This Year's Plan ~ Billy Goats Gruff

 2024-25 Storybook STEAM Project: Bridges

It's been a while since we built bridges in the library. It was my very first STEAM challenge, back in 2019-20. We grew plants last year and studied Jack's fairy tale about the Beanstalk (2023-24). In 2022-23, we made castles and studied Cinderella's fairytale. In 2021-22 we made towers and studied Rapunzel's fairytale. And in 2020-21, we made spinning wheels and studied Rumpelstiltskin's fairytale. So it is time to return to bridges, which is a classic STEM challenge. And what better way than to study the Billy Goats Gruff?

I like to make my STEM challenge last all year. We start out with researching. This year, for research, students are going to learn about the different kinds of bridges. This way, they will be able to choose the kind of bridge to make based off background knowledge, instead of just randomly creating a bridge without putting thought into it. We will create a presentation of some kind about our research, such as a Spark Video or iMovie. This way, kids can take a picture of their bridge to put at the end of their project, and then even if their bridge gets thrown away, they will always have the video with the picture of themselves holding their bridge.

Back to the challenge... Once our research is done, students will use the Engineer Design Process to build their project. First, they will imagine the possibilities and draw their bridge. They can use research at this point to find ideas online. Then they label their drawing with the materials they need to make it. Which means they decide what to make their bridge out of, after looking at a visual list of all the materials I have available for them. They will create a resource list, and they will only get to have what they write on their list. Of course, I am flexible and will let students revise their list if they need to. 

Once they have their materials, they will start building.

But wait! I almost forgot. We are going to read a graphic novel called the Super Billy Goats Gruff. This is important, because we are going to test our bridges, and what better way to test them than to act out the story?

I have weights in my STEAM supplies, and my plan is to make the four biggest weights a part of the story. The troll will be the big weight, and the three Billy Goats are the three other largest weights. I'll print off a popsicle stick puppet sheet for the story and color each character, and attach the character puppets to the weights. Then the students can act out the story to test their bridges, using the character weights.

But first, I want students to have a chance to improve their bridges before they act out the story, just to make sure that their bridges won't break during their final test. So I am going to use an old balance scale to help the students test their bridge. They can't use the weights until the final test, but they can use the balance scale to find something that weighs the same as the weights, that they can place on their bridge to test it. When I did this back in 2020, we got some rubber bands and crayons. The students made crayon bundles that weighed the right amounts and put them on their bridges to test them, so they could make improvements before the final test when they acted out the story. We shall see what the students come up with this year!

I almost forgot! I made a river out of a blue paper, and the students' bridges have to be long enough to cross the river. The river was wider with the fifth graders and narrower with the third graders, with the fourth grader's river right in between. It made for an extra good challenge. Storybook STEAM is my favorite part of my job. I am excited to reuse my lessons and perfect the Bridge Engineer Challenge this coming school year!

Citations:

Image of Three Billy Goats Gruff: https://sowingseedslibrarian.com/tag/the-three-billy-goats-gruff/

Image of Super Billy Goats Gruff: https://www.amazon.com/Super-Billy-Goats-Gruff-Graphic/dp/1434296539

Image of brass weights: https://www.ebay.com/itm/354569776646 

Image of Engineer Design Process: https://gr.pinterest.com/pin/285556432599434473/?amp_client_id=CLIENT_ID%28_%29&mweb_unauth_id=&simplified=true

Image of popsicle stick bridge with goat:  https://www.chulavistaca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/30628/5810?curdate=5-13-2018

Reading Wars and the Science of Reading

 Guess What?

Through a library class that I am taking, I found out something that shocked me. My district used to use a curriculum called Lucy Calkin's Writing Workshop. We also adopted the Reading Workshop when it came out. For the entirety of the years I spent as an elementary school teacher in 5th and 4th grade (from 2012 to 2017) I was teaching reading and writing with something called Guided Reading. I absolutely loved Lucy's program. I taught mini lessons on reading comprehension strategies and then did reading conferences one on one with students. I taught mini lessons on all sorts of different writing workshop topics and then met with kids one on one for writing conferences. My students showed progress!

But I found out that the curriculum I loved to use never taught the youngest readers phonics to help them learn to read. I am still shocked to find out that if my fourth graders I was teaching had received phonics instruction at all, it was because their kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers had made their own phonics lessons (or found their own resources). Because Lucy teaches a different way to read words, where students who come to a word they don't know, are taught to look at context clues and the first letter of the word and think of a word that would make sense.

When I was a classroom teacher, I thought my students who were identified for reading recovery were getting phonics lessons to catch them up, but it turns out that the reading recovery program merely taught the students the same strategies. To guess the words. It's possible that their reading recovery teachers also taught them phonics, but if they did, it's because those teachers knew they needed to go above and beyond the curriculum and find their own way to teach it.

When I would listen to students read during conferences, if a student came to a word they didn't know, I would encourage them to use a bunch of strategies, including sounding it out. No wonder some of my students couldn't successfully figure out tricky words! They had been taught to sound out words by teachers who didn't have a curriculum to help them.

Now, my school district has the Wonders Reading Curriculum. I was already a librarian by the time the district purchased the new curriculum, but I have had the opportunity to sit in on some trainings where a literacy specialist modeled how to teach the phonics lessons. The curriculum has explicit lessons on phonics! Teachers also have little guided reading leveled books. It's possible that the leveled books resemble the Lucy Calkins books that were filled with words that didn't match spelling patterns taught in phonics lessons, so the only way for kids to truly figure out the words is to use the pictures as context clues. I have subbed in a classroom for teachers at my building and used the Wonders books, which have underlined words that are complex and match the pictures. Since the underlined words were not simple, students wouldn't be able to use their phonics lessons to figure out the words.

I know it's possible that there are teachers in my district who still use old lessons they kept from Lucy Calkins. Her comprehension strategies lessons were great though! I am hopeful that the combination of phonics instruction, reading comprehension, and the leveled books, will all come together to make a successful reading instruction experience for all the students in my school district.

I am relieved that my son will be getting phonics instruction from a full curriculum! He starts kindergarten next school year. But if your children were in school back when we used Lucy Calkins, don't panic. For any parents who are reading this blog post, there is something you can do to try and catch your children up if they are behind because of the old reading curriculum! I have included a whole bunch of links to resources you can use to teach your own children how to read, and most of them are free! I also recommend that you listen to this free podcast to learn more about why it is a good thing that our district has switched reading curriculums. 

I hope you find that your students are already becoming better readers thanks to the new curriculum, which we started in the fall of 2020. Since it has been 4 years, we only have 2 grades at our school who didn't start with the Wonders Curriculum. It's possible that fourth and fifth graders at Black Hawk would benefit from the resources linked below, as well as any students who currently struggle to sound out tricky words. Check out the resources and help your child learn to read. And thank you for your help. Your efforts will take your children on an important journey of literacy discovery.

Sold a Story Free Podcast (Just sign in to Spotify!)

Start Here ~ Read Not Guess ~ Free Programs to Help Your Child Read

The Science of Reading Primer

Reading Rockets Literacy Apps

Sage Journals Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert

School Library Journal ~ It's Time to End the Reading Wars

Guess the Word Image Citation: https://www.baamboozle.com/profile/1501271

Reading Resources Image Citation: https://readingresources.us/

Advocating For My School Library

 As a school librarian, I've realized that advocating for our library is crucial to its success and impact on our students. Here's how I plan to champion our library and build a community of support:

1. Building an Advocacy Army

I'm excited to form an advocacy team, including parents, students, and teachers. By involving diverse voices, we'll create a powerful network of supporters who feel invested in our library's success.

2. Crafting Our Message

Together with our team, I'll develop a compelling, easy-to-share message about our library's value. I'll ensure everyone understands and can effectively communicate our mission.

3. Spreading the Word

We'll get creative with our outreach! From bookmarks to posters, we'll design eye-catching materials to share our message. I'll use staff meetings as opportunities to address library issues and create Q&A scenarios to help staff become library ambassadors.

4. Visual Impact

I'm planning to design badges or buttons with our library's message for our team to wear. We'll also use digital spaces, like computer screensavers and our library website, to reinforce our message visually.

5. Encouraging Conversation

I'll challenge our staff to share our library's message with three people daily. By portraying our library as the school's vibrant hub of learning, we'll generate excitement and support.

6. Networking

I'll work on building relationships with staff from other schools, expanding our network of support and sharing best practices. I will do this during my PLC times with other IMS librarians in the district.

7. Collecting Stories

I'll encourage staff to listen for and collect stories about how our library has made a difference. These personal narratives will be powerful tools when communicating with decision-makers.

8. Brainstorming Innovations

I'm committed to continuously brainstorming new strategies to reach different groups in our school community. I'll lead by example, inspiring others with my enthusiasm and creativity.

9. Creating a Welcoming Space

I'll ensure our library is always inviting - clean, well-lit, comfortable, and staffed with helpful personnel. Our space will reflect the vibrant learning community we're fostering.

10. Expressing Gratitude

Finally, I'll make it a priority to sincerely thank everyone who helps spread our message. By acknowledging their efforts and explaining why their support matters, I hope to inspire continued advocacy.

By implementing these strategies, I believe we can create a strong, sustainable advocacy program for our school library. It's not just about preserving our resources; it's about championing the vital role our library plays in our students' education and future success. Together, we can ensure our library remains a cherished and indispensable part of our school community.

This guide was created using information from Ten Action Steps for Frontline School Advocacy.  https://www.ala.org/advocacy/frontline-advocacy-school-libraries-toolkit 

The image was generated by Microsoft's Designer Image Generator.

Black Hawk Library Behavior Policies

The Black Hawk Library is a special place we share with everyone in the school community. Given that we all share this space, we have some common expectations to ensure that everyone enjoys their time in the library and the adjacent learning center can continue to educate students as well.

Walking Feet

We use walking feet to keep everyone safe. There is no reason to run in the library, even if you are excited to go check out or go to your table to begin work, or if you want to be first in line.

Everything in its place

The library is a big place with lots of books and equipment and materials. We must put things back exactly where we find them. That is why we use shelf markers, so that we will know where to put a book back if we decide we don’t want a book. Put the shelf marker in the shelf and take out the book that is touching the shelf marker. While you have the book in your hands, the shelf marker needs to stay in the shelf. Read the blurb on the back of the book or on the inside of the book jacket, and then open it up! Read the first page to see if you can read the words, or check out the pictures to see if the book looks interesting to you. If you want the book, take the shelf marker out of the shelf.

Other ways we follow this rule includes swiping out on the iPad, putting pencils, erasers, scissors, or crayons/markers back where you got them from. And leaving our work right there on the table where we found it. Unless Mrs. Sutliff has a special routine for collecting something, please leave it on the table. Thank you!

Safety First

Be Safe is a school rule! We must keep ourselves and others safe. That means sitting in chairs properly and asking for help if you can’t reach something rather than climbing on furniture. We also need to be safe with our school supplies. Things like scissors and rulers are tools, not toys, and we must use them for their designed purpose safely.

Smile and Say Thank You at Check Out!

Mrs. Kenney works really hard to keep the library nice and tidy. Smile and say thank you at check out and show her how excited you are to read your books!

Help others if you can

If you know what to do, or how to find something, be helpful and show your classmates! They would appreciate it!

Ask if you need help

If you don’t know what to do and need help, please ask. We only have so much time in the library. It’s best to ask right away instead of wasting time if you don’t know what to do!

Respectful and Responsible

Be Respectful is a school rule! We must be respectful in the library. Here are some ways to show respect in the library:

• Listen and Follow Directions.
• Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
• Treat school property and others' belongings with care.
• Be on time for class and if you are tardy, come in quietly and join the class nicely.
• Respect others' personal space.
• Be inclusive and kind to all classmates, regardless of differences.
• Respect diverse opinions and cultures.
• Use technology carefully and properly.
• Resolve conflicts peacefully through discussion, the Time Machine, or by seeking help from adults.

Be Responsible is a school rule! We must be responsible in the library too. Here are some ways to be responsible.

• Return borrowed library books on time.
• Pay attention during lessons.
• Participate actively and positively in library discussions and activities.
• Complete assignments during work time.
• Learn from mistakes.
• Take initiative in group projects and contribute fairly.
• Take responsibility for your own learning.
• Use technology responsibly and follow digital citizenship guidelines.
• Make up missed work when absent.
• Be honest in your academic work and avoid plagiarism.
• Manage your emotions and behavior appropriately.

Enjoy Yourself

The library is a place for fun and creativity. We do fun educational activities in the library. By demonstrating these behaviors, students contribute to a positive learning environment and prepare themselves for future success. As long as you make positive choices, you will enjoy yourself in the library!

Consequences

If you make poor choices and break the rules, you will always get a nice reminder, because there are a lot of rules, and it can be hard to remember them all. If the reminder doesn’t help you, there will be either natural or logical consequences. Some possible consequences include:

·       Move to a new seat where you can focus better

·       Practice the rug rules during work time

·       Write an apology note or think sheet during your recess

If poor choices become bad habits, the choices will be documented with a write up office referral.

Noise Level

Mrs. Sutliff will use technology tools to ensure that our students’ voice level and noise levels are kept at a reasonable low level. She uses an app called Too Noisy to help students manage their noise levels. The pro version of the app awards a star to the class for a given amount of minutes in which the class stays respectfully quiet. If the class earns ten stars, Mrs. Sutliff often chooses a fun but quiet activity students can do as a class reward. If students are too noisy, the iPad can hear, and the screen will ‘crack’ and the class will lose a star. If the class loses three stars, Mrs. Sutliff always brings the students back to the rug for a discussion on the noise level and the purpose for using Too Noisy. Mainly we use the app so the adjacent learning center can continue to educate students without distracting background noise. We are also close to the office and want to stay quiet so the office staff and principal can continue to work without getting distracted by us.

Class Dojo Points!

Mrs. Sutliff is a co-teacher on all the teacher’s Class Dojos. This means she can give points to students to recognize their positive choices! To encourage everyone to follow the We Share Library rules, Mrs. Sutliff selects everyone in the class, so that everyone is able to earn a point. If anyone breaks a rule, Mrs. Sutliff will simply unselect that student and give everyone who DID follow the rules a point. She gives points during the read aloud, during the lesson, during work time and lining up. That’s four chances for you all to earn a point! Make positive choices and earn points. Points can be spent in the library, and each class can brainstorm a list of ways to spend their points.

Call and Response

Mrs. Sutliff uses library themed call and response in the library before giving directions. She will use a different call and response week by week to keep you on your toes, so pay attention. Some examples are:

Mrs. Sutliff: Cat!

Students: In the hat!

Mrs. Sutliff: Elephant!

Students: And piggy!

Mrs. Sutliff: The Very Hungry…

Students: Caterpillar!

The purpose of the call and response is to get everyone’s attention easily and quiet the class down so Mrs. Sutliff can give directions. Ignoring the signal is frustrating, so please participate in the call back politely. No shouting, thank you!

Let's all Contribute!

In conclusion, our library rules, represented by the acronym WE SHARE, are designed to create a welcoming and efficient environment for everyone. By using Walking Feet, keeping Everything in its place, prioritizing Safety First, Smiling and saying thank you at check out, Helping others if you can, Asking if you need help, being Respectful and Responsible, and ultimately Enjoying yourself, we can ensure that our library remains a pleasant and productive space for all. Let's all contribute to making our library a magical place of learning and discovery!

Citations

We Share Library Rules Image: https://canel.my.id/

Rug Rules Image: https://kindergartenchaos.com/first-day-of-kindergarten/rug-rules-chart/ 

Too Noisy Pro Image: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/too-noisy-pro/id521646496

Class Dojo Image: https://www.garrettheights212.org/getting-connected-class-dojo/ 

 Digital Library Handbook

Welcome to our amazing Black Hawk Library! 📚✨

Hey there, book lovers and curious minds! We're so excited to share our fantastic library with you. Did you know we have over 15,000 books? That's a lot of adventures waiting to happen!

Our library isn't just about books (though we love them!). We've got cool tech stuff too - Chromebooks, iPads, and even robots! And wait till you see our makerspace - it's like a treasure chest of building materials. LEGOs, magnet tiles, and so much more!

For our little readers in K-2:

You get to pick one special book every other day. Remember to bring it back so you can choose a new one next time! There's more details below in the handbook!

For our big readers in 3-5:

You're in for a treat - you can borrow two books at once! Your library day is once a week, so mark your calendars! There's more details below in the handbook!

Teachers, we've got you covered too! Borrow as many books as you like. Just let us know what you need, and we'll help you find it.

Parents, feel free to join in on the fun! You can use your child's account to borrow an extra book. And guess what? We love visitors! Parents and guardians, come on in and join the fun. You can use our computers, borrow books, or jump into class activities.

Oops! Accidents happen. If a book gets damaged, don't worry. Just bring it back, and we'll figure it out together. If you lose a book, we have a special "Keep at school" shelf so you can still enjoy reading while we sort things out.

Remember, our library is here for everyone. We want you to explore, learn, and have a blast doing it. If you ever have questions or need help, just ask Mrs. Sutliff or Mrs. Kenney. We're here to make your library experience awesome!

Let's make some reading magic together! 🌟📖

General facts about the library

We have 15,565 books. We have 409 active patrons. We have a set of chrome books, 60 library iPads, four different kinds of robots (Dash, Sphero, Code&Go mice, and Ozzobots), a makerspace filled with a variety of class sets of building materials (LEGOs, magnet tiles, KEVA planks, Q-Ba-Maze, Goldieblocks, Makey Makeys, and so much more!) and two separate rooms in our library.

Library Use Policies

The library is available for use after school for meetings, such as our staff meetings and PTA meetings. I just ask that you clean up when you are done and if you move the tables (which are on wheels and easy to move!) please do your best to put them back where you found them. Just let Mrs. Sutliff know if you need to use the library for a meeting.

Check Out Policies for Students in K-2

All students in grades kindergarten, first, or second, may check out one book at a time. After students have learned proper check out procedures, then check out will begin. Students will be able to check out a book every time they come to the library, which is every other day on a rotating AB schedule for k-2 students. Please check which AB day your class has library and remind students to bring their book the day prior to their next check out. A Class Dojo message home reminding parents to return the book to the backpack after reading it would also be very helpful. Students may exchange their old book for a new book only if they return the book without any damage.

Check Out Policies for Students in 3-5

All students in grades third, fourth and fifth may check out two books at a time. After students have learned proper check out procedures, then check out will begin. Students will be able to check out books once a week, on either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday on a rotating XYZ basis. Please check which XYZ day your class has library and remind students to bring their books the day prior to their next check out. A Class Dojo message to parents reminding them of their check out day would also be very helpful. Students may exchange their old books for new books only if they return the books without any damage.

Damaged Library Book Policy

If a student damages a book beyond use, Mrs. Kenney will allow the student to check out another book after the book has been paid for. If the book is not paid for, then Mrs. Kenney will use her discretion to decide if the student may check out books from the “Keep at school” bookshelf. For normal wear and tear, like pages falling out, please return the book for repairs. Torn pages can typically be repaired, so keep the pages if they have been torn off and return to the library promptly. If a book has been written in, Mrs. Kenney will use her discretion to decide if the student may check out books from the “Keep at school” bookshelf.

Lost Book Policy

We have a policy that if a book was lost last year, then students start the next school year checking out books from the “Keep at school” bookshelf. The purpose of this policy is to hold students accountable for lost books, while also ensuring that students have books they can read. Once a book is found and returned, or paid for, students may check out regularly again. If a student claims that a book has been lost, Mrs. Kenney will use her discretion to decide if the student may start checking out books from the “Keep at school” bookshelf. Students may continue checking out “Keep at school” books when they return their “Keep at school” book.

Check Out Policies for Teachers

Teachers are welcome to check out as many books as they would like. Please use the library website to search the catalogue and see what we have available. Just navigate to the school’s library website here: https://destiny.rcas.org/  Once you locate the book, please either send a student down with a note that includes the call number of the book, or email Mrs. Sutliff or Mrs. Kenney with the book request. Including the call number of the book is very helpful, and we appreciate it! Thank you.

You may also email Mrs. Kenney or Mrs. Sutliff with a list of types of books you would like us to pull for you for your entire classroom to use. In the past we have pulled books for Pirates Day, animal research, Westward Expansion research, and read alouds like Lemon Wars. We also have an extensive list of professional books. Try a library search today and see what we have available that you would like to read.

Check Out Policies for Parents

Parents are welcome to use their student’s account to check out books as well. One additional book may be checked out under the student’s account for parental use.

Visitors

Parent and guardian visitors are welcome to the library! You may check out a computer or book to use while you are in the library or join in on the class activities.

Using the Library Catalog

Here is a link to our library website: https://destiny.rcas.org/ Click on Black Hawk School. Click on Catalog up in the top left corner. You can start with a basic search in the search bar or try a more advanced search. In the top left side bar, you can click on Destiny Discover to access a more child-friendly searching experience that will auto correct for spelling while searching. Be sure to check if the book is available before you write down the call number! For books with an E in the call number, it is best to ask Mrs. Kenney where they are, because we have genrefied the little's library and have bins of books and displays. Generally, books with OVER in the call number are in Mrs. Kenney's room on the big shelf in alphabetical order. Books with PB E are in Mrs. Kenney's room in the paperback caddy. And books with E are under the Pete the Cat lights in the main library. Books with FIC are under the blue lights on the large shelves arranged by author's last name, and books with PB FIC are on the ends of the shelves. Books with numbers in the call number are under the green lights. We have a nonfiction section for young readers that is near the Pete the Cat lights, so check if the book has a sublocation of easy nonfiction. We would be more than happy to help you find the book!

Online Resources

You may navigate to https://destiny.rcas.org/ for a list of online resources, such as Tumblebooks and Epic.

Book Reconsiderations

We have a very specific process for questioning and reconsidering books. If a parent approaches you with concerns about a book, please be sure to tell them Mrs. Sutliff has the procedures for this and would be happy to help with the process and discuss the concerns.

Scheduling the Library

If you have a situation coming up where you will miss your library time, please reach out face to face and let me know you would like to make up your library time. Mrs. Sutliff has very limited time on a rotating basis when she has planning and could swap times with you. Just reach out and we can schedule a make up class!

Makerspace Materials

We have loaned out Makerspace materials in the past. If you would like to borrow something for a special day for your students, reach out and let Mrs. Sutliff know. She would prefer to have at least a week’s notice so that she can make alternate plans if she happens to be using the items you’d like to check out. Thank you!

Acceptable Use, Academic Honesty, and Copyright Policy

At Black Hawk Elementary, we believe in creating a positive and responsible digital learning environment. Here's how we can all work together to make that happen:

Acceptable Use:

• We use our library resources, including books, computers, and other technology, respectfully and responsibly.
• We visit only appropriate websites and use the internet for educational purposes.
• We keep our personal information private and respect others' privacy online.
• We report any inappropriate content or behavior to a teacher or librarian immediately.

Academic Honesty:

• We do our own work and give credit to others for their ideas.
• We don't copy someone else's work or let others copy ours.
• We use quotation marks when we use someone else's exact words and always cite our sources.
• We ask for help if we're unsure about how to properly use or cite information.

Copyright:

• We respect the intellectual property rights of authors, artists, and creators.
• We only use copyrighted materials in ways that are allowed by fair use guidelines or with permission.
• We create our own original work whenever possible and give proper credit when we use others' work.

Remember, these policies are here to help us learn and grow in a safe, respectful environment. If you have any questions about these policies, please ask Mrs. Sutliff or your teacher. We're here to help you succeed! 

Here is the link to the RCAS School District’s handbooks: https://rcas.org/students/student-handbooks/

District Handbook

Here is the link to the district’s handbooks where you can find the library collections procedures: https://rcas.org/students/student-handbooks/

The children of the Rapid City Schools are provided with the necessary books for their classes. Each child is responsible for the good care and return of the books and equipment that he/she receives from the school. Restitution for lost or damaged books or equipment is expected. This is true of textbooks as well as library books. Workbooks used in the classrooms are furnished and are to be handed in at the end of the school term. The district will dispose of these materials.

RCAS Book Review Process

To ensure that public funding for educational resources are being used on materials that have been vetted by teachers, teachers need to complete the following form for any book they request to use district dollars to purchase.  Books must be read and deemed appropriate for the classroom audience by the requesting teacher as well as a colleague who has also read the book and deemed it appropriate for classroom usage. There will be no book permission slips sent home to parents.  If the book requires a permission slip, it is not to be used in the classroom.

*Books must be rated using the RCAS Book Rating guide. Additionally, include ratings from CommonSense media (CommonSense rating, not Parent’s or Kid’s) or other reputable sources if available. 

**If the book is rated above the age level of the students in the classroom where it is to be used, a purpose/justification must be provided.  Purpose/Justification is not necessary for books rated 1 or 2 (on the RCAS Book Rating Guide) for use in middle school or higher. 

Book Rating for Elementary Books	Characteristics
1  Comparable to a G Rated movie  –These books are appropriate for required reads, and/or small group/independent study	A 1 rated book contains nothing inappropriate in theme, language, nudity, sex, or violence.  Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation, but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in 1 rated books. Depictions of violence are minimal.  No nudity, sex scenes, or drug use are present in the book.

 

Again, we wish to welcome you to the Black Hawk Library, and we hope you enjoy your time with us!

This handbook was created using an example library handbook found at https://www.readerpants.net/?s=handbook.

Intro to Mrs. Sutliff

 Welcome to the Black Hawk Library!

Hey there, book lovers and curious minds! I'm Mrs. Sutliff, your friendly neighborhood librarian, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to our awesome school library! 📚✨

Let me give you the scoop on who I am:

I've been hanging out with books and students since 2010 when I first became a teacher. In 2017, I found my true calling and set up camp here in the Black Hawk library. It's been a wild ride ever since!

I've got some fancy paper to back up my book-nerdiness:

- A K-8 education bachelor's degree (that means I know how to make learning fun for all you cool cats!)

- A master's in instructional design and technology (translation: I can make tech and books dance together like nobody's business!)

Now, here's where it gets really exciting:

1. I'm absolutely bonkers for fairytales! 🏰👑 Every year, we dive into at least one magical story and then put on our engineering hats to tackle a challenge inspired by the tale. Who says you can't build a better beanstalk or design a wolf-proof house?

2. Guess what? I'm not just a reader - I'm a writer too! 🖋️ I craft teen fiction and middle-grade fantasy in my spare time. And here's the best part: this year, my very own book will be joining the shelves of our library! How cool is that?

So, buckle up, buttercup! We're in for an amazing year of reading, learning, and creating. Whether you're a bookworm, a tech wizard, or just looking for a cozy spot to chill, the Black Hawk Library is your home away from home.

Let's make some literary magic together! 🌟📖