The Tiger Den
Updates regarding the SWA Library Program
March 2024
School Library Month is coming!!!!!!!!
How Can we Prepare for School Library Month as a School?
Do one or more of the following to celebrate school libraries:
Teachers
1. Use library resources for projects.
2. Schedule a class visit to the library.
3. Schedule a pop-up library visit.
4. Request a Collection of resources for a class project.
5. Co-teach a BCPS Digital Citizenship lesson.
6. Request a lesson related to a BCPS database
7. Use Destiny to check out a print book, audiobook, or e-book.
Students
- Use Destiny to checkout a print book, audiobook, or e-book.
- Place a book on HOLD for pop-up library delivery.
- Write a note of thanks to the school librarian. :-)
- Sign up for Brunch Bunch.
- Write a review for a library book and post it in Desitny or the library Schoology Page.
- Send a Schoology message for help with class projects.
February 21, 2024
Special Edition: Testing/Pruebas
For parents/Para padres
MAP
For students
Practice MAP
PTSA
Please be advised that our Hayward Gourmet fundraiser starts on Monday, February 5 and ends on Tuesday, February 20. For this fundraising program we will be selling gourmet popcorn, fudge, salt water taffy, and cotton candy. Attached please find a copy of the parent letter and brochure that has been placed in your mailbox. We have asked 1A teachers, to please distribute the flier with brochure to the students on THIS MONDAY MORNING. The proceeds will go toward the spring activities that we have tentatively planned, including a Talent Show, a Sweetheart Dance, end-of-the-year activities, etc. Items can be purchased online and shipped to you for a straight $10 fee or you can have items sent to the school at no charge by filling out the brochure and leaving your order and payment in the Main Office. The Top Seller (minimum 30 items sold) will win $100. Those who sell 10 items or more will get a keychain good for a free frosty (with purchase) for the rest of 2024, and those who sell 5 items or more will be entered into a drawing for a $30 Amazon gift card.
*Please run the fundraiser information 2 or 3 times per week until Feb. 20. If there is something in particular that we want to say about it, we will forward it to you. If you want us to send you something for the 2-3 days, please let us know and we will write something up. The main thing is the dates of the fundraiser and the prizes, but really, it's however you want to do it in the flow of the Tiger TV format. THANK YOU!
Attached please also find information for the 7th Annual DREAM B!G Contest sponsored by the Lyric Baltimore. If you have any students that you think may be interested, please let them know. We will leave copies of the letter and poster in the Main Office as well.
The final attachment is the flier for our Black History Month assembly that is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6 (9-10am) in the cafeteria. Our guest performers are the Rhonda Robinson Quartet, jazz musicians who will provide a taste of the jazz experience for 200 our students. There may not be much interest but if parents or community members want to stop by for this presentation, we are cool with that.
If you send out this information, please remind folks to join our Facebook group.
Practice MAP
Students can practice the Math section of MAP by using the link below.
To open the practice test, use the following username and password:
Username - grow
Password - grow
Once you are in, do the following:
- Select your grade level.
- Select Math K-12
- Select the language you prefer.
- Select Practice Items: Math
2/5/24 - Special Message
Our Winter is Starting off Great
With collaborations and pop-up libraries, we are having more opportunities for partnerships.
BCPL Partners
Once a month, Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) partners come to our school to provide reading materials not available in our school library.
Reading Access + Student Choice = Reading Engagement
When given reading choice, our students love to read.
BCPL Resources Galore
Resources for All Departments
The World Language department and the Social Studies department received more information about the resources in our school library.
Community
Students designed door decorations for the Door Decorating Contest.
Research and Projects
After researching various Blues artists in the library, Mr. Scheihing's students created a blues song based on an issue in today's society.
Special Edition
Grants to help our school community
Reflections: 12 Months and Counting
2023 Fall Edition (Part Two)
Top 20 Readers
Fall in Love with a Good Book
As the cold weather begins, students and staff are encouraged to warm up with one of the good books in the library.
Books That Recognize Native American Heritage Month
Diverse Titles for a Diverse Population
In our school and library, diversity is celebrated. From titles that reflect varied experiences to resources which provide information about a variety of cultures, the Tigers' Den has something for everyone. Take a moment to look at some of the titles that have been highlighted during the first quarter.
What will you be reading?
Top 10 Teaching Collaborations
In The Tigers' Den, Literacy, Instruction, and Technology are embraced. Here is a list of the Top 10 Teaching Collaborations for August -October:
Mr. Baldwin
Ms. Bright
Ms. Demo
Ms. Donelson
Dr. Gade
Ms. Howard
Mr. Kristy
Ms. Levitt
Ms. Lorthe
Ms. Morrison
Teachers on the list should stop by the library on 11/3/23 at 12:00 pm for a sweet treat. :-)
Virtual Displays
Primary and Secondary Sources
Sliding Glass Window, Doors, and Mirrors
Student Testimonials
Student Testimonials
Student Testimonials
What did you learn today?
What did you learn today?
What did you learn today?
How would you rate today's lesson in the library?
How would you rate today's lesson in the library?
How would you rate today's lesson in the library?
BCPL Partnership
By using their BCPS ID and experiencing the public library in in the cafeteria, more and more students are able to access resources in the public library.
2023 Fall Edition (Part One)
The school year has begun and this year the Tigers' Den is focusing on the following:
- increasing the number of student checkouts
- increasing the number of classroom visits for library instruction
- increasing the number of manga titles in the library collection
- creating experiences for students and staff to promote literacy in all forms
Book Tasting
Book Tasting 101
Students learn that they will have a chance to experience a Book Tasting.
Book Tasting for the Win!
By experiencing a variety of genres in a low stress environment, students have a chance to see what books suit their book preferences/tastes.
Teachers Enjoy It Too
Teachers enjoy the experience, as well.
The More You Know...
Using our online catalog provides 24/7 access to reading materials. Students can use the following videos to review how to use the catalog, Destiny.
Rediscover the possibilities with Destiny
Learn how you can access reading material 24/7.
Discover how to place books on hold by watching the video below.
Rediscover how to check the due dates for school library books.
Social Media
SWA Facebook Page
SWA Library Twitter
Visit our website for more information.
Welcome Back (Teacher Edition) 2023-2024
Did You Know?
BCPS teachers and students have access to the Baltimore Sun?
Information with the steps to access, as well as the username and password were placed in the mailboxes of teachers.
BCPS has a partnership with the Baltimore County Public Library
- Teachers can use a teacher library card to receive books.
- Students have access to ebooks, language programs, and much more.
Classroom teachers can request a tutorial.
Wonderful News!
SWA is a community school!
Summer Edition
How to Videos (Destiny)
The school library is physically closed during the summer. The videos below prepare the students for the upcoming school year and provides some tutorials explaining the online catalog.
Special Edition: End of the Year
Checking Your Destiny Account
The video below shows students how they can check their school library accounts using Destiny.
Spring Update
The Winner is...
Graphic Novels and Manga was deemed the winner of the 2023 SWA Book Brackets. I will keep this in mind as I order new books for next year.
Special Spring Edition
SWA Book Brackets: March Madness Style
We are currently in round three of the SWA Book Brackets: March Madness Style. Make sure you submit your votes!
Book Tasting: Thematic Style
Student Choice
Student Access
The SWA Book Drive was a Success
We collected over 180 books. Books will be delivered to the Randallstown Recreational Center by the end of next week.
Preparation
Collection
Success
The Great Library Checkout Challenge
As of 3/21/23. students at SWA have checked out 1,707 books in the library.*
Your challenge is to determine the following by April 5, 2023:
- Without going over, predict the total number of checkouts our school library will have by May 26, 2023.
- Without going over, calculate the percentage increase from today's total (see the link) to the answer you determine for step 1.
- Submit your work via the Google link below.
The first student with the closest answers to both will receive a prize.
Submit your responses by April 3, 2023.
*The total does not include e-books.
Continue to vote in the SWA Book Bracks: March Madness Style.
In Round Three...Graphic Novels/Comics versus Adventure and...Fantasy versus Comedy. You have until March 21, 2023, to vote in this round.
February 2023
Black History Month
Ebooks
Allowing an infinite number of students and staff to read at the same time, ebooks are an important focus of the Black History Month spotlight.
Read alouds and Pop-ups
To highlight the oral tradition of Black storytelling, read alouds and Pop-up read alouds in classes are also being offered.
Authors' Voices
Links to various African American authors reading the first chapter of their books is also provided.
Winter Edition (2022)
Resources to Enhance Student Literacy
NOTE- You will have to log in with your BCPS credentials to access.
Below are some examples of students working on research for their class assignment.
Students working.
Students collaborating.
Students researching.
Special Edition: First Day of Fall (2022)
What's New
Library Orientations
Great news! Library Orientations have been conducted in nearly 80% of the ELA Courses. Students in all grade levels have the opportunity to learn about the library program at SWA. From the books in our school's library collection to sharing a bit of information about themselves. The library orientations have been fun and informative.
What is Destiny and How Do You Use It?
The first video for The Tiger Den premiered last week. In it, there is a tutorial to show students and staff how to access the online library catalog and search for materials. Part Two will premiere in October.
Watch the video below to learn more.
Pop-up Library: The Why, The What and The How
Popup Library in the Cafeteria
Created as a way to bring the library to the students, SWA's Pop-up library premiered in the cafeteria a few weeks ago. Offered during each lunch shift on selected days, students books were given a chance to look at library books and check them out. Popup libraries will continue during the school year.
Classroom teachers are also able to request a Pop-up library for their classrooms. Share a topic, suggested date(s) and time(s) and I visit your classrooms to give students a chance to checkout books.
Teacher Spotlight - Mr. Baldwin
Mr. Baldwin
Mr. Baldwin is the first teacher at SWA to complete his Tiger Den Bingo Chart. Listen to him share his experience using the resources in the library for a student project. He will receive a gift card for completing three tasks on his Bingo Card.
Only two git cards are left. Who will be the next teacher to get one?
Welcome 2022-2023
What about teachers?
Co teaching, Research, Digital Citizenship Lessons, and much more
From DBQs to checking out titles based on student interest, there is so much that we can do. Look at some of the options that are listed in the information below.
This Week Teachers Can Pop- In
During your planning period, pop by the library to discuss co teaching ideas and see the revamped space. The first 10 pop ins on Wednesday- Thursday will get a treat.