Library Mice....eeek!

Here are a few of my Library Mice.  These awesome 5th graders (and a few others) have volunteered to give up one afternoon recess a week!  They're doing an amazing job shelving books, and keeping the library tidy.  Thanks gang! 

Back in business!

Welcome back to the library!
Last week I was able to have students in grades 1-5 start checking out books (K & PK will start soon).  We reviewed our library rules, and looked at any changes made to the library.

Library Schedule

I also reminded the students about book care, and returning their books on their library day.

*NO “dog-eared” pages.

*Keep away from pets and younger siblings.

*Always have clean hands.

*No food or drink around your books.

*Do not draw or color in books.

*KEEP YOUR WATER BOTTLES AWAY FROM LIBRARY BOOKS*

Looking forward to another great year!

Keep Reading!

~ Mrs. Fellows ~

PUMPKINS!

Thank you to everyone that submitted a Book Character Pumpkin!

Scholastic Reading Counts

Reading Counts  

Reading Counts is a program that all of our 3nd-5th grade students are encouraged to participate in.  The 3rd-5th grade students have been hard at work taking quizzes!  The program runs from September to May.  In May, we have a celebration for the students that reached their goal.

STUDENT GOALS

3RD GRADE - 60 POINTS

4TH GRADE - 75 POINTS

5TH GRADE - 100 POINTS

    The way the RC program works is that a student reads a book in their reading level, takes a quiz about the book on a computer.  They can only take quizzes on computers or iPads at school.  If the student answers at least 8/10 questions correct (80%), they earn points.  Students are encouraged to check out at least one Reading Counts book each week.

   It is recommended that a student take the quiz within 24 hours of completion of the book, when possible. If a child gets less than 8 correct, they may retake the quiz after 24 hours.

    If you would like to find out if the books your child has at hame have a RC quiz for them or not, you can go to this website:

https://readingcountsbookexpert.tgds.hmhco.com/bookexpert/detail_title.asp

    If your child checks out books from the public library, they can use this same web link to find out if those books have RC quizzes or not.

    Please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Fellows for any questions you may have regarding Reading Counts.  

~Keep Reading~

Mrs. Fellows

Another Great Start!

So happy to have the students back in the library again!  The books are flying off the shelves, and Reading Counts is moving full steam ahead!

This year, pirates have invaded the library! 

Here's a sneak peek at some of our new books.

PIZZA HUT BOOK IT! PROGRAM

We have kicked off our Pizza Hut Book It! Program once again!  The Book It! Program is all about turning kids who read because they have to, into kids who read because they WANT to.  Through Book It!, your child has the opportunity to earn a certificate for a free Personal Pan Pizza from Pizza Hut by filling out the calendar that was sent home, and by meeting the monthly reading goals that were set.  Return this calendar to the library at the end of the month to receive this certificate.  There is no purchase necessary.  HAPPY READING!

Still Here

Yes, I'm still alive and reading....of course!  Just wanted to give you a quick update.

*We just wrapped up our One School, One Book, The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies.  It was a HUGE hit!  I loved hearing the kids shout out the answers to the daily trivia!

*Due to the contest I'm running (see below), the library computers are always busy!

*New books!!!  The "book sniffer" has been very happy lately!  Thanks to the generosity of the HEF (Hudsonville Education Foundation), our library has been awarded $125 to purchase books to add to the Easy Reader section of the library.  Thank you HEF!!  I'll post pictures later.

LIBRARY NEWS……… WARM UP TO READING COUNTS!…… Does a warm cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows sound good to you?   Then, get reading!  From Feb. 22 – March 4 Mrs. Fellows will treat 10 students from each grade (3-5) that pass the most RC quizzes (chapter books only).  * YUMMY HOT CHOCOLATE WITH MRS. FELLOWS ONTHURSDAY, MARCH 10!   **You MUST take/pass quizzes that are in, or around your reading level.**   This only counts for books read this year.  : )

Keep Reading

~Mrs. Fellows~

Pumpkins!!!

I am overwhelmed at the amount of students that brought in pumpkins!  Thank you so much Alward families!!

Lots of stuff going on....

In my spare time (ha ha ha) I thought it would be fun to do a Pumpkin Decorating Contest.  I stumbled across some really cute ideas while I was on Pinterest, I just couldn't resist!

Here are the basics:

Paint and decorate a pumpkin as your favorite book character and win a prize!  Prize will be a party with food involved....hmmm, gotcha thinking, don't I? 

About the contest

• The purpose is to celebrate reading and to have fun.

• This project is completely optional. Participation is not required.

Contest Rules

• Pumpkins must represent a favorite book character.  
• On the entry form you must have the title and author of the book written on the form.
• Get the book information first before even starting to decorate the pumpkin. 
• Absolutely no real carved pumpkins.   Foam pumpkins found at craft stores are encouraged, those can be carved.  (Real pumpkins will quickly rot)
• To decorate you can use paper, glue, paint, markers, pipe cleaners, fabric, or other craft items on the pumpkin. 
• Let your creativity soar!

Contest Dates

• Pumpkins may be turned in to the library from Mon. Oct. 20 to Wed. Oct. 29.
• Judging will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30.
• Pumpkins may be picked up, and taken home on Oct. 30.

Click these links for the rules and the form - 

Pumpkin Decorating Contest Rules

Contest Form (Turn in with pumpkin)

Last week I had the unfortunate task of talking to all the students about Book Care, again.  I typically talk about this at the beginning of the school year only, but the books are being returned to the library in horrible condition.  Sticky, dirty, full of crumbs, you name it.  I could really use your help at home reminding them to take care of the books, ultimately it's their responsibility.  If you'd like to purchase some gallon sized ziplock bags for your child's book, that might be a good solution also.

And finally......NEW BOOKS!  These are a few of the books that have been added to our library, they are waiting to be checked out!

Keep Reading ~ Mrs. Fellows

Exciting news for Reading Counts!

Scholastic Reading Counts has an App for our school iPads!!!  We're so excited to get that on our iPads, kids are taking quizzes like crazy now!  A big thanks to Mr. Ski and Mrs. Ploeg for helping with that process, we couldn't have done it without them.

The Pizza Hut Book It! calendars will be coming home with your students on Monday, Sept. 29.  Please help them keep track of the minutes they are reading at home.

A big shout out goes to Mrs. Szymanski's Pre-K class, every student brought back their library book today! Way to go!

Keep Reading ~
Mrs. Fellows

Here I Am!!!

Hello again!  I'm back in the library, busy giving awesome books to amazing students!  We've had almost every single class come to the library at least one time (K-LL and K-F will be in tomorrow), some classes have even been in a couple of times.
Reading Counts is off and running, I even have one student who has reached his 1 million word goal already!!!  Our theme this year is "Reading Gives You Super Powers", feel free to check out Spiderman "hanging" out in the library, the students love him!
I've been reading Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won to some of the classes, we are loving it!

I think everyone should take a peek at this book, it's sure to make you smile :)

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions at kfellow@hpseagles.net

Keep Reading ~ Mrs. Fellows

Reading Counts Winners

Today we had our Reading Counts party, students came to the Media Center for an ice cream sundae party.  Thank you to all the amazing PTC volunteers for helping to put this together, the students loved it.  I'd like to give a special thanks to Julie O. for working with me this year, I'm so excited she agreed to help me again next year!

The following students won a Gift Card to either Barnes and Noble, or Target.
Sophia D. & TJ T. from 3-O.
Stella B., Megan K., Jennifer M., Alec S., Mason T., and Andrew V. from 3-VS.
Josie C., Kaitlin C., Addison L., Spencer S., Jordyn V., and Jace V. from 3-VW.
Shelby F. & Jacob K. from 4-D.
Nick B., Aubrey C., and Shaylee P. from 4-H.
Claire B., Aidan B., Emma G., Chad K., Mikayla M., Libby N., Caden R., Bryn R., Kaylee S., and Isaiah V. from 4-S.
Maddie A. and Norah M. from 5-BO.
Noelle D., Jada D., Emily G., Lauren N., Will N., Heath R., and Ally W. from 5-BU.
Dante K., Keaton M., Brynne O., Alec S., and Whitney V. from 5-K.
Nook HD Winners
Trey C. from 3-VW.
Chloe C. from 4-S.
Yasmin F. from 5-K.

Great job!
Keep Reading
 ~ Mrs. Fellows~

Shelf Challenge 2014

In my "spare time" I like to read other school librarian blogs.  While doing this, I stumbled upon the Shelf Challenge.  Basically, I've pledged to read all the books on a randomly assigned shelf.  I was assigned to read "K".

Sounds tough, but there is a "cheat" clause.  I will read all of the picture books, but I can get by with reading just the jacket or blurb on the chapter books.

To read more about this challenge, check out this blog:

http://www.busylibrarian.com/

Wish me luck!

Keep Reading
~Mrs. Fellows~

Who Wants Hot Chocolate?

Here's a quick update on the students in the lead.  You should have heard the sounds coming from the library when I announced that I make homemade marshmallows!  Let me just say, some teachers want in on this party too :)

3rd Grade
Trey C. - 35 points
Addison L. - 17 points
Bethany D. - 13 points

4th Grade
Chloe C.  - 46 points
Claire B.  - 37 points
Remmington C.  - 30 points

5th Grade
Will N.  - 101 points
Dante K.  - 57 Points
Ally W.  - 40 points

*Reminder - contest ends Wednesday, Feb. 5, party will be Thursday, Feb. 6.

Keep Reading (and taking quizzes)
Mrs. Fellows

Reading Counts Contest Extended

*Due to the snow days, I'm going to extend the RC Hot Chocolate competition to next Wed., the party will be on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Do you have cabin fever yet?  I DO!!  On the plus side, I've been reading like CRAZY!!  I just finished the 2nd book of the Stranded Series by Jeff Probst.

I might have to go to Alward today to pick up the 3rd book!  This is a great page turner, I can't wait to hand it off to a student!

*Bonus points* 

Send me a picture of you reading on this snow day, I'll give you an extra point toward the RC competition!

Send it to my email kfellow@hpseagles.net

Keep Reading!!

Mrs. Fellows

WARM UP TO READING COUNTS

Does a warm cup of hot chocolate sound good to you? 

*  EARN THE MOST READING COUNTS POINTS FOR YOUR GRADE

*  5 STUDENTS FROM EACH GRADE (3-5) from Jan. 20 - Jan. 29

  

* YUMMY HOT CHOCOLATE WITH MRS. FELLOWS

                ON THURSDAY, JAN. 30

*You MUST take/pass quizzes that are in, or around your reading level.  *Only books read this year!

Winners of the free popcorn!

It was one crazy week last week!  The library and computer lab were buzzing with students taking quizzes!
WINNERS
3-Oosting
4-Szymanski
5-Bouwens
The total number of Reading Counts quizzes passed was 311!  Be sure to check out the RC display to see the progress the 3-5 graders are making toward their goals.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep Reading~
Mrs. Fellows

Earn FREE popcorn for your class!!!

It’s time for a little friendly competition between classes. The class who passes the most quizzes

for Reading Counts during the week of November 18-22 will get free popcorn.

One class per grade (3rd-5th) will win and receive free popcorn on November 26th.

Reading Counts Progress

Students have been taking quizzes like CRAZY lately!  The library computers are packed at the end of the day with students taking quizzes, I LOVE IT!

Students that are between 25%- 49% of their annual goal

3-O

Bethany D. & Sophia D.

3-VS

Gibson

3-VW

Josie, Caden, Spencer, Hailey 

4-H

Elly S., Owen H.

4-S

Riley, Karenza, Ethan, Bryn

5-BO

Sofia, Colin, Norah

5-BU

Maddie, Jada, Shane, Dreighton, Drew

5-K

Katie, Christian, Brynne, Nathan

Students that are between 50% - 74% of their annual goal

3-VW

Trey, Logan, Jordan, Jace

4-H

Aubrey, Shaylee

4-S

Caden, Kaylee 

5-BU

Matthew, Kaelyn

5-K

Alec

Students between 75% - 99% of their annual goal

4-S

Claire, Chloe

Students that have reached their goal (in some cases doubled or tripled)

3-VW

Ridley, Addison

4-S

Emma

5-BU

Will, Allie

5-K

Yasmin

If you're wondering how your kiddo is doing, just ask them, they know how to check their progress (I remind them all of the time).

Keep Reading

~Mrs. Fellows~

Ruff Readers in the Library

We've had two visitors in the library lately, Maizie Blu and Mrs. Koster.  Mazie is a Ruff Reader dog that our students have had the privilege to read to.  This is a great program, and we really appreciate Mrs. Koster for volunteering to do this every other week.

"The purpose of the program is to encourage children to become better readers and discover the joy of reading.  Reading to a friendly, non-judgmental dog decreases the stress of making mistakes or peer pressure and builds confidence in the child.  Libraries provide the books and register the children for 15 minute sessions with a dog (and handler).  Many facilities provide creative book marks or certificates which include the dog's name as rewards for each completed session.  School programs are somewhat different from library programs as the handler may be required to tutor the reader or the handler may be asked to read to groups of children."  (Taken from http://www.wmtd.org/)

Mrs. Koster, Maizi and Alec.

Forrest just loved reading to Maizie!

Carlie just couldn't stop smiling!

If you think your child would be interested in reading to Maizie, please let me know!

Keep Reading!

Mrs. Fellows

Who's Taking RC Quizzes?

Are you taking quizzes?  If not, why?

Parents, Reading Counts is an optional program at Alward, however we always encourage students to take a quiz on the books they've just finished.  Ultimately, it's their responsibility to do so.  I'm so puzzled when students tell me "I just don't take quizzes".  I always ask them why, I've never gotten an answer, usually just a shoulder shrug.  Maybe you can help me out with this.

This is where the 3rd-5th grades stand with the number of quizzes passed per class.

3-O      13
3-VS    6
3-VW  52  (WOW!!!)

4-D     29
4-H    42
4-S    43

5-BO  26
5-BU  82  (AMAZING!!)
5-K    27

Keep up the great work!!
Mrs. Fellows