Wanamaker Library Newsletter
October 2019
Author visits with 5th graders
She is the author of the book Merry Menagerie, using her cut paper art as the book's illustrations. She shared her beautifully detailed artwork with the students, explaining that after trying her hand at a couple of business ventures, she found that her real passion is art. She wasn't afraid of the hard work and perseverance it took to get her start as an artist, author, and animator. She encouraged the students to find their passions and work hard to make their dreams come true.
Fifth grade teacher, Sara Evans, had this to say about the presentation, "Visiting author and illustrator, Angie Pickman, gave our 5th graders a new perspective on how books and illustrations are made. It was interesting how Ms. Pickman connected the art she had done as an elementary student with the art she does today. It inspired the students to know they can easily take what they are currently doing to make it their own special kind of art."
The students wrote Thank You notes to Ms. Pickman using Padlet (a digital bulletin board platform). We appreciated her taking time out of her busy schedule to visit with us!
6th graders connect with a 9/11 survivor
Mr. Matos worked on the 84th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center and escaped 10 minutes before it collapsed. He told the students that at age 37 (the age he was in 2001), he was more interested in the material aspects of living. His experience helped teach him that friends and family are so much more important than any material goods. The tragedy was also a reminder that we should be the best person we can be, showing kindness and helping others when we can. He said he saw so many positive ways that our nation and communities came together after the tragedy.
Social studies teacher, Mrs. Fairchild, said, "The 6th graders thought it was well worth their time. Their biggest take away was 'live your life.'" The students wrote Thank You notes to Mr. Matos to show their appreciation of him sharing this experience with them.
#KIDS NEED MENTORS
It was exciting to learn this summer that our school had been chosen to participate in the program this year. Mrs. Fewell's 5th grade class has been paired with author Shannon Stocker of Crestwood, Kentucky. She is the author of the picture book Can U Save the Day, a delightful book about consonants and vowels. The possibilities for this collaboration are endless, and teachers/authors are encouraged to be creative and make it be whatever they wish it to be for the students. Ideas among collaborators are exchanged on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook groups.
Mrs. Fewell says of the collaboration, "As a published author, Shannon Stocker has insight that many of us don't--I can't stress how invaluable this opportunity is for my students!" It will be exciting to see what this collaboration brings, and we will continue to chronicle this experience in future newsletters.
William Allen White Award Winners
Kindergarteners and Johnny Appleseed
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 15--Student-Led Book Club meeting (5th and 6th graders) in the library at 8:00 a.m. Please bring your book with you and wear your tee-shirt if you would like!
Oct. 24--Mrs. Reinert will present on the topic of Mystery Skype at the Kansas Library Association Conference held in Overland Park, Ks.
Oct. 14-31--Book Character Potato Decorating Contest held in the WE Library Potato Patch. Watch for details to come home with your student!
Oct. 28-31--Student Council will sell Boo Grams to raise money for our holiday service project.
Wanamaker Library
Email: reineali@usd437.net
Website: http://library.usd437.net/common/servlet/presenthomeform.do?l2m=Home&tm=Home&l2m=Home
Location: 6630 Southwest 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS, USA
Phone: 785-339-4871