Help needed in the library!

If you read the information from the library that was sent home with report cards, then you know that one of my goals for our students is to improve their abilities to find appropriate reading materials and to utilize the library catalog to find books they are interested in.  In order to be able to help them improve these skills, I am in desperate need of consistent help on Thursdays and Fridays when students are doing the bulk of circulation.  I would love to have 2, or even 3, parents available during all K-4 classes to assist students with checking books out, helping me check books in, helping students locate materials, and finally with shelving materials.  Because of our rotating schedule, classes come in one week on Thursday, and the following week on Friday for checkout.  If you are interested in helping out with your child's class (or with another grade if it works for your schedule!), or if you have questions, please contact Kristine McLane in the library at 252-1527, or at kemclane@seattleschools.org .  No library experience is necessary for this opportunity to help our students! I see each grade level at the following times:

9:35-10:05 2nd Grade
10:05-10:35 1st Grade
10:50-11:05 Kindergarten
12:40 - 1:10 - Room 5
1:10 - 1:40 - 3rd Grade
1:40-2:10 - 4th Grade

Thank you!!

2011 ALA Awards Announced!



2011 Newbery Medal Winner



Every January the American Library Association announces the top books for the prior year for children and young adults at its midwinter meeting.  The Caldecott Medal is given to outstanding illustrations and the Newbery Medal is give to the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.  The Coretta Scott King Award is given to African-American illustrators and authors for outstanding contributions to children's literature.  The Robert F. Sibert Medal is awarded for the most distinguished informational book for children.  Finally, the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal is awarded to the most distinguished beginning reader book.  I have recently created an Amazon.com wish list for books that would improve the library collection at North Beach. Most of the books currently on the list are the 2011 ALA award winners.  A great way to honor a student's birthday or other special occasion would be to add one of these notable books to our library's collection!

Welcome Back!

We've been back in school for a little over a week now and I need to provide some updates on several items.  First, I'm thrilled to announce that the library's DonorsChoose grant was funded due to the generosity of people in our community and others who support literacy.  We will soon be receiving several dozen new books to add to our library collection as a result of this grant.


We jumped right into our winter MAP testing schedule when we returned to school last week.  All classes have completed the math assessments and tomorrow we begin the reading assessments.  Look for further information on accessing test scores coming via the Beachcomber or from your child's teacher!