

Igniting Imagination
The SHMS Library Chronicles
Bi-Weekly Newsletter: Monday, November 6th π
November 8th - National STEAM Day
Don't miss National STEAM Day on November 8th! In our library media center, we integrate exciting STEAM activities into our daily and weekly media sessions. Whether it's coding, robotics, or makerspace projects, STEAM is a vital part of our students' learning experience.
National STEAM Day celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. We aim to inspire both you and your children to explore the boundless possibilities within these fields. Mark your calendars for November 8th, and join us on a journey through the world of STEAM! ππ¨π¬π‘
4th Grade Media Updates
π’ Zooming Through Fall: Sphero Superstars Earn Their Driving Licenses and Create Stunning Corn Mazes! ππ½π
ππ Sphero Driving License Unlocked! ππ
Hello Parents and Guardians! Here's a quick update on our students' coding and robotics journey. π€π»
π¦ Sphero Bolt's Square Challenge π¦
Our students mastered block coding by acing the "Driver's Test" with Sphero Bolts, guiding them to draw a square. π They're now officially Sphero drivers! ππ
π½π¨ Fall Corn Mazes with Sphero Minis π¨π½
Next, they teamed up to engineer fall corn mazes using Sphero Mini robots, Keeva blocks, and art materials. But before they began building, they brought their creative visions to life by submitting blueprints through sketches, School, and Brushes Redux apps. ππ² Their teamwork, combined with their meticulous planning, made the mazes even more stunning! ππ‘
Stay tuned for more updates on our tech-savvy young minds! π π€ππ‘ #CodingAdventures #STEMEducation
Gifted and Talented Updates
π΅οΈββοΈπ Gifted and Talented Sphero Challenge Update ππ΅οΈββοΈ
Our young innovators are on a top-secret mission for the 2024 Sphero Challenge with a theme that's shrouded in mystery - "Sphero: Agents of Espionage"! π€ππ
π Elite Spy Teams Master Covert Teamwork π€
Our talented students have formed elite teams for the covert Sphero Challenge, where they combine their teamwork skills and cunning strategies just like true secret agents. π΅οΈββοΈ
π Nearing the Finish Line on Mission 1 π
The 4th and 5th-grade groups are on the brink of completing Mission 1, showcasing their exceptional coding and engineering skills in true spy fashion. Their successes are hidden in plain sight! π―π»π
π 5 Challenges Await: Can You Keep a Secret? π
But remember, the journey has just begun! Our talented young spies are gearing up for five thrilling challenges in this year's covert competition. Each mission will test their creativity and problem-solving abilities, pushing them to reach new heights in espionage technology. π΅οΈββοΈπΌ
Stay tuned for more updates as our gifted students embrace mystery and innovation in the world of robotics and coding. The future holds secrets for these young tech agents! π π΅οΈββοΈπ οΈπ‘ #SpheroChallenge2024 #SpheroSpies
Pet's In The Classroom - Stay Tuned for Our Fish Tank! π
SHMS Library is the Proud recipient of a Pet's in the Classroom Grant for 2023-2024 school year!
We will be adding a Fresh Water fish tank to the library in the next couple of months!π
Pets in the classroom have the following positive impacts on students:
π€ Teach empathy, responsibility, and social skills.
π Boost engagement, attendance, and self-esteem.
π Reduce anxiety, improve academics, and build a best friend.
Learn more today! #ClassroomPets #EducationMatters
Media Expo 2024 β¨
π Calling all student creators! π₯π±
It's that time again for Media Expo 2024, a tradition at Worcester County Public Schools since 1975! π
Join us in celebrating students' use of media and tech to ignite creativity and connect with communities.
Let's:
π Inspire innovation in tech expression.
πͺ Boost confidence in your skills.
π€ Encourage collaboration across the board.
π Share our tech goals with the community.
Get ready to shine! For more information, visit wcpsmediaexpo.com π #MediaExpo2024 #StudentCreativity
Media Expo Judges Needed! πββοΈπββοΈ
π£ Calling all media enthusiasts! πΉπ·
π Media Expo 2024 needs YOU as a virtual judge! π
Are you passionate about media and technology? Interested in supporting student creativity? Join our team and help us recognize the best projects at the Media Expo. π
π©βπ»π¨βπ» It's easy and rewarding! Sign up today and be part of this exciting event. Let's empower the next generation of media stars. π
If you are interested, please complete this brief application! Or, reach out to Mr. Williams β‘οΈ bbwilliams@worcesterk12.org π» #MediaExpoJudges #StudentTalent π₯π
Sora Digital Reading Collections
π Dive into Sora: Your Reading Oasis! π
Hey SHMS students and community! Explore our new SHMS titles, including "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer," Black Eyed Susan favorites, ebooks, and audiobooks on the Sora reading app.
π± Why Sora?
- Instant access to thousands of books.
- Personalized recommendations.
- Easy borrowing and returning.
- Read or listen on any device and even at home!
Get started:
- Visit Clever to access Sora.
- Find SHMS.
- Start your reading journey!
β¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈβ¬οΈ
Embrace the joy of reading today. Happy reading, SHMS! ππ #SoraReadingApp #SHMSReads
Black Eyed Susan Books 2024 π»
What is the Black-Eyed Susan Book Award?
The Black-Eyed Susan Book Award is a student choice award for the state of Maryland that has been awarded each year since 1992. The award seeks to promote literacy and lifelong reading habits by encouraging students to read quality, contemporary literature.
Reading committees of school and public librarians, and other interested members of the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) meet to determine which books will be nominated and placed on student reading lists.
There are six different reading lists:
- Picture Books,
- Fiction/Nonfiction for
- Grades 3-5
- Grades 6-8, and
- High School
- Graphic Novels for
- Grades 3-5,
- Grades 6-8
Start Reading Today!
β¨In the spring, students can participate in a March Madness style book tournament if students have read at least 3 novels/graphic novels and 10 picture books. Encourage your child to start early on the booklist as they will select our schools' most popular reads this year!
Black Eyed Susan Book Highlight π«
Everywhere with You β by Carlie Sorosiak (Author), Devon Holzwarth (Illustrator)
Two houses stand side by side: one is home to a dog, the other to a young girl. Though a fence divides them, girl and dog build a sweet and sturdy friendship rooted in make-believe . . . and are lonely no more. Paired with moving illustrations and based on a true story, this endearing tale from the author of I, Cosmo testifies to the transformative power of creativity and inter-species friendship.
Top Student Patrons of the Library ππ
We are extremely proud of our top student patrons who regularly check out books from our library. Their love for reading and dedication to exploring the world of books is truly commendable! ππ
1. Grace
2. Payton
3. Skylar
4. Gavynn
5. Stephen
6. Mckenzie
7. Annabelle
8. Karrigan
9. Aβrian
10. Skylar
11. Maverick
LπK How Many Books We've Checked Out!
About Me
- π Webmaster of shms.worcesterk12.org
- π Service Learning Fellow for the state of Maryland
- πͺ WCPS Media Expo Chairperson for 2024
- πΌ Secretary of the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) - Facebook Page
- π Certified School Librarian in Maryland
- π§ bbwilliams@worcesterk12.org