Ink & Imagination

Dear Hawthorn Families,

This month in the library, students explored censorship and celebrated the freedom to read. We’re kicking off Digital Citizenship Month by teaching responsible use of AI tools. Ask your child what they’ve learned about censorship and how AI can be used safely.

Thank you for helping us foster thoughtful, informed students!

Best regards,

Sarah Lill & Valerie Cohen

Getting cozy with fresh reads from our newly genrefied library! 📚✨ #LibraryLove #MSNreads

Hands-on history and critical thinking in the library! From trading to the Boston Massacre, Mesopotamia show down, and busting fake news! 📚🔍 #LearningInAction #LibraryAdventures

When talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) with your child, it’s important to highlight responsible use. Many AI tools, like ChatGPT, have age restrictions (13+ with parental consent). Emphasize that while these tools can help brainstorm or assist with research, copying and pasting responses directly into a school assignment is considered plagiarism. Encourage your child to use AI tools to support their learning, but remind them to always produce original work. This month, students will be learning how to use AI safely and ethically in the library, helping them navigate this new technology responsibly.

1. If AI tools could be your personal sidekick for homework, how would you use them to help without letting them "do all the work"?

2. Imagine you could design your own AI tool for fun or school – what would it do, and how could it make your projects even cooler?

3. If you were in charge of making rules for using AI in school, what’s one fun rule you’d add to keep things fair and creative?

Students visited the library last week last September to celebrate their #FreedomToRead during #BannedBooksWeek! We sparked meaningful debates over popular banned books and held engaging conversations around censorship. Excitement filled the air as students eagerly checked out these thought-provoking reads! Discuss the following questions with your child at home. 📚✨ #BannedBooks #Censorship

📚 Exciting moments at the book fair! Our students are diving into new adventures and finding their next favorite reads. Thank you so much to all our parent volunteers for helping make our book fair awesome! #HawthornReads #BookFairFun #LoveForReading

September 15th-October 15th is Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebrate by reading a book with LatinX characters or dive into a spooky story before Halloween.

Instructional Partner:

• Pick a co-teaching model- Brainstorm structure and requirements together
• Focus on Information Literacy- Research skills & source selection
• Curate- Collect print and digital resources as you need

Reading Promoter:

• Book Talks and Tastings- I will find just-right engaging books for your students!
• Drop Everything and Read- Check out books, get cozy and read in the library!

Student Support:

• Creative Space- Book our library to allow small groups a space to record or work on projects with support from the librarians
• Quiet Space- Make the library your place to get stuff done, reserve a time and allow small groups or the whole class to come down to pick a spot and get productive!
• Alternative Space- Just want a change of scenery or need support for students to finish a test? Book the library!

Here is the link to our library calendar. Once you're booked a librarian will reach out to see how we can support you!

You have not one, but two libraries supplying you with ebooks and audiobooks when you use Sora. Take books along as you commute, exercise, or travel.

• Log in with your school Google account.
• Check out up to 2 ebooks or audiobooks per month.
• Click Add a Library to access the collection at CMPL.

The MSN Library serves as a fantastic alternative space for your students when they're exploring books, engaging in research projects, or simply looking for a bit of extra room!

1) Log-in and visit our Library Calendar Website.

2) Plug-in the class periods you would like to visit.

3) Reach out to Mrs. Lill if you would like to co-plan or co-teach together!

Look through this Digital Book Tasting presentation to find your next great read!

Follow Mrs. Lill on Twitter and Instagram to see weekly lessons, book recommendations and more!