Volume 30 Number 10 June 2007 It’s SUMMER! NewsletterNewsletterAh, summer…garden-fresh tomatoes, ripe peaches, sunshine, picnics at the lake, fireworks, and time for catching up on pleasure reading! For those lucky enough to have an actual break, it is a time of renewal, reflection, and revitalization, a time to prepare for the ‘new beginning’ we experience every year. I hope each one of you has a plan for some quality independent time.
To start the summer fun, here are some new reads (in no particular order) that have come to our Professional Library that you may want to search out… they … grab a new book are not to be missed! (or an old favorite), relax, and ENJOY! The Invention of Hugo Cabret: a Novel in Words and Pictures by Brian Selznick, Scholastic, 2007. This is a surprising combination of narrative and illustration, a selec- tion that could easily be both a Newbery and Caldecott nominee! Set in 1930s Paris, this is a complicated and engaging mystery starring young Hugo, the son of a clock- maker, his friend and ally Isabelle, an automaton that can draw pictures, and a stage magician turned filmmaker, a character based on illusionist and pioneer filmmaker, Georges M’eli’es. Especially good for reluctant readers since text and pictures are so well integrated.
On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck, Dial, 2007. Gentle humor and nostalgic glimpses of life in America during World War II bring another time and place to life. A variety of characters pass through the story as coffee and sugar are rationed, scrap metal is collected to support the war effort, and a world of people “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.” It’s easy to picture this novel as a wonderful film. What’s Inside And, for those of you working with kids this summer, or for those who have > President’s Message 1 children at home, look for Epossumondas Saves the Day by Coleen Salley, Harcourt, > Executive Director 2 2007. This is a high-spirited Louisiana version of the traditional folktale, Sody > Public Relations 2 Sallyraytus that is great fun to read aloud! A huge snapping turtle gulps down > Curriculum 3 birthday party guests one by one until the little possum, Epossumondas, saves > Governmental Relations 3 the day. > Educational Technology 4 > CA Dept of Education 6 Anything But Ordinary by Valerie Hobbs, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007 th > Leadership for Diversity 6 This is a story told over time, beginning in 8 grade. Winifred and Bernie, two social > Web Pathways 7 outcasts, become best friends, begin dating, and after rising to the top of their class, > Standards Implementation 8 plan on attending college together. The death of Bernie’s mother derails the plans and > Northern Notes 8 Bernie decides not to go to college. Winifred heads to UC Santa Barbara. How their > Southern Snippets 9 lives change and how they eventually discover what is most important, makes for a > Bookends 10 contemporary and very real story. > Calendar 11 > Deadlines and Editors 11 So, grab a new book (or an old favorite), relax, and ENJOY!
- Martha Rowland, CSLA President EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS From the CSLA Office Los Angeles Time Festival of Books, 2007
~By Linda Jewett, Executive Director ~By Barbara Duffy, PR Committee
want to thank CSLA members for the am so JAZZED! What a production this is. UCLA is humming with people, thousands of many get-well wishes I have received since people, all interested in books. Surely this year will at least match last year’s attendance total Imy three-week hospital “slumber party” Iof 124,000. in March. The cards, letters, and emails all After I helped Richard Moore set up the CSLA booth I went off to the Volunteer site to helped me as I recuperated. Although I am register and get my assignment. I had thought I might escort Michael Douglas, but I was too not yet back in the CSLA office I do continue late for that assignment. Instead they offered my Jim Leherer and his wife Kate, along with to make progress. I was diagnosed with a Sander Vanocur. What a terrific day! Such nice people, and I learned a lot. And laughed. I was pneumonia that was neither caused by a virus in charge of getting a cart between sessions because Mr. Leherer’s health is a bit fragile. It was a nor bacteria and it took time to get it under bit tricky, but usually someone came to pick us up or we hijacked a cart that was idle. When we control. walked into the big auditorium in Korn Hall, there was not an empty seat in the place...I stood Congratulations to author and CSLA the whole time. Anyway, thunderous applause all the way from the back to the stage. Sander member Milly Lee who has been selected as Vanocur interviewed Lehrer and they were SO funny. I scouted the area and found elevators the 2007 recipient of the Commonwealth to the lower level so Mr. L. wouldn’t have to walk down stairs. No cart. We finally walked to Club of California’s Juvenile Book Award. the book signing. There a cart waited for us for 20 minutes while he signed books and then we Milly’s book, Landed, tells the family story were off to a radio interview on NPR. Then to a video session with a gentleman who is making of Lee Sun Chor’s Angel Island immigration a movie about the making of a movie about Mr. L’s first book...Viva Max. The original movie experience. came out some years ago. What a great treat. Summer is a time for school site library I highly recommend volunteering at the Festival of Books. There are so many things to people to hopefully relax and refresh. The do. One is to help with the CSLA Booth. Another is escorting authors. Another is staffing the past months have given me a new perspective information booths. Helping with the book signing. So many things to do, and so interesting. on the work passion that drives so many of The energies of people who love to read are wonderful. It is a real pleasure to be around all of us to exhaustion. Stop, relax, and re-evaluate them. your priorities and try to make a commitment Keep the weekends in April open next year for the Festival. Plan on participating in this to keep time for yourself as you begin a new learning experience and discover a fantastic experience. school year in the fall. Until the August newsletter - enjoy the fruits of summer: good books, good friends, new sights, and lots of laughter.
- By Richard Moore, PR Committee
got a roomful of applause from complete strangers today just for introducing myself. I rose and said, “Just so you know what one looks like, I am a credentialed school librarian. I I was attending a panel of “experts” discussing the future of schools and “What Works.” Paul Cummins of Crossroads was there, with Rafe Esquith (Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire) and Keren Taylor of Write Girl (http://www.writegirl.org/) . They spoke of one thing after another that kids should be doing in school - all without mentioning libraries. So, during Q&A I stood up, said my line and got the response. I told them that everything they wanted to do they could do - if their school had a school librarian. Esquith and Cummins thanked me and Taylor came by the booth later to talk to me. Connections get made at events like this. Volunteers Connie Williams, Raj Ali, Doug Macomber, Barbara Duffy, and Sandy Schuckett all helped out over two days and were Busy! They have enlarged the children’s area and there was good traffic both days. The children of readers are a delight to talk to. I kept promoting the CSLA Poster Contest to them as they saw the art displayed. Young students from UCLA’s IS school said, “So THIS is where we go for school library credentials?” as I handed them CSU brochures. Authors were delighted as I gave them a handout tweaked from the OCPL website: http://www.ocpl.org/about-market.asp Our other handouts went like the candies in the Buffy tin. Characters from books wandered by, sounds echoed from stage presentations, panels intrigued and provoked attendees, poets read, smells drifted from the food court, and everyone enjoyed perfect weather. Do join us next year! 2 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 CURRICULUM GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS Know the State Look How Many!
Standards ~By Crystal Miranda, Legislation Committee
~By Tanya Richards, LMT Modesto City Schools elow is the list of organizations, Coun- ty Offices of Education and School ixed library schedules, that provide Districts that have sent letters of sup- preparation time for teachers, leave few B port for AB333, our online database bill, thus opportunities for “authentic” collabora- F far. Isn’t it wonderful what you can do?! Only tive units. In past years, I usually managed to a few more weeks of school remain (whew!), squeeze in a few each year. This year, however, but it’s not too late to add your District to the it just wasn’t happening. Teachers were so list. Here is the link to all you need to know: stressed. “We have no time,” they cried. 2007 CSLA Conference! http://schoolibrary.org/leg/ “We follow the pacing calendar,” they fretted. “It’s not in the standards,” they lamented. Earlybird registration is now available ORGANIZATIONS Imagine my surprise when a teacher Association of California School Administrators online at
3 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY California ExploraVision Winners & CSLA Visit Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
~By John McGinnis, VP Governmental Relations
It’s a very ancient saying But a true and honest thought That when you become a teacher By your students you are taught. - Oscar Hammerstein II
etting to know Cameryn Cousar, Kian Faizi and David Mao, second-graders from Adobe Bluffs Elementary School in Poway USD was an enlightening experience. These Gthree extraordinary students worked together to win first place in the K-3rd Grade Division of the National ExploraVision Science Contest sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association and Toshiba. Each student will receive a $10,000 savings bond they can use for college and they will attend awards ceremonies in Washington, D.C. on June 7 and 8. Before taking off for the national capital, however, the three students, one parent each, their teacher Stacey Lamb and their principal Cindy De Clercq traveled to Sacramento to visit the California Department of Education, their State Senator Mark Wyland, their Assembly Member George Plescia, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger! The California School Library Association arranged the visits. Thomson Gale and Ebsco Information Services, both providers of educational online database research resources, underwrote the families’ travel expenses. The students won their award for developing a Polymer Activated Life Saver System (PALSS). PALSS saves lives while reducing property damage associated with conventional fire extinguishing systems. Compact polymer crystals trap water and expand to form a blanket that smothers fire and prevents water damage to building interiors and furnishings. PALSS also pro- vides for easier cleanup following a fire. The students told Governor Schwarzenegger that they wanted to do a project that helped people. He asked where they got the polymer crystals. They told him the crystals were bought at a toy store. Their teacher, Stacey Lamb, tested the system at her home and determined that it was very effective. “I tested it at home because I really didn’t want the students starting a fire at school,” she explained to the Governor. All three students engaged in articulate exchanges with Governor Schwarzenegger as they explained how their system worked, how they developed it Gov Schwarzenegger with 2007 and why they might pursue a patent. Exploravision National Champions (photo by William Foster, Also in the room with the Governor were Sandra Yoon, CSLA President-Elect, John Office of Governor Schwarzenegger) McGinnis, CSLA Vice President, Governmental Relations, John Barnes, Senior Vice President, Thomson Gale and Lisa Rabin, Representative of Ebsco. Joan Boucher of Thomson Gale and Jim Wilson of Ebsco were instrumental in gaining financial support for the students. Joan accompanied the students and parents much of the day. With this success as a springboard, the CSLA Educational Technology Committee and the CSLA Curriculum Committee will pursue collaborative efforts with the California Science Teachers Association to promote the ExploraVision contest next year. They will encourage the integration of school library resources including online databases into students’ research. Cameryn, Kian and David taught us how partnerships lead to success!
www.exploravision.org for more about ExploraVision
http://dev.nsta.org/evwebs/2953/default.htm for more about PALSS
NOTE! Pictures with Governor Schwarzenegger were not available at the time of publication. When they become available they will be posted at: http://web.mac.com/csla/iWeb/CSLAConf2006/ExploraVision.html where you can view more pictures now of the visit to Sacramento.
More photos on page 5 >>>
4 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 John Barnes, Senior Vice President, Thomson Gale; Cindy Le Clercq, Principal, Adobe Bluffs Elementary School; Stacey Lamb, 2nd Grade Teacher; Joan Boucher, Thomson Gale; Barbara Jeffus, School Library Consultant, Ca. Dept of Ed.; Cameryn Cousar, Student; Susan Martimo, Manager, Ca. Dept Fire Fighters Memorial in Capital Park – Corrine Cousar, of Ed.; Kian Faizi, Student; Erdees Faizi, Father; David Mao, Stacey Lamb, Cameryn Cousar, David Mao, Kian Faizi, Student; Corrine Cousar, Mother; Wei-Ming Mao, Father. Cindy De Clercq, Erdees Faizi, Wei-Ming Mao.
Assembly Member George Plescia, center with, from left, Wei-Ming Moa; Corrine Cousar; Joan Boucher, Thomson Gale; Sandra Yoon, President, CSLA; Erdees Faizi; Kian Faizi; David Mao; Cameryn Cousar; Stacey Lamb, Teacher; Cindy De Clercq, Principal; John Barnes, Senior Vice President, Thomson Gale.
Lisa Rabin, Ebsco Information Services, with Barbara Jeffus, School Library State Senator Mark Wyland with Kian Consultant, Ca. Dept. of Education Faizi, Cameryn Cousar and David Mao. 5 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 CA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEADERSHIP FOR DIVERSITY Opportunities! Recruiting! Multicultural Book Interested? Awards – Part II
~By Barbara Jeffus, CDE Liaison ~By Sandy Schuckett, Leadership for Diversity
nnouncing two interesting opportuni- ast month we provided the beginning ties for your professional involvement of an alphabetical list of national awards Aand growth through upcoming activi- Lfor multicultural books. Here is the ties of the California Department of Educa- remainder of the list: tion. Pura Belpré Award was established in 2008 Reading Language Arts/English 1996 and is presented by ALA every other Language Development (RLA/ELD) year to Latino writers and illustrators whose Thanks Primary Adoption Instructional Materials work for children or youth best portrays, Advisory Panel (IMAP) Members. Curious affirms, and celebrates the Latino cul- Photographers! about the state textbook adoption process for tural experience. It is co-sponsored by the grades K-8? In light of a new criterion for Association of Library Service to Children and textbook adoption that calls for publishers the National Association to Promote Library to provide teachers with materials and guid- Service to Speakers of Spanish (REFORMA) Thanks to all who contributed ance on the effective use of library resources www.ala.org (Click on “Awards and photos to this year’s newsletters! that best complement the English/Language Scholarships” at top of page.) Arts Content Standards, it makes sense to Sydney Taylor Book Award was estab- Don’t forget to bring a digital have a few candidates from the K-12 ranks of lished by the Association of Jewish Libraries camera to CSLA events such as California’s library media teachers. in honor of the author of the classic All-of-a- meetings and workshops and Officially, IMAP members “review sub- Kind Family series which was one of the first send them in to: susan_maass@ mitted materials according to State Board to accurately portray the Jewish Experience. cjuhsd.k12.ca.us or send in dig- of Education-adopted criteria and ensure It is presented to authors and illustrators, and ital pictures from activities in your that the content of materials is in alignment in 2007 added a Teen Book Award. library. Include a caption explain- with the curriculum framework and content www.SydneyTaylorBookAward.org ing to explain the picture. standards.” Completed applications must be Tomas Rivera Mexican American (One caveat—be sure to get permission received by September 12, 2007. Please review Children’s Book Award has been presented from people in the photos, especially writ- the application carefully for a complete listing annually since 1995 by Southwest Texas State of requirements and timelines. ten permission if students are included!) University in honor of Rivera, who was the www.cde.ca.gov/ci/rl/im/documents/ima- first Mexican American to be named their papprlaeld.doc. Distinguished Alumnus. It is presented to an Calling all library media teachers who author/illustrator of the most distinguished love literature, particularly literature related book for children or young adults that to history-social science! CDE is about to authentically reflects the lives and experiences update the Recommended Literature List for of Mexican Americans in the United States. History-Social Science. The work will begin www.education.txstate.edu/subpages/tomas- in September 2007 in Sacramento to learn rivera/criteria.html the process to submit and review literary works that relate to or support History-Social Here, listed below, are the most recent win- Science. Participants will work indepen- ners of these multicultural book awards: dently until approximately February then Bruchac, Joseph, Hidden Roots. (Native Amer.) come together again to discuss and review Canales, Viola, Tequila Worm. (Belpré) the submissions. Finally, the group will meet Colon, Raul, Doña Flor. (Belpré/illus.) sometime around May to finalize the list. The Draper, Sharon, Copper Sun. (CSKing) entire process will take six days of meeting Erdrich, Louise, Birchbark House. (Native Am.) time and 40-60 hours of independent work Ferber, Brenda, Julia’s Kitchen. (Taylor) over the course of eight months. All travel Herrera, Juan Felipe, Cinnamon Girl. (Américas) and substitute (for meeting days) expenses are Kadohata, Cynthia, Kira Kira. (Asian Pacific) reimbursed by CDE. Krensky, Stephen, Hanukkah at Valley Forge. Participants are not expected to be experts (Taylor) on literature from all grade levels. We are Nelson, Kadir, Moses: When Harriet Tubman looking for people with interest and expertise Led Her People to Freedom. (CSK/illus.) in history, economics, geography, government, Park, Linda Sue, Firekeeper’s Son. (Asian Pac.) civics, psychology, sociology, world studies, Reich, Susanna, José! Born to Dance. (Rivera) world religions, and the other disciplines cov- Salish & Kootenal Tribes, Beaver Steals Fire. ered under California’s History-Social Science (Native Amer.) curriculum. Applications are due by June 8. Zusak, Markus, Book Thief. (Taylor/Teen) Call or e-mail me to request an application. 6 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 WEB PATHWAYS OF THE MONTH CALIFORNIA Elementary Library Resources SCHOOL LIBRARY
~By Terry Lai, Technology Committee LEARNING 2.0 he Internet can be intimidating – and inappropriate – for elementary students. This June 1 - September 1, 2007 Webliography provides age- and curriculum-appropriate websites for youngsters. The Tfirst three of the web sites below deal with authors and books, curriculum, and a reading Join your friends online this summer strategy. The rest of the sites help elementary school aged children get good information and through School Library Learning 2.0, an homework help; one allows students to create stories, and the last two deal specifically with math online learning program for CSLA mem- resources. bers and friends. School Library Learning 2.0 gives you Missouri writes for kids - http://mowrites4kids.drury.edu/ “permission to have fun, experiment, and MISSOURI WRITES FOR KIDS! is a project of the Drury University School of Education learn” about the new and emerging tech- and Child Development. The project is designed to introduce young readers--and their parents, nologies that are reshaping the context librarians, and teachers--to all the good books written by Missouri neighbors. of information on the Internet today. It also focuses on how school librarians can Gross Point Schools, Michigan, K-5 Site map - http://www.gpschools.org/ci/sitemap.htm incorporate these new tools into class- Site Map to Curriculum, Departments, Initiatives, and Learning Resources. These curriculum links have been gathered from many resources and are posted here for your convenience. room and teacher collaborations. The free program is built on Web 2.0 technologies The Chalk Box Kid - http://www.gpschools.org/ci/depts/eng/k5/second/chalk.htm including, among others: Blogger (www. Author’s biography, Crossword Puzzle (printable PDF file or a web-based printable puzzle), blogger.com), Flickr (www.flickr.com), Creative Chalk Art, Literature Unit, Recipe for Sidewalk Chalk, Quia Games - matching, Odeo (www.odeo.com), YouTube (www. flashcards, concentration, and word search, Theme and Student Pictures (Kid Pix or Paint). youtube.com), PBWiki (www.pbwiki. com) & Bloglines(www.bloglines.com). RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic) - http://web001.greece.k12.ny.us/academics. In May 2007, CSLA members will be cfm?subpage=949 This is a tool for differentiating by interest that is well supported by invited to participate in the summer 2007 technology. School Library Learning 2.0 program. Those who register by June 1, 2007 and Fact Monster from Information Please - http://www.factmonster.com/ successfully complete the program by Reference books (encyclopedia, almanacs, atlas, dictionary) can be searched. Linked sections September 1, 2007 will be eligible for include: World & News, U.S., States, People, Word Wise, Science, Math, Sports, Arts & Living, prizes and special recognition, includ- Games & Quizzes, Special Features, Homework Center. ing recognition at Conference. CSLA members who are LMTs or teachers CyberSleuth Kids - http://cybersleuth-kids.com/ can also register for CE units through a An Internet search guide for the K-12 student. Some sections are: classroom clip art, animated special arrangement with Fresno Pacific clip art, Sudoku puzzles, web design, science fair, math worksheets, coloring pages, etc. University. CSLA friends and fellow teachers are welcome to participate in the Sagwa Story Maker from PBS Kids - http://pbskids.org/sagwa/stories/storymaker/index.html Based on “Chinese Siamese Cat” by Amy Tan. Students can make up and write stories by online program, but must join CLSA if putting objects on a background. Also available are games, color & draw, characters. they wish to be eligible for recognition or prizes. MIKIDS.COM - http://www.mikids.com/ A small CSLA 2.0 Team and “test Resources by grade levels – K-5. Authored by Carolyn Gundrum who is a teacher and Librarian drivers” have taken the program this in Michigan. The web can be searched by Google, weather.com, cnn.com, or mikids.com. spring, and will “cheer on” and support summer learners. How can you become Interactive Math Applets - http://everyschool.org/u/ohlone/admin/JIMS.html#top a member of the so-very-cool CSLA 2.0 On this page you will find links to interactive math tools and activities for teaching and learn- Team? It’s easy! Participating CSLA ing. It is intended for students and their teachers grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. The members who successfully complete the topics available cover the core math topics expressed in the California State Content Standards tutorial will become members of the for Mathematics, as well as the key strands described by the National Council for the Teaching CSLA 2.0 Team. of Mathematics. Return to school in the fall with renewed energy and excitement. You’ll be Rainforest Maths - http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ familiar with and fluent in web 2.0 net- “Engaging, interactive, Flash-based activities with an Australian rainforest theme, for grades work applications and how to use them K through 6.” (from Hot Spot of the Math Forum @ Drexel http://mathforum.org/). effectively in their work. School Library Learning 2.0 gives you a head start on Internet Mathematics Library - http://mathforum.org/library the rest of the school community and allows you to be seen as web smart. It’ll be a summer to remember!
7 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 sTANDARDS IMPLEMENTATION Northern Notes
Evaluating the Collection Library Angel to the
~By Tanya Richards, LMT Modesto City Schools Rescue
~By Barbara Scheifler, Northern Section Editor s the school year draws to a close many of us find ourselves beginning the in- ventory process. We handle each book, hristine Reardon, library media A coordinator, Pleasant Grove Middle count it’s presence in the library and assess its physical condition for needed repairs. CSchool, RUSD in Rescue, indeed We may decide to run a collection analysis believes in angels. An anonymous donor to determine the age of materials and which has given $5000/year for the past 2 years areas may be underrepresented in our library. to her library (and this may continue for a But what of the standards? These collec- few more!). Apparently the donor, during a tion analysis tools rely on call numbers to community meeting, saw this gorgeous new sort and analyze collections. They do not library with empty shelves, “she saw wood identify whether the materials in our library where she should have seen books,” said adequately support the standards our students Diane Alexander presenting Connie Williams Christine. This anonymous angel requested and teachers are expected to master. with the Northern Section Professional books be purchased that “students want to Service Award. The question then is; where do we begin to evaluate the collection and to align our read” and stipulated that no class sets or text- materials by state standards? books be purchased and books not be “tagged” as donated. Christine, gathering suggestions 1. Know the State Standards. You’ll find from her students and staff, worked from state them at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/ lists, ALA lists, SLJ lists and reviews, informa- Keep them close at hand for reference as tion from CSLA workshops and conference you review your collection needs. sessions to place book orders. Graphic novels, origami books, and high interest novels have 2. Evaluate the collection and its align- enticed even the reluctant readers into the ment with State Standards. A typical library. One student when questioned how collection analysis will tell you what sub- he liked the new donated book he returned jects have inadequate support. However, exclaimed, “It was the best book I’ve ever read; it will not tell you whether the informa- I read it in two days! tion contained within align with the stan- NS Retirees Jane Ritter, Joanne Ligamari and Susan dards. For that type of assessment you The following NS members are retiring Thompson have finished their time on the need to review the book. this June. They received a lovely card, a book NS board. We are grateful for their years pin and our heartiest congratulations: Sandra of service to our organization (not pictured: 3. Determine areas of need. Once you Winter, Peter Millbury, Sheila Hefty, Mima Debra Budding, Ellen Bell). have evaluated the collection to deter- Cataldo, Jean Campbell and Ellen Bell. mine how it aligns with state standards identify areas of needed improvement.
4. Purchase materials that support the State Standards. Once you have identi- fied the areas that do not adequately sup- port the State Standards develop a plan for improvement. Keep in mind that schools often have additional funding for materials that support State Standards.
So add standards to your year end activities. As you inventory your collection, handle each book, video, magazine or other item take a moment to evaluate how it supports State Standards.
8 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 southern Snippets Southern Section Region 6 Southern Section Region 1 Technology Extravaganza Photo Workshop
Reps. Diane Bennet and Marilyn Irwin Reps. Dawn Dobie and Pamela DesLauriers
atthew Gage Middle School in Riverside was the place to be n Saturday, April 28, CSLA members gathered at Ridgeview on Saturday, May 5. Twelve LMT’s attended the Southern High School in Bakersfield for a morning workshop on edit- MSection Region 6 Technology Extravaganza and were thor- Oing digital photographs. RHS Photography Teacher, oughly amazed and impressed with the collaborative ideas presented Jess Lozano, led the session showing attendees equipment that is help- by LMT Yvonne Weinstein, technology teacher Eddy Quijada, and ful as well as web sites that offer photo editing for free. The “students” reading teacher Lauren Dickerson. Eddy demonstrated how he uses used the online digital editing program at http://www.cellsea.com/ Vision software to monitor his computer lab, and showed everyone java-cellsea/media/index.htm while Jess walked them through basic how to make their very own mini “READ” posters using Microsoft steps to improve photographs. Everyone in attendance was able to use Word and a digital camera. Using an interactive whiteboard, Lauren computers to upload photos from their cameras and play with crop- took the group through an author research project that truly reaches ping, reducing “noise,” color emphasis, special effects, and more. Now her reluctant and struggling reading students. Yvonne wrapped things they have more tools for promoting their libraries or just having fun. up by sharing how she uses MP3 players to circulate audiobooks in the library, and how she reads e-books and carries her library collection on her Pocket PC. After the workshop and armed with our own posters, lots of terrific handouts and CD’s, and full of yummy refreshments of- fered by Library Assistant, Lorrie Paulos, we headed off to the Mission Inn to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lunch at their fabulous outdoor Mexican restaurant.
Teacher Jess Lozano leads Cathy Henry through steps to edit her photo while Pamela DesLauriers and Marilyn Fowler look on.
Jan Hartsell from Golden Valley The CSLA Southern Section Celebrates the H.S. works on a photo she took of her students using the LMC. End of Another Great Year in School Libraries.
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Over 125,000 attended The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at UCLA last weekend where over 400 authors were featured in a variety of venues such as Ray Bradbury who spoke to a packed auditorium from a wheelchair. A small sampling of those also participating were Ralph Nader, Mitch Albion, Julie Andrews, Henry Winkler, and Kirk Douglas. Our very own Richard Moore and crew kept the CSLA booth open and busy answering questions. Barbara Duffy volunteered to help with both the booth and the Festival in general. She was assigned to be the Hostess for PBS Newscaster Jim Lehrer, his wife, Kate, and another well remembered name in news broadcasting, Jim Lehrer and Barbara Duffy Sander VanOcher. at the LA Times Festival of Books
9 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 BOOKENDS
How & Why I Became an LMT Life beyond the Media Center
~By Sarah Bosler, LMT, Montclair High School ~By Janet Claassen, Retired LMT
s a high school English teacher, I watched my students struggle his past summer, I was fortunate to have the experience of to locate library books and other research materials when we a lifetime. Immediately following retirement as the LMT at visited the library or computer lab for research. They had TMadera High, I left to spend three months in Aku, a village in A South Eastern Nigeria with the family of my friend, Dympna Ugwu- trouble finding quality recreational reading material as well. I wanted to help but I didn’t know how. As it was, I was inundated with teach- Oju. We had managed to gather 15,000 books and 50 computers to ing reading, writing, speaking and listening. start the library that Dympna’s family had built. Students gushed over winning (what I knew were bogus) poetry The plan was to set up the library and train staff. However, as contests, got swindled by eBay scams and swam aimlessly in a sea of adventures do, this one took on a life of its own. After Dympna Google results. In the wake of the information explosion, I saw a great returned to Fresno, Uzo, one of her nieces, and I spent six wild weeks opportunity to teach skills that would help them access the “good in Lagos, clearing the container, running the bureaucratic gamut of stuff.” shipping agents, customs and banks until at last in late September, the When our library technician retired, I began to research a career in container arrived in Aku. school libraries and discovered the term Library Media Teacher for the I’ll return in January. With donations, we’re buying fiction by first time in 2003. It sounded perfect! I loved reading and research African authors and non-fiction, relevant to the needs of Aku. Last and longed to help the students master these skills that open doors week Uzo attended the International Book Faire in Lagos. Long dis- and ignite imagination. tance collection development with poor telephone service is another Even though I had recently completed my MA in Education, I adventure. We’re thrilled to have some new books, and a library that put my “student hat” back on and quickly enrolled in San Jose State is now being used by a village that has never before had access to University’s SLIS program. I received my library media services cre- books. dential last summer and plan to complete my final MLIS course this In 1995, Dympna wrote What will my Mother Say about growing August. up in Aku through the Biafran War. I feel very privileged to be a part When I began the SJSU program I was still an English teacher. The of her family and the Aku community. next year I moved into the paraprofessional library technician position www.akuproject.org in hopes to persuade the School Board to create an LMT position [email protected] in the district. I learned so much that year about the important role paraprofessionals play in school libraries. At the end of that school year, the Board did not create the LMT position, and I accepted an LMT position in another district. Thankfully, later the next year, my old school did create the position and (even though I hated to leave) I was ecstatic that in a climate where LMT positions are sometimes threatened, another was born! What has impressed me the most about this profession is the emphasis on professional growth, advocacy and networking. I joined CSLA and the CALIBK12 listserv early on, and quickly began to reap the benefits. I was instantly connected to a network of people devoted to the same cause, who provided advice I could use. I attended CSLA conferences and region workshops, and I joined CSLA’s Curriculum Committee. In all of these endeavors, I sense an urgency to stay up- to-date with the latest technology, literature and teaching methods in order to meet the needs of the students. Exposure to these opportuni- ties has truly helped me grow as a teacher. I enjoy the challenges of this profession. I am learning about topics I never studied in-depth as an English teacher: endangered species, World War II, French-speaking countries. At the end of the day, what I enjoy most, however, are the moments when I am able to help students to find the accurate and appropriate information they need to make sense of today’s world. And there is nothing quite like the moment when a formerly unin- terested teenager who has been enticed to visit the library, finally drops his guard and admits “you got some good stuff in here.”
10 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007 Click here to visit CSLA’s online calendar page >>> Calendar• August 17-18, 2007 State Board Meeting, Sacramento
1001 26th Street Sacramento, CA 95816
Volume 30 Number 10 NewsletterNewsletterJune 2007 Editorial Board
Susan Maass, Crystal Miranda CSLA State Editor Governmental Relations [email protected] [email protected]
Information Barbara Scheifler, Sandy Schuckett, California School Library Association Northern Section Editor Leadership For Diversity Newsletter, the official publication of the [email protected] [email protected] California School Library Association, is published ten times a year and sent to Brandy Major Richard K. Moore, all members. Southern Section Editor Public Relations [email protected] [email protected] Membership: Professional ($100), Associate ($45), Barbara Jeffus, Lesley Farmer, Paraprofessional ($45), Students ($45), CDE Liaison Technology Committee Commercial ($100), Institutional ($125), [email protected] [email protected] Sustaining ($500). Sandy Schuckett Address correspondence to: CTA Liaison CSLA Sacramento Office CSLA Newsletter, 1001 26th Street [email protected] [email protected] Sacramento, CA 95816. (916) 447-2684 Column Editors: CSLA’s web site address Deadline
11 CSLA Newsletter, June 2007