District Administrator's Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  On March 2, readers throughout the United States will be celebrating literacy through the National Education Association’s (NEA) “Read Across America.”  This is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading with the theme: Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers.  NEA launched Read Across America in 1997 to encourage children to read more books and to get them excited about reading.  Since then, it has been held annually.  Many schools, libraries, and communities of readers celebrate with special reading events in classrooms, but it is our goal to inspire reading on the calendar seven days a week, 365 days a year. Due to community support of our schools, the River Valley School District is incredibly fortunate to have a Library Media Specialist at every level to help keep books in the hands of kids…but this looks very different at each level.   At the Early Learning Center and elementary school, Misty Fredrick inspires readers every day:  “As a media specialist at the elementary level, I prepare students to be life-long learners and readers.  While I may inspire many, I believe my students and colleagues inspire me even more.  Knowing each school’s book collection is very important to me so that I can make those “love at first read” matches.  I strive to connect with students personally to learn their likes and dislikes.  Because I work with students from six different grade levels, I also learn about the curriculum being taught in each of our 24 classrooms.  When I order new books for our students, I think about what we have in our collection currently, the current trends in literature, my students’ wishes, and our curriculum.  How can I find the best books to serve my learner community?  How can I connect readers and non-readers alike to a book that will hook them and take them to higher heights? “I enjoy creating book displays that highlight all of the wonderful books we have to offer.  It is magical to watch the students crowd around different areas of the library and it is so exciting to hear their enthusiasm for books.  My favorite part about my job is handing a book to a reader and seeing their eyes light up with excitement.  The students and our staff at River Valley inspire me every day.” At the middle school, Anne Howe speaks to her position with students in grades 5-8:  “In my multifaceted and immensely rewarding position, I have the opportunity to connect with students and staff in a variety of ways  including the following roles:  As the curator of books and other sources of information; as an educator guiding students through these many sources; and as a support to fellow staff members.  Just being a support for resources is not enough, nor does it fully represent the larger ‘librarian goal’ to inspire students (and staff) to find books that provide reading enjoyment.  This search for the perfect book is often quite a quest of sorts, including acquiring and displaying books specially selected for middle school.  Conversations about books recently read guide the book selection process as I carefully consider the many titles and formats available for purchase. “Once the books are selected, the real fun begins when I can display the new titles and converse with readers about the books.  With the many options available, I encourage each reader to try any book that looks interesting.  If they love it, great.  If they don’t love it, no hurt feelings.  Regardless of the reader’s reaction to the book selected, we start the quest over again and again as each reader discovers their personal favorites.  The best part is when a reader locates the “perfect” book for that moment.  Their eyes light up, a huge smile crosses their face, and they gush about how much they enjoyed reading that book.  To make it even better, I get to participate in each of their individual reading journeys.” At the high school, the Library Media Center (LMC) has been updated recently to a beautiful learning and collaborative space, under the guidance of Dede Holverson:  “Motivating high school students to read books (or anything in print, for that matter), is an arduous task. Sure, I have students who love to read, and when they come into the LMC, we talk about books we love, new arrivals, and books to order in the future.  Many students come into the LMC and look aimlessly at the stacks.  We chat about their interests, and I always ask ‘What is the last book you read that you really enjoyed?’  The answers vary, but the question is a catalyst to begin a discussion about great books worth reading. “To help recommend the best books for students and staff, I read books, reviews, professional journals, and follow other “book nerds” on social media.  I also work with our local public libraries and Arcadia Books, so I can obtain any book a student wants with the least wait time.  I encourage students to read anything, including the magazines and newspapers (print and digital) that I subscribe to for their access.  Lastly, I work with teachers to encourage reading, do classroom book talks, and put books on display everywhere I can… including in the ‘art case.’  I also created a new website for the high school where I post book reviews.  It is only my second year in the LMC, and I am always looking for new ways to promote reading and a love of books. https://www.rvschoolshslmc.org/blog.” Happy reading!