Forum Newsletter - Massachusetts School Library Association

Thank You for Your Service

5/4/2021

Patsy Divver is the School Librarian at Millis Middle/High School
and a recipient of a 2021 MSLA Service Award.

I was so honored to receive the Service award this year. Since the announcement, I have been reflecting on the idea of “service” and how it can make a difference in our lives and for those we "serve’'.

So, what is “service”? The Oxford Library definitions include “the action of helping or doing work for someone... supplying a public need… performing routine maintenance…” I thought of the summer I waitressed at Howard Johnson’s, learning first-hand about the food service profession. I remembered my grandparents service station where everyone came for gas, car repairs, a cold soda, and gossip. We consider people in the military and armed forces as serving our country, those who assist in churches as altar servers, store assistance as customer service, attention to the needs of people as social service. There’s also a really cool Twilight Zone episode entitled “To Serve Man” (spoiler alert: it’s a cookbook!).

MSLA 2021 Conference: School Librarians at the Crossroads: Be the Hero of Your Journey

5/4/2021

Reba Tierney is the Library Teacher at Waltham High School in Waltham, MA.

Full disclosure: I was a member of the 2021 Conference Planning Committee, and I also joined the Fun Committee subgroup, so this article may be biased!

One of the highlights of my MSLA membership has always been the annual conference. And although the keynote speakers, presenters, and sessions are clutch, it’s also the chance to network and connect with my colleagues that really elevates the conference experience to the next level. I also work in a district that does not pay for me to attend the conference, so it has to be worth my while, especially since I am paying out of pocket. With all this in mind, I was a little apprehensive about an online conference, but I had attended some great online PD, so I was willing to give it a chance. And, I am so glad that I did.

President's Column: Almost a Year

2/23/2021

MSLA President Laura Luker is the Library Teacher at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley, MA.

As I write this, I am looking out my window onto a snowy and frigid landscape, longing for warmer weather and the ability to be outside more often. When the pandemic began last spring, I remember thinking to myself “thank goodness we’re not dealing with this in the depths of winter!” At that point, no one would have ever guessed how long it would last and how deeply we’d be affected. However, now that we are in fact dealing with it in the depths of winter I find myself admiring the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. I think it’s helpful to sit back and take stock of two things: first, that we have persevered so well and second, that we have come so far already.

Picture Book Column: Make ‘em Laugh: The Books We Need Right Now

2/23/2021

Francesca Mellin is the Head Librarian at The Pike School in Andover.

As this surreal school year marches on, I’m amazed by how quickly my teacher and librarian colleagues continue to adapt to the realities in their buildings, and by how many inventive solutions they have created to serve their students. In the library, which I share with a third-grade class this year, we’ve pivoted to a pop-up library model, delivering books in hallways throughout our campus.

Although it’s not quite the same as having students excitedly browsing our library displays and eagerly lining up at the desk to check out their choices, it will do for now.

Picture of book delivery cart

If flexibility is the order of the day, then humor is the “secret sauce” for success in these times. In my reading life, I find myself turning to lighthearted fare to counter all that is weighty elsewhere; hence, the focus on humorous picture books for this column.

Family Outreach During Remote Learning

2/23/2021

Jennifer St. Michel is the Library Media Specialist at the Dr. Kevin M. Hurley Middle School in Seekonk, MA.

Being a school librarian means wearing many hats. We manage our libraries, create engaging learning opportunities for our students, curate high quality resources for our teachers, and promote the ethical and appropriate use of technology. Our services have been primarily offered to our teachers, students, and administrators. When the pandemic became widespread in March 2020, my school quickly pivoted from a traditional face to face delivery model to a fully online curriculum. With this change in delivery, I found a new hat to wear: a new audience in need of assistance - parents.

Tech Column: Virtual Escape Rooms

2/23/2021

Margaret Kane Schoen is a Library Teacher at Newton South High School
and a winner of a 2020 Super Librarian Award.

When our library team learned that our high school would be starting the year fully remote, one of our first concerns was how we would introduce ourselves and our services to our incoming ninth graders. Normally we do a full class orientation, where new students get a chance to meet us, explore our space, and get familiar with all we have to offer. Limiting that to a website and a Zoom made that difficult! The whole situation was making us feel trapped, so we thought, why not lean in, and design a digital escape room activity to welcome the new students?

A is for Alphabet Book

2/23/2021

Michael Caligiuri is the school librarian at the Florence Sawyer School in Bolton, and a recipient of a 2020 MSLA Super Librarian Award.

Alphabet books have been around for a long time. The first hornbooks designed to teach students the alphabet can be traced back to the 15th century. Alphabet books have come a long way since, “In Adam’s Fall/we sinned all.” I teach in a K-8 school where, in normal times, kids attend a library class once a week. Of all the alphabet books on my shelves, there are a few I read with classes every year and they never get old. They are among my most engaging read alouds.

Compassionate Practice in the School Library

2/23/2021

Anita Cellucci is the Library Teacher at Westborough High School and K-12 Department Head for Libraries at WPS,
and a 2020 recipient of the Peggy Hallisey Lifetime Achievement award.

School Librarians are at heart - social and emotional learning practitioners. The focus on providing “safe” and equitable space has long been a professional practice. Over the past few years, SEL has morphed from an educational pedagogical practice (the whole child, holistic learning, among others) into the latest initiative in many schools. Often, classroom educators feel as though it is an addition to the ever growing list of new district ideas that seem to add work to the already overworked. School librarians can help to shift the understanding by being an instructional and collaborative partner with educators and clinicians and move beyond the library as “safe” space to the school librarian as a compassionate practitioner.

Heart and seedling in flower pot

Image by silviarita from Pixabay

Social Justice League: Youth in Action

2/23/2021

Michelle Raszl is the Librarian at Mt Everett Regional School (6-12) in Sheffield, MA (Berkshire County).

"As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears." - Rumi

Our small, rural, predominantly white school district in Western Massachusetts has its share of racist and homophobic incidents. And like many other educators, I took these on headfirst, trying to find some common moral ground with students, trying to appeal to their humanity before referring them to the Dean. And then Covid happened. And our ongoing social uprising. For summer enrichment I organized a Community Read of Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and the remix Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds. Concurrently, I was approached by a couple of students who were disgusted by the injustices that they had been seeing perpetrated across our country and dismayed by curricula that neglected to represent the full scope of American perspectives.

School Libraries & SEL Partnerships - A High School Example

2/23/2021

Callie Graham is the Teacher Librarian at Burlington High School
and a 2020 recipient of the MSLA President's Award.

Why Do Schools Need Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Struggling with a global pandemic, an economic recession, and racial injustices and disparities, today’s students and teachers face overwhelming fears and anxieties that negatively influence mental health and learning (CASEL, 2020; Cipriano, Rappolt-Schlichtmann, & Brackett, 2020; Shafer, 2020). Consequently, “the compounding traumas of this crisis call for schools to rethink what it means to educate the whole child and invest deeply in SEL” (Cipriano, Rappolt-Schlichtmann, & Brackett, 2020, p.6).

Academic Column: School Library Teachers: Becoming Leaders of Online Teaching and Learning Best Practices

2/23/2021

Dr. Georgina Trebbe is the Information Specialist/Librarian at the Minnechaug Regional High School.

Whether engaged in full or hybrid online teaching and learning, Massachusetts school districts pivoted to emergency online learning during COVID-19. Emergency online teaching and learning required all-hands-on-deck. The emergency nature of online teaching and learning lead to the challenging of traditional educational practices and perceptions as educators needed to determine what works. During COVID-19 school library teachers were especially challenged with threatened position cuts and reassignments (Witteveen, 2020). Through these challenges, school library teachers creatively determined safe methods for providing traditional services, utilized their technology expertise for instructing K-12 educators and students how to use and apply new online tools (AASL, 2020; Witteveen, 2020).

Independent Reading: One Town's Process to Support Choice

2/23/2021

Laura Harrington is the Library Media Specialist at North Andover High School, and a recipient of a 2020 MSLA Super Librarian Award.

As I sat in Barbara Mahoney and Kim Claire’s workshop, Game of Tomes: An Independent Reading Collaboration, at Teen Library Summit X, I broke out in goosebumps. The day before, October 3, 2018, the head of guidance at my school, North Andover High School, sent out a call for new course proposals.

I immediately emailed Christy Morley, a NAHS English teacher who had been increasing her students’ independent reading time. I enthusiastically supported Christy’s ideas to restructure her class time, providing students reading time in class and trips to the school library for book shopping. I had a feeling that Christy and I might be able to make an Independent Reading elective a reality at our school. She replied within the hour later that she wanted to have a meeting the following day.

Reading Communities

2/23/2021

Liz Cammilleri is the Library Media and Technology Integration Specialist at Venerini Academy In Worcester, MA
and a recipient of a 2020 MSLA President's Award.

Teachers are under so much pressure to increase testing scores, and to justify all that is done in their classrooms by showing a correlation between scores and curriculum. The library is not exempt from this, and it can feel like our best practices, and the heart and passion in learning can fall at the wayside. There are things that so many of us do in our libraries that we know are right, but I wanted to be able justify what I do and why. I decided to investigate if there was value in building reading communities in order to increase achievement. I wanted to leave the idea of achievement vague, as it can mean anything from increased test scores, to simply learning to love reading. I would venture to say that while these two things may be on the opposite ends of school based assessment, that they are linked to one another. I am a school librarian, and my life is about teaching students to love reading. I truly feel that reading is the key to lifelong success and by researching this question, I can better help my readers. We begin our early days learning to read, and then at about 3rd grade, it switches to reading to learn. Knowledge comes from reading. Success comes from knowledge. And humans are social people. I wanted to find out how reading affects achievement, and if social reading plays a role. I focused my inquiry mostly in two areas, looking for data to show that reading does affect achievement, and then what and how reading communities encourage reading.

Advice Column: Ask a Library Legend

2/23/2021

Valerie Diggs is a former President of MSLA and currently works as a Senior Visiting Instructor at Salem State University, where she also serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator of the MEd Library Media Studies program.

I work in a public high school. I was surprised when I stumbled upon the Bible in the religious section of the stacks. I wondered if other schools have the Bible in their collection.

Should the Bible sit on the shelves of a school library? Whether you are brand new to a school library and just trying to figure out what is on the shelves, or a seasoned professional, questions concerning religious materials on the shelves of a school library are not uncommon. As professionals, we need to hit the pause button here and ask why. What is it about religious materials on the shelves that elicits such concern?

Co-Area Meet Ups: COVID Collaboration!

2/23/2021

Patsy Divver is the School Librarian at Millis Middle/High School and the MetroWest Co-Area Director.

If there has ever been a time for creativity and imagination around schools and libraries -- this is it! Over this school year, school librarians have been exploring so many innovative ways of connecting with students: virtual libraries and classes, remote and curbside book circulation, online games and book groups… the list goes on!

Yet with all the focus on student and teacher interaction, very often the School Librarian is - again- a singleton in search of support! Joining the zoom of 100 staff members does not necessarily give you that encouragement needed. So many of us are finding, with the multitude of tools and platforms now available (and expected) for our use, it’s as if we were all “newbie librarians.”

One solution: our MSLA Collaborative Connection! The listserv is always a vital resource for assistance and information -- ask a question and get the wisdom and expertise of numerous answers! Still, to help with the isolation that is now a daily part of COVID, and often a regular part of the school experience, why not try “attending” a VIRTUAL Area Meeting?

Consider Your Legacy

2/23/2021

Maria D'Orsi is the Teacher/Librarian at Medford High School and a recipient of a 2020 MSLA Super Librarian Award.

When I consider the Covid Era, what comes to mind is a list of changes none of us were prepared for; school and library closures, remote teaching, supply shortages, business closures, event cancellations, lost jobs (and lost stipends!), social distancing and mask wearing, to name a few.

And then there are those other, more personal things; fear of Covid, fear of any kind of illness, testing positive (something I have managed to evade so far), loss of family and friends, coworkers and neighbors (something I have NOT been able to avoid), isolation, screen fatigue, weight gain (yup!!), vaccination anxiety, etc.

What's In a Name...

2/23/2021

Kathy Lowe is the former (and now happily retired) MSLA Executive Director and School Librarian.

I certainly touched a nerve when asking what your title is and what you call your space! Thanks to the many colleagues who responded to these questions. The short answer is overwhelmingly in favor of Librarian/School Librarian and Library, with Library Media Specialist and Teacher Librarian, and Library Media Center/Media Center in distant 2nd place. Included below is a spreadsheet with all the responses so you can see the wide variety of titles and place names used. I've also included shared some of the comments I've received.

One constant remains - Regardless of what AASL has decreed, or the verbiage in our contracts, DESE licenses or signs outside our doors, we continue to have differing opinions among ourselves in the profession about what we and our spaces should be called. This makes me wonder if using titles and place names other than the traditional Librarian/Library helps to clarify or confuse our roles and the services and resources we provide

President's Column: A Letter to Members

10/6/2020

MSLA President Laura Luker is the Library Teacher at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley, MA.

Dear colleagues,

When last I wrote to you for the Forum, none of us could have predicted where we’d be today. That was May, and we were winding down a school year. We were finishing up something the likes of which we had never seen before and holding onto that ever-present end of year thought - next year will be better. We had dreams that the pandemic would be winding down and that things would be calmer and saner soon.

Pandemic Notes from the Editors

10/6/2020

Katherine Steiger and Reba Tierney are Co-Editors of the MSLA Forum
and librarians at Newton South High School and Waltham High School, respectively.

In these unprecedented times, school librarians are struggling with shifting schedules, developing lessons for in-person, hybrid, and fully remote lessons, and new challenges such as how to sanitize an entire library quickly between classes or how long to quarantine returned books. As a result, many of our scheduled contributors needed to postpone their submissions until a later edition. So this Fall 2020 Forum is a little lighter than usual, but you will still find some valuable articles.

In light of the current situation, MSLA has undertaken some initiatives to provide additional support to members. This includes moving professional development online and coordinating periodic jobalike Zoom calls so members can meet to share successes and brainstorm issues.

MSLA's Reopening Plan PLC PD

10/6/2020

Jen Varney is the President elect of MSLA and the Librarian at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School in Cambridge.

The beginning of the school year is stressful enough, even without the changes that a pandemic brings! Over the summer, many members were looking for resources and best practices for running and maintaining a school library within Covid-19 safety guidelines (and how to convince their administrations!). Therefore, during the week of August 10th, MSLA hosted a “Reopening Plan PLC.”

Picture Book Column: Honoring Indigenous Peoples

10/6/2020

Francesca Mellin is the Head Librarian at The Pike School in Andover

In these turbulent times, I find myself looking for silver linings and “small wins” wherever I can. I am encouraged by the increasing number of Native folks serving in Congress and the recent commitment by a professional football team to change an offensive team name. The number of books published by Native creators is on the rise, and recognition of problematic narratives is generating much-needed conversation. Just in time for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12, here is a selection of recent picture books that reflect a wide array of Native perspectives, identities, and activism.

Academic Column: School Library Teachers "Pivot" : Becoming Leaders of Online Pedagogy

10/6/2020

Georgina Trebbe is the Information Specialist/Librarian at the Minnechaug Regional High School.

The buzz word surrounding Massachusetts educators is “Pivot.” Expressed originally by Commissioner Riley, the term “pivot” has been used to describe the changes Massachusetts educators have done as they shifted to remote learning in March, returned to either full-online or hybrid learning, and plan for the possibility of future changes (Riley, 2020). One thing is for certain, benefits from online teaching and learning will continue to be incorporated into the education practices long after Covid-19 has been mitigated and schools return to face-to-face teaching and learning. Online teaching and learning have allowed educators to take a serious look at their role in this new online ecosystem. Similarly, school library teachers will have to consider necessary changes to their profession that will meet the needs of a new emerging education outlook that engages online even when face-to-face learning is once again the method.

Elementary Column: Top 10 Things COVID Has Taught Me…So Far!

10/6/2020

Samantha Silag is the Library Teacher at Manchester Memorial and Essex Elementary Schools
in the Manchester Essex Regional School District.

So we are all living through this new reality – regardless of whether you are teaching live, remote, hybrid, etc. It’s just a weird and kind of sad time in the world and certainly in the world of education. Typically, an elementary schoolhouse is the epicenter of JOY, LAUGHTER, LOVE – and yes, even HUGS! At the elementary level we have much, much less of the middle school students’ woes of puberty, understanding who they are, getting used to more independence and so on. And the elementary schoolhouse is definitely free of the stress of AP courses, college applications, competitive sports and “what do I want to do with my life” pressures of high school. So yes, this new reality has presented the elementary community – students, parents, and definitely teachers – a very different level of stress with very different challenges, concerns and pivots. (Umm…anyone taught K-2 how to use an iPad, submit an assignment on Seesaw, or press MUTE?!)

But I want to be an optimistic voice – don’t hate me if you’re sick of the “oh, it could be worse” or “I feel so blessed” contingent because well, it helps me get through the day to find silver linings each day. And, to be clear, many of my days have been hard, dark, frustrating, and un-fun and there have been some days when I have seriously contemplated quitting my job! Haven’t you?!

So here are the top 10 things this crazy COVID period has taught me as a K-5 Library Teacher and Team Leader:

MSLA Free Online PD launches with Me and White Supremacy Book Study PLC

10/6/2020

Alida Hanson is the Librarian at Weston High School, and
Co-Director, MSLA Professional Learning.

Why MSLA offers online PD

MSLA unequivocally denounces bias, racism, and hate of all kinds and is committed to examining our own practices so that we can be better allies and advocates for the Black community and for other marginalized groups. The vast majority of our members (and the library professional in general) are white women, who cannot be mirrors to or share a racial affinity with many of our students. Consider the rising proportion of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) in the US: In 2018, BIPOC were 40% of the US population, and by 2050 will be 60% (Poston and Sáenz). One of the ways we act on our beliefs is to offer professional development about anti-racism. MSLA has offered speakers and sessions at in-person MSLA conferences, like Debbie Irving and Andrea Pinkney Davis. Member feedback has always been “we want more.”

Coping, Connecting, and Collaborating during COVID

10/6/2020

Patsy Divver is the School Librarian at Millis Middle/High School.

This certainly has been a school year “for the books” (no pun intended!). We have met more challenges on so many levels over the past six months that we are truly entering the 2020-2021 year in almost ‘new teacher’ status.

In reaching out to others, I’d hoped to share some humorous and creative ways that we have found to adapt to our new teaching methods. Thanks to the folks who have shared their ideas and anecdotes.

From Barbara Gogan, Sudbury:
I don't have any students in person--they are all remote. When trying to talk to my students through opening a ‘New Tab’, I have found out not all second-graders know the difference between "x" and "+". So, instead of joining class, many of them close their Google Meet tab instead.

The Massachusetts School Library Association works to ensure every school has a school library program that is fully integrated at all grade levels across the curriculum and has a significant and measurable impact on student achievement….Read more…..and Learn more about MSLA

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