“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” (Victor Hugo) We are lighting fires and burning brightly here in the library, and we are “hot” on the learning trail!
In remembrance of Veterans Day and to celebrate Freedom Week, we discussed what a veteran is and what the sentence “Freedom isn’t free” means in relation to military service and the wonderful freedoms that we as Americans enjoy. We played Freedom Week Jeopardy and learned facts in the categories of Declaration of Independence, Constitution, U.S. Flag, Freedom, and Pledge of Allegiance. We also looked at the vocabulary of the Pledge of Allegiance and learned flag etiquette. We ended with two videos entitled “Freedom Isn’t Free” narrated by former President Ronald Reagan and “Old Glory” narrated by Evangelo Morris in which he personifies the flag and what it would say if it could speak. I hope these short snippets of what our military does on a daily basis to protect our freedom will instill extra pride in our students’ hearts for the sacrifices made throughout history to obtain and keep the freedom we enjoy today. We salute and thank ALL of the brave men and women who are among our nation’s 18,000,000 living veterans! We are so very fortunate to have many students’ family members who currently serve valiantly in this capacity!
As you read this, we are gearing up for our fall book fair. The in-person fair will run from December 5 through December 9, and the online fair will be December 5 – 18 and can be accessed via the Media Center page of our website. Just click on the Scholastic Book Fair tab. The fair will be open each day from 8:05 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. If you can’t come during the day, please come Thursday, December 8, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and share the love of reading with us! Teachers will have their book requests posted if you’d like to help them add books to their classroom libraries. Families/students may also participate in our “All for Books” challenge by donating dollars. For each dollar donated, students may spin a wheel to earn small prizes. All of these dollars will go toward purchasing books for students in need within our community. Thanks to everyone for supporting us in this fundraising effort! Stay tuned for a final wrap-up and total in our next newsletter.
As we approach the holiday season, remember that books make wonderful gifts! It’s also a great time to stay inside, sip hot chocolate by the fire, and read a good book. “From home to home and heart to heart, from one place to another, the warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to each other.” As we draw closer to the holiday season, may these words by Emily Matthews permeate our thoughts. After all the trees are decorated, stockings stuffed, and presents wrapped, let’s remember that the holiday season is not about things but about being with the people we love. Ms. Massey and I are sending our warmest wishes to everyone for a peaceful, happy holiday season…Season’s Readings!!
