GCS School Library Media News
Janurary 2019
A New Look at York Chester
The library remodel at York Chester Middle is finally complete and our official Cougar Commons reveal was Wednesday, January 9! New carpet and paint greeted us after the summer, but in December the new bookcases and furniture arrived and the work of revitalizing the space began! We now have an area of soft seating for reading or collaboration, a makerspace, green screen, modular classroom space, and more! For a building that was first built in 1939, we're looking quite up to date! Students love the seating, have enjoyed the large workspaces of the makerspace tables, and the new bookcases have given new life to the collection. So far students have said the space makes them feel like they're in college, a fancy hotel lobby, and a coffee shop. I know that this space will continue inspiring creativity and literacy in our students. The Cougar Commons has become a true place where YCMS students can read, create, and learn with P.R.I.D.E.
Submitted by:
Faith Huff
York Chester Middle, SLMC
Submitted by:
Robin Blackburn
Costner Elementary, SLMC
Freestyle Fridays
Submitted by:
Linda Cathcart
Belmont Middle, SLMC
Carr Teacher Remembered
In August, the students and staff at Carr Elementary were deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. Jennifer Christy, who served as their grade 3-5 Guidance Counselor. Mrs. Christy passed away after a courageous fight with breast cancer. Shortly after her passing, a generous donation was made in her memory by the No Name Book Club, of which Mrs. Christy's mother is a member. With this donation, several books were purchased for Carr's Media Center. Now students have another way of remembering such a sweet and uplifting teacher.
Submitted by:
Lisa Hewlett
Carr Elementary SLMC
Teachers Read Too...
The students are enjoying our Staff Picks book display. They are always asking for book recommendations and they enjoy checking out books that their teachers have recommended.
Submitted by:
Cheryl Fox
Stanley Middle SLMC
Elves at Belmont Middle
Submitted by:
Linda Cathcart
Belmont Middle, SLMC
We are exploring, learning, creating and having a lot of fun with makerspace projects at Tryon!
Teresa Sain
Tryon Elementary, SLMC
Lingerfeldt Students Participate in Hour of Code!
Submitted by:
Lisa Vaughn
Lingerfeldt Elementary, SLMC
Poetry Contest by Expressive Education and The Young American Poetry Digest
Children of any age and ability level are eligible, and there is no cost to enter.
Here are the main guidelines:
*All poetry forms are acceptable, but haiku is the featured form.
* Poems must be 80 words or less; if longer, the poem will not be reviewed for publication
* Handwritten or typed - both are OK
* Please, no shape poems
* No limit on submissions from each teacher / school
* Multiple submissions per student allowed, but please limit to one page of poetry for each student
* Submit poetry online at: https://www.youngpoets.com/educators.html or find mailing instructions at: https://www.youngpoets.com/mail-a-submission.html
Mailing Address:
National Schools Project
P.O. Box 189
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
Teachers or media coordinators can submit their students' poems, and if their work is chosen it will be published in the 2019 Young American Poetry Digest (25th edition). The postmarked deadline is March 15, 2019.
The 10 schools who get the most authors published will get $100 each, and each participating school gets a copy of the book.
For further info, see the website of Expressive Education/ The Young American Poetry Digest at: https://www.youngpoets.com/
Submitted by:
Ilisa Jenkins
Robinson Elementary, SLMC
Curriculum Night at Rankin
The media center was one of the area's featured in Rankin's most recent curriculum night. Students and their parents were treated to a smorgasbord of titles in a book tasting featuring a variety of genres covered in the reading curriculum. This was also a great time for parents to learn more about Gaston County Public Library's online catalog.
Submitted by:
Holly Williams
Ida Rankin, SLMC
Surplus Book Program
Submitted by:
Robin Jordan
North Gaston High, SLMC
Literary Tree at Belmont Central
Submitted by:
Janice Kahn
Belmont Central, SLMC
African American Museum at Loray Mill
Mrs. Guthrie is creating a “one of a kind” African American Museum at the Loray Mill (Firestone Mill) site. Exhibits will feature a wide array of important historical and cultural milestones in the African American experience. She has been in contact with the Birmingham Museum of African American History and Culture to ensure its accuracy and fidelity of the many primary sources that will be displayed. Final exhibits are still being established but she can already boast a copy of every Highland High School yearbook for a little local lore! The grand kickoff will be Saturday, February 16 at 10am.
A subcommittee chaired by Ann Davis (Grier Middle) will present a special children’s kick-off program on Wednesday, February 20th from 6-8pm. The children’s event will feature stories of the Tuskegee Airmen from storyteller Eric Jones, a museum scavenger hunt, a special African American themed craft, and an opportunity for trying out MakerSpace that is currently being featured at the Lowell and Bessemer City branches of the Gaston County Public Library. A website is forthcoming and that link will be shared as soon as it is up and running.
Submitted by:
Julie Shatterly
W.A. Bess Elementary, SLMC