Wanamaker Library Newsletter
October 2017
Kansas Book Festival Writing Contest
Last year as a 6th grade student at WE, Emma entered an essay in the Kansas Book Festival Writing Contest. She learned this fall that she had placed first in the 6th-8th grade category of the contest. The theme of the writing contest was "Kansas Places." Emma chose to write about the Cosmosphere located in Hutchinson. Emma received her award during a ceremony held during the Kansas Book Festival on September 9. Congratulations, Emma, on your achievement and for your positive representation of Wanamaker Elementary!
5th Graders Treated to an Author Visit
Author Sue Gallion from Leawood, Kansas, shared her books and gave writing advice to the 5th graders on September 8. Mrs. Gallion was in Topeka as a presenter at the Kansas Book Festival held the next day at the Capitol. She is the author of two stories--Pug Meets Pig, and Pug and Pig Trick-or-Treat. The students enjoyed her presentation, and loved it when she asked them for ideas for future adventures for Pug and Pig! We thank her for her generous donation of her books to our library, and for taking time out of her day to visit us. Mrs. Gallion will be back in Topeka when she does a book signing for our Barnes and Noble Book Fair held on December 2. Make plans now to attend the Fair and meet Mrs. Gallion!
International Dot Day
Grades K-2 celebrated International Dot Day in their library classes the week of Sept. 11-15. Dot Day centers around the classic book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. The book challenges us to "Make your mark, and see where it takes you." The students had a great time making dots of all designs and sizes. A couple of our first grade classes also Skyped with buddy classes from Iowa and South Dakota. We read the book with them and exchanged information about our states, cities, and schools.
Lots of Dots!
First Graders Skype with Buddy Class from South Dakota
And More Dots!
William Allen White Award Winners
Mrs. Reinert introduced the WAW books for 2017-18 to Grades 3-6 during the week of Sept. 11-15. There are two Master Lists--one for Grades 3-5 and one for Grades 6-8. Many of the students also signed up for the WAW Book Challenge that will run from now through April. Those who complete the Challenge will be invited to an ice cream and brownie party in May. At the end of class the students signed up for a drawing that was held to see who got to be the first to check out the new WAW books!
Kindergarten and Apples
Did you know that Johnny Appleseed Day was September 26th? The kindergarteners learned all about apples during their library class last week. We discussed the difference between fiction and nonfiction by reading Calliou Goes Apple Picking (fiction) and Apples to Applesauce (nonfiction). At the end of the lesson the students sampled homemade applesauce and took the recipe home with them! It was a fun way to celebrate the beginning of autumn!
Student Council Corner
Wanamaker Elementary has a very active, service-oriented Student Council. It consists of two representatives and two alternates from each 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classroom. They apply to be a StuCo member and are chosen based on 4 criteria: teacher recommendation, grades, attendance, and a written statement on why they would like to be a part of StuCo. They take their positions as school leaders seriously, and work hard to be good role models for the younger students. The council meets in the library two mornings a month at 8:00 and also participate/help with other school functions. The sponsors for the Student Council are Ms. Costello, Mrs. Fairchild, and Mrs. Reinert.
Wanamaker Elementary Library
We strive to make our library a welcoming place that fosters the love of reading and empowers the school community to become effective users of information.
Email: reineali@usd437.net
Website: http://library.usd437.net/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home&l2m=Home
Location: 6630 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS, United States
Phone: 785-339-4871