ISTE 2019: Philadelphia

Some of the Bellmore-Merrick Technology Integration Mentors headed to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) in Philadelphia this summer. Here we are just testing out a green screen.

This conference allows us a chance to test out technology that we can then incorporate into our own classrooms and turn-key this information to the rest of the faculty in Bellmore-Merrick. We were able to make items using a laser cutter. We were also able to try some of the latest adaptive technology, such as a ball that doubles as a microphone. Some of us were even lucky to win a few desks that turn into a standing workstation. ISTE is a worthwhile learning extravaganza that helps us be on the cutting-edge of technology in education.

Summer Reading

Summer Reading for 2019 is now posted. Get all the details by clicking here.

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Overdue

All library books are now considered overdue. AND THERE ARE 216 OF THEM! AHHHH!!! No worries, just put your book in Mrs. Stack's mailbox. There are no late fines charged - ever.

65

The Class of 1954 has so much school spirit. Every year since 2014, they have made a generous donation to our school library. This year in honor of their 65th anniversary upon graduation, they have donated $6,500. A donation to the school library benefits all our students, faculty, and staff. The items we have purchased in the past have included a 3D printer, iPad reference bar, newspaper stand, MakerSpace materials, furniture, eBooks, and so much more. Some of the items we plan to purchase with this donation include a large flat-screen television, new desks, and additional charging stations.

Mrs. Stack, Librarian and Mr. Gomez, Principal with representatives from the Class of 1954

Mepham High School means a lot to a lot of people.We strive to give a great education, sense of community, and opportunities to all our students. Your generous donations allows us to continue that pursuit. Thank you to the alumni for giving back.

What book changed your life?

Inspired by BookExpo 2019, our latest bulletin features books that changed the lives of our students, staff, and faculty at Mepham High School. There is still time to add your voice to our wall. Stop by and pick up a post-it, write down the title of the book and the author, then stick it on the board.

Penguin Random House at BookExpo 2019

Mepham High School Library Bulletin Board

Books for Days

Expo floor at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for BookExpo 2019

Holy cow! This was my first time heading to BookExpo, which gives librarians access to the latest titles, favorite and new authors and librarian-focused conferences to help us track the trends. This conference offers librarians the ability to see and learn what’s new and what’s next in publishing to help build our libraries. BookExpo was simply amazing. Besides the FREE "stack" of books that I left the conference with (all of which I brought back to our students and staff), there were engaging sessions, author signings, and giveaways.

Adult Book & Author Breakfast

The Adult Book & Author Breakfast took place on day 2 on the main stage and was moderated by Rachel Maddow (Drift).  Malcolm Gladwell (The Tipping Point) - MY FAVORITE!!, Karin Slaughter (Pretty Girls), Marjorie Liu (Monstress), and Ta-Nehisi Coates (The Water Dancer) spoke about their new books and breaking into the industry. It was a highlight for sure! 

Huge fan of Jason Reynolds right here!

Getting to meet the authors that have changed the way you teach is incredible. This man right here turns non-readers into readers. I have been a witness. Finding the right book for the right student is one of my favorite jobs as a librarian. In order to do that, I have to read books in genres I might not be accustomed to, but it pays dividends when a student comes back and you know they are hooked.  

Children's Book & Author Breakfast  

Day 3 brought the Children's Book & Author Breakfast hosted by Jenna Bush Hager & Barbara Pierce Bush (Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life). The other authors included: Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone), Lupita Nyong'o (Sulwe), Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl series), and Da Chen (Girl Under a Red Moon). These breakfasts were very powerful, dealing with real world problems. I laughed, I cried - the way any good book makes you do.

BookExpo - I will be back next year!