Week of 3/24-- teacher

Today,
A group of kindergartners and 1st graders came to the media center in order to engage in a maker's space.   A maker's space is a place where children who share the same interest can meet up and engage in different technology based activities.  It's a place where they can share ideas, knowledge, and equipment.

The students used a graphic organizer to gather data regarding a parachute activity.  Students were given a plastic egg that was broken apart.  They were asked to take a survey from others to see which end of the egg would land slower after being connected to a coffee filter and some straws (see pics).  

Week of 4-10 through 4-18 Information Specialist

This week we are in the process of testing.  I have been helping out with setting up lap tops and desk tops for GMAS.   This includes logging computers onto the online platform, and troubleshooting when icons are missing, students can not go in, and computers time out.   In addition, hallways have to be monitored. 

This will continue until Friday, April 21st.  

3-17 checklist item #4

Today, I really got to fine tune my skills regarding cataloging.  I cataloged approximately seven fiction books.   I added them to Destiny, made and printed bar codes and spine labels.  Afterwards, I identified the AR points, reading level, and lexile.  I laminated soft cover books, and learned that there are three different types of binding; library, hard, and soft. While I've previously heard of the latter two, I've never heard of the library binding.   Apparently, that's the top of the line and there is a lifetime guarantee on them.

While cataloging, I also learned that if there is a 'red house' underneath the title that means that there is already a copy of that book in the county.  If not, I had to add the copy.

Catologuing!

Just catalogued all of these books!

Students stayed after school for 'Game Day Friday'.

3-15 information specialist

Today, Darnita was absent.  Therefore, I worked the circulation desk, shelved books, and got a quick tutorial regarding printing out late notices for teachers.   Late notices go out to teachers during the week of report cards.  We ask the teachers to send them home with the report cards.   We usually get bombarded the very next day with students returning for re-checking out these late books.  

Here's a short video that I can refer to when it's time to print out late notices on my own. 

3-9 teacher

This week, I taught my reading lesson to a group of fourth graders.   The students were really engaged and enjoyed the lesson on inventions.  I read the story, The Crow and the Pitcher.  Afterwards, we discussed the meaning of the quote, necessity is the mother of invention.  The students shared very accurate responses; such as, when you are in need, you come up with something to help you fix the problem.  After reading this story, the students were given some materials and told to create something that they need.  We used survey monkey in order to vote on the best invention (see screenshot below).  

At the end of the lesson, students used Padlet in order to share their definitions of an invention (see 2nd screen shot below). 

Invention survey.

Exit ticket:  What is an invention?

3-15 administrator

Today was 1/2 day for students.  My supervisor was at a conference from 8-11:30.  Therefore, I helped the clerk with circulation and shelving books.  It was a very busy day.  When Darnita, my supervisor, arrived around noon we worked on finishing up the evaluation report and the activity report (see checklist item).  

My supervisor has never created an infographic before.  We discussed ways that we can share information to staff, parents, and students in the future using infographics.   One example that we came up with is to send out a summary of late books based on each grade level using an infographic.  Also, keeping up with grade level reading/AR point goals.

2-24 checklist item #6

2-10 teacher

Today was fun.  I learned to do something that I've been wanting to do for a few years now.  I was introduced to QR codes two years ago when I worked in Fulton county.  Unfortunately, I've never been able to take the time to sit and figure out how generate them.  Thanks to my site manager, I was able to find a user-friendly website and get it done in no time. 

I was also able to assist the site manager with teaching her 4th grade specials class.  The students are doing a maker's space... working on programming robots.

1-30 info. specialist and teacher

My biggest accomplishment was working with the media specialist and finishing up my reading unit. Next week, we will decide which dates I will begin teaching the unit. 

I chose the topic inventions, because it ties in with what she's doing with some students.  She is having them break down old radios,  writing down their findings, and attempt to put them back together again. 

This correlates with the invention unit because it allows the students to see how things are created.

Week of 3/31--- information specialist

Today was a pretty slow day.  It was the last day before Spring Break.  I checked a few books in and out, and conferenced with my mentor.  I also worked with a group of gifted first graders and kindergarteners who were beginning a new unit on endangered species.   I used youtube, brain pop, and online graphics organizers to make the learning more engaging.   

In addition, I took some time to reflect on my role as a media specialist.  What have learned?  What will I want to immediately implement?  How can I improve the state of our current media center?  When will I be ready to take on such a task?  

While I am quite sure about some of answers, there are others that I need to continue pondering.  I am sure that I want to either work in an elementary or middle school setting.  I say this because I've taught in both of these environments.  In addition, I found the high school experience to be quite boring.  I know that if I was the media specialist in a high school, there would be several changes that would need to be made.  I saw no media specialist/teacher collaboration, and I saw media specialists taking on roles that were not in the realm of the media center.

3/17/2017 Information Specialist--Middle school experience

I also collected money from students who needed to pay late fines and/or purchase items from the school store.  Students also had to pay .10 per sheet if they needed to use the printer.

Because the band teacher was away on a field trip, students who did not attend came to the media center in groups of 8-10 during three different class periods.  Those students enjoyed games of chess, connect four, played games on the laptops, and read books.

Middle school is definitely a combination of elementary and high school.  It's busy like the elementary school; however, students and employees are expected to pay for items  that they are not expected to pay for on the elementary level.

One last tid bit of information that I acquired from this visit is that having certain materials will make things go by much smoother.   Some of these items are:  a taping system applicator, weight to press books, and an embosser (sp).  

Ran into one of my favorite elementary students in the middle school media center.  

Some of my favorite 5th grade students who are now middle schoolers. 

Students playing chess. 

3/14/2017 Leader -- checklist item 7 & 8

The Douglas county media specialists have decided to switch from using the Helen Ruffin reading bowl to the Tome Student Literacy Society.  This idea was brought to everyone's attention by the media specialist of the year, Ms. Herlihy, who I worked with during my high school experience.   She shared that Tome has more resources for students and teachers.  Media specialists attended the conference in order to gather more information regarding the program; such as, cost, membership, book list and parent information.  

In addition, here is my PLN:

3/9/2017-- checklist item 9

Here is documentation of a webinar that I took part in.   I was actually called to the principal's office this morning.  I was nervous (don't know why), but she asked me to be the liaison between the grades 3-5 teachers and the representative hosting the webinar.  The webinar was interesting because it was an introduction to a software program that Douglas county has purchased.  It's  a tool that teachers can use in their classrooms to monitor student growth and create assessments.   

3/15/2017 Program Administrator- Checklist item 5

3/7/2017 Instructional Planner--- county wide meeting

On this day, I had the pleasure of accompanying Darnita to the monthly county wide media specialists meeting.  It was enlightening.   I was able to see how the media specialists get a heads up regarding all of the new technology arriving to the county.  The meeting began with celebrations.  There are two media specialists who are retiring.  Everyone stated that I should inquire about these jobs; however, I want to continue teaching gifted for now.  This is my first year teaching gifted, so I want to perfect it before I begin something else.  

Todd, our county wide technology guru shared that the county will be getting one million dollars towards devices for next year.   Hopefully, teachers will be able to receive a two in one device next year.  

Most of the meeting focused on weeding.  The liaison shared how she weeded over 1,ooo books this year!  She stated that it makes it easier for students to find books.  I agree, and plan to start weeding during the first month of school when I do get a media position.  

3/3/2017 Program Administrator-- high school experience

I've taught in a middle school setting and elementary school setting.  As an educator, I've never been in a high school.  All I can say is... time's have changed.  Here's a list of some of the things that I noticed:

1.  There are two media specialists along with a clerk.

2.  Circulation is non-existent (today at least).

3.  Students come in to complete assignments before and after school.  

4.  Students have to pay to print documents (black/white or color).

5. The media specialists wear many hats that don't necessarily deal with the library.

The media center was really slow.  A few students came in to type and/or print documents.  I walked around and asked some of them to share what they were working on.  A few young ladies (juniors) were doing some research on a book that they were about to begin reading in their literature class.  While working, I noticed that they had another page open... watching Netflix :).   Since they were doing their work, I just let them be. 

The media specialists were mostly dealing with students who had to pay a fee to take the A.P. test.  In just three hours, they collected over $3,000.  Today was the deadline; therefore, several students and parents were coming in to take care of this fee.   They've had since September to get this taken care of.  

 One of the media specialist is in charge of graduation, while the other is in charge of the A.P. program.  They tend to spend most of their time dealing with these duties. 

Today is the last day of Read Across America, yet I didn't notice any homage being paid towards it.  The media specialists do have a window display in honor of Women's Month, and they have a few decorations around for St. Patrick's day.  They say that students really enjoy the  'Banned Books' week.  The media specialists decorate and make a huge deal out of the banned books.  This is an opportunity to get the students engaged and excited about reading.  

We went over some of the following grants that they have submitted: 

1.  Instructional Technology Grant Proposal

2. Mini-Grants for Education 2013-2014

3. Council of Intron Neighborhoods and Schools

I will use this information to help me get started on an application form draft. 

 

 
 

It was really interesting to see the different types of books that high school media centers have on display, versus elementary school.   It made me think of all of the censorship articles that I had to read when I first started this program.  If you look at some of the titles above, it easy to see the media specialists here are keeping up with the latest social issues that these older students may find interest in.

Today's experience made me realize that I may want to stick to the lower grades.  I'd rather teach and complete activities directly related to the media center versus collecting money from upper-class men.
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2/24/27 Leader

Today I began to construct my online module.  Darnita and I decided that I would plan and deliver a presentation on current web tools such as; Padlet, Symbaloo, Recap, Audacity,and Movie Maker.

The online module will only focus on one of these tools; Symbaloo.  I choose this one because I will be able to show them how they curate all of the other tools by using this one system.  I am very excited and can't wait to finish and present to staff.

Initially, I wanted to share during a faculty meeting; however, since our faculty meeting agendas are always full.  I have decided to present to team meetings.


Link to online module: https://sites.google.com/site/onlinetoolsfortheclassroom/


In addition, I continued to be an assistant to my site supervisor as she taught her 4th grade students. The students were  engaged in a Maker's Space creating mazes for their robots.  Some were finishing up their online coding activities.

2/10/17 Candidate as a teacher-- checklist item 1

This is a picture of the school wide theme that I started during black history month.  I sent an email to all grade levels informing them of the door/bulletin board contest we were having this month.  The teachers did a great job participating.   Here is the one that I did.  I recorded students giving book talks on books that we had in the library highlighting some of our famous African Americans.

2/17/17 Program Administrator

Today we worked together to complete the program evaluation rubric.  My site supervisor will really excited to complete this survey.  It gave her an opportunity to reflect on her role as our SLMS.  She was really honest, and paid close attention to the details in order to determine whether or not we were proficient or exemplary.

We found that finding time to collaborate with teachers is hindering the SLMS from reaching the status of exemplary in a few areas.   This is an area that will take time and effort on the the part of the SLMS and the teachers.  Maybe if she starts working with one teacher this late in the year, it will pave the way for working with more teachers the following year.

It took us nearly the entire day (in between circulation and teaching) to complete this survey.

1/30 Information Specialist and teacher-- checklist 3

This week, I spent the majority of the day in the media center.  I continued to help with the book fair, weeding, and check books in/out.

1/27/17 Information Specialist and Instructional Partner

Today was BUSY!  I had the pleasure of assisting with the book fair, and observing our school media specialist continue her lesson on coding with our grade 4 students.   Above are some pictures of the students working hard on their coding activities.  They have a series of three activities that they must complete.  After the completion of each activity, the students are given a certificate.  Wow!  Talk about preparing our students for the 21st century.  Not only that, we are definitely taking advantage of some cool web 2.o tools available online.

1/20-17 Information Specialist

Today was a fairly short day in the media center.  I had to spend 1/2 of the day preparing for upcoming gifted testing.  However, afterwards I was able to spend enough time in the media center to learn a few things.  I learned how to access MARCC and add new books to the schools online catalog.  Some of the steps include seeing if the material has already been entered by another school.  If so, you can just add new copy.  If not, you have to use the ISBN to add the title into the system.

1/13/17 Information Specialist

Today I dove right into it.  I was able to complete all of the following during my hours in the media specialist:  Weeding, help host AR celebration, organize materials, and check in/out material.

I assisted the media specialist with weeding during a course that I had last semester. However, at the time we just went through the motions for the sake of the assignment. This time, I was showed how to actually access Destiny and delete the book from the system.

My favorite part of the day was working at the circulation desk. It was really easy learning how to check books in/out.

These are the notes that I took while I was learning how to catalogue books.  I'll be keeping these for future reference.