Our team of AAPS librarians is excited for another school year to begin! We have curated a collection of new books and resources for students. We will be providing instruction on information literacy, digital citizenship, technology tips & tricks and of course, readers' advisory. Students have access to a myriad of Gale Research Databases through their Schoology courses in addition to a large selection of resources pictured below!

From our Gale database sales rep…

“I am excited to share that when looking at overall usage of Gale resources last school year, Ann Arbor Public Schools was a top user across all of Michigan, Ohio, & Kentucky. That is quite an accomplishment – CONGRATULATIONS!!"

Usage of the Gale databases is so successful due to the ease of access through Schoology as well as the promotion and instruction on how to use these databases from the AAPS librarians at all grade levels. The Gale databases provide students with access to information on world history, science, opposing viewpoints (for persuasive writing), biographies and a general reference database that covers a variety of age appropriate topics that support national and state curriculum standards in English language arts, social studies, and science. Librarian teach students how to access these databases and how to use the tools available within the articles to search, cite, translate, download, highlight, take notes, and send directly to their Google drive.

Computer running slow? Computer won't power on? Try these tips in the slides below first before coming to the library for help or calling the help desk. You have the power to fix your own computer with a few simple steps!

I grew up in Commerce, MI. I have one younger sibling. I attended Michigan State and the University of Michigan. I started classroom teaching in AAPS in 2018. I’ve taught both upper and lower Elementary. This is my first year teaching Library. I currently live in Ypsi with my partner Geoff, our kiddo Eoin, and our two dogs Raleigh and Mo. We love to spend our time outside doing just about anything outdoorsy! We also have a new baby (Mackenzie) coming to our family this November.

What book or books have had the most influence on your life?

All of them! As a child one book I really connected with was Matilda. I had a difficult childhood and actually went to live with a teacher for a while. I never developed cool magic powers, but I was fortunate to have a real life Ms. Honey in my life.

How do you keep students engaged?

By getting to know them and giving them agency. I think approaching everything with authenticity makes a huge difference. They know if you’re being real with them or not. If you’re trusting them. If you’re seeing them. Or not. We’re all more likely to be engaged if we feel seen, trusted, and valued.

What is the most exciting about your personal and professional life right now?

Professionally, I am very excited to be our school's Librarian this year! I love Pittsfield, our kids and sharing books with those kids. I can’t think of a better job to have. Personally, I am excited to meet this new baby and to see my three year old with their new sibling!

What are you reading now?

I’m currently reading the graphic novel Messy Roots by Laura Gao, and I’m Still Here Adapted for Young Readers by Austin Channing Brown.