Mrs. Servedio- Controversial Issues Assignment

Students will write a 3 page research paper on a controversial issue of their choice. For this assignment students must use the VRC to locate journal/magazine/newspaper articles on their topic.
The paper must also be written using MLA format. Noodletools will be used. See Mrs. Hatcher for info on the VRC & Noodletools.

(image: UCLA protestors by Albert Sabate)

Learning Standards:
AASL: 1.1.5, 1.1.8, 1.2.2, 1.3.1, 1.4.2,2.14, 2.3.2, 2.4.1, 3.1.5
Big6 Skills: 1.1, 1.2, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 6.1, 6.2
NYS- MST: 2

The Odyssey Research Project- Ms. Leidahl, Mrs. Palmer

For the Odyssey Research Project, students must design a storybook that tells the Creation Story of the Greeks, or the story of any specific set, pair, or individual god/goddesses, monsters, nymphs, or muses. The book must be based on original research, contain illustrations (drawn or computer generated), and written for a specific audience. All project books must have a cover page, story title, author's names, illustrations and a reference (work cited) page.

Students will be given class time in the Information Center to work on the assignment. The LMS, Mrs. Hatcher will provide instruction on using MLA style and Noodletools. There will be several checkpoints/conferences to monitor progress by Mrs. Palmer, Ms. Leidahl and Mrs. Hatcher.

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.5, 1.3.1, 1.4.2, 2.1.6, 3.1.2, 3.1.4, 3.4.3
NYS-ELA: 1, 2

Big6 Skills: 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2

The Big6: Information & Technology Skills for Student Achievement

The Big6 is an information and technology literacy model and curriculum, implemented in thousands of schools - K through higher education. Some people call the Big6 an information problem-solving strategy because with the Big6, students are able to handle any problem, assignment, decision or task.

The Big6 Skills:

1. Task Definition
- 1.1 Define the information problem
- 1.2 Identify information needed (to solve the information problem)

2. Information Seeking Strategies
- 2.1 Determine all possible sources (brainstorm)
- 2.2 Select the best sources

3. Location and Access
- 3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
- 3.2 Find information within sources

4. Use of Information
- 4.1 Engage (e.g., read, view, hear, touch)
- 4.2 Extract relevant information

5. Synthesis
- 5.1 Organize from multiple sources
- 5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation
- 6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
- 6.2 Judge the process (efficiency)

The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com

VRC site of the month: ABC CLIO- World History

ABC-CLIO World History: Ancient & Medieval Eras allows students and staff to explore and/or analyze eras from a global perspective.

Timelines:

• Pre-History: Beginnings to 1000 B.C.


• Ancient Asia, 3000 B.C.- A.D. 500


• Ancient Rome, 1000 B.C.- A.D. 500


• The Islamic World, A.D. 600- 1500


• The Americas, 3000 B.C.- A.D. 1500


• Medieval Europe, A.D. 500-1500


• Egypt and the Near East, 3200-500 B.C.


• Ancient Greece, 2000- 30 B.C.


• The Byzantine Empire and Russia, A.D. 300-1500


• Africa, 3000 B.C. - A.D. 1500


• Central and East Asia, A.D. 500-1500

See Mrs. Hatcher for VRC username and password.

Library Resource Scavenger Hunt- Mrs. Hatcher

As part of orientation, students from 7th grade Social Studies have been coming to the Library/Information Center for a scavenger hunt of resources. The activity is designed to familiarize the students with the resources available in our library. Students were given a task card that featured a print or non-print (computer-based) item found somewhere in the library. Once a student finds his/her item they will evaluate it and discuss what they learned about the item with their classmates.

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.2.6, 3.2.1, 4.4.2

Big6: 1.1, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2

Technology dept.- Pumpk'n Chunk'n Trebuchet

Good Day Everyone,

We just wanted to extend a thank you for everyone’s support on last Friday’s Pumpk’n Chunk’n Event. The response from students, staff, and administration alike were inspiring to the event. It was nice to see so many familiar faces in the media via Newsday, News12, Fios1, TV55 and our own district newsletter (Thanks to Jen Finn). Together the entire staff of Gelinas created an event that students will remember for years to come and solidified our rank in their educational experience.

The record toss of a 4lb pumpkin over 221 feet was either set by Mr. Hueber or our Superintendent Mr. Webster (whom ever buys us lunch first). Now that's honey turkey, on a wrap; just kidding. In all seriousness Mr. Hueber and Mr. Santana deserve a direct thank you for not only allowing us to hold the event, but also for allocating the funding to construct the trebuchet. Maybe next year we’ll even let Mr. Mutter fire the trebuchet again.

While we had plenty of fun with this oversized visual aid, it helped students to understand:
Trajectory
Apogee
Range
1st 2nd and 3rd Class Levers
Counterweight
Centrifugal Force
Potential and Kinetic Energy

Thank you all for taking classroom time out of your day and wagering your cars in the parking lot.

Sincerely,
The Gelinas Technology Department

Available Library Resources:

- The Art of the Catapult: build Greek Ballistae, Roman onagers, English trebuchets, and more ancient artillery by William Gurstelle.

-Levers, Wheels and Pulleys by John Farndon

- Levers by David Glover

VRC site of the Month: Custom Newspapers

Custom Newspapers is a great site to use for news information. It contains 150 national and international newspapers with full text articles going back to 1980. This database is updated daily. You can search by subject and keyword. Citation information for each article is included.

See Mrs. Hatcher for your username and password to access the VRC.

Mrs. DiLorenzo- Art Tribal Portraits

Assignment: Students are asked to depict themselves as a member of a tribe in which they are actually not a member of. They will work from digital photographs of themselves along with images that are taken from actual tribes, such as the Masai, Zulus, etc. They will research the adornments, hairstyles, tatoos, etc. of the tribes they wish to identify with and incorporate these looks into their own drawings. In a sense they will become a "member" of that tribe.

The class will spend some time in the Library Information Center to gather research information for the project. Mrs. Hatcher will provide an introduction on available resources.

Library Information Center- Suggested Resources:

• Google images


• VRC> Grolier Multimedia online


• VRC> World Atlas
  

Keyword terms to use along with tribal group name:

• people
• culture
• tribe
• customs

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 3.3.4, 3.4.2, 4.4.5

NYS: Art 3

Weiner/Schuchman- Women in Science & Engineering

Assignment: Try this with your friends, siblings or parents: ask them to draw a picture of a scientist. Unfortunately, the people you ask are most likely to draw a picture of a male. Now ask the same people to name one famous female scientist. You will most likely discover that people will find it hard to name one.

It is your duty as a fellow scientist to learn about these individuals and their contributions to science and engineering. Working with a partner, you will research and write about one female scientist in an effort to enlighten your classmates, friends, family and your teacher.

Review your class handout for assignment requirements and a list of women in science and engineering.

The class will spend several days in the Library Information Center. Mrs. Hatcher will have a list of available resources. In addition, a selection of reference materials will be placed on a cart for student use.

Library Information Center Resources: (More titles available in the library)

• American women of science- Call #920 Cam


• Dignifying science: stories about women scientists- call #920 Ott PB


• Extraordinary women in medicine- Call #920 Sti


• Women inventors and their discoveries- Call #920 Var


• Hidden from history: the lives of eight American women scientists- Call #920 Zac PB


• World Book's biographical encyclopedia of scientists-Call #Ref 509.2 Wor


• Notable women scientists- Call # Ref 920 Ref


• A to Z of women in science and math- Call # Ref 920 You
  

Learning Standards:

AASL: 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 3.1.2, 2.2.1, 3.2.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.4.1, 1.4.3, 1.4.4

NYS-MST 4

Mrs. DiLorenzo- Art Book Review

I recently was able to get some great ideas from the book "Alter This: Radical Ideas for Transforming Books into Art". Finding projects that students relate to is a difficult task at times. This book really gives you some great instruction on how to create projects that are truly unique and interesting to the students. Not only are the directions clear but the book also offers visual aids to help you. While flipping through the pages, I was able to use one of the ideas in the book, and applied it to a line design project I do with 8th grade. The project came out great!

Stefanie DiLorenzo/Art teacher

Mr. Worthington- Decades Assignment

As part of this group assignment students will focus on one of the decades from the lst half of the 20th century. Each group will have 10 minutes to give the class a feel for the decade. The focus should be on political, economic and social aspects of the decade, as well as key cultural and scientific achievements of the era.

Suggested topics but not limited to:

1950's- Civil Rights Movements, Korean War, McCarthyism, etc.
1960's- Malcolm X, Berlin, JFK Assassination, Beatlemania, etc.
1970's- President Nixon, Watergate, Detente, Hostage Crisis (Iran)
1980's- President Reagan, Sandra Day O'Connor, Moral Majority, etc.
1990's- President Bush, Global Warming, NAFTA, Waco, Texas, etc.

See Assignment sheet for additional topics

Students will have time in the Library Information Center to work on the project.

Library Information Center Materials:

General Information on Decades:

• Our American Century- REF 973.923 Tur
• American Decades 1970-1979- REF 973.92 Am
• The 20th Century- REF 909.82 Dow

Specific Topics: Use Search Plus to find individual topics such as Korean War, Global Warming, AIDS, etc.

VRC sites:

• ABC CLIO- American History
• ABC CLIO- World History/Modern
• World Book Online

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.5, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.9, 3.1.2, 3.1.4

Dispositions in Action: 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 2.2.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.2

Responsibilities: 1.3.2, 1.3.4, 2.3.1

Self-Assessment Strategies: 3.4.2, 3.4.3

Mr. Daguerre- Everyday Science Project

For this 4th quarter assignment students must create a poster, PowerPoint presentation, and a 1 page summary about an everyday science topic. Rubric points will be given for research/content, visual presentation, oral presentation and a summary paper. Students must show that they are experts on their topic.

Some possible topics are:

• Physics of Music
• Chemistry of Cosmetics
• Physics of Amusement Parks
• Precious Metals and Gems/Jewelry
• Chemistry of Art (Paints)
• Engineering of Aircraft
• Invasive Species

For the research/content component, students are to gather information from a variety of quality electronic and print sources. Sources should be balanced and relevant. In addition, a work cited page should be included.

The Library Information Center has the following materials available for this assignment:

• The Way Things Work by David Macaulay
• The New Way Things Work by David Macaulay
• Cool Stuff 2.0 and how it works by Chris Woodford
• Cool Stuff Exploded: Get Inside Modern Technology by Chris Woodford
• National Graphic Book of Inventions by Ian Harrison

In addition, students are able to utilize Search Plus for print materials on a variety of subjects.

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.4, 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 2.1.2, 3.1.1, 3.1.4

Dispositions in Action: 1.2.1, 1.2.2,1.2.6, 2.1.2, 3.2.1

Responsibilities: 1.3.1,1.3.4

Self-Assessment Strategies: 1.4.1, 1.4.3, 1.4.4

VRC Site of the Month- World Book Online

World Book Online: The premier online reference source containing every article from the 22 volume encyclopedia print set plus thousands more.

Ways you can search @ World Book Online:

IMAGES & VIDEOS:
By title
Atlas
CONTENT:
By subject
Alphabetically
Dictionary

The site also includes research tools, access to a Spanish version, a biography center, quizzes & activities, and a featured video of the day.

Mr. Worthington- AP World Art Assignment

The music, art and literature of a society can provide important insights into the culture of a group of people.

For this assignment AP World history students must complete two separate tasks.

Task One: Find two examples of artwork from the same historical era, but from different geopolitical regions. (For example- Italy 1500 CE and China 1500 CE) Each piece of Art must be put into its historical context. Students must then describe how each piece of art is reflective of the society its from. They must also make any relevant comparisons and contrasts that are apparent in the two pieces. All selected artwork must be photocopied.

Task Two: Find two examples of artwork from the same geographic region, but from different historical eras. (For example- Rome 50 BCE and Florence 1450) Students must then put each piece of art into its historical context and analyze them. Also, they must discuss how change over time is reflected in the artwork.

Available Library Information Center materials:

• Art of the Far East
• Art of the Early Middle Ages
• Renaissance and Mannerist Art
• Pre-Columbian Art and later...
• The Art of the Renaissance
• The Horizon Book of Great Cathedrals
• Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture of Ancient Egypt
• Spain: A History in Art
  

Students can search for additional titles using the OPAC or by consulting with Mrs. Hatcher.

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.4, 1.1.6

Dispositions in action: 1.2.6, 2.2.3

Responsibilities: 2.3.2

Self-Assessment Strategies: 2.4.2,

VRC Site of the Month- TeachingBooks.Net

WHAT IS TEACHINGBOOKS.NET?TeachingBooks.net is an easy-to-use website that is dedicated to adding a multimedia dimension to everyone's reading experiences of children's and young adult books. TeachingBooks.net strives for all teachers, librarians, students, and families to use today's online technologies to meet and learn from the author when reading his or her book.
TeachingBooks.net contains thousands of resources about fiction and nonfiction books that are used in K–12 environments, including:

-Movies of authors being interviewed in their studios
-Authors introducing and reading their books
-Stimulating book discussion and activity guides
-Authors saying their names ... and much more!

To use TeachingBooks.net, just search on a title or author of interest, and find materials that will enliven and add depth to discussions, lesson planning, and reading experiences. Additionally, the purple "Browse" bar on the bottom of the home page quickly identifies resources pertaining to specific grade levels and curricular areas.

Learn more by watching TeachingBooks.net video training sessions: http://teachingbooks.net/webinars

Questions? Please ask. We look forward to sharing author programs and K–12 book resources with you.

Nick Glass Founder & Principal TeachingBooks.net (800) 596-0710 nick@TeachingBooks.net

Mr. Mutter- Science Research- Volcanoes of the World

Students are researching volcanoes of the world from a select list provided by Mr. Mutter. For this research students will work in groups and answer questions from a volcano information handout. The information will then be compiled into a Powerpoint presentation using images and graphics that tells the story of the group's volcano. The class will utilize the Library Information Center and Ms. Hatcher will provide instruction in Work Citation.

Some suggested volcano websites:

USGS Volcano Hazard Site: http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/
Volcano World: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vw.html
Volcano Live: http://www.volcanolive.com/
Discovery Channel Volcanoes: http://www.exn.ca/volcanoes/home/cfm

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.4, 1.1.9, 3.1.4
Dispositions in action: 1.2.2, 3.3.1
Responsibilities: 1.3.3, 3.3.1
Self Assessment Strategies: 1.4.2, 1.4.4, 3.4.2

Ms. Leidahl- 8H- Independent Reading-Multicultural fiction

For this assignment students are asked to choose a book from a multicultural fiction list. A list is available from the LMS, Ms. Hatcher. The students must write a 2 page critique following the guidelines of critique components and reader connection. In addition, the students will visit the Library Information Center for a booktalk session with Mrs. Hatcher and a review of the book selection list.

Some of the booktalk titles:

The Trap by John Smelcer- Native Amer. Literature

Heaven by Angela Johnson- African Amer. Literature

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan- Latino Amer. Literature

Kira-Kira- by Cynthia Kadohata- Asian Amer. Literature

Shabanu Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Staples- Islamic Culture Literature

When I Dream of Heaven: Angelina's Story by Steven Kroll- Italian Amer. Literature

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 4.1.2, 4.1.3

Disposition: 4.2.2

Responsibility: 2.3.1, 2.3.2

Self-Assessment: 2.4.1

Science Awareness Fair

On March 17 and 18th, the Gelinas Junior High School Library was transformed into a showcase for scientific research at the school’s annual Science Awareness Day. The science fair provided students a non-competitive environment in which to display their work. Topics spanned the scientific disciplines. Many of the students who participated in the event are enrolled in the school’s science research classes, a unique program to be offered at the junior high/middle school level. Over 220 students from Gelinas participated, and some will also present their work at the regional Long Island Science Congress next month. Students from Ward Melville High School’s InStar® research program and Stony Brook University’s Science Education program served as evaluators for the projects.

Information Center Resources for Science Fair projects:

• Sensational Science Projects with Simple Machines by R. Gardner
• Chemistry Science Fair Projects using French Fries, Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff by R. Gardner
• Sports Science Projects: The Physics of Balls in Motion by Madeline Goodstein
• Science Projects about Tempature and Heat by R. Gardner & Eric Kemer
• More Science Projects for All Students by Facts on File
• Electricity and Magnetism Science Fair Projects.. by R. Gardner
• Simple Earth Science Experiments with Everyday Materials by Louis Loesching
• Science Projects about Kitchen Chemistry by R. Gardner
• And many more.........................

Global Languages Week

Global Language Week is a good time to come in and explore the world around us through the library Information Center's collection.

New materials have recently been added that reflect a multitude of different cultures.

The Arts in Spain by John Moffitt

Asian Dance by Janet Descutner

Italian Dictionary for Beginners by H. Davies

The Oxford New Italian Dictionary

Art & Architecture of China by Sheila Holihan-Elliot

Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women

African and Asian Dance by Andrew Solway

Cooking the North African Way by Mary Winget

Teens in Mexico by Brian Baumgart

Latino Americans in Sports, Film, Music, & Government by J. Limon

Want to borrow one of these titles?

Go to Gelinas Library Online Catalog located on this blog.

VRC Site of the Month: CultureGrams

CultureGrams has information on cultures of 182 countries and territories, maps, statistics, glossary and 50 US states with timelines.

Did you know . . . that Iceland has more internet users per capita than any other country? That Cambodia consumes the least electricity? Or that the United States is the global imports leader? Discover 50 of the world’s statistical extremes in CultureGrams Graphs and tables.

Click the picture above to get to the VRC and Culturegrams

Mrs. Hatcher- 7th gr. Cyber Bullying Discussion

Bullying is not just on the playground any more! Cyberbullying is a form of bullying in which the perpetrator chooses to torment his or her victim through a technological device (Cell phones and Computers)

Seventh grade Health classes have been visiting the Library Information Center for an ISAFE presentation on Cyberbullying with Mrs. Hatcher. The presentation included a discussion of recent news about "Facebook" regarding a cyberbullying lawsuit against the site, as well as recent
issues with "MySpace." Students also viewed a video called "Seven Ways to Block a Cyberbully" and completed its accompanying activity sheet.

For more information on this topic go to www.ConnectSafely.org or www.GetNetWise.org

Rachel's Challenge- Inspiring Stories

A display was created as part of the Rachel's Challenge activity in order to encourage everyone to read inspiring stories.

Suggested reading:

The courage to give : inspiring stories of people who triumphed over tragedy to make a difference in the world by Jackie Waldman.
Book Summary: Tells the stories of thirty people who healed their own suffering by reaching out to others.

Beating the odds : a teen guide to 75 superstars who overcame adversity by Mary Ellen Snodgrass
Book Summary: Discusses the adversity faced by successful people, such as Mitch Albom, Salman Rushdie, and Jodie Foster, as they pursue their dreams, and explores social issues such as religious prejudice, medical conditions, eating disorders, and poverty.

Miracles happen : one mother, one daughter, one journey by Brooke Ellison
Book Summary: Brooke Ellison discusses how she managed to overcome an automobile accident which left her paralyzed from the neck down and became the first ventilator-dependent quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard University.

Love Your Library Week

"Love Your Library Week" celebration. There were raffles of prizes, treats, themed bookmarks and a special book fair sponsored by the PTA.
It was a lot of fun! We are looking forward to doing it again next year.

Faculty Book Presentation

April Hatcher showcasing one of the new books presented at the February faculty meeting. The new collection of books include curriculum support materials for the various subject areas. There is also an updated Professional collection.

Some new titles in our library collection:

• Building Big by David Macaulay- Technology dept.
• Celtic Art by R. & V. Megaw- Art dept.
• The Biography of Chocolate by Adrianna Morganelli- FACS dept.
• Italian Dictionary for Beginners by H. Davies- Global Languages dept.
• New Views of the Solar System by Comptons Britannica- Science dept.
• Say No and Go: Stranger Safety by Jill Donahue- Special Ed dept.
• Profiles in Mathematics: Anicent Mathematicians by Rod Staeger- Math dept.
• Sports Technology by Ron Fridell- Physical Ed. dept.

Some new titles in the Professional Collection:

• 40 Ways to Support Struggling Readers in Content Classrooms, gr. 6-12
• Thinking Like Mathematicians: Putting the NCTM Standards into Practice
• 101 Answers for New Teachers and their Mentors
• Caught Ya! Grammar with a Giggle for Middle School
• 50 Graphic Organizers for Reading, Writing & More
• Statistics without Tears: A Primer for Non-Mathematicians
• 55 Teaching Dilemmas
• 20 Ideas for Teaching Gifted Kids in the Middle School & High School
  

Mrs. Hatcher- 8th gr.- ISAFE Personal Online Safety

8th grade students at Gelinas attended a workshop on ISAFE Personal Online Safety with Mrs. Hatcher. There was a brief discussion of recent news concerning online safety issues with Facebook, MySpace, etc.

In addition, students worked on a class activity in which they were divided into 5 "expert" groups. Each group represented an area of Internet safety such as "Privacy Online", "Safety Resources", and "Online Interaction". Each group had to share at least two rules about online safety with their classmates.

Library Information Center Resources on Internet Safety:

Books:

• Safe surfing on the Internet by Art Wolinsky- 004.67 Wol
• MySpace Safety: 51Tips for Teens and Parents by K. Farnmham- 004.67
• Everything you need to know about staying safe in Cyberspace- J. Croft- E025.04 Cro
• Online social networking by Sylvia Engdahl, ed. - 004.67 Onl

Websites:

http://www.isafe.org/

http://www.netsmartz.org/

http://www.wiredsafety.org/youth.html

Ms. Schwartz- 9th gr. Research Paper

Students will write a research paper that presents and interprets information gathered through the extensive study of a subject. The paper is due in stages (thesis, preliminary bibliography, Note Cards, Outline, Final paper). Ms. Scwhartz will guide students through the different stages.


Research Paper Topics:

• Go green: environmentalism
• Gun Control
• Civil rights
• Book censorship
• Women's rights
• Animal rights
• Ethics and professional sports
• cloning
  

Students will visit the school library where they will have the opportunity to peruse books on the above named subjects. It is there that they will narrow the area of study and identify an open-ended question to answer for the research.

The LMS, Mrs. Hatcher, will also work with the classes during various stages of the research process. There will be a discussion on the VRC databases pertinent to the topics of study as well as proper work citation style.

Recommended Resources:

• VRC- SIRS Discoverer
• VRC-Topic Search

Use Search Plus to find books on a particular subject. Books will be held on a cart in the Information Center.

Example: Global Warming

Information Literacy Standards:

Skills: 1.1.5, 1.1.7, 1.1.8, 2.1.2, 3.1.5

Disposition: 1.2.1, 1.2.5, 1.2.6

Responsibility: 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 3.3.2

Self Assessment Strategy: 1.4.2, 1.4.3

Mrs. Hatcher- 7th gr. ISAFE Internet Safety

This week 7th grade Social Studies classes have been coming to the Information Center for a ISAFE presentation on Internet Safety by Mrs. Hatcher.

Internet Safety Topic: Predator Alertness

Students need to:

• Understand the need for being safe in the cyber community - just like your physical community.


• Understand how predators typically approach kids and teens online.


• Understand the importance of refusing inappropriate advances.


• Know how to Report suspicious activities that you encounter on the Internet.

The activity included a powerpoint presentation with class discussion followed by a short video.

Students also received a handout of safety tips.

Mrs. Waldbauer- 8th gr.- Independent Reading

Mrs. Waldbauer's classes came to the Library Information Center for an independent reading assignment. Students were given a book talk on a variety of genre titles by the Information Specialist, Mrs. Hatcher.

Students listened to book talks on the following titles:

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
• Hoot by Carl Hiassen
• No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
• Roughnecks by Thomas Cochran
• Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch
• Surviving the Applewhites by Stehpanie Tolan
• Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan
• Crispin: the Cross of Lead by Avi

21st-Century Information Literacy Standard(s):

Skills: 4.1.1, 4.1.2., 4.1.3., 4.1.5

Dispositions: 4.2.4

Responsibilities: 2.3.1, 2.3.2

Self-Assessment Strategies: 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.6

VRC Site of the Month: Health & Wellness Resource

Happy New Year! Like many people, you may have made a resolution to get healthy in the new year. Check out the Health & Wellness Resource site on the VRC.

The site contains magazines, journals, newspapers, definitions, directories, and information on: Fitness, Pregnancy, Medicine, Nutrition, Diseases, Public Health, Occupational Health and Safety, Alcohol and Drug abuse, Prescription Drugs, Herbal remedies, and alternative or complementary treatments.