Helias Library/Media Center
October 2016
Do high school students still read books? They do at Helias!
Research shows that for many students, the motivation to read decreases with age. Giving students a choice in what they read, particularly at the high school level, is a great way to reignite an interest in literature. Our teachers understand that and promote that in their classrooms! Our circulations have increased 27% over the same period of time since last year and 50% over the same two year period of time. Nothing makes me happier as a librarian than seeing a student reconnect with books. After I recommended a title to a freshman a few weeks ago, she came back in to get the rest of the books in the series. She told me that she didn't think she really liked reading but this book had changed her mind.
Scavenger Hunts and Research
Mr. Martin's and Mr. Eickmeyer's 9th grade English classes spent a week in the library learning research skills essential for the 21st Century and having a bit of fun in the process. Using iPads, they split into teams to learn about the library. We spent time discussing plagiarism, how to evaluate websites (ask them about genpets!), how to effectively search using Google, and how to use academic databases. The students had their choice of a final project researching the web and databases for information on either Disney or video games.
Library Squad off to a great start!
Thanks to the enthusiasm and great planning by Rachel Stewart, senior, the Library Squad had an amazing turnout for its first meeting of the year. We had 27 students sign up to be a part of this awesome group. They plan to decorate the library for Halloween and begin plans for a Quidditch tournament. Interested students will also have the opportunity to earn service hours by assisting with library tasks throughout the year. Students will be trained in shelving, shelf reading, and book prepping and will then be assigned times to work with their schedules.
Great online resource
Just a reminder that we have a really wonderful resource available to us for FREE, and it is the premium version. This is something that should be in the writing toolbox of EVERY student here at Helias. Simply upload your paper to the site, select the appropriate answers from the drop-down menu, and have Paperrater work as an editor for you during the draft stage of your writing process. Here is the link to the premium access site...http://fp.PaperRater.com/
Gateway Award Reader Challenge 2016-2017
I am in the process of getting multiple copies of all of the titles of the nominated books. English teachers, I have a video presentation ready for all of your classes if you would like for me to do a presentation. The challenge with prizes and drawings will officially kick-off at the end of October! Last year, nearly 40 Helias students took part. I'd love to double that number this year!
Helias Catholic High School Library/Media Center
Email: moliver@heliascatholic.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/heliascatholic.com/helias-library-media-center/home
Location: 1305 Swifts Highway, Jefferson City, MO, United States
Phone: (573) 635-6139