Mepham High School Library

iPad 2s have arrived!

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

The iPad just made its debut in our Freshman Seminar classes. Our students are learning many different productivity apps, including iAnnotate PDF, which has allowed the students to annotate documents used in class. Other free and purchased apps for these Classroom iPads include: Evernote, Quickoffice, Notes Plus, Shakespeare in Bits, ShowMe, Google Books, Overdrive and more. During a recent "Orientation to the iPad" lesson taught by yours truly, the librarian, we took photographs of ourselves and our peers and imported them into the app Popplet Lite to create character maps. Students can now translate the skills that they learned and create maps based on characters in books.

Coming soon... FREE Follett Digital Reader mobile app!

2012-01-25T07:44:00.002-05:00

Soon you'll be able to enjoy your favorite Follett eBooks on your iPad® or Android 3.0 tablet. Created for use with FollettShelf™, with an interface designed specifically for a tablet experience, this new app provides quality resources to use on these devices. Coming January 2012!

Fresh Start

2012-01-20T08:47:00.000-05:00

The library will be closed for testing from Tuesday, January 24th - Friday, January 27th. The third marking quarter starts on Thursday, January 26th. It's a fresh start!

FLASH DRIVES ON SALE

2012-01-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

Flash drives are still on sale in the school library for $10 each! The money raised helps support the activities of the National English Honor Society. UPGRADE! These are 4GB Microcenter flash drives. Get yours while supplies last!

Bring it on!

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

If the world ends in 2012... at least ____________________! Fill in the blank.

Feeling ILL?

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Do you know what ILL is? Well, it doesn't stand for ill, but it is pretty sick. Ba-dum-DUM-TSH! ILL stands for interlibrary loan. Have you ever wanted a book that we don't have in the library? Have you ever found an article that you need for research, but only have access to the abstract? Need the full text? You can request the book or the article on the Mepham High School Library homepage, by clicking on the "ILL" tab on the left-hand side. Interlibrary loan allows us to borrow books and articles from other libraries. Request are processed in a day and we usually have the item in a few days. Just another great service offered to you by your school library.

Image Source

Good Advice

2011-12-02T01:12:00.002-05:00

Image Source

ONE for Books!

2011-11-28T08:26:00.001-05:00

Turning Dollars and Coins Into Books and Smiles!

"One for Books® provides an easy and effective way to unite the school community and provide more books for kids and teachers. All funds collected through One for Books are used to buy more books from the Book Fair. Funds can be used to:

Give more students a chance to participate in the Book Fair.
Add books to the school library.
Help teachers add more books to their classroom shelves.
Donate to another school or community organization that could use more books.

Each year, thousands of schools across the country participate in One for Books. Scholastic matches the monetary donations schools generate, with a donation of up to one million books to three national non-profit organizations dedicated to helping kids and families in need: Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc., the Kids In Need Foundation, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

By working together, we can help connect kids with more books than ever before."

To the Book Fair and Beyond!

2011-11-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

The whole school is excited about our sixth annual Scholastic Book Fair, starting on Monday, November 28th - Wednesday, November 30th. An amazing selection of books is headed our way! At the Book Fair you will find the latest and finest titles for kids, as well as books of interest to parents. Mark your calendar for our Family Event - Monday, November 28th at 6:00 p.m. - where the whole family can join in the fun! The Book Fair is a great way to get everyone excited about reading. See you there!

Proceeds from the Fair will be used to buy books for children’s charities, the school library, and to support activities of the school’s chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS), such as our annual author visit.

thank·ful adj \ˈthaŋk-fəl\

2011-11-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

What are you thankful for?

Image by Cyd Converse for The Sweetest Occasion.

YouTube.com/Teachers

2011-11-07T07:49:00.001-05:00

"Curious about how to effectively incorporate YouTube into your classroom? Looking for ways to engage the visual learners in your group? Want to access a vast array of free educational content to support your lectures? Hoping to extend the power of your teaching to a global audience through video? Look no further than YouTube.com/teachers, a resource for educators of all levels that will empower you to learn, teach and share through YouTube." - From the Google Teacher Newsletter

Search This Blog!

2011-10-28T10:24:00.002-04:00

You can now search this blog! Scroll down on the left-hand side and type in your search term. Brought to you by Google Custom Search.

New Online Databases!

2011-10-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

In order to use our online databases from home, you need a username and password. Stop by the library to get a handout.

Britannica’s Image Quest – Easy access to more than two million rights-cleared
images from one convenient site!

Learning Literature (Proquest) – Offers a comprehensive literary resource for original, full-text works, 3,000 author biographies, and contemporary criticisms in one integrated source covering 600 years of literature.
Literary Reference Center Plus (EBSCO) – Includes full text plot summaries, synopses and work overviews, articles/essays of literary criticism, author biographies, literary journals, book reviews, and contemporary poems, classic and contemporary
short stories, author interviews, classic texts and much more.

ProQuest PQ Central K12 – The largest journal collection delivering millions of articles from more than 4,600 full-text scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers. Includes ProQuest AP Science – A comprehensive collection of more than 500 magazines and journals designed to support advance placement and college-prep level science studies.

Soundzabound Music Library – We have 5 new soundtracks: background, sports, production, animal and scary sounds that are royalty free, copyright compliant, audio files. These can be use as background music for your podcasts, videos, PowerPoint, and any other forms of multimedia.

Picture It @ your library

2011-10-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Be part of Teen Read Week 2011! Join us for Picture It @ your library, October 16-22. Pick up graphic novels, art books, photography guides, fantasy titles and more. Stop by today and find something that inspires you, just for the fun of it! Click here for a PSA from Josh Robert Thompson, voice of Geoff Petersen on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Brought to you by YALSA.

Dittos to Digital

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

ATTENTION TEACHERS: Do you have dittos that you want to convert to a Microsoft Word document or SMART Notebook? Now you can. It’s easy! ABBYY FineReader is OCR software for text recognition, which turns scans and digital photographs into searchable and editable documents. We now have this software on the 2 library computers attached to our scanners. Come on in and we will show you how to use it!

Have you seen me in the library?

2011-10-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

QR codes are coming to Mepham Library! On the left is an image of a QR code. SCAN IT with a QR code reader and see where it takes you!

So what is a QR code? QR is an abbreviation for quick response, and it is a new technology sweeping the world. Just ask Japan. You might already have seen the familiar black square popping up on billboards, magazine ads, websites, business cards and even t-shirts!

We are even using it here in your school library. On some of our books you will notice they have a QR code attached to the front cover. A QR code allows you to connect to, and gain information from the online world by scanning the black box image with your smart phone, iphone or ipad equipped with a QR code reader app. When you scan the QR code on one of our books, it will take you to a book trailer. This will help you with your decision when choosing a book. Stop by your school library and try out this new technology with our QR books on display.

Prepared and Written by Michele Rudzewick

Read for the Record

2011-10-06T10:16:00.003-04:00

Join us on October 6, 2011 for Jumpstart's Read for the Record- a national campaign to close the early education achievement gap by setting a reading world record. More than two million people will read Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, including the seniors in Senior Experience and Participation in Government. In honor of this event and the service learning efforts of the seniors, we have been granted a faculty dress down day for Thursday October 6th. Please wear red to show your support and instead of the typical $5, we are collecting children's books for ages 5-8 (Grades K-4). Donation bins will be set up in the main office.Thanks for your support!

We Have eBooks! Yay!

2011-10-03T13:49:00.002-04:00

eBooks have arrived. When you go to the Mepham High School Library Website, click on the “Follett eBooks” icon in the upper left hand side. Students, faculty and staff can log in using the same username and password that you use to log in to our school computers. Guests can log in using the username: mepham and password: mepham. Once you are logged in, you can click on a title and view the book online. You can then “check out” the book. The eBook will automatically return itself to the eShelf in 2 weeks. Our new titles include a few books from the summer reading list and some of the classics.

These are the eBook titles we have so far:
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Color of Water by James McBride
Complete Novels of Jane Austen by Jane Austen
Crucible by Arthur Miller
Feed by M. T. Anderson
Green Angel by Alice Hoffman
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Remember Our Favorite Author Robin Palmer?

2011-09-28T07:58:00.017-04:00

UPDATE! Click here for the Geek Charming Full Movie Preview Trailer! It premieres on the Disney Channel on Friday, November 11th at 8 p.m. Congratulations Robin Palmer!

Remember back in the winter of 2009, when we had the lovely Robin Palmer, author of Cindy Ella, join us for an author visit? We had an in-depth book discussion, Q&A, book signing, and photo op. Well, we have exciting news! Her book Geek Charming has been turned into a movie starring Sarah Hyland and Matt Prokop!!! We will keep you posted on the release date.

Official released synopsis:

"Dylan Shoenfield is the pink princess of the upscale Los Angeles Woodlands Academy. She has the coolest boyfriend, the most popular friends, and a brand-new it bag that everyone covets. But when she accidentally tosses her Serge Sanchez bag into a fountain, this princess comes face-to-face with her own personal frog, self-professed film geek Josh Rosen. In return for rescuing Dylans bag, Josh convinces Dylan to let him film her for his documentary on high school popularity. Reluctantly, Dylan lets F-list Josh into her A-list world, and is shocked to realize that sometimes nerds can be pretty cool. But when Dylans so-called prince charming of a boyfriend dumps her flat, her life and her social status comes to a crashing halt. Can Dylan win the Woodlands Academy Fall Formal Leaf Queen crown? Can Josh win the Woodlands Academy 10th Annual Film Festival? Can Dylan, with Joshs help, pull the pieces together to create her own happily-ever-after?"
Image Source

For New (and Old) Pirates!

2011-09-13T13:41:00.007-04:00

Hey pirates! Take a virtual tour of our awesome library in just a few minutes. This video shows you all the cool ways in which you can use your library. Then come by and actually use it!

A Day of Service

2011-09-08T14:11:00.005-04:00

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, we have set aside Friday, September 9th as a Day of Service at Mepham High School and throughout the district.

All schools in the district will be collecting non-perishable food items for donation to local food pantries. There is a significant need for baby food and formula. We will also be collecting “gently used” backpacks with school supplies for those families in need. Students throughout the district are asked to bring items to their Period One class. Parents and community members may place items in the bins located in each building’s main office.

In addition, we will be sponsoring a District Blood Drive at Brookside School (1260 Meadowbrook Road) from 2 – 8 PM for the entire school community.

We hope you will participate in these activities as we focus our attention on ways we can continue to build a supportive and understanding school community.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Welcome Back!

2011-09-07T11:49:00.009-04:00

Welcome back Pirates! Welcome to the Class of 2015! We have a lot of new teachers at Mepham High School, mostly from Grand Avenue Middle School, and we welcome you too! We are so pleased to have you here. Stay tuned for our new books, e-books (yay!), new databases (including awesome clip art) and a whole lot more! Check out our new signage. Doesn't the blue really pop? We are pysched for a great school year.
Image Source

Summer Reading Sizzles!

2011-05-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to present the 2011 Summer Reading Lists. Each student is required to select a book from the appropriate grade-level list below. If you are having trouble choosing a book, ask a parent, teacher, librarian or the English department chair for help. The Mepham High School Website has pamphlets on each list and the titles below are linked to Amazon.com with more information to help make your selection easier.

Incoming 9th Grade Summer Reading List (E1):
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Driver's Ed by Caroline B. Cooney
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn
Green Angel by Alice Hoffman
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

Incoming 10th Grade Summer Reading List (E2):
Feed by M.T. Anderson
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

Incoming 10th Grade Honors Summer Reading List (E2H):
And Then There Were None* by Agatha Christie
Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger
*Only required for 10th Grade English Honors students at Mepham High School

Incoming 11th Grade Summer Reading List (E3):
Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson
Loves Music, Loves to Dance by Mary Higgins Clark
House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi
The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer

E3 AP English:
Freakonomics*by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
The Things They Carried* by Tim O'Brien
*Only required for E3 AP English students at Mepham High School

Incoming 12th Grade Summer Reading List (E4):
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

E4 AP English:
How to Read Literature Like a Professor* by Thomas C. Foster
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
*Only required for E4 AP English students at Mepham High School

Testing Tips

2011-05-25T07:22:00.001-04:00

Brought to you by Ms. Dennis, Ms. Gellar, Ms. Kyriacou, and Ms. Miller

While I was out, some of your favorite teachers put together a bulletin board in the library with wonderful testing tips. My favorite was "Eat Breakfast." Below are the rest:

1. Read all directions carefully
2. Have a positive attitude. It goes a long way toward success.
3. Be prepared - pens, pencils, calculator, etc.
4. Review your answers.
5. See your teacher for extra help.
6. Use all available time. If you finish early, review your work.
7. Cover answer choices with your hand as you read the question.
8. Find key words or phrases in the question that will help you find the correct answer.
9. Relax, breathe and stay focused.
10. EAT BREAKFAST!

image: Always With Honor

Welcome Ms. Gellerman!

2011-05-19T07:11:00.029-04:00

She may have helped you find a book, or lent you a calculator, or print a paper. Welcome Mrs. Gellerman, our new library clerk! She comes to us from Calhoun High School... but did you know that when she first came to this district 11 years ago, she worked right here at Mepham High School in the registrar's office? She is already a wonderful addition to our staff and we are thrilled to have her. If you haven't met her, please stop by and say hello. She's super nice, I promise.

A Letter to our Senator

2011-03-21T13:22:00.001-04:00

Dear Senator,

As your constituent and a school librarian, I am writing to ask you to reject the governor's budget proposal, which will allow school districts to use Library Materials Aid to purchase textbooks and software.

Currently, school districts receive $6.25 per pupil in Library Materials Aid towards the funding of books, magazines, and on-line materials for the school library. In many high-needs school districts, this $6.25 per pupil is the only money available to purchase reading materials for students. These funds are meant to be the minimum amount spent on these library materials, especially since the $6.25 only represents 25-30% of the real cost of a book.

Research studies conducted by nineteen U.S. states on their public school systems all concluded that: a professionally-staffed and well-stocked school library has a positive impact on student academic achievement. The most recent study conducted by Syracuse University, for example, revealed that students in New York state schools with a quality library program scored 10 points higher on the 4th grade ELA exam in contrast to those students in schools without a quality library program. Based on the results of these studies, it stands to reason that all available state funding designated for purchases for the school libraries should neither be compromised nor diluted by the state.

If, however, school districts are allowed to use Library Materials Aid for other purposes, students will lose out on access to quality reading materials, especially those in high-needs districts, where books are in short supply at both school and home.

For many economically disadvantaged students, exposure to the books in their school's library may be the only opportunity to select their own books to read for pleasure, research and to increase their knowledge in any given area. By maintaining a well-stocked library, my belief is that students will begin to value their school library and develop and appreciation for reading that will last a lifetime.

Please reject the governor's attempt to merge Library Materials Aid with Text Book and Computer Software Aid, as it will result in a diminished access to books in our schools, especially those serving low-income communities.

Shari Stack, Mepham High School Librarian

There's an APP for That!

2011-03-15T08:43:00.007-04:00

Search Our Gale Databases From Your Mobile Device!

After a one-time log-in (password provided by Ms. Stack, your school’s media specialist), AccessMyLibrary School Edition mobile app supplies you with free, unlimited access to your school library's Gale online resources -- anytime, anywhere! Download this free app from the app store. There is an app available for Andriod, and one for the iPhone, iTouch and iPad. Your one-time login provides access until the end of the current school year.

Before Hollywood Ruins Them

2011-03-11T07:01:00.000-05:00

Check out these books that are coming to a theater near you:

In rural Ohio, friendships and a beautiful girl prove distracting to a fifteen-year-old who has hidden on Earth for ten years waiting to develop the Legacies, or powers, he will need to rejoin the other six surviving Garde members and fight the Mogadorians who destroyed their planet, Lorien.

Ninety-year-old Jacob Jankowski finds himself haunted by memories of his past in the circus and the freaks, exotic animals, and other people he encountered as a performer.

Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

2011-03-09T08:51:00.002-05:00

Librarians, authors, adults, teens, and children from all over the globe will celebrate the power of words and stories today during the annual World Read Aloud Day.

Sponsored by the New York-based literacy organization LitWorld, participants are asked to read with loved ones and friends to help reach a goal of 774 million minutes of reading to honor the 774 million people worldwide who are illiterate.

Mix and Mash @ your library!

2011-03-04T11:58:00.000-05:00

Learn Create Share at Your Library March 6 – 12! Libraries are chock-full of tech toys like CDs, DVDs and Flip Video Cameras, and they're a great place to get connected to homework help, research resources, gaming, music, the Web and more. Stop by our school library or visit our Web site during Teen Tech Week today.

1942 Library Pass

2011-02-28T09:11:00.001-05:00

This W.C. Mepham H.S. Library pass was recently found at a garage sale in Bellmore, NY by a friend of Ms. Sirof's (Thanks!). I've tried to track down the person whom it belonged to - M. Kleiberg to no avail. The pass is dated December 15, 1942. We have checked four yearbooks ('43, '44, '45 and '46) and no one by that name is listed. It remains a mystery. Are you a man or woman? Did you get married before high school ended and changed your last name? If anyone knows who this person is, please contact me at (516) 992-1532.

P.S. - Can you imagine a time in which you needed to have your library pass signed every time you entered? I would be signing passes all day long!

Black Friday or the Mepham Library?

2011-02-18T07:22:00.018-05:00

This is the conversation that took place as I am opening the library doors this morning.

Student: Ms. Stack, do you ever feel like your opening the doors to a popular store on Black Friday?
Me: Yes, yes I do! (I'm thinking this is the best compliment I could have gotten from a student.)

When I began teaching here at Mepham High School five years ago I has one goal: turn the library into a place where kids want to be. The crowd of students outside my door every morning prove that we've met this goal... and then some. Our library is a place where students feel welcome, safe and encouraged to learn and explore their world. They have the freedom to express themselves through literature, music and images. I'm so happy that our students thrive in this type of environment and will continue to work hard to create opportunities for them to learn and create.
Image Source

The Girl Next Door

2011-02-15T10:13:00.006-05:00

Author Selene Castrovilla visited Mepham High School and hosted a book talk, Q&A, and book signing. Over 50 students attended this ELITE event hosted by the NEHS and. We raffled off 10 copies of her books, The Girl Next Door and Saved by the Music, which she autographed. Past author visits have included former Mepham alumni Lee Krinsky, Robin Palmer, author of Cindy Ella and Geek Charming, Jen Calonita who wrote the very popular series, Secrets of My Hollywood Life, and Patrick Jones who has written many teen novels including, Things Change, which is on our ninth grade summer reading list.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T07:00:00.003-05:00

Image Source

Selene Castrovilla

2011-02-08T09:53:00.003-05:00

Author Selene Castrovilla will be visiting Mepham High School on Tuesday, February 15th at 2:15 p.m. in the school library. This event is sponsored by the National English Honor Society. All students are welcome to attend.

From when Castrovilla could hold a pencil in her hand she knew that being an author is what she was destined to be. Castrovilla did not become successful overnight. She had to work hard and faced rejection. But she was so persistent and passionate about her work that she never gave up. Castrovilla writes about different genres such as historical fiction having to do with the Revolutionary War. But she loves to write about people and what really is in their hearts and what drives them. In Castrovilla’s most recent novel, The Girl Next Door, sixteen year old Samantha has been best friends with Jesse since she moved into the New York high-rise apartment next door. Jesse is the school's poster child for popularity: good-looking, a star athlete, even Romeo in the school play. On opening night he collapses on stage. That's when doctors discover the unthinkable: a tumor on his spine. His type of cancer is virtually incurable. The Girl Next Door addresses the universal question: In an unpredictable world, how can we possibly feel safe?

Cupid in the Library

2011-02-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Back in its heyday the library club was one of the most prestigious after school activities at Mepham High School. They had monthly teas in the library where they would decorate the table with lace and centerpieces. On one particular Saint Valentine’s Day, “sixteen members of the Library Club were hostesses to the Norfolk, Virginia wrestlers, their over-night hosts and our own victorious team at a party given after the wresting match.” Of course Mr. Calhoun was chaperoning this event.

On another date, the Library Club presented a play entitled, “Non-fiction Party,” with the help of some of the boys of the student body, Sounds like we need to reinstate this club! Any takers?

Image Source

Good Luck Mrs. Hirsch!

2011-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

No one has served the Mepham High School Library better than Mrs. Hirsch. Known to many students and staff as Chrissy, she has dedicated herself to us for the past eleven years. Now it is time for her to move on to the East Meadow Public Library as the Head of the Circulation Department and a Young Adult Librarian. On a personal note, the professional relationship I have with Chrissy is a “thing of untellable splendor.” She cannot be replaced. While I am so proud of her accomplishments, I will miss her dearly. Please stop by in the next few weeks to say farewell and good luck to our colleague and friend.

Do you judge books by their cover?

2011-01-11T15:15:00.005-05:00

While reading a recent blog post, the blogger's daughter admitted she sometimes judges books by the cover!?! True confession: I do too! I mean it's difficult not to because the cover is usually designed to give the reader an idea about what is inside. A bad cover is not a deal breaker with me, but it might take me a while to pick it up. So, do you judge books by their cover? Have you ever read a book with a great cover and a terrible story? Or have you seen a bad cover, but an awesome story? I want to hear from you!

Image Source

Get Carded: Library Cards for Every Mepham Student!

2011-01-06T08:51:00.005-05:00

The clerical staff at the North Bellmore Public Library are superhereos! They issued brand new library cards to every student at Mepham High School. Our students now have access to thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, databases and so much more. Our students and community benefit greatly when we all work together. We appreciate your hard work. Thank you to Director Tom Bazzicalupo and the Board of Trustees.

Current Issues: Health

2011-01-03T13:54:00.006-05:00

From HW Wilson comes Current Issues: Health. This database is a great way to find out about issues pertaining to health. From eating disorders to food safety, from alternative medicine to cloning, from euthanasia to travel and health, this is a resource to enrich your understanding of issues at the leading edge of health and medicine. Each topic includes a broad overview and then is divided into subtopics. This database is not only for schools and universities, but is beneficial for the general public as well. See the librarian for the username and password.

2011 Here we come!

2010-12-31T10:05:00.008-05:00

Image Source

Break with a Book

2010-12-23T10:09:00.005-05:00

Image Source

Mepham Treasure Missing!!!

2010-12-15T12:55:00.005-05:00

We are looking for a plaque that hung over the library doors over 70 years ago in dedication to William S. Christy. If anyone has any information on its location, please contact Ms. Stack at (516) 992-1532. This image taken of the 1939 Library Club under the direction of Miss Doris Moyle, librarian and club advisor, appeared in the first edition of the Treasure Chest.

From the Mepham Handbook, September 1942

2010-12-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

The following regulations pertain to the main library and should be observed at all times.

A student who is deficient in more than one subject may not visit the library between the hours of 8:40 A.M. and 3:05 P.M.
A student may spend but one period per day in the main library.
Pupils go to and return from the library promptly with no loitering or conversation in the hall.
The student librarian has the same authority as the librarian while in charge of the library and deserves the same respect.
You are not permitted to go to the library to study something that you could study just as well in study hall. You should take only the notebook or book needed to do your assignment to the library.
The customary library atmosphere of peace and quiet should prevail at all times.

WHAT WOULD MISS MOYLE THINK OF THE LIBRARY NOW!?!

Scholastic Book Fair

2010-11-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: Our book fair was a big success! With your donations we were able to purchase over 200 books for kids in need this holiday season!

Our fifth (yes, fifth!) annual Book Fair will be held from Monday, November 29th - Wednesday, December 1st in the school library. Proceeds will be used to buy books for children’s charities, the school library, and to support activities of the school’s chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS), such as our annual author visit. On Monday, November 29th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, the book fair will feature a special Family Night in conjunction with the monthly PTA meeting. Parents, students, teachers, families, and the school community are invited to attend.

Unmask the Heroes

2010-11-18T09:58:00.002-05:00

If you stop by the library before December 22nd check out the new bulletin board and "Unmask the Heroes." Twenty teachers have posed behind masks. Can you tell who is under those masks? The student(s) to get the most answers correct wins a prize! Come by the library before December 22nd to enter.

Our DESTINY

2010-11-10T11:26:00.001-05:00

The Mepham High School Library Catalog has a whole new look! It's called Destiny Quest. Teachers can now create resource lists for their projects. Resource lists can include books we have right here in the library, teacher-approved Websites, and even articles from databases we subscribe to. Students can log in and create their own book lists too. Anyone can view the 10 Ten Books that circulate in our library and check out our new arrivals. You can also view what books are available in Calhoun, Kennedy, Merrick and Grand libraries. What is your "destiny"?

The Jolly Roger

2010-11-02T07:02:00.003-04:00

To my surprise a pirate has taken up residence in our library by way of a very genrous donation from Mr. William H. Tschirhart (Class of '44). Legend has it if you rub his booty (the treasure chest that is) you will have good luck all day long. Is the legned true? You be the judge!

The NEW and IMPROVED Orientation Video

2010-10-20T08:38:00.002-04:00

Our library orientation video has been updated. Check it out!

New Online Databases 2010-2011

2010-09-23T07:10:00.004-04:00

All our databases can be found on the Mepham H.S.Website under the Library tab, click on Online Resources or go to this direct link https://owa.bmchsd.k12.ny.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=6e6bf65d4e25441ab20bb213838fdc99&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us%2flibraryresources%2fmepham.html . The passwords and usernames for all our databases for 2010-2011 are in the school library. NOTE: Some of the interfaces have changed (most notably Gale Student Resource Center and Gale Opposing Viewpoints) so the format might look different on a few of these databases, but rest assured they continue to provide the same great information).

Bitstrips for Schools Bitstrips is groundbreaking web-based software that engages students in reading and writing using a medium they love – Comics! Our easy, fun and social tools empower any student to create amazing comics, and provides an exciting new way to teach your curriculum. Great for making political cartoons!
NOTE: In order to use this database Shari Stack needs to set up individual teacher accounts. Once you have an account, you will set up your class list and students will be given a unique classroom code and individual password to log in. If you are interested, please see Shari Stack.

Current Issues: Health (H. W. Wilson) From eating disorders to food safety, from alternative medicine to cloning, from euthanasia to travel and health. This is a resource to enrich your understanding of issues at the leading edge of health and medicine.

Welcome Class of 2014!

2010-09-13T07:00:00.005-04:00

We are officially open for business... The school library is open from 7:30 AM until 3:30 PM, unless otherwise posted. All students are welcome to use the library during any free period, lunch, or after school. A photocopier is available for student use at $.10 a copy. All freshman will sign in at the Circulation Desk upon arrival during 5th period. Students will respect each other, the faculty, and staff. Students will respect the library resources and equipment.

Borrowing Materials... Books may be taken out for 3 weeks. Books may be renewed twice. Reference books and books on reserve do not circulate. Periodicals may be taken out with the permission of the Librarian. There is a $.05 per-day charge for overdue books.

Closed ... temporarily!

2010-09-02T11:11:00.002-04:00

The Mepham High School Library will be closed on Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8, 2010. We will reopen on Monday, September 13, 2010. The reason... Destiny... our new library automation system (otherwise known as the OPAC, also known as the computer program we need to check out books)!

My Favorie Summer Reading Book

2010-08-17T12:22:00.010-04:00

My favorite summer reading pick from this year's ninth grade summer reading list was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's about sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who accidentally becomes a contender in the annual Hunger Games, a grave competition hosted by the Capitol where young boys and girls are pitted against one another in a televised fight to the death. And the best news is that Book # 2, Catching Fire is available and Book # 3 (the final one!), Mockingjay is coming out on September 1st!

Mepham's Class of 2010

2010-07-11T10:59:00.004-04:00

"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!"
- Dr. Seuss

Learn, Create, Share @ Your Library!

2010-03-07T09:27:00.007-05:00

Libraries are chock-full of tech toys like CDs, DVDs and computer games, and they're a great place to get connected to homework help, research resources, gaming, music, the Web and more. Stop by your school library or visit our Website during Teen Tech Week, March 7 – 13!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

Every year, many students come in to the library requesting a biography on Dr. Seuss. We hand them a book on Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel. Then we get the question: “Who’s this?” This is Dr. Seuss, and he wasn’t a real doctor. He was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to German immigrant parents who made their living brewing beer. Before his mother married, she worked in her father’s bakery and would recite the baked goods in a chant to the customers. As a child, when Dr. Seuss could not fall asleep, his mother would recite these chants to him. Later Dr. Seuss would credit his mother “for the rhythms in which I write and the urgency with which I do it.” Dr. Seuss attend Dartmouth College where he became the editor in chief of the Jack-O-Lantern, Dartmouth's humor magazine. When caught throwing a party, he was fired as editor, but still contributed as “Seuss.” This is the first record of his using the pseudonym Seuss, which was both his middle name and his mother's maiden name. For more information on Dr. Seuss check out his biography or visit his interactive Website.

Have You Inked Lately?

2010-02-20T20:45:00.002-05:00

Teen Ink is a national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos and forums since 1989. According to their Website, students must be age 13-19 to participate, register and/or submit work. This magazine is distributed through classrooms by English teachers, Creative Writing teachers, Journalism teachers and art teachers around the country. Teen Ink magazine offers some of the most thoughtful and creative work generated by teens and has the largest distribution of any publication of its kind.
Teen Ink has NO staff writers or artists; they depend completely on submissions from teenagers nationwide for their content. They offer teenagers the opportunity to publish their creative work and opinions on the issues that affect their lives - everything from love and family to teen smoking and community service. They have published more than 45,000 teens.
So, what are you waiting for? This is another great opportunity to have your work published.

Writing Contests

2010-02-11T11:23:00.004-05:00

Every year several Mepham High School students have their work written published, whether it be poems, essays, short fiction pieces, etc. How do they get published? They simply enter writing contests. We have an entire webpage devoted to writing contests taking place all over our country. How do you get to the writing contests page on our Website? Go to the W.C. Mepham High School Website, click on the "Departments" tab at the top of the page, and then click on "English," next click on "Student Resources," finally click on the link for "Writing Contests." Hardcopies of all contests are available in the Learning Center (Room 203). What are you waiting for? If you have a piece of writing that you think is worthy of publication submit it TODAY!

Image Source

Wordle

2010-02-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

According to the Wordle Website, "wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends." I created the wordle above in a few minutes. Try it for yourself!

NEW DATABASE: Global Issues in Context

2010-01-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

Global Issues in Context (Gale) offers international viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, topics, and current events. Featured are hundreds of continuously updated issue and country portals that bring together a variety of specially selected, highly relevant sources for analysis of social, political, military, economic, environmental, health, and cultural issues. Each of these gateway pages includes an overview, unique "perspectives" articles written by local experts, reference, periodical, primary source and statistical information. Rich multimedia - including podcasts, video, and interactive graphs - enhance each portal. Use Browse Issues and Topics, Country Finder, Basic Search or Advanced Search to explore the database.

Happy Birthday MLK!

2010-01-18T09:28:00.004-05:00

In the U.S. we celebrate the birthdate of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the third Monday of January each year, around the time of King's birthday, which is January 15. In your school library we have created a display to honor the memory of MLK. Some of the books include I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King by Margaret Davidson and My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr. by Coretta Scott King.

Image Source

The Mepham Minute

2010-01-04T10:26:00.002-05:00

Have you seen The Mepham Minute yet? OK, we know it is actually longer than a minute, so perhaps the title is a little deceiving. For those of you who haven’t checked it out yet, go to the Mepham High School Website (under News & Announcements) and click on “The Mepham Minute.” This is a relatively short monthly news program featuring the happenings and events around our school. During the first episode, host Senior John Coen, posed the question— “What does it mean to be a Mepham Pirate?” Your answers were worth every minute. Viewers can also participate in the poll on the right-hand side of the webpage. Spoiler Alert: The next episode will take you to new speeds.

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-01T07:14:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! Goodbye 2009, and hello 2010! This is a good time to reconnect at your library. Midterms are coming up at the end of this month and we want to remind you that your school library is an excellent place to get resources. What type of resources might you need to help you prepare for those tests? You might need textbooks, graphing calculators, or reference tables. You can make photocopies and do not forget to use the student cabinet for materials such as graph paper, lined paper, index cards, etc.

Image Source

Sayonara...

2009-12-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

...adieu, adios, arrivederci, auf wiedersehen, au revoir, bye-bye, cheerio, goodbye, good day, so long... just for a little while. As most of you know by now, I am taking a hiatus from Mepham High School to have a baby. Here are some tips to keep you in line while I am gone.

Top 5 Things NOT to do While Ms. Stack is on Maternity Leave:

5. Steal copyright-protected works (i.e., music and images)
4. Forget to pay your library fines (I keep all the $$$ I collect for baby furniture. JK.)
3. Bother Ms. Hirsch or Ms. Zitay - this is their break from all the work they do for me (like making my Halloween costume)
2. Sneak food or drinks into the library
1. Call me at home to ask me about Photo Story or Movie Maker!

Top 5 Things NOT to Say to the New Librarian:
5. Well Ms. Stack does it this way.
4. Books? People don’t use the library for books.
3. Ms. Stack lets us use copyrighted material.
2. We always eat lunch in here.
1. Wow! You are so much better at this than Ms. Stack.

Image Source

Making Holiday Wishes Come True!

2009-12-14T10:01:00.000-05:00

The fourth annual Craft Fair will take place on Tuesday, December 22 and Wednesday, December 23 from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. We have all new crafts this year! Participants can learn to design their own headbands and bracelets. We will once again have crocheting lessons. You can make wonderful gifts just in time for the holidays. The money that we raise always goes to a worthy cause. This year the funds collected will be given to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Art Museum Image Gallery

2009-12-05T10:42:00.000-05:00

This new database from H.W. Wilson, houses a collection of art images and related multimedia (rights-cleared for educational use) gathered from the collections of distinguished museums around the world. This is a password-protected database that our school subscribes to, so please stop by the library to get the username and password.

Just in Time for Holiday Shopping!

2009-11-23T09:55:00.006-05:00

Our fourth annual Scholastic Book Fair will take place in the school library from Monday, November 30 - Wednesday, December 2 from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Our “ONE for BOOKS” donations will raise money to purchase books for children’s charities, including Toys for Tots, Kids in Distressed Situations Inc., and National Center for Family Literacy. Books enrich our student’s lives – and we all reap the benefits.

Study Guides and Strategies

2009-11-09T07:35:00.000-05:00

Since 1996, the Study Guides and Strategies Website has been researched, authored, maintained and supported by Joe Landsberger as an international, learner-centric, educational public service. Permission is granted to freely copy, adapt, and distribute individual Study Guides in print format in non-commercial educational settings that benefit learners. Please be aware that the Guides welcome, and are under, continuous review and revision.

Some of the topics include:

Time Management
Problem solving/Decision-making
Learning
Learning with others
Online learning/ communicating
Thinking
Studying
Classroom participation
Reading
Research
Project management
Preparing for Tests
Taking Tests
Writing Basics
Writing Types
Vocabulary/spelling
Math
Science and Technology

FLASH POWER!

2009-11-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

Do you have the power of a flash drive? A flash drive is a data storage device that can hold all your Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoints, Publisher documents, images, music, videos and more. You no longer need to send documents back and forth through email. A flash drive is about the size of your thumb and fits easily into backpacks and pockets!

Flash drives are now on sale in the school library for $10 each! The money raised helps support the activities of the National English Honor Society. These 2GB maroon and silver flash drives are designed with a very attractive Mepham H.S. Pirates logo and keychain. Get yours while supplies last!

Read Beyond Reality @ your library®

2009-10-23T09:19:00.000-04:00

Today’s teens seem to have less and less free time, and there are increasingly more activities for them to take part in during what little leisure time they have. That is why it’s important to encourage teens to set aside some time to read. Teen Read Week is Oct. 18-24, with a theme of Read Beyond Reality @ your library, encouraging teens to read something out of this world, just for the fun of it.

Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home. Mrs. Stack offers these ideas:

Visit the public or school library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books.
Set aside time each night for the family to read.
Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.
Share your favorite book with your teen.
Surf the web with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is YALSA's Booklist's page.
Join a book discussion group at your public library.

Author Returns to His Roots

2009-10-21T08:00:00.017-04:00

Yesterday after school, Lee Krinsky, a '97 Mepham graduate and first-time author returned to his old stomping ground. The National English Honor
Society (NEHS) hosted an author visit in the school library with a book discussion, Q&A, book raffle, and book signing. This event was our best-attended author visit so far with over 130students in attendance. Five students were randomly-selected to receive a paperback copy of Krinsky's novel.

Tragically, like one of the main characters in Krinsky's novel, The Longest Fall, one of the runners from the Wellington C. Mepham High School cross country team died in Krinsky’s junior year. The NEHS presented Krinsky with a check for $100 towards the Troy Depass Scholarship Fund. Each year this fund awards $500 each to a male and female student from Wellington C. Mepham High School. In order to raise additional funds for this scholarship, Krinsky is selling t-shirts with the "Atlantic" logo (the team from the book). To purchase a t-shirt, please see Ms. Stack in school library.

The Longest Fall

2009-10-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

In Lee Krinsky’s The Longest Fall, the sudden death of an inspiring teammate from a high school cross country team quickly shows the boys the harsher side of life. The book is based in part on the author’s very real high school experiences as a member of the W.C. Mepham cross country team with legendary coach Paul Limmer. Krinsky will be here at Mepham High School to speak about his book and writing on Tuesday, October 20th at 2:15 p.m. in the school library. All are welcome to attend!

Past author visits at Mepham High School have included Robin Palmer, author of Cindy Ella and Geek Charming, Jen Calonita who wrote the very popular series, Secrets of My Hollywood Life, and Patrick Jones who has written many teen novels including, Things Change, which is on our ninth grade summer reading list.

Glogster

2009-10-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

Glogster is in beta (testing) form. It is a FREE online tool for users to create flash posters. You can mix graphics, photos, videos, music and text. Mr. Stein and I created a glog for our Website. You can see and hear how we used it to improve our site and add some sizzle.

In Case You Missed It...

2009-09-30T08:54:00.011-04:00

...this is the Library Orientation Video.

Celebrating the Freedom to Read ala Dr. Seuss!

2009-09-23T10:33:00.007-04:00

Banned Books Week is September 26−October 3, 2009. This is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.

Do You Remember?

2009-09-18T07:30:00.002-04:00

"I Remember" from Jake Zortman on Vimeo.

Welcome Back!

2009-09-08T11:35:00.001-04:00

Greetings Class of 2013. Welcome back students, parents, facutly and staff! We have a great year in store. New additions to the school library include an Epson scanner (bringing the total to 2) and a new SMART Board projector. This year a '97 Mepham alumnus will be back to discuss his first published novel, the Scholastic Book Fair and Holiday Craft Fair return to Room 300, and new projects and research have already begun to take place. We encourage everyone to stop by and check out all the resources available to you.
Image Source

Have a Great Summer!

2009-06-10T13:16:00.003-04:00

Have a great break and remember to do your summer reading!

Image Source

Incoming 9th Graders

2009-06-05T15:02:00.005-04:00

Incoming 9th graders check out your summer reading music video and podcast. When you're finished watching, tell me what book you will read this summer.

Incoming 10th Graders

2009-06-05T15:00:00.007-04:00

Incoming 10th graders check out your summer reading music video and podcast. When you're finished watching, tell me what book you will read this summer.

Incoming 11th Graders

2009-06-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

Incoming 11th graders check out your summer reading music video and podcast. When you're finished watching, tell me what book you will read this summer.

Incoming 12th Graders

2009-06-05T14:42:00.004-04:00

Incoming 12th graders check out your summer reading music video and podcast. When you're finished watching, tell me what book you will read this summer.

Cool Down with a Good Book!

2009-06-02T13:57:00.018-04:00

We are pleased to present the 2009 Summer Reading Lists. Each student is required to select a book from the appropriate grade-level list below. If you are having trouble choosing a book, ask a parent, teacher, librarian or the English department chair for help. The Mepham High School Website has pamphlets and our next post will have podcasts with short summaries to help make your selection easier. The titles below are linked to Amazon.com for more information.

Incoming 9th Grade Summer Reading List:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

Driver's Ed by Caroline B. Cooney
Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn

Things Change by Patrick Jones

Green Angel by Alice Hoffman

Incoming 10th Grade Summer Reading List:

Feed by M.T. Anderson

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Incoming 11th Grade Summer Reading List:

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Loves Music, Loves to Dance by Mary Higgins Clark

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Black Girl / White Girl by Joyce Carol Oates

The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer

How to Read Literature Like a Professor* by Thomas C. Foster

The Kite Runner* by Khaled Hosseini

*Only required for E3 AP English students at Mepham High School

Incoming 12th Grade Summer Reading List:

For One More Day by Mitch Albom

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Freakonomics*by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
The Grapes of Wrath* by John Steinbeck

*Only required for E4 AP English students at Mepham High School

How to Create a Screencast

2009-06-02T12:17:00.000-04:00

What is Jing? View this video then view this video (click on the link that says, "Watch a video to see how") for a much better explanation.

If you want to look at other ways to use screencasts in your class, take a look at this one and this one that I created last summer.

If you have any questions, just ask Stu... or email me. Good luck!

Did Internet Kill the Radio Star?

2009-05-29T09:32:00.000-04:00

They said television killed the radio. Now they are saying that the Internet has killed television. It is true that you can watch TV now on your computer, just look at hulu. It's great when your DVR cuts off the last two minutes of your favorite program. You can also listen to radio, not your traditional radio, but a new kind of radio. Pandora Internet Radio allows you to type in the name of your

favorite artist, song, or composer and Pandora will create an online

radio station featuring that particular music and others songs like it. Users can create 100 different unique online stations for their listening pleasure, but they do need to create an account first. Try it out and report back your thoughts, comments, and suggestions.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-21T14:13:00.002-04:00

Image Source

We Still Do Books

2009-05-04T07:00:00.005-04:00

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
by E. Lockhart
Call #: FIC / LOCKHART
© 2008
Frankie Landau-Banks attempts to take over a secret, all-male society at her exclusive prep school, and her antics with the group soon draw some unlikely attention and have unexpected consequences that could change her life forever.

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Call #: FIC / COLLINS
© 2008
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen accidentally becomes a contender in the annual Hunger Games, a grave competition hosted by the Capitol where young boys and girls are pitted against one another in a televised fight to the death.

What's an Airliner?

2009-05-01T09:07:00.001-04:00

We just received two SMART™ Airliners™ in our school! What’s this new technology all about? The Airliner wireless slate interacts with your SMART Board from 52 feet away. The tethered pen and wireless mouse allows teachers and students to control software applications, write notes, and highlight information in digital ink, then display it on the SMART Board. So why bother to use the Airliner? Teachers can teach from anywhere in the room. Never turn your back on the class again. Students Can interact with the SMART Board from their seats. This is ideal to embrace students in the learning process who are physically unable to reach the SMART Board.

Poem in Your Pocket

2009-04-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

We will once again be celebrating Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 30th at Mepham High School. The idea is simple: carry a poem in your pocket. You can write your own poem or borrow one from your favorite poet—just make sure to have it in your pocket. In case you forget, our National English Honor Society students will be at the doors of Mepham High School on April 30th passing out poems. Our English teachers will be raffling off books of poetry to those students who are caught with poems in their pockets. What will your poem be?

Going Green

2009-04-22T07:00:00.003-04:00

Your library is greener than ever before. Just how green? You will notice that we now have a very large green recycle bin for all your paper products. It is located next to the desktop computers and magazines. You won't be able to miss it - it's huge! We are also collecting water bottles and cans at the front door for recycling next to the regular garbage can. Please help us, help the earth. Let us know if you have any other ideas to improve the efficiency of our library.

April 22nd is Earth Day.

Image Source

Clickers in the Classroom

2009-04-20T08:51:00.009-04:00

SMART's Senteo™ Interactive Response System has stormed our classrooms and both students and teachers are loving it—just ask Ms. McClenahan and Mr. Walsh. With the click of a button on these Senteo remotes, students can instantly tell teachers how much they know. Teachers can then use this insight to adapt their lessons based on students’ responses.

Teachers can:

develop interactive questions
gauge student knowledge with planned tests or informal questions
organize assessment results and track student performance
prepare simple or detailed assessment reports

Stop by the library to sign out a class set of 32 clickers, a receiver and assessment software that can be installed on your school or personal computer.

Spring Break

2009-04-09T15:45:00.002-04:00

Enjoy the break!

What Does Your Library Have to Offer?

2009-03-15T22:15:00.001-04:00

Press Play @ Our Library!

2009-03-09T07:05:00.000-04:00

Press Play at Your Library March 8 – 14! Think the library is all about books? Think again. Libraries are chock-full of tech toys like CDs, DVDs and video games, and they're a great place to get connected to gaming, music, the Web and more. Stop by the Mepham High School Library or visit our Website during Teen Tech Week to press play today.

Local teens will be tuning in at the library as Mepham High School celebrates the second annual Teen Tech Week. They join thousands of other libraries and schools across the country who are celebrating this year’s theme, "Press Play @ Your Library®.” Teen Tech Week is a national initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use libraries' non-print resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology.

How Much Do We Love Robin Palmer?

2009-02-13T11:46:00.015-05:00

Robin Palmer, author of Cindy Ella and Geek Charming, joined us on Tuesday, February 10th at 2:15 p.m. in the school library to discuss her two young adult novels. We had an in-depth book discussion, Q&A, book signing, and photo op. Sixty of our students received a copy of her first novel Cindy Ella. See what Robin Palmer had to say about her visit on her blog, Keep Your Glass Slipper... I'd Rather Wear Flip Flops. She graciously mentioned our own, Chrissy Hirsch and her super, fantastic illustration of the cover of Cindy Ella. Watch part of the visit below.

Robin Palmer Hits the Halls of Mepham!

2009-02-06T11:27:00.009-05:00

Robin Palmer, author of Cindy Ella and Geek Charming, will join us on Tuesday, February 10th at 2:15 p.m. in the Mepham High School library to discuss her two young adult novels. We will have a book discussion, Q&A, book signing, and photo op. The first 60 students to sign up with Ms. Stack will receive a copy of her first paperback novel Cindy Ella. Past author visits at Mepham High School have included Jen Calonita who wrote the very popular series, Secrets of My Hollywood Life, and Patrick Jones who has written many teen novels including, Things Change, which is on our ninth grade summer reading list. To learn more about Robin Palmer check out her Website and blog. Check back after her visit for a recap!

About Cindy Ella:
Prom fever has infected LA—especially Cindy’s two annoying stepsisters, and her overly Botoxed stepmother. Cindy seems to be the only one immune to it all. But her anti-prom letter in the school newspaper does more to turn Cindy into Queen of the Freaks than close the gap between the popular kids and the rest of the students. Everyone thinks she’s committed social suicide, except for her two best friends, the yoga goddess India and John Hughes–worshipping Malcolm, and shockingly, the most popular senior at Castle Heights High and Cindy’s crush, Adam Silver. Suddenly Cindy starts to think that maybe her social life could have a happily ever after. But there’s still the rest of the school to deal with. With a little bit of help from an unexpected source and a fabulous pair of heels, Cindy realizes that she still has a chance at a happily ever after.

Big Winners!

2009-02-04T07:53:00.003-05:00

The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The award is sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association (ALA). This year’s winner is Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

About the book: Haunted by the past, Taylor Markham reluctantly leads the students of the Jellicoe School in their secret territory wars against the Townies and the Cadets. Marchetta’s lyrical writing evokes the Australian landscape in a suspenseful tale of raw emotion, romance, humor and tragedy. Melina Marchetta lives in Sydney, Australia, and is the award-winning author of two previous novels. A former high school teacher, she is recognized for the authenticity of her teen characters’ voices. “This roller coaster ride of a novel grabs you from the first sentence and doesn’t let go. You may not be sure where the ride will take you, but every detail—from the complexities of the dual narrative to the pangs of first love—is pitch perfect,” said Printz Award Committee Chair Mary Arnold.

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The 2009 Newbery Medal winner is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean, and published by HarperCollins Children's Books.

A delicious mix of murder, fantasy, humor and human longing, the tale of Nobody Owens is told in magical, haunting prose. A child marked for death by an ancient league of assassins escapes into an abandoned graveyard, where he is reared and protected by its spirit denizens.

"A child named Nobody, an assassin, a graveyard and the dead are the perfect combination in this deliciously creepy tale, which is sometimes humorous, sometimes haunting and sometimes surprising," said Newbery Committee Chair Rose V. Treviño.

Fore"Site"

2009-01-30T07:00:00.007-05:00

Google Sites is a free and easy way to create and share Webpages. Student groups, teaches, classes, or teams can create Websites quickly to share documents, videos, calendars, charts, and other information all in one place. Users can upload documents as attachments, search the Website for specific content, and make the site assessable to specific individuals such as a class roster. Since the software is Web-based, users can make changes to their site from any computer with an Internet connection.
Mr. Stein and I used Google Sites to create our very own Long Island Web 2.0 Classroom Website. The graphics are simple, so we spiced it up with Glogster on the homepage. Glogster is a revolutionary way to create a digital poster using flash technology. More information on these types of application will be coming soon. One feature that Google Sites offers that we really like is the built in sitemap, that we find so important to Website navigation. A sitemap is a representation of the architecture of a Website. It is a hierarchical list of Webpages that belong to a site. Google Sites also has templates that allow users to embed videos from YouTube. All you need to create a Google Site is to have a Google account, and it is free to create one.

Data Privacy Day

2009-01-28T08:11:00.003-05:00

On January 28, the U.S., Canada, and 27 European countries celebrated Data Privacy Day to raise awareness and generate discussion about data privacy practices and rights. One of the primary goals of this day is to promote privacy awareness and education among teens across the U.S. As the volume of data uploaded to the World Wide Web increases exponentially, it is vital to comprehend the risks and benefits associated with online communication. Click here for more information, useful links, and resources.

One of the Coolest Tools on Earth!

2009-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Google Earth is a free, downloadable application that combines satellite imagery, maps, 3D terrain and 3D buildings to create a highly realistic virtual globe. Students and teachers can explore geographical content, save their toured places and share places with others.

Teachers and students can create their own virtual tours and share them with others. They can even explore content that is developed by organizations such as NASA. In addition, Google has teamed up with astronomers to bring us Google Sky. Using Google Maps this tool provides a way for teachers and students to explore the universe. Users can find the positions of the planets and constellations on the sky and can even watch the birth of distant galaxies as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope.

Students can use Google Earth to:

Create tours of their school or community
Study climate change and the effects of global warming
Track earthquakes in real-time