One of the librarians in the district has asked us to send pictures of our bulletins so that she can compile a CD showcasing our many creative endeavors. I have sent her pictures of a couple of bulletin boards but have felt so blue lately that I didn't think I had the energy to put together an new board this winter. When I received Anne's email asking for submissions, I pulled myself up by the boot straps and got busy and this is the result. Nothing like reading on these cold wintry days.

Little Red

The week of January 17, students in second grade performed a reader's theater production of the folktale "Little Red Riding Hood".  The children were divided into groups of two or three students each and assigned parts...narrator, Little Red Riding Hood, mother, grandmother, the wolf or the woodsman.  We read our lines through once and then five lucky students were selected to act out the play with finger puppets and the puppet theater while the rest of the class read the lines from the play.  It was our first attempt at doing a finger puppet show in the library.  The area behind the puppet theater was a bit squishy even for five pint-sized, second grade puppeteers but they managed to put on a great performance despite the cramped quarters.  I look forward to having some of the second graders perform the play to our kindergarten students after a few more dress rehearsals. 

Happy New Year?

January promises to be a hectic month and the beginning to what may be a very interesting year for EPISD librarians.  Because the tax ratification bill did not pass this summer, our district's budget faced a deficit coming into this school year.  Eighty-six positions were cut to balance the budget for the 2010-2011 school year but now the district is facing a reduction in state funding which will impact the 2011-2012 budget.  The State Legislators will be meeting in a few weeks to determine the appropriations for public education.  Once the appropriation bill is passed, EPISD will begin to gauge what measures it will need to take to balance the 2011-2012 district budget.  A Budget Stakeholders Committee has been created by Dr. Garcia and they are looking at several models to include a 5% reduction in personnel in order to satisfy the anticipated $22 million dollar deficit.  In the meantime, this librarian is concerned for her job and for the impact that cutting librarians and possibly closing the district's school libraries might have on the education of El Paso's school children.

December in Library

December was an extremely busy month in the library.  We had regularly scheduled classes the first week of the month, with our third grade students finishing up their research on Dia de los Muertos and decorating their altar-shaped folders for their completed research worksheets. The second grade read versions of "Little Red Riding Hood," identifying the characteristics of a folktale and relating the lesson learned by Little Red to safety online and the importance of the AUA. 

The fifth graders were entertained and informed through a presentation on the Buffalo Soldiers given by Mr. Charles Taylor.  Technology site coordinator, Sherita Martin told me about Mr. Taylor's presentations and I invited him to present to our kids.  I prepared a little background information in the form of several transparencies that the fifth grade teachers used to introduce the Buffalo Soldiers to their students.  Ms. Martin videotaped and I photographed the presentation while our fifth graders listened intently.  Mr. Taylor was a most enjoyable and informative  speaker! 

The M&Ms (Mentors and Mentees) met for the first time in December.  Among the teachers mentoring students were Ms. Mueller, Ms. Oseles, Ms. Stone, Ms. Ayala, Ms. Barrera, Ms. Samaniego, Mr. Siemenn and yours truly.  I put together an art activity for the children to make - a paper plate angel - and Ms.  Ayala provided the snacks and a Santa hat for each mentee.  A good time was had by all.

All of the Moye children participated in pajama day the week of December 13th.  Donning their sleeping attire, the children came to the library for a holiday, book-based movie - "A Christmas Carol", "Polar Express" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and a cup of hot cocoa.  Everyone was on their very best behavior as they knew Santa was watching and preparing his list of good boys and girls!

And lo and behold, Santa did visit the children at Moye on the very last day of class before the holiday break! We had a RIF distribution so that each child was able to take a book home to read over their vacation, and while they were selecting books, who should appear but Santa and his trusty elf, distributing candy canes and good cheer.