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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