WKMS Learning Commons Newsletter
Dr. Russ Conrath, Librarian: First Quarter Newsletter 2019
Presentation at Edtech in Greenville
New Media Literacy Bill Proposed by S.C. State Representative, Seth Rose
In a recent State newspaper article by Joseph Bustos, the concern over "fake news," and the skills our students need to be able to analyze and evaluate quality information is examined. Frank Baker, a well-known proponent of "Media Literacy," has much to say and contribute to this topic. To further explain the need for special legislation focusing on media literacy, he states this Bustos's article: "When young people consume media, they should know to question who the author or producer is, ask if there is a hidden agenda or bias, and ask what techniques the media is using to convey its message..."
Below are links to The State article and to Frank Baker's website on media literacy.
https://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article237837939.html
More Features in DISCUS: South Carolina's Virtual Online Library
New GALE Accessibility Enhancements
Toolbars will appear on every page, text size options will be added, and page colors will improve accessibility compliance. GALE rolled out these interface enhancements and July.
Letters About Literature contest opens with January 10th deadline
Has an author's work changed your students' view of the world or of themselves? Encourage students grades 4 -12 to enter the Letters About Literature contest! Access the full rules and submission form. There will be three winners in each of three levels, I, II, and III. Students write a letter to their chosen author, living or dead, in any genre explaining how that author's work impacted them.
TumbleBookLibrary Adds New Books!
Poor Louie, Monster Hug, and Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? are a few of the new titles recently added to Tumblebooks! Over 20 new titles are available for K-6 graders. Earthrise by James Gladstone offers a great tie-in to the 50th anniversary of NASA's Apollo 8 mission.
WKMS Learning Commons Statistics
eBook Usage Statistics
Circulation Overview
Student Computer Use Chart
Individual Student Usage Chart
More eBook Stats
Student Usage in the LC By Grade Level
What is Destiny Discover & Mackinvia On Your Chromebook LaunchPad?
Destiny Discover. Destiny Discover provides one discovery interface for students and educators to search and access all your print and digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, and interactive books, as well as free and paid subscription databases.
MackinVIA is a digital content management system, providing easy access to eBooks,
read-alongs, audiobooks, databases, and videos. With just one login, users can view, utilize, and manage all of their digital resources.
Both of these online book catalog systems are located on your Chromebook's "launchpad."
You only need to use your regular username and password to sign in and take off to great reading.
WKMS Book Hawk Club
Learning Commons Hosts Veterans Gathering
On October 25th, The WKMS Learning Commons Hosted a School Board Visit
THANKS to ALL who prepared for our School Board visit on Friday. Along with four board members, Dr. Little, Dr. Talley, Mr. Pool were impressed with our work and our students. They understand and appreciate the important work carried out daily at WKMS.
...A special shoutout to:
- Our Student Council Officers Brett Cassan, A.J. Chism, Autumn Moore, Alayah Guess, Aliyah Andrade, Jack Burger. They did an excellent job presenting to the Board and serving as tour guides.
- Our Orchestra. They provided great music for gathering and greeting.
- Our VEX Robotics Team for demonstrating their skills.
- Our Art Students awesome work posted in the lobby
On November 25th, Mrs. Hartman, Mrs. Slyce, & Mrs. Mappus Brought Their Classes to the Learning Commons for a Special Thanksgiving Meal & Hand On Activities
On November 12th, Mr. Crawford Brought His Classes to the Learning Commons to Work On A Video Presentation Projects
WKMS Learning Commons Contact Information
Mrs. Wanda Patterson, Library Assistant
Email: rconrath@lexington1.net
Phone: 803-821-4315