page background

WCCUSD Library Services

May 2019, Volume 1, Issue 1

WCCUSD LibraryServicesMay 2019, Volume 1, Issue 1

Introduction

Welcome to the first library services newsletter! Read on to learn how libraries are supporting student learning and teacher practice!
zoom_out_map

Beautiful art & signage guide you through the DeAnza Library!

DeAnza High librarian Jill Detweiler collaborated with a graphic designer and the ceramics teacher Ruth Paesch to create clear signage and beautiful art throughout the library. Students and staff can easily navigate the library to find materials. Student artwork is honored and the library is a bright, welcoming hub for the school.
zoom_out_map

Dazzling displays at the Downer Library

Library Media Specialist Angela Loza works with two dedicated volunteers at Downer Elementary. One of them, Carla Woodworth, creates themed displays for the library. For this display, she highlighted diverse poets for National Poetry Month. Book displays spark student interest and can increase student engagement with books and the library.
zoom_out_map

Multimedia Masks at the Korematsu Library

Korematsu Middle librarian Ronnie Arnold and art teacher Mariela Alcocer-Ruiz collaborated on this multicultural mask project. Students selected cultural masks to research, and then designed masks inspired by the cultural mask & tradition that they chose. Student hard work and creativity is celebrated when their art is in display. Instructional Media Technician Shirley Soo curates the Korematsu Library art displays.

Teacher Librarians, TEACHING!

Exploring Poetry with Crespi Librarian Ms. Gould

Our middle and high school librarians are teacher librarians. This means that they hold teaching credentials as well as librarian credentials. Each of them teaches different topics, and in different ways. Some common subjects are technology tools, use of research databases, the research cycle, using the library catalog, and choosing a just-right book. Some librarians are also active teaching partners with teachers, collaborating to design lessons and even units.


Librarian Molly Gould at Crespi Middle School worked with 8th grade English teachers to celebrate National Poetry Month. Students read poems on the Poetry Foundation website and then shared their thoughts and analysis using the website called "Padlet." One student read the poem 'Football Dreams' by Jacqueline Woodson and said the following: "I chose this poem because it talks about how if you dream about something you could make it happen. I like this poem because I hear a lot of people talk about going to college or doing something in life but if you don't work hard to achieve it, you won't make it happen."

Another student chose 'Ode to the West Wind' by Percy Bysshe Shelley. This student reflected: "I liked this poem because it painted such powerful, real images as you read it in your head that it really took you on a journey. Also, it uses Old English, which adds a mysterious, mournful quality. I think this poem will speak to anyone who reads it, with wild language and beautiful similes."


This project gave students a chance to explore their interests through their choice of poem, read and analyze challenging literature, and practice using a new technology tool, all at the same time.


Molly has collaborated with several departments at her school, and reflected on the experience of teaching as a librarian: "As a teacher librarian I am always looking for opportunities to work directly with students and to support teachers. I love the library itself, but our students are the magic ingredient that make the job especially rewarding. As teacher librarian, I seek and find opportunities to amplify student voice, provide opportunities for student choice, and prioritize creativity."

zoom_out_map

Library Services

We have moved to the Wilson Temporary Campus!

Email: libraries@wccusd.net
Website: https://www.wccusd.net/libraries
Location: 7150 Portola Drive, El Cerrito, CA, USA
Phone: (510) 965-4442

Do you subscribe to the STEM Weekly?

The STEM Weekly delivers tech tips to your inbox every Monday morning. Find information about Clever, digital books, Maker projects, digital citizenship, email tips, and more for K-12. To subscribe via email, go to rmd.at/wccusdstem on a desktop computer and sign up.

SUMMER READING PREVIEW

Keep an eye out for the summer reading edition of the Library Services newsletter, coming at the end of May!