Media Center Minute

Dear Minuteman Community,

Author and educator Dena Simmons offers regular #quaranteaching tips on Twitter and recently guided teachers to end the year with a gratitude circle. She wrote, "Ask each student to share what they have been grateful for this year pre- and post-COVID."

I am grateful to be a member of the dedicated, skilled, inspiring, and hard-working Minuteman faculty, and to have the chance to work in person or remotely this year with many of you and your students. There really is something special about Minuteman, and I am very thankful to be a part of it.

Most notably, I am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Maryam Bowen, Minuteman's library assistant. As I transitioned into my new position, there could not have been anyone better suited to help me get acclimated to the school and library. Maryam is caring, genuine, warm, resourceful, and professional. It is no wonder so many students and staff seek her out. Her presence helps ensure that the library media center is seen as a resource as well as a welcoming and safe space.

I hope things are well with you and your families. Best wishes for a nice summer break.

Sincerely,

Kara Gleason, Library Media Specialist

The Minuteman High School Library Media Center has published its annual report. Please check it out.

Minuteman High School Library Media Center Annual Report, 2019-2020

The library media center aims to add extra fun to students' summer reading with Summer Reading BINGO! For each book read / square completed, students will receive one ticket into a raffle for various prizes. Please encourage your students to get a BINGO card and start reading!

Interested in an adult version? Check out the Boston Public Library's Adult Summer Reading BINGO game. Participation is open to all but you need a Boston Public Library card in order to win prizes. BPL e-cards are available to anyone who lives or works in Massachusetts. See our resource guide for information on how to get a card.

Browse our Anti-Racism Education resource guide for a range of information and teaching ideas. Featured materials include books, ebooks, videos, podcasts, articles, and websites. This resource will remain a work in progress.

We would be glad to partner with you as we continue to educate ourselves and implement anti-racist resources, education, and curriculum.

• Immigrant Heritage Month: Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month with resources from the New York Public Library, including book lists featuring titles about the immigrant experience, blogs about immigrant heritage and e-resources, and virtual programs.

• Juneteenth: Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, is an annual holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Learn more from PBS about Observing Juneteenth in 2020.

• LGBTQ+ Pride Month: June 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ+ Pride traditions. Find resources and learn about Pride Month at the Library of Congress. For book ideas, see the Stonewall Book Awards Children's and Young Adult selections presented to English language books that have exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.

Email: kgleason@minuteman.org
Website: https://www.minuteman.org/domain/68
Location: 758 Marrett Road Lexington, MA 02421
Phone: 781-861-6500 (2004)