Alabama Library Media Update
June 2020
In the newsletter below, you will find information regarding
FY2021 Education Budget - $157.72/unit (level funding)
Alabama School Library Association Member Information - Board Member & Officer Nominations
Virtual Summer Professional Development
Dear Alabama School Librarians,
As you are wrapping up this school year and transition to the summer, please know how important your role is for student success.
Even with the unprecedented end of the school year, I hope you are able to help students transition, prepare academically, socially, and emotionally for their future, and most of all ensure the effectiveness of school library media programs for the coming year.
As so much has changed from the way in which we collect books from students at this time, circulation of materials in the time of remote learning, and the way in which we collaborate with teachers; I hope you find a way to reenergize way in which you serve students and teachers.
Do not hesitate to reach out to my by email, cdillard@alsde.edu, telephone (334) 694-4773, or Twitter @Mrs_Dilly.
ASLA Member Corner
- Executive Board & Officer Nominations (Self Nominations Welcomed!)
Complete the Nomination form by May 22nd!
Nomination Form --> https://forms.gle/gZRRMenQoqzSK45H9 - Postponement of Annual Summer Conference information
- Postponement of Awards nominations
Each of you are encouraged to become an ASLA member, if you are not already.
ASLA encourages you to get involved within the organization at the leadership level. We need librarians who are willing to step up and lead the organization to provide a vision for the future of school libraries.
Also, expect additional information announcing VIRTUAL Summer Professional Learning Opportunities. The ASLA Board is working on a great summer professional learning opportunity for library media specialists. So stay tuned for that information.
Tentative Dates
June First Friday: Friday, June 19, 2020 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
ASLA Virtual Summer Professional Learning Series: Tuesday, July 14, 2020 - Time(s) TBA
Information will be sent in the July newsletter.
July First Friday: Friday, July 31, 2020 - Times & Topics TBA
Information will be sent in the July newsletter.
LIVE: TUESDAY, June 9, 2020 at 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Topic: Post-COVID & School Libraries: collecting & cleaning materials, continued circulation through Summer, partnering with public libraries, practical ways to promote summer reading & learning to help with summer slide
Presenter: Katie Jane Morris (Hoover Public Library) , Jennifer Northrup (Hoover City Schools), Cristin Dillard (ALSDE), & Cindy Huskey (Madison City Schools)
Target Audience: P-12 School Librarians
Description: The Alabama School Library Association (ASLA) is hosting it's first VIRTUAL summer professional learning opportunity. Join us as we facilitate a discussion - EDCAMP style - on the following topics:
- Closing Procedures: Cleaning & Collecting Materials
- Partnerships with Public Libraries: Outreach, Summer Reading Programs, & Promoting Reading
- Combating the Summer Slide: School Librarians Promoting Summer Learning
This is not intended to be a sit and get session, come ready to discuss, ask questions, comment, collaborate and most of all LEARN from each other.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON POWERSCHOOL
JOIN THE WEBEX SESSION: https://alsde.webex.com/alsde/j.php?MTID=m64afbbae684e97491991c5c648dcd869
JOIN BY PHONE:
1-650-479-3208 Call-in number (US/Canada)
Access code: 145 901 9520
👀 LOOK 👀 for July dates & topics to be included in the July edition of the Newsletter!
LIVE: June 19, 2020 at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CST
Topic: Alabama Virtual Library: Gale In Context: Elementary (Kids InfoBits) Enhancements
Presenter: Tammi VanBuren, Gale Training Consultant
Description: On May 29th, Kids InfoBits (now Gale In Context: Elementary) will receive interface enhancements designed to increase access to library resources and have a greater impact on student success. In this webinar, we'll share what's changed with Gale In Context: Elementary, including both interface and specific tool enhancements. Join us to learn how these improvements will help users research smarter, not harder. This session will be recorded for those who can't attend.
Register in PowerSchool by clicking here
Date and Time: Friday, June 19th from 9:30am-11:00am CST
Registration Link: https://cengage.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kgCnFySPRtqLn9mht-XzWw
Date and Time: Friday, July 31st from 9:30am – 11:00am CST
Registration Link: https://cengage.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xfo35adTQ2CfWZ6G1R0AAA
LIVE: June 19, 2020 at 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Topic: EBSCO Learning Express / PrepStep for High Schools - College and Career Resources
Presenter: Cristin Dillard
Description: EBSCO Learning Express/PrepSTEP for High Schools is a resource that is currently available through the Alabama Public Library Service and can be an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and secondary educators helping students to be college and career ready. From test prep, practice tests, to literacy and mathematics readiness courses, this resource can help fill gaps for many students.
Register in PowerSchool by clicking here
JOIN THE WEBEX: https://alsde.webex.com/alsde/j.php?MTID=m8095fe785de3cd8233b0e7107fe6b5ee
ASLA Pre-Conference & Annual Summer Conference - POSTPONED
ASLA - Alabama School Library Association PreConference (June 15) and Summer Conference (June 16) is POSTPONED
Due to the uncertainty of the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, ASLA has decided to postpone our annual summer conference. We are aiming to reschedule our conference for Fall 2020 and want to keep our contracts with our scheduled Keynote Speakers. As we figure out more details, we will let you know. We will be refunding people who have already registered for Summer Conference. You will receive follow-up information regarding your refunds.
We are hoping to provide some virtual Professional Development opportunities this summer to give you the opportunity for flex times and more learning. We will announce these sessions as they get planned, so stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Laura Massey, ASLA President-Elect & 2020 Conference Chair
Regional Inservice Center Professional Learning Opportunities
Announcements of virtual professional learning opportunities through Regional Inservice Centers for Library Media will be made by the Inservice Centers and notification will be made.
Camellia Awards Voting - EXTENDED DEADLINE & MODIFICATION
This new deadline is due to school closures impacted by COVID-19. Also, this new deadline is tentative and could be changed if any new information becomes available about the reopening of schools.
If you need some ideas on how to get the books to the students - as far as online storytimes for the younger grades, I can work with you on this in addition for the upper grades books. We can brainstorm. Contact cdillard@alsde.edu for more information.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON!
Camellia Children's Choice Book Awards - Readers for the Selection Committee Needed
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING A READER ON THE SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THE CAMELLIA AWARDS:
https://forms.gle/h7RFgK1XQse9c9Lo8
K-12 Librarians and Educators in both public, private, and charter schools
Public children's and/or teens librarians
Camellia Awards Website: http://bit.ly/camelliabooks
Submit any shout outs, events, photos, etc to cdillard@alsde.edu to be featured in the next newsletter shout outs. I will share shout outs and spotlights in the upcoming newsletters.
Cristin M. Dillard, Education Specialist for Library Media
Also, don't forget to send in shout outs and publicity to be included. Alabama School Libraries are amazing with many great events, instruction, and projects going on. I would love to share that with others.
Email: cdillard@aslde.edu
Website: http://bit.ly/ALMO1
Phone: 334.694.4768
Twitter: @Mrs_Dilly