Department Meeting, October 21, 2009

AGENDA
October 21, 2009

1. Follett Destiny—update and issues
2. PowerSchool
Problems syncing with Follett. Inconsistencies. Will follow up with techservices. Forward examples of new admits not syncing.

3. Staff Development options, November 3, 2009, 8:00-3:00

a. ActivInspire software

b. Digital storytelling--with high school ELA and Social Studies teachers; most appropriate for secondary librarians and/or those who didn't take this staff development previously

c. NSLS workshops--evaluating library programs and creating personal learning networks (two separate sessions on location at BOCES)

Decision:
Two will start with digital storytelling and then go to BOCES.
Everyone else will start with ActivInspire. Some will go to BOCES in the afternoon.
Remaining will continue work on ActivInspire.

4. Budget—Status and Preparations
Consider any equipment or extraordinary needs for budget development.

5. Department Meeting with Public Librarians—12/18/2009

6. National Geographic books for distribution and sharing
Books were selected for collections.

7. Other--Kidpix? Any other solution for elementary art program? Will investigate.
Will invite Promethean trainer to conduct a session with our group.

Websites of Note:

ALA AASL Best Web sites for Teaching and Learning Award via kwout

Free online tutoring:

HippoCampus http://www.hippocampus.org/

CliffsNotes http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA

FactMonster http://www.factmonster.com/

Interesting article on social networking through the library automation system--Follett Destiny is featured: http://www.mmischools.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=14806


If you're interested in any of these articles, let me know:

The Library Media Specialist's Role in Teaching Online Safety (Library Media Connection, August/Sept 2009)

Literature Circles in Library Class (Library Media Connection, August/Sept 2009)

Have We Lost Our Way? Examining the Purpose of Libraries in a Post-Literate Society


Actually, the magazine is chock-full of interesting articles. Let me know if you want to borrow it or if you want me to photocopy anything for you. The October 2009 issue also has articles of interest, particularly one about local museums, delivery and design of instruction, wikis and action research, supporting reading instruction, graphic novels, personal response systems.