Welcome Back!
News from the Creston MediaPlex
We're Here to Assist You and Our Students
Didn't last school year just end? I want to take this opportunity to share some of the resources we have available to you through the MediaPlex. First of all, we have many resources through our Destiny library page (the software that tracks all of our books). Linda Meid and I are available to help you in many ways, whether it's book, website, or resource suggestions; selecting and scheduling a lab that will best fit a lesson; finding out just what is available, or anything else in the realm of possibilities.
Scheduling the Labs
We have three labs that are available at all times to all teachers: the SI/COM lab (dual monitors), the Collaborative Learning Lab (pictured: up to 6 students at 6 stations), and a regular PC lab (30 computers). In addition, we have the area with white board tables and a projector that is available when it is not being used for check out. I will send out a separate email with the directions on signing up via google calendar.
Check Out Weeks
CIA will start us off the week of August 11. ELA Teachers will receive a google form to select best days and times to schedule their bi-weekly visit. CMS ELA teachers will bring their classes beginning the week of August 18.
In addition to coming with the ELA class, students may check out at other times with a pass from a teacher or cafeteria supervisor. Please try to avoid students during times other classes are checking out.
Freebies!
We have various items you are welcome to take for your classroom. Some are books, some are professional materials that others have donated to the cause. Check out the area with the round tables just inside the MediaPlex door to the right.
Teachers' Treasures
I am currently the CMS liaison for Teachers' Treasures. Basically, this means that I remind the staff once a month when it is our week to "shop". You pay a one-time membership fee ($25 before Sept 1) and then you are allowed to go once per month and select free materials for classroom use. I was invited to an open house there yesterday, and have put all of the things I received out on a table by the PC lab. Please take a look if you are interested in membership or have questions. Please do not take any of the items yet so that others may see before I donate them to classrooms. If someone else would like to be the liaison, please let me know; you do get a second visit per month in exchange for a few duties. I will gladly continue, but wanted to afford others the opportunity. (CIA has a liaison, too.)
Blendspace just added more features to the free version!
I saw this on Facebook (really). Blendspace (formerly edcanvas) is a site where you can easily share several websites, documents, images, files, etc with students through the use of one URL. We received some training on this last year, and several teachers have used it. They have added more features to the free version. You can now collaborate with another teacher in creating the space. You can read the specific article about it on Richard Byrne's Free Technology for Teachers site.
PD at the Children's Museum
I've put a flyer on the bulletin board in the CMS copy room from the Children's Museum. I attended one of the sessions about the Terra Cotta Soldiers last spring, and it was very enjoyable. I have some resources from that evening as well if you would like to see them.
Want to Be Part of a Book Club for The Giver?
I am going to invite students to stay after school until 4:30 on Thursday, August 14 to talk about Lois Lowry's book The Giver. The movie comes out the next day. I was able to attend a program with Lois Lowry at Jeff Bridges at ALA this summer. Many times I give students a chance to meet and talk about a book before its corresponding movie comes out. Often I do this during lunch, but this time I will hold it after school. See me if you would like a copy, even if you do not want to join our club!
Creston MediaPlex
Serving both Creston Middle School and Creston Intermediate Academy
Website: https://destiny.warren.k12.in.us/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do
Phone: 532-6800 6806
Twitter: @CrestonLibrary1