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📚The Library Lowdown

Library Services Eugene School District 4J January, 2025

📚The LibraryLowdownLibrary Services Eugene School District 4J January, 2025

Elementary Students Learn to Code!

4J made Computer Science Week in December exciting by diving into the world of coding with an Hour of Code! At Gilham Elementary, Librarian Mr. Tibbs sparked students’ curiosity by reading You Should Meet: Women Who Launched the Computer Age by Laurie Calkhoven. This inspiring story about trailblazing women in tech set the stage for a lively discussion about how coding shapes our world.

Mr. Tibbs then asked students to roll up their sleeves and get to coding! Through the Hour of Code, they worked together to solve puzzles, tackle challenges, and experience the joy of programming firsthand. The room buzzed with energy as students discovered that coding isn’t just about computers—it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and building skills for the future.

Did you know that coding is one of the fastest-growing skills in the world? Experts estimate that computer and information technology occupations as a whole will grow 12% from 2023 to 2033, adding about 667,600 new jobs to the economy. By introducing students to coding now, we’re giving them the tools they need to succeed in tomorrow’s tech-driven world!

McCornack Elementary welcomed a special guest this December—Trudy Ludwig, celebrated author of The Power of One, The Invisible Boy, and many other beloved children’s books! Ms. Ludwig, the first author ever to visit McCornack, captivated students with a lively read-aloud session. She shared valuable tools for addressing bullying in positive ways and inspired students to become upstanders.

This incredible opportunity was made possible by McCornack’s librarian, Ms. Castigliano, who secured a Eugene Education Foundation grant to bring Ms. Ludwig to the school. What an amazing experience for McCornack’s students!

American Library Association Youth Media Awards

Each Year, the ALA honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, Pura Belpré, and Coretta Scott King book awards, guide parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth!

2025 YMAs will take place Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. MT, find out more here. They will also include the Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature, the Sydney Taylor Book Award, and the American Indian Youth Literature Award.

Winter Solstice

Read Write Has New Features

Intro to Read&Write for Google Chrome

See how this Chrome Extension can help you and your students.

Want to learn more about how to use Read&Write with your students?

Watch the video above then check out the Read and Write for Education Academy.

Learn About New Year's

Sora Has Books for Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Check out the Martin Luther King Jr. titles available in Sora! There are multiple copies of some titles. If you need assistance accessing Sora, contact Amy Page.

Need Help or Want to Collaborate with Your Librarian?

Reach out to your librarian to collaborate! Not sure how your librarian can help, check out the ideas below.

Research and Databases

Globally competent digital citizens know how to access reliable and credible information as they explore the world around them. All 4J students have access to the databases below. If teachers need assistance accessing or teaching students how to use these resources and cite sources connect with your school librarian or schedule a time for Amy Page to visit your class here.



Don't forget the Eugene Public Library has even more databases and resources kicking off research.

OBOB 2025

The Oregon Battle of the Books committee announced the OBOB state tournament is this April (dates coming soon)! More information will coming soon on regional tournaments for all levels. Check out resources available in this Wakelet here. Elementary OBOBers, Mr. Monson has once again created an awesome resource full of questions, title and author help, pronunciation, and more! Check it out here in Seesaw.

January Choice Boards

In this month's choice board you'll find choice boards for New Year's Day (a little late), Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Chinese New Year, along with January's You've Been Virtually Book'd choice board and the usual fun.
Amy Page
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