‘Learning Tools and Standards Lead To ‘Ah Ha’ Moments’ by Becky Walker and Pamela Verfaillie

Each year, students in Mrs. Walker’s junior English class research and write a persuasive essay.  This is one of the best known assignments at Valdez High School and is often approached by students with more trepidation than anticipation.

This year, thankfully, we are starting to see a shift in the mindset.  Ok, not the mindset BEFORE they start the assignment, but as the students progress, they come to understand the value of what they are learning.

Mrs. Verfaillie introducing databases.

Continue reading ‘Learning Tools and Standards Lead To ‘Ah Ha’ Moments’ by Becky Walker and Pamela Verfaillie

‘Baby Raven Reads Visits Evergreen Elementary School in Wrangell’ by Assistant Principal Jenn Miller-Yancey

Evergreen Elementary School students gather to read ’10 Sitka Herring’

Recently at the Evergreen Elementary School library in Wrangell, Alaska, we had a special guest from the Baby Raven Reads program, Delilah Ramirez. Baby Raven Reads is a reading program through Sealaska Heritage that promotes early literacy, language development and school readiness for Alaska Native families with children up to age 5. Continue reading ‘Baby Raven Reads Visits Evergreen Elementary School in Wrangell’ by Assistant Principal Jenn Miller-Yancey

‘The Importance of K-12 libraries in Alaska’ by Tana Martin, Librarian/Media Specialist at Tanana Middle School

“We love kids. We love books. We love to serve.” This was a recent consensus made by the combined library staff in Fairbanks North Star Borough School District as to why we work in a school library. And that, my friends, is why K-12 school libraries are important. Kids need love. Kids need books. Kids need help. 

Tanana Middle, Fairbanks – Just Dance Fridays during lunch: Lunch in the library is a Tanana staple. The crowd varies daily from 30-70 students. Just Dance Fridays are icing on the cake. It’s a time to get the wiggles out, and be comfortable in their own skin. (Photo courtesy of Tana Martin @runnergirlT)

Continue reading ‘The Importance of K-12 libraries in Alaska’ by Tana Martin, Librarian/Media Specialist at Tanana Middle School