“Thank You” to all who have been so patient and helpful in composing this Winter Forum. This edition is much later than we had originally planned, and – although there is no single reason for its delay – we are committed to avoiding any delays for the Spring Forum.

As we embrace 2009, it is a year that signifies historic changes. President Obama will be addressing a number of issues, including the economy, the environment, and education. His decisions, and those of his cabinet, will be the focus of an improvement plan for all.   

Our year-long focus for the Forum will follow the bookmark’s theme of “School Libraries: Learning for Life.”  This will also address improvement in education, and how we, through our students, can make a difference in the future of our country.  As we enter 2009, whether it’s our first year or our year to retire, every one of us has an impact on our students. How we choose to help shape the lives of our future-makers is up to us. We are living in a 21st Century world and the opportunities are infinite. Teaching and encouraging our children will make the difference, and that’s our role.

Thanks to all of you. We welcome your ideas and articles, and wish you a great 2009!

 
Patsy Divver is Library Teacher at Millis Senior/Middle School

Jan Koleszar is a retired Library Teacher