Kicking off the School Year at Algonquin Regional High School

Kimberly Honey, Algonquin Regional High School Librarian

Algonquin Regional High School Library
Kimberly Honey, Librarian

And they’re off!  Every year I feel like the number seven horse charging out of the gate … the start of school is a frantic pace of get the library set up, supporting teachers, and jump starting all of the programming that you dreamed about over the summer.    Well, seven days in and my head is spinning, but the Algonquin library has been rocking. September is still young, but we have had wonderful opportunities to work with the English and History departments.

To invigorate their independent reading component of their curriculum, four members of the English department brought their students to the library to participate in “Biblio Speed Dating.”  Students had the chance to “meet” over 60 books during their speed dating session and were able to decide if they wanted to take any on a “date.” Fun seemed to be had by all and over 200 books were checked out.  I’m excited to work with teachers to develop another interactive activity to get students into the library and exposed to what we have to offer.

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Students in four English classes got a chance to "meet" more than 60 books during a "Bilbio Speed Dating" event.

This year the freshman United States History classes have been unleveled and the library is a member of the energetic PLC that is involved in the development and implementation of this curriculum shift.  It is an amazing opportunity to work on a regular basis with a dedicated team of teachers to seamlessly integrate research and evaluation skills into the curriculum. It is exciting to think that library databases, reference materials, and print materials could become a natural and commonplace source for information for these students.  This week all members of the freshman class participated in a big group activity in the library that had them talking about “Why Study History?” and completing an archeological dig to discuss the merits of primary and secondary sources. Next week, they will be heading down to discuss bias using resources from the Boston Massacre.

The library is building programs that will engage students and faculty outside of the classroom.  Each week we host “Trivia Tuesday” before school and the winner gets a crown and a candy bar of their choice; faculty book club provides an opportunity for staff to meet and talk –our next read is “Love that Dog” by Sharon Creech; and we are in the process of implementing a Library Advisory Board which will give students a voice in program and collection development.  The one program we are looking to expand this year is our Speakers Series. This program allows students to make a direction connection to what they are learning in the classroom and the “real” world we are excited about our first two speakers of the year who will talk about how their passions and advocacy drove them to start their own businesses.

Early morning Trivia Tuesdays help build enthusiasm and engagement with the library.

This week has been crazy and at times I’ve asked myself, “What were you thinking?”, but the energy in the space is invigorating and I have the pleasure of working with two amazing people in the library who help me keep my balance and going over the edge.  

​As the year unfolds, I hope you experience moments that inspire you, surround yourself with people who support you, and settle into a comfortable pace. Have a wonderful year!