December 2022

Students just finished up Trimester 1 and are settling into Trimester 2. Sixth-graders report feeling comfortable and happy with the freedom of switching classes at the middle school even if it comes with the responsibility of more work. Seventh-graders look so much older than last year. And eighth-graders are at that sweet spot where they are enjoying this moment in time. We have been busy with research skills in the library!

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” - Lewis Carroll

Mrs. Watson continues her collaboration with the library to do research on famous Americans. See photos below!

Mrs. Dalessio requested a lesson to review how to find books, and place holds, and provide the opportunity for students to do a "book tasting." I decided to go with a 2023 goal of creating a "balanced reading diet" by stretching ourselves to seek out new genres. Students worked in groups to travel through the library, looking through titles and jotting down titles that interested them to create their very own "TBR" (to be read) lists. Students could start placing holds based on their interests.

Dr. Mark Davis and I hosted our fourth annual Hour of Code Family Night on Tuesday, December 6th from 6-7 pm in the Student Union in honor of Computer Science Week. We had six stations as well as some Pac-Man on the big screen! Mrs. Jenny Hines of Primrose Hill and her Primrose Hill families joined us as well. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable evening for all. We also invited staff and families to join the fun any time by using the resources found here. We ask that if you do participate, please fill out this form so that we can provide you with a certificate for joining the coding fun!

Mr. Eric Altieri and I hosted our third Movie Club on Thursday, December 8th after school in the library. All participants watched Hidden Figures and came ready to discuss.

Students came to Mrs. Van Leer asking if they could use the library space to start a Dungeons and Dragons Club. Mrs. Van Leer jumped right on it and helped them secure the global classroom space off the library. Mrs. Van Leer reports that the students are very motivated self-starters and she is just there as a sounding board. They meet on Tuesdays after school until the late bus. Anyone is free to join. Email Mrs. Van Leer at vanleere@barringtonschools.org for details!

Senator Jack Reed has been a long supporter of libraries. He and Representative Raul Grijalva just put forward legislation to ensure all students have access to school libraries and quality library programs. I was honored to be asked to be a representative of the School Libraries of Rhode Island organization to thank Senator Reed in person for his work on Friday, December 9th. I brought in the new Dav Pilkey book for the photo op because I want kids to see Senator Reed with the latest title in the Dog Man and Cat Kid series.

On Thursday, December 22nd, I got the chance to chaperone a field trip to the Breakers and Marble House mansions in Newport. Mrs. Watson gave everyone a scavenger hunt to fill out as we listened to the audio tour. The students were so well-behaved and on-task. It was so much fun and so very informative. It is hard to imagine the sheer wealth and opulence of the Gilded Age lifestyle. What a treat to tour both homes!

Due to the low usage of digital magazines from RILINK members across the state, RILINK will no longer be purchasing the use of digital magazines for the SORA catalog. Our students seemed to be the 4% of the RILINK users taking advantage of the digital magazines because Minecraft World Magazine was always our top digital title.

The good news is that students can still access all of these digital magazine titles by going to Flipster in AskRI.org.