Media Minute Summer 2023

News from your Centennial Academy Media Center

Avoid the Summer Slide!

Research shows that students who read at least 4 books (that’s chapter books for the older kids) during the summer retain their reading ability. During the summer, scholars can still log into Beanstack from home with their Google (Clever) account to log their summer reading. They can record any minutes spent reading anything - just 20 minutes a day makes a big difference. Reading can be in any format - books, ebooks, magazines, newspapers (remember those?), or even game instructions.


To help scholars get started, parents can check out this suggested reading list. There are 5 suggested books for each grade level but none are required. Ms. Burke has actually read and recommends all of these. If you would like a more extensive reading list, reach out to Ms. Burke for a copy.


Rising 5th grade scholars who want to compete in next year's Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl might want to get a head start on the new books on this list!

The Library Year in Review

Pete the Cat & the Cool Cat Boogie was the most popular picture book checked out this year, and Measuring Up was both the top graphic novel AND the top chapter book! Sunny Rolls the Dice came in at number 3. This year we added 430 new books to the collection, and "weeded" (removed) 395 outdated or worn books. The total value of books that have been lost is $3,690. Popular, lost, books are usually replaced first.


Information skills classes this year focused on comprehension (especially story elements in younger grades), text features, folktales, and research skills in several grade levels using both print and online resources. Scholars who participated in the Buzzer Reader program had a blast at the women's basketball game on January 19, 2023. Finally, we had STEAM-related visits to our media center by author Patrice McLaurin, and local glass harp performer Brien Engel.


Ms. Vega’s crew led the Beanstack race with more than 15,990 logged reading minutes and 10 complete book reviews. Second and 3rd places are Erika Farthing’s and Megan Kelsey’s crews. Since Beanstack is updated live, any reading logged over the summer will continue to count.

BOGO Book Fair!

That’s a wrap! We had about $3600 in total sales and several teachers were able to use their $5 gift certificates. Proceeds from our book fairs are always used to buy new items and replace lost books.

STEAM at home

Did you know that almost everything is a STEAM activity if you (1) plan it (2) design it (3) revise it (4) share it (5) Try it again? What can scholars do at home during the summer?

  • Grocery shopping - make a shopping list, practice reading (labels) and compare prices in the store

  • Cooking - what ingredients do you need? How do you measure and prepare

  • Laundry - how many different ways can you fold towels/sheets to fit on a shelf? In a drawer?

  • Getting dressed - what colors and patterns go together? Why do you choose certain clothes and shoes?

  • Jigsaw puzzles and board games - tons of fun!

  • Cleaning house - is it better to wipe the table tops or floors first? Why?

  • PS2 and other video games - there’s a lot of logic and strategy in Minecraft and other RPGs

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About Us

About Us

About Us

MISSION: The Mission of Centennial Academy is to provide educational equity through a rigorous STEAM curriculum to Centennial Academy scholars and educators as high achievers, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and ethical leaders in a global society. To support this vision, our media center is open to families as well as scholars and staff to encourage lifelong reading for enjoyment. Our library is staffed by one certified library media specialist, Jennifer Burke. Mrs. Joni Chandler, Media Assistant, helps with circulation and all other activities. The media center is open 7:30am-4:00pm every school day. See you in August!

531 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318 jburke@centennialacademycharter.org 678-561-5134 centennialplacemediacenter.weebly.com/faq-about-our-library.html