From the LMC: September 2009

This is the 13th year I've been the teacher-librarian at Skyridge. Contrary to 13 being unlucky, I count myself as extremely lucky. The library space is stunning and I never tire of it. I love my job and I love serving your kids. September is always a whirlwind but I love meeting the sixth graders and reconnecting with the seventh and eighth graders. As they say, it's all good.

Another lucky thing on the horizon: we will welcome author Wendelin Van Draanen to our school on October 26th. Thanks to a Camas Educational Foundation grant she will visit both middle schools; the Camas Public Library the evening of the 26th, Lacamas and Grass Valley Elementary Schools the 27th. She is an enthusiastic presenter with high voltage energy. She is effervescent and inspiring and I'm confident students will adore her. Her books Flipped, Swear to Howdy and Runaway are bestsellers in our library year after year. Save the date and plan to meet up with her at the Camas Public Library or at school. Her Shredderman series is very popular at the elementary level. This event has been two years in the planning and I am extremely excited about getting the word out.

What about library basics? Students are allowed to check out up to five items; four books and a magazine or five books for two weeks. Magazines are only checked out overnight. Students are permitted to come to the library (LMC) during lunch and before and after school. Every language arts class has a library time, but I also work with classes especially when research is involved. But the virtual LMC is open all the time and you can find it by clicking on this link, Skyridge Library.

By the way, we checked out over a thousand books for summer checkout and while we have about 275 that need be returned. Students have done an exceptional job returning their books from summer checkout and I really appreciate all YOUR positive comments and support regarding summer checkout.

I thank you for you support and encouragement.

Until next month... get caught reading!
Constance G. Pappas
Teacher-Librarian
Skyridge Middle School