Student Google Drive

http://tinyurl.com/driveatlncs

Students now have the ability to access a school-based Google Drive account. Per Mr. Boardman: 

Currently, our school is using Google Apps for Education and have created private, online storage accounts for all students.  This may be more familiar as Google Drive for storing files and creating documents.  However, the resemblance of a student’s username as an email address does not imply that they have a “school” email account, they can not access email through this account.

The link above will get students to the login page. We have discussed the login process with students.

Contact Mr. Boardman or me if you have questions.

Let the Research Begin!

It has been a busy week in the media center! Humanities classes from all grades came in for an "Introduction to Research" class. Students took notes through a presentation (example) and then 6th and 7th participated in a media center research quest (example). Students were also provided a list of tips to help evaluate websites. It was exciting to see students dive in and take ownership of our shared space and resources. I saw quite a bit of peer feedback and guidance, which is a fantastic win-win scenario.

My goal is two-fold: to provide a foundation of critical thinking and research skills that will carry forward throughout the years of higher education, but also to instill a sense of awareness and discernment when navigating the Internet during personal time. Many of our students have grown up with immediate access to online information, but that does not mean they have been taught to navigate the territory responsibly. And even with the tools they acquire, it is important that we - the teachers, the parents, the care-givers - are nearby to guide and advise. But there is the oft-heard comment, "That child knows more about the computer than I do!" As the digital age expands and information becomes even more prevalent in multiple ways, I feel it is important to keep up. It may seem overwhelming - and it is. No one can keep up with all the "tricks" and developments at the rate of change upon us. But I encourage everyone to embrace "lifelong learning" and give technology a chance. Even if just here and there. Even if the idea of a well-worn book and a remote island always win.

This article contains an extremely useful infographic for brushing up on your Google search skills. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and learn to impress your friends with "easter eggs" such as the Google Barrel Roll or an impromptu Atari Breakout game via Google Images.

New Magazine Rack

Check out our slick-wheeled, fancy magazine display rack! It is a useful addition to the media center. Now students can easily peruse some of the periodicals to which we subscribe:

Boys Life
Cricket
Discover
Faces: People Places & Cultures
Girls Life
International Artist
J-14: Just for Teens
National Geographic
Sports Illustrated
Teen Vogue
Time Magazine
Wired

Welcome Back, ANCS Students and Families!

Welcome back, everyone! I am thrilled to begin my 3rd year at ANCS and am looking forward to seeing all the new and returning families. Some of my goals this year include the acquisition of more informational texts relating to the curriculum, fiction novels on social justice, and as always, the helpful and interesting recommendations from our students.

Book fairs, book clubs, Reading Bowl, and more….I look forward to the best year yet!

Library volunteers are always welcome. There is a perpetual need for shelving, processing materials, book room maintenance, cleaning or minding the circulation desk. Please email me if you would like to help.

Our Students Vote!

The Georgia Children's Book Award votes are in from our students! I love this award as STUDENTS have the voice and make the choice. I submitted our entries and we shall soon see which book is the state-wide winner. These books were our top picks out of over 50 votes:  

Winner: Wonder (21 votes)
2nd place: The Apothecary (13 votes)
3rd place: A Tale Dark and Grimm (7 votes)

New Encyclopedias!! Thanks, PTCA!!

Ms. Linahan wants to thank the PTCA for the mini-grant which has provided brand spankin' new, shrink-wrapped 2014 World Book Encyclopedias to the Middle Campus Media Center! Even the students are excited - heartily cracking them open and taking deep sniffs of the new paper. Updated entries provide a valuable addition to our print reference collection.

Georgia Children's Book Awards - Time to Vote!

The polls are open for students across Georgia to vote for their favorite book in the GA Children's Book Award nominations. This is one of the few awards chosen by students, which makes it so relevant. If your child has not yet voted or still wants to read some of the nominees, we have until April 25!

Thus far, it seems our students are big fans of The Apothecary and Wonder. I have a hard time choosing, but really loved A Dogs's Way Home, Summer on the Moon, and Wonder.

Who will win?!?!