Wanamaker Library Newsletter

WELCOME BACK TO THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR!

This newsletter will bring you information to highlight the experiences our students have in our school library. We will also inform you of learning resources, new books, reading programs, research projects, tech tips, special events, and other news. We hope you find this information useful and value any feedback that you care to share. Enjoy!

Alice Reinert--Teacher Librarian

Mrs. Reinert begins her tenth year as a teacher-librarian at Wanamaker Elementary. Her favorite part of the position is getting to work with every student and staff member at WE. She also loves that her position allows for creativity and a place for her to indulge her love for books AND people! In her free time, she enjoys exercising, traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and of course, reading. She and her husband, Mark, are the parents of 4 grown children--Caitlin (and husband Carl), Austin (and wife Bridget), Alex, and Claire. Watching their granddaughters, Amelia Catherine (5) and Elaine Marie (2 1/2), grow and change has been the cherry on the sundae! Amelia and Elaine will be joined by twins, due in September to Caitlin and Carl!

Jenny Armstrong--Library Assistant

Mrs. Armstrong starts her thirteenth year as the part-time library assistant at Wanamaker Elementary. We share her with Indian Hills Elementary where she is also the library assistant. She says the best part of her job is getting to interact with the students. In her free time, she enjoys Jazzercise, watching TV and movies, and spending time with her husband and kids. She and her husband, Jeff, are the parents of three children--Lanee (23), Ellie (a junior at K-State), and Rylan (a senior at WRHS).

I want to give Jenny an advance shout-out for being the talent behind the WE Library's bulletin boards! I will never tire of her colorful, awesome creations! Thank you, Jenny!

Visit the WE Library Website

Scan the QR code with a mobile device, using an app such as QR Reader, and visit the library's website by clicking on the Wanamaker Elementary link. The website has links to many resources for students, teachers, and families.

Look Who Got Caught Reading!

This summer parents and staff were invited to catch their student(s) reading, take a photo of them, and submit the photo to Mrs. Reinert to be used in a Back-to-School hallway display! It has been a lot of fun to see all the different places kids and staff were caught reading---at home, in nature, on vacation, with their pet, etc. Summertime reading for pleasure can't be beat!

September 16, 2023

The 12th annual Kansas Book Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mabee Library on the campus of Washburn University. The presenting authors will be inside the Mabee Library, and the vendors/entertainment/children's activities/book signings will be set up outside the library, on the lawn to the north side of the library. There are going to be some new activities for children at this year's festival!

Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity for a fun free literary experience for the whole family! Please click below for Festival details and to view the full schedule.

Summer Reading Celebration

The students completing the summer reading program at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library were treated to an ice cream sundae and brownie party last week. Students chose from whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and cherries to top their sundaes--yum!

Additionally, Aubrey Maxwell was the lucky recipient of the $15 Barnes and Noble gift card drawing.

Forty-two students earned their summer reading certificate from TSCPL---you should be proud, Wanamaker readers!

The party was a great way to end the week, start the new school year, and to celebrate reading for pleasure!


Aubrey was the lucky recipient of the Barnes and Noble gift card drawing!	Hmm, which toppings am I going to choose?	Some of the K- 1st grade summer readers!

Aubrey was the lucky recipient of the Barnes and Noble gift card drawing!

Hmm, which toppings am I going to choose?

Some of the K- 1st grade summer readers!


Upper elementary students enjoy their sundae creations!	Oliver can't wait to dig into his customized sundae!	Ainsley is all smiles as she ends the week with a treat!

Upper elementary students enjoy their sundae creations!

Oliver can't wait to dig into his customized sundae!

Ainsley is all smiles as she ends the week with a treat!

BookBreak Author Series is coming to WE!

There is an exciting new program coming to WE this year! The BookBreak Author Series will bring 2-3 bestselling children's author events to a network of schools each month via live stream, including Q & A from the students. The events will be geared toward specific grade levels (K-1st, 2nd- 3rd, or 4th- 6th). Each grade level will have the opportunity to hear from an age-appropriate author at least once per month. Recordings of the talks will also be available for future use.

The live talks will be 10- 15 minutes long. They are designed as a short "brain break" for teachers or librarians to share with their classes. This length offers value while fitting into busy schedules. Most authors will present two live talks at different times during the school day for even more flexibility. Recordings will be available for those who cannot be on live.

Some of the bestselling authors who will be participating this year include Kate DiCamillo, Jeff Kinney, Dan Santat, Kate Messner, Matt de la Pena, Shannon Hale, LeUyen Pham. Peter Reynolds is the first presenter on September 19.

A huge THANK YOU to our PTA for funding this wonderful opportunity for our students. Your support is very much appreciated!

Upcoming Dates

Sept. 8-- 9/11 survivor Robert Matos will visit with all 6th graders via Skype.

Sept. 15-- Kansas Book Festival presenting author Stephen T Johnson will come to WE and visit with our 5th graders about his career as an author/illustrator.

Sept. 16-- Kansas Book Festival held at the Mabee Library on the campus of Washburn University from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Week of Sept. 18-- Dot Day celebrated in library classes for grades K-2. Feel free to send your child to school dressed in dots on the day of their library class (optional)!

Sept. 22 & Oct. 6-- Student Council meetings held in the library at 8:00 AM.

Sept. 29-- 2nd grade classes will participate in Mystery Skypes to meet and determine the location of our Buddy Classes for the Global Read Aloud 2023.

Oct. 2- Nov. 10-- All 2nd graders will participate in the Global Read Aloud Picture Book Study in their library classes by connecting with our buddy classes in a variety of ways.