Over the last two years, the district has made thousands of ebooks and audio titles available to secondary staff and students via Sora, an online reading platform. The Sora icon can be found on the district’s Clever page or in the App Launcher (aka the ‘waffle’).The ebook and audio titles can be accessed from any device, whether at school or at home. Our Sora account is also linked to the Hamilton Public Library, so readers are able to access the public library’s ebook/audiobook collection using their school credentials.

Once on the site, teachers and students can search for a specific title using the search bar, browse collections (including Available Now, Most Popular, Page to Screen, etc.), or check out Popular Subjects (Humor, Fantasy, Classic Literature, Biography & Autobiography, to name a few).

As a reminder, readers can customize their reading experience with the following settings:

• Text size options

• Lighting (bright, sepia, dark, high contrast)

• Number of columns (one or two)

• Book design (the way the font appears) including an OpenDyslexic font

• A choice of seven different languages with which to review general settings

Please see your librarian if you have any questions! Happy reading!

Running a successful school Library program requires a knowledgeable librarian with strong dedication to the program. It means determining the essentials for a strong foundation, and driving the library in a positive direction that meets the constantly changing needs of our students. For teachers and students alike, thinking about all of the achievements ahead is energizing; however, thinking of the challenges can sometimes be overwhelming.

Below is a list to help kick off the school year:

1. Be a Role Model- First and foremost, be a source of comfort, especially for young learners. Let your students know that you missed them, share some fun things you did and books you read. Your love of literacy and willingness to share will encourage your students to read and share, as well! Then, inform students of some of the fun things which they will be doing in the Library to motivate them.

2. Collect Data- The start of the school year is a great time to do a needs assessment for the Library. Collect feedback from students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Data can be collected through surveys, polls, social media, and informal conversations.

3. Advocate- Demonstrate your dedication to the Library program by communicating through your school’s newsletter, social media, or website. Advocating for the program communicates why the Library program is so important.

4. Keep Learning- Educators are always learning. Some interesting articles and ideas are linked below.

• Be sure to keep up to date with new ideas and strategies to encourage students to explore, collaborate, and engage. HERE are some fun ideas!

• Be well informed on new resources and methods in Information and Media Literacy, Technology Literacy, and Digital Citizenship.

• Build a professional learning network. You’ll need to ask questions and bounce ideas with informed people, so get involved in professional organizations and associations.

What is the purpose of Start Strong Testing?

Start Strong Testing is a diagnostic assessment tool. Diagnostic assessments are typically administered prior to a course, similar to a pre test. The data gained from the assessment helps inform teachers, administrators, parents, state level stakeholders, and students about learning gaps. For this fall’s Start Strong Administration choice standards from grade level English, Mathematics, and Science have been chosen by the state which represent the major preliminary standards for the grade.