Helias Library/Media Center
October 2017
Off & Running
After a semester of medical leave, I am back and so excited to be working with the students and staff again! We usually have 50+ students in the library before school every morning. Whether printing off papers last minute, visiting with friends over a cappuccino, or leaving their thoughts on the whiteboard tables, our Helias students put a smile on my face daily!
Banned Books Week
We celebrated our right to read during Banned Books Week. This annual event, which was held September 25-29, brings attention to the many wonderful pieces of literature that have been challenged over the years. Characters were placed in Azka "Banned" Prizon with explanations for why their books had come under attack. From Harry Potter to Winnie-the-Pooh, students learned about book challenges and why our freedom to read is so important. Mrs. Kempker's classes began reading Of Mice and Men during the week. Any coincidence??? Hmmmm. For those of you thinking this is all a thing of the past, guess again. Just this past week, a school district in Biloxi, Mississippi removed To Kill a Mockingbird from its curriculum because the book made people uncomfortable. To quote musician Nicky Wire, "If literature or music can make you think or become aware, then it's done something. That's what we've always wanted to do, just ignite sparks in people's minds."
Makerspace
I love the concept of a makerspace! For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a makerspace is a designated area where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. Last year, we introduced a table with "big kid" coloring sheets and art supplies. This year, we will be switching it out more frequently with STEM activities, Lego's, and additional art options. A hit this year has been the mosaic sticker table. Think "paint by numbers" but with stickers! The students don't know what the picture will be until completion. Our first mosaic was this cool tiger!
The Library Squad is BACK!
What would I do without this AWESOME group?? Our first meeting ended with 31 members signing up. WOW! They have already had a pizza party night decorating the library for October (and it looks AMAZING!). We will soon be meeting to elect officers and plan a book sale of weeded titles. Look to see this group doing some amazing things this year. Thanks to the science department for my "twin" for the month!
Gateway Awards 2017-2018
The Missouri Association of School Librarians has its list of finalists for the 2017-2018 Gateway Award. Helias students will have the opportunity to vote on their favorites with the winner to be announced Spring 2018. In November, the students will find out what the "challenge" entails and what prizes are available for those who participate. There are titles for everyone ranging from romance in Emmy & Oliver to an amazing race for a multi-million dollar inheritance in Inherit Midnight to a serial killer in Ruthless.
Helias Catholic High School Library/Media Center
Email: moliver@heliascatholic.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/heliascatholic.com/helias-library-media-center/home
Location: 1305 Swifts Highway, Jefferson City, MO, United States
Phone: (573) 635-6139