Burbank Library News
February 2017
Books, Books, and More Books!
it's that time of year when the orders for new books are starting to come in! We have many new non-fiction books - especially those supporting CATE. We now have access to several new fiction ebooks as well. The next order should come in sometime in February. Come to the library and check out all the great new reads!
Scrabble Challenge in the Library
Starting the week of Feb. 13 and going through March 10, students will be encouraged to play Scrabble in the library during lunch. There are two challenges for students:
- Students who play Scrabble during this time and accumulate 1000 points in play will get to participate in a private pizza party after Spring Break. Additionally, every time a student plays a game, their name will go into a drawing for an iTunes gift card.
- On Wednesdays, students can bring their lunch to the library AND challenge Mrs. De Waelsche to a game. Any student that beats Mrs. De Waelsche will get a free soft drink. Mrs. De Waelsche will play up to four students in four separate games at one time.
Teachers are welcome to participate and play scrabble in the library during lunch as well. Encourage your students to come and enjoy this great word game that will help students improve their vocabulary, spelling, math, and strategic thinking skills.
Facts on File
This is a great resource for Career, Geography, and Science information. The Ferguson Career Guidance Center profiles 3400 different jobs and provides career advice as well. World Geography and Culture online provides a wealth of information on any country as well as concepts in the study of Geography. Science Online is devoted to a multitude of science and math concepts taught through e-learning modules, videos, diagrams, and interactive experiments. If you have a student struggling in your class, these resources can be a great guide to understanding multiple concepts.
Teaching Books
Teaching Books isn't just for ELA classes though it is a great resource for those teachers. Anyone who enjoys reading can find valuable information on this site. It provides author information and interviews along with book guides and lessons. Text complexity for different books is provided detailing the Lexile level and recommended grade levels. It may even provide book trailers (which are like movie trailers) that promote the book and gets students interested in it. You can even create custom book lists using your work email.
Google Plus and Hangouts
I went to a training last week called "Teleport Your Classroom Across the Globe" which covered the use of Google Hangouts and Google Plus. It was a very interesting class that opened up some exciting possibilities. You can connect your classrooms to others across the globe easily through Google's free products. Hangouts allows you to interact in real time with others using video and/or online chats. Google plus has become a way to network with other educators as well as create and share your own collections. If you are interested in learning more about making these connections, feel free to visit with me in the library.
February Features in the Library
Black History Month
Celebrate Black History month by browsing our selection of books covering all aspects of African-American history. From slavery through the civil rights movement and beyond we have a wide selection of books to read both fiction and non-fiction.
Blind Date with a Book
Would you ever go on a blind date with a book? Take a chance on a book you might fall in love with by checking out the available selections in the library starting February 13th. One little blurb might just get you hooked on a new book.
LAST CHANCE for $5000!
Tuesday, February 7 is the last opportunity to attend the information session on applying for the SAISD Foundation Innovation grants up to $5000. The session is from 5:00 to 7:00 at Travis Early College and dinner is provided, but you should RSVP to jtwiss@saisdfoundation.com so they can plan accordingly. The deadline to submit grants is Feb. 28, but you are required to attend one of the informational meetings to be eligible to apply. If you want some technology in your classroom - this is one way to make that happen.
Technology Survey
Congratulations to Mr. Barrera and Mr. Martinez who were the winners of the iTunes and Starbucks gift cards for completing the technology survey. We had a solid response, but there are still several teachers who have not responded. Providing information in the survey can help administration plan for future technology purchases and trainings. Take a few moments to complete the survey if you have not already done so.
Book Review: Matched by Ally Condie
If you're a fan of The Hunger Games and The Giver, then you'll love the Matched Triology. It starts with Cassia heading towards a banquet in which she will learn who her "match" is that will become her life partner. She is happy to discover that her best friend, Xander, is her perfect match - or his he? Once home she views his profile but a glitch in the system shows her a different match for just a moment. When she meets the mystery match on a hiking activity, she wonders if she was meant to end up with him instead. As she strives to live by The Society's standards, she is torn between her duty and her desire for change. Cassia learns that her Society may not be as perfect as it seems as she starts to take on the role of the quiet rebel.
About the Librarian
Jennifer De Waelsche has been a librarian with SAISD for five years. This is her first year at Burbank High School. She is the recipient of the SAISD Foundation Inspire Award in 2015 and member of the Texas Library Association TALL Texans Class for 2016. She is an active member of San Antonio Librarian's Association, Texas Library Association, and the San Antonio Area School Library Leaders group.
Email: jdewaelsche1@saisd.net
Website: https://saisd002library.pbworks.com/w/page/77781950/FrontPage
Location: 1102 Edwards, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210-228-1210
Twitter: @salibrarylady