March 21, 2016

In just a couple of weeks it will be April which we all know is School Library Month and the time to celebrate the wonderful things that happen in our school libraries each and every day of the year. The 2016 theme for School Library Month is ‘School Libraries Transform Learning’ and I hope that you plan some activites and invite your entire school community to participate in innovative, creative and collaborative activities throughout the entire month. If you would like some resources to help you advertise your events please visit the AASL website.

We are very proud of ESM Library Sue Kowalski for being recognized as a “Mover and Shaker” by the Library Journal. Way to go Sue!

Are you familiar with Stephen R. Covey’s The Leader in Me which “teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader?” This article by Brian Smith will help you use books you already own to help students learn the seven habits of a good leader.

Did you know that Michael Gorman is making  repeat appearance at “Making Learning Happen at PBLNY 2016?” His workshops were extraordinary last summer and I’m looking forward to them again this year. 

The NYLA Continuing Education Committee (CEC) is conducting a survey through April 15, 2016 to gather information to inform the development of upcoming programming. Please share your input and you will be entered into a drawing!  One lucky respondent will be selected at random to receive a $15 Amazon gift card – it could be you!

Every person who walks into your library is a potential library advocate. Read The Adventure of Library Girl’s (Jennifer LeGarde) blog post “Finding the ‘Bigger Vision’ in Your Work.”

Encourage your high school students to participate in the 2016 Congressional App Challenge. The challenge is designed to engage student creativity and encourage their participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

NYSCATE awards over $10,000 in grants annually to innovative ideas for their members (membership is free) and their classrooms.  Please visit the NYSCATE website for more information. All grant applications are due prior to April 31, 2016.

We want to hear from you! If you have an event, workshop, exciting lesson or fun event that would inspire your colleagues, please send us a small blurb to share in the digital newsletter! We would also like to include book recommendations. If you've read a great new book, please send Doreen a recommendation that includes title, author, genre and interest levels along with a short review. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

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