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Celebrating Success in the Middle School Library
May 8, 2012 10:26 AM
By Liz Overberg - FF/S
As the academic year begins to wind down, I think it is important for all of us to take a moment to reflect on the successes that we have seen and experienced this year. Let's celebrate the good!
My first year here at Darlington has been a whirlwind. (Is it really almost over?) I'm grateful to all the students and teachers I have worked with this year for being open to my ideas, my book suggestions, my input, and some of my crazy experiments.
I am especially thankful to the students for allowing me to be part of their world and for being willing to try new things. Thank you for coming into the library to hang out during breaks, for joining book club, for helping me to create and improve the library's graphic novel section, for sharing your ideas, for contributing to displays, and, especially, for making reading an important part of your lives!
These are just a few of the things I'm celebrating from this year:
To me, though, the personal stories are even more powerful than the numbers. I have seen so many students blossom as readers this year. It is such an honor for me to be able to witness their growth. Students have come to me and told me that they are identifying as readers for the first time in their lives. I am so proud of how far they have come!
Throughout the past few weeks, I had students write down reasons they feel like belong in the library as part of a School Library Month promotion. These are some of the responses I received:
Finally, in the spirit of celebration, I would like to announce the TOP PATRONS and the TOP HOMEROOMS from the 2011-12 school year:
TOP PATRONS: (Determined by the number of books checked out from the library this year)
TOP HOMEROOMS / ADVISEE GROUPS: (Determined by the average number of books checked out per student)
Way to go, everyone!
If you are looking for ways to keep your child reading this summer, don't forget to visit the public library--early and often!
Darlington Library Services will be offering a summer reading program for rising 2nd through 12th grade students called DarREADS. Visit the Summer Reading Handbook or the Summer Camps page on the Darlington website for more information.
Have a wonderful summer!
My first year here at Darlington has been a whirlwind. (Is it really almost over?) I'm grateful to all the students and teachers I have worked with this year for being open to my ideas, my book suggestions, my input, and some of my crazy experiments.
I am especially thankful to the students for allowing me to be part of their world and for being willing to try new things. Thank you for coming into the library to hang out during breaks, for joining book club, for helping me to create and improve the library's graphic novel section, for sharing your ideas, for contributing to displays, and, especially, for making reading an important part of your lives!
These are just a few of the things I'm celebrating from this year:
- The size of the Middle School Library collection has increased by 27.6% this year.
- Book circulation in the Middle School is up 18.3% from last year!
- We now have a good-sized graphic novel and manga section in the library.
- There are 15 active members in the 7th and 8th grade girls' book club. Wow!
To me, though, the personal stories are even more powerful than the numbers. I have seen so many students blossom as readers this year. It is such an honor for me to be able to witness their growth. Students have come to me and told me that they are identifying as readers for the first time in their lives. I am so proud of how far they have come!
Throughout the past few weeks, I had students write down reasons they feel like belong in the library as part of a School Library Month promotion. These are some of the responses I received:
- Because I <3 to Read.
- Because reading gives you countless adventures.
- I Love all the books!
- I LOVE to READ AWESOME Books.
- Because I <3 Miss Koehler. I don't even like to read but she makes it AMAZING!
- Because I like reading.
- Because I LOVE Twilight.
- Because I LOVE Hunger Games.
- Because I LOVE BOOKS!
- Books are great for you! You need to read! WE have great books!
- I LOVE BOOK CLUB.
- Because it's a place that you can't fail anything!!!
Finally, in the spirit of celebration, I would like to announce the TOP PATRONS and the TOP HOMEROOMS from the 2011-12 school year:
TOP PATRONS: (Determined by the number of books checked out from the library this year)
- Aiden Buzzetti (5th grade)
- Abigail Smith (6th grade)
- Elliot Kinney (5th grade)
- Nicolas Seijo (5th grade)
- Claire Anderson (6th grade)
TOP HOMEROOMS / ADVISEE GROUPS: (Determined by the average number of books checked out per student)
- Mrs. Cline's 5th grade homeroom
- Miss Willingham's 6th grade homeroom
- Mrs. Brewster's 5th grade homeroom
- Mr. Ivester's 6th grade homeroom
- Mr. Babb's 6th grade homeroom
- Mrs. Robinson's 7th grade advisee group
- Mrs. Tunnell's 7th grade advisee group
- Mrs. Collier's 5th grade homeroom
- Mrs. Fine's 8th grade advisee group
Way to go, everyone!
If you are looking for ways to keep your child reading this summer, don't forget to visit the public library--early and often!
Darlington Library Services will be offering a summer reading program for rising 2nd through 12th grade students called DarREADS. Visit the Summer Reading Handbook or the Summer Camps page on the Darlington website for more information.
Have a wonderful summer!
