vision statement
We provide unparalleled service for the entire school community encompassing inquiry-based learning, reading, and both social and ethical maturity. By providing exemplary library media services, the needs for each student are met. Our success is realized as students become fully prepared to meet the challenges of our global society.
Administrative Staff
Laura Maxwell
Coordinator of Library Media Services
(816) 986-1109
laura.maxwell@leesummit.k12.mo.us
Jennifer Ostaszewski
Library Media Services Assistant
(816) 986-1017
jennifer.ostaszewski@leesummit.k12.mo.us
Debbie Savery
Resource Library Assistant
(816) 986-1067
debbie.savery@leesummit.k12.mo.us
WHAT'S NEW IN OUR LIBRARIES
Winter Reading Program
With a two week winter break coming up, Lee's Summit's three middle schools are encouraging students to get into a few good books. Each middle school is issuing a challenge to their students to read 250 pages during their holiday. "We're encouraging students to commit to reading at least 20 pages each day, which makes it an easily attainable goal," says Summit Lakes Middle School librarian, Christie Brown.
For years the libraries in Lee's Summit have hosted a summer reading program and now they are expanding the program to include winter break. "We have had a lot of fun and success with our summer program; therefore it seemed very natural to extend this to winter break," states Tracy Baker, Pleasant Lea Middle school librarian, "after all, with the cold temperatures approaching, what better way to spend your time than curled up with a good book?"
Each middle school student will be allowed to take 10 books home with them from their school's library. "I'm excited about trying to reach my goal, or maybe even reading more. Right now I'm reading Jump the Cracks by Stacy DeKeyser, and it'll be fun to finish it over break," says Madison Potocnik, student at Bernard Campbell Middle School. Students will track their reading and participate in a celebration when school resumes in January.
Campbell Middle School librarian, Jennifer Collier, along with students Christie VanMeter and Abbey Pierce celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day to kick off the winter reading program.
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR LIBRARIES
Pleasant Lea Middle School
Librarian: Tracy Baker
Library Clerk: Jean Schoeneman
Number of students served: 909
Number of staff served: 113
Pleasant Lea Middle School Library Media Center recently celebrated Teen Read Week, October 17-21, 2011. This year's theme was "Picture It @ Your Library." Students had the opportunity to peruse a display graphic novels, as well as particpate in a variety of activities including a bookmark design contest and a photo contest. Students were given the opportunity to create a bookmark representing this year's theme and/or bring in a unique, creative photo of themselves reading. A few of the photo entries are shown. Students were also challenged to read a minimum of 400 minutes during the week. Language Arts classes competed to earn the title of the class with the most reading minutes. Library patrons had the opportunity to shop the Scholastic book fair throughout the week. Teen Read Week, an initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), is an annual event aimed at encouraging teens to read for pleasure and to utilize the services offered in their libraries.
NEWSWORTHY NOTES
News
Hazel Grove Kindergarteners Research Reindeers
HGE Kindergarten classes recently researched the incredible flying capabilities of reindeers. Research included reading books about Rudolph and other famous reindeer. The students also learned reindeer riddles, acted out reindeer plays, and made reindeer booklets and antlers. During their research unit, the kindergarteners visited the library to listen to Olive, the Other Reindeer and made reindeer pretzels to give as gifts.
RAFT (Reading Aloud Family Time)
Reading as a family is a great way to improve comprehension skills and a great way to spend time together, especially during the winter months. RAFT, a Mid-Continent Public Library program, starts a new session in January 2012. RAFT is a simple program that rewards families for reading together. To participate in RAFT, families may sign up at their local MCPL branch or online. Participants choose at least two chapter books to read together as a family during the months of January and February. Once the books are completed, families visit their MCPL branch and receive a free hardback copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Participants will also earn a golden ticket which enters them in a drawing for a DVD of the 2005 movie version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Additional golden tickets can be earned by reading additional chapter books. Happy Reading!
Library Highlights
Richardson Elementary Library was awarded 2011 Outstanding Library Media Center award from Greater Kansas City Association of School Librarians.
Tonya Johnson, Sunset Valley library clerk, was named R-7 Learning for Life award recipient for May 2011.
Pam Scott, Sunset Valley librarian, won the 2011 Lee's Summit Reading Council's Literacy Award.
Children should learn reading is pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school.
~Beverly Cleary