Westborough High School Library awarded $5,000 to fund mental health and wellness projects

Westborough High School Library awarded $5,000 to fund mental health and wellness projects

Grant Recipients announced!

NEWS RELEASE

WHS Library Annual Report June 2015

WHS Library Annual Report June 2015 | Piktochart Infographic Editor

For previous years annual reports and other library information, check out the
WHS Library Reports LibGuide.

#alamw15 Chicago

There is something really awesome about a city that has such accessible art.  From the original and interesting architecture to the funky public art, visitors will not be disappointed.  I really enjoyed the (very) short time that we had to walk around and experience the sights and sounds of this city in the proximity of our hotel and conference. 

Here are some of my personal highlights from #alamw15  ALA Midwinter 2015: 

1.  The networking, informal meetings and conversations that take place between our own members and other librarians is just plain awesome.  It is validating to know that others are wrestling with some of the same issues that we are faced with in Massachusetts.
We are stronger together and working with each other will surely help us to grow and understand where our focus must be. 

2.   The Vendor Hall was bustling with activity. I especially enjoyed seeing some of the Advanced Reader copies and walking by authors (whether I knew them or not), it has a sort of "rock concert" feel!  I spent some time in a maker space booth using copper tape to create a light up firefly pin! I'm looking forward to checking out this organization more closely. 

3. Affiliate Assembly offers opportunities to meet, listen and connect.  This year was no exception.   You can read a detailed blog post by Jennifer Reed here.  
The Ask Me How School Librarians Transform Learning campaign was introduced: 

Use these as an "elevator speech" or talking points whenever the opportunity arises. 

4.  The knowledge that Kathy Lowe, Judi Paradis, Jennifer Reed and Amy Short possess collectively is amazing.  I count myself lucky to be able to learn from them.  I continue to strive to understand how to continue to move the Association to meet our memberships needs. Attending ALA Midwinter is just part of that puzzle! 


Thanks for reading! 

View other posts from the conference at the MSLA en Mass Blog. 

Inquiring Minds Want to Know - Grade 9 Physical Science - Guided Inquiry: @ the WHS Library!

With the new school year, begins Science Inquiry! This year, I am working with 4 physical science teachers and 210 students to journey through the Guided Inquiry process!  Over the summer, a team from our school participated in the Summer Inquiry Institute at Rutger's University to expand our knowledge about inquiry based research over compilation based projects.  

Creativity is imperative when working with this many students and classes!  For our "Open - creating curiosity for students" we doubled up on some classes.  It was sometimes loud, sometimes chaotic and always high energy.  The students seemed to really enjoy working together with another class during their Inquiry Circles and this activity.  

The objective for today was to provide a way for students to be exposed to Science topics that they may have been unaware of.  It was also a way to get students curious about a topic that they will research by using the Guided Inquiry process. We are taking the students on this journey with a carefully planned activities and lessons.  Much of the plan involved technology use for reflection, assignments and research.  Today was all about low-tech connections with content, students and learning. 

Students read a current article about obscure Science topics. They reflected on the article, pulling out the main ideas.  They also wrote opinion statements regarding how the article relates to Science and what about the article was interesting to them. This was used as the basis for an Inquiry circle in small groups. One of the students began the discussion and each member of the group had the opportunity to share their own thoughts.  Students were eager to share their new knowledge with their inquiry circles.  The topics brought up many questions for the students.  

To culminate the day's activities, students presented their Inquiry Circle discussion to the rest of the group. Many of the groups divided the speaking by their personal opinions. 

Messages are everywhere...

Wise owl and Cheery Bird Welcome

Balance: The place where we find our deepest peace is the place where we discover our greatest strength! 

Respect and Tolerance - expected for and from ALL 

I am not asking you to do anything that I don't take the time to do!
I'm a reader and I want you to be too! 

And so it begins - Welcome back!

Welcome back!  Seniors arrive with their blur of tie-dye on the first day.  One thing for sure, there is always an excitement in the air that is contagious to everyone in the building during the first day of school.   This year I am hoping to take a picture a day to capture the essence of our school, our library, our community.  So far I am behind by 3 days - but that's also something that can always be counted on! Here we go....