HSE Libraries: More Than Meets the Eye

From HSE Librarians: Transformers!

Think back to when you were a child.  The library you visited likely transformed in one way or another as you grew older.  Perhaps it transformed when they added a public computer workstation, a listening lab for albums, a class on computer programming, or simply a place to print. 

HSE libraries are no different.  We are also transforming in order to meet the needs of our staff, students, and the community.

 

Some examples of what is happening in libraries across our district:

• Brooks School Elementary librarian Kristin Patrick received grant money to diversify her picture book collection to widen the scope of what her students can learn about people of other cultures, abilities, and other social issues.  She has a wiki for others to share in the experience and add to their own collection or use the materials in the classroom.
• Fishers High School librarian Renee Isom is hosting 1st  Makerspace 3-D Printing Camps this summer with help from Sand Creek Intermediate libraian John Hochstetler.  They attended workshops to lead these sessions and will integrate 3-D printing into their media centers next year. 
  
• Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High librarian JoyAnn Boudreau spent the first quarter of the year tracking iPad issues for students and then taught mini lessons for students on how to troubleshoot their own devices. 
• Thorpe Creek Elementary librarian Leslie Hopper created a Lego Wall where students can attach Legos to vertical spaces, create artwork, write, and more.
• Cumberland Road Elementary librarian Kristin Hicks attended a Code.org workshop, which inspired her to add a computer science/coding unit for each grade level. 

Across the district, librarians are transforming spaces to create comfortable seating areas for students to collaborate in writing, presenting, and working with their 1:1 devices.  We have added technology to our media centers in the form of Spheros, OSMOS, and various recording devices, such as studio spaces and green screens.  If you see Legos, games, puzzles and electronics scattered throughout the library, you are seeing a transformation known as MakerSpaces. These Makerspaces are just another way HSE libraries are developing critical thinking skills in students and allowing our students to grow as STEAM learners and as producers of knowledge. 

The transformation does not stop there.  Each librarian promotes books to students, finds new resource materials for staff, and serves as one of the building’s HSE21 trainers.  Furthermore, many schools host popular authors, either in person or via Skype.

We don’t stop at the end of the school day! After school, HSE media centers host clubs, including Pinterest Club, Computer Programming, Stop Motion Animators, Student-Created Television Programs, and Gardening Clubs.  3-D printers and student tech squads are starting in many of our buildings. 

April is School Library Month!

The HSE libraries are planning the following events and hope you get involved:

• Spring Break—Get Caught Reading: Post a picture of teachers and students reading.  Use the Twitter tag #caughtreadingHSE 
• April 11-15^th – Spine Label Poetry: Stack books to create a poem using the title words on the spine. 
  
   
• April 18th-22^nd –Circulation Promotion: “Checkout” the books our students are checking out through social media postings. 
• April 25th-29^th –Libraries Transform Because....:  These statements will be created by students and posted throughout all HSE schools. 

To learn more about your HSE Media Specialists and the events we are planning for April, visit our School Library Month Weebly.  Explore the links to see all about our HSE librarians: 

HSE School Libraries

Be sure to watch a short video featuring HSE students in our libraries and get a sense of how our libraries are transforming students: 

HSE Libraries Transform Students!

Learn more about our librarians by linking to their website!

Are you ready to transform?  Visit any HSE School Media Center to "check out" these changes and experience ways to transform your teaching and learning.

Respond to Renee and other HSE Librarians: risom@hse.k12.in.us

Have a great spring break, HSE.  We hope you find time to relax and read.  Don't forget to tweet your pictures!  #caughtreadingHSE

Your HSE Teaching and Learning Team

• Jan Combs, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
• Stephanie Loane, Director of Elementary Education
• Tom Bell, Director of Special Education
• Jeff Harrison, Director of Educational Technology
• Phil Lederach, Director of Secondary Education