Doss Library

I am always excited when it's time for a new school year to begin and this year has been no exception. As we've set up the library space on our temporary Doss 1.5 campus, I've had the opportunity to re-imagine how certain lessons and activities will happen in the smaller, less flexible space. The challenges afford me new opportunities and I am excited about trying things that I haven't done before.

This summer when I was away and was about to venture out on my own for the day, I stopped at the concierge desk to confirm that I was "heading in the right direction" and mentioned that I seem to get myself easily turned around and somewhat lost. The advice I received was golden- I was told that I would find things that I never expected when I was lost and that treasures are found in the most unexpected places. I plan to keep this advice near to my heart as I approach this school and beyond. I am open to trying new things and to the possible failed attempts that may come along the way, but I believe that the benefits of taking risks will far outweigh the negatives. I've spent some time setting goals for this year and while sharing them is a bit scary, I know that my success lies not only in my effort, but in asking for help from teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members. I am always amazed and extremely grateful for the tremendous support that I have here at Doss! I know that I will be able to exceed my goals and am excited to get started.

This post is the perfect example of how busy we get and how the school year goes by so quickly!!! I wrote the first two paragraphs ten days into the school year and am just now posting it! I guess that this gives me a chance to tell you more--- so here goes...

Since August, I've met with my volunteer coordinators, Read Across Doss (RAD) chairs, new faculty members, and Doss' technology design coach as well as the campus tech team. I created a schedule for classes and invited all of third, fourth, and fifth graders to the library for a scavenger hunt style library orientation.

We've have had two author visits (BookPeople rocks!!!) and a puppet show thanks to the amazing and talented Read Across Doss (RAD) chairs, Mariah Crownover, Pansy Price, Katie Talkington, and Sue Rubio, with help from the ever present Julie Middleton! This amazing group makes sure that all Doss owls have at least one special interaction with an author, illustrator, or literary-based program at least once each year.



Volunteer coordinators, Krista Saeger and Jen Despins have trained an amazing team of library volunteers who are essential to my library program and Birthday Book Club (BBC) began it's roll out with Amy Laibowitz and Carrie Brown as co-chairs.

I have created Mobile Maker kits that have already been checked out many times over as well. Teachers have collaborated with me for virtual reality field trips, low-tech & high tech maker space activities, and countless stories and checkouts. Third through fifth graders have been diligently working to read at least 5 of this year's nominated Bluebonnet books and the list goes on. I am looking forward to working with fifth graders on research skills in December and plan to create another fun winter reading challenge.

Throughout all of this, Sherrise Palmer has been by my side. She is my wonderful assistant and the person that I rely on most at work, She is the powerful force who keeps the library running smoothly and I am grateful to her for all of her help and support!!!

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!! If you have a moment, check out our electronic book collection at MackinVIA.com - you will be directed to login with your students' ID# and birthday password- Capital letter/initial of last name, two-digit month, two-digit date, two-digit year and lowercase s. (ex. L090612s). Happy Reading!!! ~Bonnie