the books again in June! Look for a flyer about a time to pick up more books for the rest of your summer to happen in June. The more books that are in, the more that will be available. Details to come, but I am excited to be able to offer you books for your summer reading!
May 11, 2020
Exciting!!
May 4, 2020
May the 4th be with you! Try these activities about Star Wars!
Quarantine Bingo Make a BINGO during the last 2 weeks of school and send to me to get a free book! Hopefully, you can pick it up for the summer or when school starts next year.
May 1, 2020
I have updated the wakelet resources with some new websites to visit. Take a tour of NYC, find online graphic reads, do some coding, try some new writing ideas, and more. Hope you are well! Hang in there--I know you all are working hard and doing your best to adjust to our new learning format. (Scroll down to March 27.)
April 21, 2020
Results are in the state book award winners! Go to the State award nominee list for the results!
April 20, 2020
Here are a few more links for you to try.
Breakout LIVE will host daily digital breakout games where you can win prizes Monday through Friday. Games each day start at 1 pm with different topics each day. Access is available for all previous games as well.
Also, there will be another Book/Author festival on May 1-2. It will feature Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, and Jewell Parker Rhodes among others. Check out this link if interested.
April 17, 2020
Here are a few more links for your weekend. One is a link to a YA virtual author festival. It has many authors you know and love like Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), Shannon Hale (Real Friends), Karen McManus (One of Us is Lying), Nic Stone (Dear Martin) and many more! You have to register for sessions to hear the different authors, but it is completely FREE. Click here for information.
Are you having trouble with your online work at home? Remember, the county library has FREE online help with Tutor.com. Use your library card to create an account. Hours are noon to midnight.
April 13, 2020
Getting bored at home yet? Why not try a virtual event from the county library. Use this link to get to their event page. These are teen and tween events.
My library at home through the county library will get you to all virtual classes and events, HOMEWORK HELP, the ebook library and more. If you haven't explored here yet, I highly recommend it. You can also get your temporary card here if you haven't yet.
April 6, 2020
What do you know about COVID-19? Take this Kahoot quiz some time between now and Friday. There is a lot of information out there. This is a great time to be thinking about reliable sources to figure out what information is true and not.
I will also be posting the award nominee lists for the 2020-21 school year in the "State Award Nominees" tab soon. Keep reading this year's in ebook or audio format and then get a jump start on next year's.
April 3, 2020
Here is another contest by the county library--an essay contest on why the library is a special place for you. Prizes in 3 different age groups will be a gift card. Get more information here.
March 31, 2020
Have you found yourself with lots of time to read lately? Well, the St. Charles County library wants to reward you for reading just 20 minutes a day for the next 4 weeks. All you have to do is record your daily 20 minutes Monday-Friday on a Google Form to be eligible for the weekly drawing of a $50 Amazon gift card. You can even get a second entry by submitting a picture of you reading. The challenge begins this week. Visit this link to get to the entry form and for all the details.
March 27, 2020
Week 2 of social distancing may make you want to get out but can't. I've compiled a Wakelet board of resources to allow you to virtually go to places--the Great Wall, aquariums, museums, even Disney World! Plus there is a Harry Potter digital escape and some fun STEM activities. I hope this will help you with your time at home.
Wakelet board of places to go and fun things to see
March 24, 2020
Wanted to add that Audible is providing FREE audio books while schools are closed. Another great source to take advantage of during this time.
Audible--free audio books
I know many of you love April Henry books. She has put together this activity to get you writing.
April Henry story starters
I'm putting together more fun and interesting things to watch and do but wanted to get these out now.
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March 23, 2020
Remember you have access to all ebooks and audiobooks in the Destiny catalog!. If you are here, then you are halfway there! Go to the Find a Book tab and scroll down to you see ebooks or audiobooks and begin your search. You will need to log in with your normal username and password to actually check it out.
If you are looking for a wider variety of books, use the St. Charles County library. If you or no one in your family has a card, you can apply for a temporary card now using this link
free temporary county library card
Once you get your temporary card number and pin number, you have access to the entire e-library. Go to the elibrary for the ebook and audiobook collection. Try Hoopla for more of both of those as well as comics, movies, and tv shows. Try Kanopy for more movies, and Flipster for magazines. There are many research and resources throughout the website, so I encourage you to apply for that card and use it today!
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March 20, 2020
Dear Parents and Students,
I hope this extra time at home finds you safe, healthy, rested, and perhaps yearning for something to read!
First, I have turned off automated, weekly emails concerning overdue/missing books. All due dates have also been extended. If you get an email for some reason, please ignore it at this time. I do not want anyone to worry about impending fines during this extended time away from school.
Second, I hope you will find some time to finish reading any books you do have checked out. Remember, ebooks can still be accessed from the catalog from the "FInd a Book" tab. And the county library is offering FREE temporary cards for ebook access online! I hope you make reading a part of your day.
Each week I will be working to adding resources for you including more about the county library free card, learning resources, and fun resources to keep you busy. I hope you will take time to explore these as more and more are coming out that I will continue to update.
Stay healthy and safe. I miss you all! Remember, "Reading gives us some place to go when we have to stay where we are." (Mason Cooley)
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This year the learning commons is taking on the theme of "We are the Champions!" (celebrating a Blues Stanley Cup win!) by "finding the champion in you!"
This is a taking on a new meaning at this point in the school year. We don't have to look far to find a champion and the people in that role--all those who are providing services during the pandemic. And everyone of us can be a champion to this cause by following the guidelines set by our government and health officials. Let's all be champions.
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CONTEST WINNERS
January Challenge: edible book challenge and award nominee book challenge. Stop by the learning commons for more details.
Ugly sweater decorating contest winners: Hope S., Stevie S., Haylee B.
August/September Challenge winners:
Winners are Kathy (Jia) Y. (coloring), Courtney M, and Landon F.
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Sept/Oct. Challenge winners: Valerie G and Rachel H and Jasmine R
Plus, pumpkin decorating winners Sophia J (3rd year in a row!) and Taylor S.
winner Simone Biles!
2nd place STL Cardinals
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The following students have achieved MVP status by reading all Truman nominees: Andrew H., Katelyn H., and Abbie R.
The following students have achieved Hall of Fame status by reading at least 4 nominated books from 1 or more categories: Mallory S., Taylor S., Freya R., Logan U., Caleb C., Auri A., Emily K., Sydney R., Reed A., Luke P., Payton W., Bella S.
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Don't know what to read next? Go here for recommendations for new books based on what you have already read.
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Want to pay a fine online for a late, damaged, or lost book? Go to the "ABOUT the Learning Commons" page for a link.
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St. Charles County Library Connection
Take 20 and Read is a program where you record your reading for 20 minutes each day, turn in your log, and get a chance to win a Kindle Fire.
Discover Hoopla as another source for downloading books, magazines, music, tv shows, and movies. Seven (7) FREE downloads a month.
Do you have a St. Charles County library card? Do you know all that you can get with one? It only takes a few minutes and it's FREE! Head to your nearest branch to borrow a telescope, cake pan, and more.