JEMS Library News
3rd 6 Weeks Newsletter
Happy Holidays!
As the semester winds down and with the holidays approaching, the library wishes you a very restful Holiday break. Thank you to those on campus that continue to support library services and help me in implementing certain library programs, hosting events, and working alongside me to deliver lessons. The month of November/December were certainly busy, and below are some highlighted activities that staff and students participated in.
Holiday Winter Book Fair
Our Holiday Winter Book Fair was a success! We more than doubled our goal and because of our great turn out, our library will be using earned Scholastic dollars to purchase some new books and furniture for the library. Thank you to the students in Mr. Santa Maria's and Mr. Garcia's classes that helped me set up and take down the fair.
Promotion!
Thank you to everyone that supported the book fair!
Decoration!
8th grade students helping me decorate for our book fair!
Books!
Students loved the books featured at this year's book fair!
Research Projects
There's nothing more exciting than delivering a lesson on databases and your students coming in during LUNCH to continue working on their projects! Students accessed an online tutorial on MackinVia that I uploaded instructing students on how to access SIRS Discoverer and narrow their search for facts about the countries they were researching. Students expanded their queries by accessing Kids Infobits, Britannica's Comparing Countries feature, and Nat Geo Kids to analyze information. They also used graphic organizers provided by SIRS Discoverer to collect their data and used information to create their Buncee presentations. Needless to say, I am a very happy librarian!
Packed Lab!
The library's computer lab was packed as students worked on their projects.
SIRS Discoverer!
Students using graphic organizers and SIRS Discoverer to gather and cite their information.
Buncee in the Library!
Students used Buncee to create visually appealing and engaging presentations.
Benchmark Week
The library took part in Benchmark testing this six weeks. Great job to all the students that worked hard and aced their exams! Your teachers and librarian are very proud of you. Continue to take notes, attend tutoring, and ask your librarian for study tips. We have plenty of resources to help you succeed in your classes!
JEMS 2019 Battle of the Books Team
Congratulations to G. Flores (Team Captain), V. De Los Santos, J. Sanchez, V. Alonzo, and R. Ramirez for being our 2018-2019 Battle of the Books Team! Our students will be competing at the Battle of the Books Middle School Division Competition on January 25, 2019 at Southwest ECHS. Way to go, team!
Author Emma Gonzalez
PSJA Librarians had the amazing opportunity to meet local author, Emma Gonzalez, at our library department meeting hosted at Yzaguirre Middle School. Mrs. Gonzalez spoke about her memoir titled "Field Mice" and the numerous awards she's won because of her writing. Her memoirs recount her experience as migrant farm worker and how she overcame adversity. Her hard work and dedication allowed her to write this groundbreaking memoir to inspire others to achieve their dreams and follow their hearts.
Mrs. Q.'s Digital Learning
Studying and hard work lead to wonderful things! I am excited to sport these new badges! Thank you to Melinda Garza for highlighting the Google Certified Educator achievement on PSJA's Up To Date news segment.
Up to Date with PSJA: Dec. 7
Kahoot! Certified
Mrs. Q. is now Kahoot! Gold Certified!
Certified Google Educator L1
Next: Level 2!
Buncee Ambassador
Mrs. Q. is officially a Buncee Ambassador!
1st Semester Library Statistics
This semester was busy and the stats prove it! I can't wait to see what the second semester has in store. Here's to a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Get ready for some amazing things in January! There's no stopping Mrs. Q. or her amazing Library Ambassadors, Coding Girls, Battle of the Books Team, and Book Club!
Karina Quilantan-Garza, MLS
Jaime Escalante Middle School Librarian
Apple Teacher
Certified Google Educator L1
Certified MIE
Certified Flipgrid Educator
Certified Common Sense Educator
Certified Kahoot! Gold
Buncee Ambassador
Book Creator Ambassador
Instagram @libraryjems
Website: https://www.psjaisd.us/domain/2285
Location: 6123 South Cage Boulevard, Pharr, TX, USA