Wanamaker Library Newsletter
February 2018
The Book Fair is Here!
Our annual Scholastic Book Fair will be held Feb. 5-8th (parent teacher conference week). The theme this year is "Paws for Books: Come. Stay. Read a great tale!" Students will preview the fair during library classes that week and create their wish lists. If you're looking for a valentine treat for your students or maybe a new book for them to read on their days off for P-T conferences, please come and check out the fair! Shopping online is an option for families through Monday, Feb. 12. Just click on the link below. Books will be shipped to school, free of charge, and delivered to your student's classroom. The proceeds from the fair are used to buy books and other supplies for our library. We are excited to see you during book fair week. Hopefully, you will find that purr-fect book and have a dog-gone good time!
Bucks 4 Books Campaign
The WE Student Council will be sponsoring a Bucks 4 Books campaign for 3 weeks during February. It will run from Feb. 5-23. There will be incentives for students to donate to the fundraiser throughout those 3 weeks. Some of the incentives include: Cuddle Buddy Day, Penny Day, Nickel Day, Dime Day, Quarter Day, Dollar Day, and Digital Dining Day. The classroom donating the most money will be treated to a free lunch, and the classroom with the highest total in each grade level will earn an extra recess. This campaign is a fun way to help teach the youngest students their money concepts, and it also provides our students with a chance to help other libraries in need. The proceeds from this fundraiser are donated to the American Library Association to help rebuild libraries around the world that have been affected by natural disasters. Last year Wanamaker Elementary was featured in an American Library Association online article and recognized for their contribution to the Haiti Relief Fund. Other monies from the Bucks 4 Books fundraiser are donated to local literacy efforts and also to our own library.
A Magical Experience
The 5th graders were entertained by volunteer Magician Richard Guy during their library classes. The interactive magic show centered around books and literary concepts. There was lots of laughter as the students tried to figure out how Mr. Brausa performed his tricks. When asked what he liked best about the magic show, Malachi stated, "Everything. Mr. Brausa was really good. He must have practiced a long time." Mr. Brausa brought some Magic magazines from his collection to give to any interested students. We also made a display of "magic performance" books in our collection, and they have been checked out by numerous students. Thank you, Mr. Brausa, for starting our day in such a fun way!
Jourdyn wonders how two foam balls suddenly appeared in her hands!
Rylee participates in a trick that involves the book Charlotte's Web.
DaQuea helps Magician Richard Guy perform a trick using rings.
Start a Family Dinner Book Club
Are you looking for a fun way for your family to bond over books and create some priceless memories? I recently came across the blog Growing Book by Book...A Guide to Nurturing Young Readers. It is filled with great literacy activities. One of them is the family dinner book club. The 2018 focus is on character strengths. Each month a different character trait will be highlighted. A large list of book options will be shared as well as conversation starters, a themed menu, table decorations, activities, and a family service project. You can choose to do any or all of the activities. The book club is geared for readers aged 4-8 years, but can easily be adapted to older readers. Check out the following link for more information and for a list of the character traits that will be featured in 2018.
Preschoolers love Storytime
The preschool classes come to the library for storytime every other week. A typical storytime experience for them includes a couple of read-alouds, a song or a storyboard activity, and a craft that ties into their stories. When asked what her favorite part about coming to the library is, Kolbi stated, "I like that we get to pick out our own book, and we get to do all kinds of special crafts like penguins and snowmen." We enjoy our time with the preschoolers, and they always brighten our day!
Volunteer Spotlight
Dixie Pointer is a longtime volunteer in the WE library. She has been helping out for 8 years and does a lot of work behind the scenes. When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, she said, "It's the interacting with people. I love the kids. My highlight of the day is when I get a hug from one of my grandkids at school. It makes my day!" Dixie's hobbies include word finds, Yahtzee, Solitaire, and watching baseball (especially the Royals). Dixie and her husband, Earl, have 2 children and 7 grandchildren. Two of their grandchildren are students at WE. Thanks, Dixie, for your many years of service. Our Wednesday mornings wouldn't be the same without you!
Dixie gets a hug from granddaughter Gabby while helping out in the library.
Dixie loves seeing granddaughter Teagan in the halls at WE.
Upcoming Dates
Feb. 20-- Before school Book Club meeting at 8:00 a.m. in the library
Feb. 14-- Battle of the Books meeting during 5th and 6th grade lunch hours
Mar. 6-- Math and Reading Bash for WE families
Alice Reinert
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