Alva Review-Courier -

Here's an update on library activities at the Freedom Public Schools from the library newsletter:

As we hear in the news every single day, Covid is changing our whole world. For schools and libraries that is also true. Many schools across the country have been doing virtual learning all this year.

Here at Freedom we have been extremely lucky and have had in-person learning for the most part. That is not to say several people have been sick and out with Covid. It so happened it struck hard right before Christmas vacation and teachers and students were sick over their vacation. Ugh! Not fun!

Nevertheless, teachers returned to an in-service day Jan. 4 and took a serious look at using Google Classroom and Google Meet just in case our school has to go virtual. Our high school teachers also jumped in and used some online meetings to help the students out on quarantine to keep up with their academic work.

Now for the library, virtual meetings are also becoming quite common. For the IMLS grant Mrs. Province has been doing monthly cohort meetings over Zoom with the OCLC mentors and other grant recipients. It is an interesting way to stay in touch and learn many different strategies in education and the library field.

Author Visits and Field Trips

With the IMLS grant, money has been budgeted for author visits and field trips, but with the times like they are, in-person visits are just not happening. Therefore the library is planning some virtual author visits. Right now there are at least two authors scheduled to present and visit with the students at our library.

Friday, Feb. 19, Vanessa Roeder will Zoom in and talk to us about her book "The Box Turtle." She is an author-illustrator and will have an interactive drawing time with the students too.

Monday, March 8, Constance Lombardo will present her book "Everybody Says Meow." She says, "Talking with kids about books is just about my favorite thing to do."

We are looking forward to these virtual author visits. There are at least two more who have been contacted, so look for information on them soon.

Vook Streams Children's Books

Vook is a streaming service for children's storybooks. We use this on the big screen in the library. Remember, Vooks helps students learn to read. To learn more about Vooks, visit http://www.vooks.com.

This month Mrs. Province likes the storybook "Courageous People Who Changed the World." From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, "Courageous People Who Changed the World" is a perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world.

According to the Vooks summary, the heroic true stories are told through simple text and engaging illustrations, sure to become an instant favorite for young audiences. Featured are William Wilberforce, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai. Each story will inspire courage, determination and a belief that anyone can change the world. Since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was Monday, Jan. 18, several students watched this Vooks video and discussed some of the important things we should remember about King and these other heroes.

"Courageous People Who Changed the World" is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

What's Happening in Makerspace

Back in December several classes made Christmas cards to send to residents in a nursing home. Mrs. Province used her connections and sent them to her daughter Kaylyn who works at Trinity Manor in Dodge City, Kansas. She distributed them there before Christmas and she thought everyone enjoyed getting them. One person was going to send a card back to one of our students but we haven't seen it yet. We talked about how with Covid it is hard for residents to see their families and that they get lonely in their rooms all day long by themselves.

Also in December students came to the library and created some get-well cards for their friend who was hurt in an accident. Markers and crayons were put to good use on some bright colored paper. Hope it cheered him up a little. We are all happy to report that he is back in school now, but has to be careful. He is still in a neck brace.

Wild Readers After School Is Happening

Mark your calendars for Mondays and Wednesdays for Wild Readers After School. Ms. Kennedy and Mrs. Province have been staying after school with some eager readers. Students start off by reading something of their choice. A couple of the older students have been reading to the younger ones. Thanks, Landon Cook, for doing that for us. The last part of the hour we have been going in the Makerspace room or using the computers. One week we built things with Legos. Another time they were to build a tower with only play dough and tooth picks. That was harder than it sounds.

Library Resources on Freedom School Web Page

Don't forget to check out the educational websites under the Library Resources tab on the Freedom Public School website. You will be surprised what you might find and enjoy.