Signal Mountain Middle High School Library Media Center
SMMHS LMC
Empowering students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers,
skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. Volume 3, Issue 8
April 1, 2016
SMMHS Library/Media Center Mission: The SMMHS library/media center is committed to equipping the school community with 21st Century skills in order that they may have a positive impact on their community, country, and world.
An Important Reminder: Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about summer? We only have one more edition of the LMC Newsletter, so let me take this opportunity to remind everyone, ESPECIALLY seniors and 8th graders, that all library materials are due back by Monday, May 2nd. That’s so we can get through the collections process in time for you to graduate or promote! You can sign in to your account to see if you have any items out or fines/fees. Here’s a help sheet in case you’ve never done it before. Of course, if you have problems or need help, just email me @ kirchmyer_g@hcde.org. Ginger Kirchmyer, MLIS National Board Certified Teacher SMMHS Librarian www.smmhsmediacenter.net
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ALL Materials are due by Monday, May 2nd! 2
Building a Better What do computers, tables, sofas and tucked away chairs have to do with the building blocks of a school library? According to the American Association of School Libraries (AASL), these are the exact building specifications needed to create the six active learning spaces needed in today’s school libraries. Technology rich area: Today’s library’s must have a space where students can utilize technology, so we provide 13 desktop computers, plus 7 charging stations to meet the varied technology needs of our learners.
Large group areas: We have two long tables that seat up to 14 students!
Quiet and solitary areas: Although libraries are not the once hushed places they used to be, a quiet area is still necessary for the solitary reader or researcher. At our library we provide sofas and overstuffed chairs for one to two students to sit and quietly work. In addition, we also provide a silent zone for students who need to work undisturbed. We even have one computer tucked away to free its user from the other distractions of the library.
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School Library Community area:
Small group areas: These are spaces for 2-4 students to meet, talk, and brainstorm & create areas of learning conversations. At the SMMHS library we have several areas set up with tables that seat up to four students. Students choose the “zone” they prefere (Collaborative, quiet, silent). We also provide rolling white boards to encourage their conversations and learning.
This can be interchanged with the large group area or be it’s own flexible space for entire classes or large groups to meet. Flexibility within these spaces is a must to meet the different meeting needs. At the SMMHS library we have eight tables that fit an entire class, plus several sofas that can be moved around to create a “front row” or even flank the sides.
Makerspaces: Because SMMHS is so academic in focus, our students aren’t popping into the library for hands-on learning, building or crafts that are often found in markerspaces. Rather, they receive this in the robust arts, robotics and other creative offerings of the SMMHS curriculum Flexible learning spaces are the keys to meeting the various needs of diverse learners and their teachers. At the SMMHS Library we strive to be a hub of learning and meeting these requirements is a natural extension of that goal. Want to learn more? Read “Six Active Learning Spaces Your Library Should Have at the AASL’s website.
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R esearch paper season is here. This grueling time can prove difficult for both teachers and students alike. However, there are certain tools that can make any project easier. According to Jennifer Carey in her article “10 Google Doc Hacks Every Teacher Should Know,” these simple tips will make Google’s popular word processing tool that much easier to use. In the article, she gives easy to follow directions for the following hacks & how to’s:
Google Docs
Convert a Word Doc to Google Doc Offline Editing Restore an Earlier Version of a Document Email a Google Doc as Attachment Type With Your Voice Embed a Google Doc to a Webpage Use Research Tools to Up Your Game Create an Organized Table of Contents Equation Toolbar Translate a Document into Another Language Carey’s directions are simple and straightforward, so even the least tech savvy person can take advantage of her tips. For full access to her hacks, click here and read her article published by DailyGenuis and you’ll soon be on your way to filling your research process toolbox with some must use hacks.
TIP: At night, when you’re wanting to wind down, find videos to teach you a new tech trick so you can use the resources available to you more easily! :) 5
Shelf Awareness: What’s your Shelf IQ? Know which books are sizzlin’ right now!
Famous tales retold on the big screen THIS SUMMER! From Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty, Grimm’s Tales, Rapunzel, Dr. Moreau, and even Sherlock Holmes! Which one will you want to see? Click here for more details!
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Challenge ends May 1, 2016! Did you meet your goal? Send us your photo or stop by so we can take it and post it on the wall!! 7
Your help is needed to seed Technibrary, a site dedicated to helping students, teachers, and parents better understand how to use available technology. You don’t have to know about a lot of things—just the device, app, website, game, or eBook platform you love, and tell us about it! Click here to be taken to the form where you can tell us what you know!! This project was created by Ginger Kirchmyer & funded through PEF Chattanooga!
Rising Juniors & Seniors: Are you interested in working the library next year? Click here to access our worker application. Return it to Ms. K in the library by the end of school so she can communicate with counselors about your desire to be a library aide! 8
BALANCED April’s IB Learner Profile Trait: Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
OPEN-MINDED May’s IB Learner Profile Trait: Open Minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
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Don’t Miss Out on Summer Reading! Take Advantage of Your Free Membership to the Chattanooga Public Library!
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ust because the SMMHS library doors close this summer doesn’t mean you will miss out on reading, but you have to take advantage of the Chattanooga Public Library by getting your free library card NOW! Through a cooperative project with the Chattanooga Public Library and the Hamilton County School system, every student has the opportunity to receive a public library card. However, the deadline for applications is fast approaching. April is the last month applications for the public library can be submitted. You can access the application here or simply stop in the SMMHS library and fill one out. Once you’ve filled out your application, leave it with us. All applications must be in by April 29th so cards can be ready before we leave for summer. If you’ve already filled out an application but haven’t received your card, stop in and pick it up The Chattanooga Public Library card will give you access to all of the public library branches with the privilege to check out books and utilize their technology. Just remember you are responsible for all of the fines and charges associated with your card.
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April is LOVE YOUR LIBRARY month! Do you know all the services your library provides? We not only provide free access to print & digital books & magazines, but trusted databases & websites for academic study while providing you with top notch service with things from our print shop for poster making to social media updates, photos, and even daily book trailers sent out each day at 2:30 for the bus ride home! We make copies, help with printing, assist with finding books, create informative displays to help you better understand your academic world, and we even hand-deliver books to students who reserve them online! 9
But remember, you have other libraries too! Your public library has many materials we don’t, and in college, you’ll have an academic library as well as libraries specific to medicine, law, and music. Many hospitals, churches, law firms, museums, and large organizations have them as well. Knowing how to navigate your school library now will help you immensely in your future. Has one of your libraries made an impact on you? Tell your story here! 10
Library Hours
2882
7:15-2:30
Check us out
ONLINE!
daily The number of individual student sign-ins to the library since the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. This does not count visiting classes.
VSBA voting is THIS MONTH! Remember, you had to read at least 3 titles from your group. Click here to see the eligible titles and to vote. (Titles are on p2 of the survey. Your vote won’t register unless you hit SUBMIT, so don’t worry, you can peek at titles! :)
We’re open 24/7/365!
NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP:
MS Library Roatation Schedule
ALL votes must be received by April 29th!
Follow us ONLINE! STAY CONNECTED: Each afternoon at 2:30 we post a book trailer on Twitter and Facebook, & we advertize library events and programs; on Pinterest you’ll find everything from book recommendations & study tools to organizing strategies and bulletin board ideas for teachers! Check us out!
@smmhsmediacenter
@ginjatheninja @GingerKirchmyer @smmhslibrary