Media matters, Vol. 5, Issue 4 (Nov. 2006)

Kathy Cox State Superintendent
of Schools

Media

For people wlibhroarcyamreeadbiaopurtograms

Matters
Volume 5, Number 4 November 2006

Inside this issue:

GaETC provides participants the opportunity to learn and share innovative technology through exposure to peers who effectively use technology in education. Commercial exhibitors provide exposure to state of the art hardware, software, and uses of technology.
With a wide variety of strands of topics, the GaETC Conference will benefit teachers, media specialists, special educators, technology coordinators, administrators, curriculum directors, staff development coordinators, and everyone else interested in educational technology.
The conference and workshops are being held at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in College Park, Georgia.
Visit the website at http://www.gaetc.org/overview06.htm for detailed driving directions. Limited parking is available at the Georgia International Convention Center. Complimentary shuttles will be provided between participating conference hotels and the GICC.
FREE Laptop Giveaway at Closing Session!

Giving thanks

2

AV Cookbook

2

Children's Book Week

3

Ga. Peach Award

3

Children's Lit.

4

Conference

Exemplary Library

5

Media Program

John McCutcheon

6

Tech Tips from Esther 7

K12 Explorers Guild

7

Classifieds

8

Kathy Cox says

10

Georgia Read More

11

Calendar

12

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MEDIA MATTERS

What are your students Thankful for?

Ask your teachers (or you can do it yourself) to ask the children to tell what they are thankful for at school....and to let you know if anyone says `the library media center."
Post those responses on your bulletin board, share them with the PTA, your legislators, your administrators.

The following story is from Martha Reichrath, Executive Director for the Governor's Office of Student Achievement:
During my years teaching English/Language Arts, I used "Turkey Notes" with several age levels, but was especially a huge hit with 7th graders--notoriously a tough sell for anything that remotely relates to "touchy-feely" reaching out to others. In essence, I asked my 7th graders to chose an individual who they felt had something very special for them in their young lives--an individual to whom they had not ever expressed their appreciation for an act or acts of kindness. I then asked them to write a personal note that we would roll into an old traditional "Turkey Note" (looks like a Chinese cracker) and send to the individual. Part of the project value was the intense research that it took for the students to find their sometimes now distant guardian angels. Some kids chose coaches, some Sunday School teachers, some classroom teachers, some family members, some neighbors or just older acquaintances. I always initiated the activity in November; we would then read responses from those who received the notes all during December. It was one of the heartwarming experiences I have ever had with kids.
I am so happy to pass this on with the hope that this activity will continue.

AV C o o k b o o k
Teachers and staff sometimes have a hard time running audiovisual equipment that they do not use often. To solve this problem, create an Audiovisual Electronic Cookbook for your school. Use a digital camera to take pictures of all the steps of how to use equipment, insert them into a PowerPoint slide show, and add the text. Once the slide show is completed, link it to your school's Web site or your library media center page so teachers and staff always have access to it.
Laura Jeanette Brown Paint Branch High School Burtonsville, Maryland
Reprinted by permission from Library Media Connection, Volume 24, Issue 2, Copyright 2005 by Linworth Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. (800_ 786-5017. www.linworth.com

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 4

PAGE 3

Children's book week November 13-19
From the Children's Book Council Web Site
How to Celebrate Children's Book Week
A celebration of the written word, Children's Book Week introduces young people to books, authors, illustrators and ideas in schools, libraries, homes and bookstores. Through Children's Book Week, the Children's Book Council encourages young people and their caregivers to discover the complexity of the world beyond their own experience through books. . Get more information at: http://www.cbcbooks.org/cbw/ celebrate/
Spotlight on the Georgia peach award
Peaches by Georgia author Jodi Lynn Anderson.
Murphy McGowen has bright green eyes, a reputation as the wildest girl in Bridgewater, and a way of getting out of all the trouble she gets into. But when she's caught stealing from the Darlington Orchard, she's forced to repay her debt picking peaches in the hot Georgia sun.
Leeda Cawley-Smith has professionally whitened teeth and the softest skin her boyfriend has ever touched. Unfortunately, Leeda's parents aren't too keen on her being touched anymore. Now Leeda's country-club summer is out the window -- she'll be getting a serious sock tan working at her uncle's peach orchard instead.
Birdie Darlington used to dance around her family's orchard picking peaches for fun. But now that her parents are getting divorced, Birdie would rather spend the summer in the A/C eating Thin Mints than pick another peach -- too bad she doesn't have a choice.
Thrown together at Darlington Orchard, Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie discover what it means to find a real soul mate, and that sometimes cute boys know a lot about peach cider. And, of course, they learn the trick to picking a perfect peach. One thing's for sure -- it's going to be a juicy summer.

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MEDIA MATTERS

Exemplary Library Media Program Alert!

The Georgia Department of Education has launched the 2007 Exemplary Library Media Program. This will be the sixth year of this recognition program and we are using the same procedures as last year. Classroom teachers, parents, administrators, students, community members may nominate their school library media program for this honor.
One library media program on each level (elementary, middle, and high) will be selected as a GaDOE Exemplary Library Media Program. We welcome and encourage you to nominate your school library media program for this honor. Peer reviewers from throughout the state will read and score the applications. The nominated school library media center should be in its third year of operation and previous recipients of the Exemplary Library Media Program award are not eligible.
This is an opportunity for your school and your media program to be honored at the state level. The recipients, along with the principal, county office personnel, and others, will be invited to the State Board of Education meeting on May 10, 2007 to be recognized by the State Superintendent and members of the board. The recipients agree to host an Open House during the school year so that other Library Media Specialists, teachers, administrators, and community members can observe an Exemplary Library Media Program in action.
The Exemplary Library Media Program utilizes education laws, state board rules, state guidelines, and national standards to help improve, enhance, and enrich the library media program in our schools. A rubric with nineteen indicators has been developed by the DOE that not only helps us honor and recognize media programs that meet these standards, but also illustrates those standards to schools that are working toward excellence.
Some of the guidelines that the Georgia Department of Education considers for this recognition are:
Student Achievement: The teacher and the Library Media Specialist use a variety of collaboratively designed tools for assessing student achievement. The Library Media Specialist and teachers also collect and use student data to design activities that will lead to improved student achievement. The library media program supports instructional strategies and learning activities that meet individual needs.
Flexible Scheduling: DOE Rule IFBD states that flexibly schedule media center access for students and teachers shall be included in school media program implementation. The accessibility refers to the facility, the staff, and the resources and is based on instructional need. Students and teachers must be able to come to the library media center throughout the day to use information sources, to read for pleasure, and to meet and work with other students and teachers.
Collaborative Planning: Planning between the Library Media Specialist and the classroom teacher, which encourages both scheduled and informal visits, is the process that makes a library media program successful. The Library Media Specialist actively plans with and encourages every teacher to participate in the design of instruction. Learning strategies and activities for all students are designed with all teachers who are willing to plan collaboratively.
There are many other criteria listed in the rubric that I invite you to review and discuss with your Library Media Specialist, school media committee and other stakeholders. If you feel your library media program meets or exceeds the criteria, I encourage you to write a brief letter of support for your school's media program and have your media specialist(s) fill out the required paperwork. The narrative does not have to be lengthy or time consuming. The directions and information including the rubric may be accessed at:
http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/pandp/media/exemplary.htm
If you would like to nominate your school's Library Media Program, click on the link below:
http://admin.doe.k12.ga.us/gadoe/ots/empnom.nsf/Nomination?OpenForm
You are invited to share this link with parents, classroom teachers, community members, and students. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination.

Deadline for nominations: January 5, 2007.

Georgia Children's Literature Conference
While spring seems far away, it is hoped that you will mark your calendars for the 38th Annual Children's Literature Conference to be held at the Georgia Center of Continuing Education, in Athens GA, on April 20 & 21, 2007.
As always, the conference features leading authors and illustrators of books for children. This year's stellar line-up includes: Patricia Polacco, Jane Yolen, Marion Dane Bauer, Chris Soentpiet and Keiko Kasza.
The Children's Literature Conference website is www.coe.uga.edu/gcba. Please check for updates about the conference.
The organizers hope that you will consider submitting a proposal for a small group session where you can share with your colleagues your passion and expertise in any aspect of children's literature analysis, appreciation, or teaching.
If you have any questions about the conference, or the Georgia Book Award Program, you can contact the organizers at :gcba@uga.edu

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MEDIA MATTERS

John McCutcheon Speaking at DeKalb Library
Folksinger's new book, CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES, celebrates the power of the human spirit to unite people, even in times of battle.
Atlanta--Renowned folksinger and new Atlanta resident, John McCutcheon, will be part of the DeKalb County Public Library's "December Writers Festival" on Thursday, December 7. He will read and sing songs from his new picture book and CD, CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES. The family concert will begin at 7:15PM and take place at DeKalb County Public Library, 215 Sycamore Street in Decatur, followed by a book signing. Admission is free and open to the public.

McCutcheon is a singer, songwriter and musician with twenty-nine albums and five consecutive Grammy nominations who has just moved to Atlanta from Charlottesville, North Carolina. Johnny Cash called him "the most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard." The Washington Post said, "He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature."

Songs will include McCutcheon's oft-covered "Christmas in the Trenches," which has just been released as a picture book and CD by the same name. CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES (Peachtree Publishers, Atlanta) is based on an actual WWI event known as the Christmas Truce. On Christmas Eve, 1914, in eastern France, Allied and German soldiers declared a spontaneous truce and for a few short hours celebrated Christmas Eve together on the battlefield between their trenches-- sharing games of soccer, Christmas carols, and gifts from home.

In September, McCutcheon participated in the National Book Festival sponsored by the Library of Congress in Washington DC. Earlier this year, Peachtree Publishers released McCutcheon's 29th album, "Mightier Than the Sword," a compilation of songs co-written with contemporary authors such as Lee Smith, Barbara Kingsolver and Carmen Agra Deedy. Also featured are newly-discovered and completed songs by Woody Guthrie. More information on McCutcheon and his music can be found at www.folkmusic.com.

For more information, contact http://www.dekalblibrary.org, http://www.georgiacenterforthebook.org, or 404-370-8450, ext. 2225.
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MEDIA MATTERS

Tech tips from Esther
Esther M. Brenneman of the Cherokee County School System is the Instructional Technology Facilitator and former Library Media Specialist. Watch for Esther's monthly column in this newsletter featuring an innovative Tech Tip.
Windows: File Order
When you open a folder or directory, files are generally sorted in alphanumeric order.
To move a file to the beginning of the list:
1. Place an underscore (_) at the beginning of the file name (Right click on file select Rename
from pull-down menu)
2. The file name will float to the top of the list.
No more scrolling to find documents.

K12 Explorers guild
The K12 Explorers Guild, the professional development component of Foundations for the Future (F3), focuses on developing long-term relationships with and among Georgia educators and administrators. The workshops offer participants the opportunity to learn new technology tools, cutting edge applications to assist in the classroom, and strategies for increasing their funding base. The Explorers Guild is a free monthly open house held in a classroom of the future, where teachers can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and experiment with tools and technology. No experience is necessary; any experience is welcome. Professional Learning Units (formerly SDUs) are offered for attendees.
Meetings
Our meetings take place monthly in our Forum, 4:30-6:30pm, at 250 14th Street. 250 14th Street is located across from the Georgia Public Broadcasting Building. 250 14th Street is readily accessible whether you are driving or riding MARTA. Sandwiches and beverages are served.
Check out their website at: http://www.f3program.org/index.html

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MEDIA MATTERS
M.M. CLASSIFIED SECTION

o Technology Specialist--Board of Education o Instructional Technology Coordinator--Board of Education
jobs@ben-hill.k12.ga.us Ben Hill County Schools www.ben-hill.k12.ga.us
UGA Library Media Program
UGA is pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for admission into the seventh cohort of the Flexible Delivery School Library Media Program (SLM) at the University of Georgia. This program is open to anyone seeking initial school library media certification at either the M.Ed. or Ed.S. level; non-degree certification is available for qualified candidates. Students accepted into the SLM program will begin their studies in the summer or fall of 2007.
The program is designed to accommodate working professionals through a combination of online classes, evening classes, Saturday classes at the Gwinnett University Center, and summer sessions. The first application deadline is February 1, 2007, so now is the time to apply. Note that the GRE is required. After February 1 please contact slmedia@uga.edu to see if space is still available.
They have found that media specialists are among the best marketers for the profession. If you know a teacher (or anyone with a Bachelor's degree) whom you believe would enjoy the challenges of this exciting, service-oriented profession, please encourage them to apply to the program.
Information about the program can be found online at http://www.coe.uga.edu/epit/slm/. Application requirements and instructions can be found there as well. Please call UGA at 706-542-3810 if you have any questions or write to slmedia@uga.edu.
======================= Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Ph.D. Ed Psych & Instructional Technology (EPIT) 604 Aderhold Hall Athens, GA 30602 706-542-4030 (voice) 706-542-4032 (fax) mfitzger@uga.edu it.coe.uga.edu/~mfitzger

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MEDIA MATTERS

This information is from the Atlanta Thrashers and is for those schools in a 75 mile radius of Philips Arena. It is for grades 4-8 only.
The Atlanta Thrashers 2006-2007 Hockey Season is starting up this week and they want your class to join the team by signing up for the Atlanta Thrashers Score For Schools Achievement Program.
SCORE FOR SCHOOLS, sponsored by Philips, uses elements of hockey to teach aspects of physical education, math, science, geography, history, world cultures and language arts in grades 4-8, which are tied to Georgia's Performance Standards. Participating teachers and schools have a chance to win great prizes and experiences like tickets to a game or a visit by the mascot, Thrash. Click here to Enroll today! If you have any questions, please e-mail robyn.boro@atlantaspirit.com.
The first school to sign-up will receive vouchers for the entire school to come out for a Thrashers game at the Blueland!
For more information visit http://atlantathrashers.com/Community.aspx?Levels=5|1|0&CID01=9ff79c4d-6f90-4820-81d77ad287b2aad2. Please contact Robyn Boro for additional information or questions.

Patricia Polacco will be visiting Little Shop of Stories in Decatur on Saturday, November 11th at 11am and we want to invite all area teachers and media specialists to a special reception to meet her and see her latest book Something About Hensley's.
Patricia Polacco is beloved among teachers and the store expects a huge crowd. For that reason, the owner of the book store is asking those planning to attend to RSVP at 404.373.6300 or at littleshopofstories@gmail.com

The Fall South Georgia Media Conference will be held at Valdosta State's ETTC in the University Center on November 2, 2006. Registration begins at 8:30. The agenda includes updates from GaDOE by Judy Serritella and a presentation by author, Gail Karwoski. Other exciting presentations will include podcasting, Google, Atomic Learning, netTrekker, Brainchild, Follett's free maintenance software, wireless technology, and presentations by local media specialists and VSU's IT Department. Lunch will be served with time allowed for networking. Please plan to attend this valuable opportunity for media specialists in the South Georgia area to come together and grow. To register online go to http://www.ettcvsu.us/media/media_form.htm or call 229-249-2781. We look forward to seeing you there.

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MEDIA MATTERS

Kathy cox on good schools

"You can tell a good school within 5 minutes of walking into the building. If there are more students going in and out of the library media center than there are students going into the principal's office you know that this is a good school! "
Internet Serenity Prayer Technologist, grant me... the Serenity to accept that not everything can be found on the Internet... the Courage to go to the Library... and the Wisdom to evaluate the information I do find.
Found on Doug Johnson's website at http://www.doug-johnson.com/

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MEDIA MATTERS
Got a tip for using GALILEO? Please share!
This idea comes from Rebecca Amerson of Woodstock High School in Cherokee County. Rebecca says that anytime she has a student that needs to print a map, she sends them to SIRS Discoverer on GALILEO! Choose Maps of the World, choose your country, state, region. They print out in pdf.....a full page.... in color....with a few clicks.....every time!

Georgia Read More update
The Year 1 DVD is currently being distributed to ELEMENTARY schools as are the latest Georgia Read More posters. This program/project is aimed at third graders, but appropriate for K-5 students. The DVD is copyrighted. Both the logo and the stories have copyright permissions, but we are asking that if you make copies of the DVD, that they be for school use only. You are allowed to show the programs over closed circuit.
We are scheduled to film Chuck Leavell on December 11th and that will complete Year 2 of Georgia Read More.
At this time, there is no funding available for Year 3.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Kathy Cox State Superintendent of Schools
1970 Twin Towers East 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive Phone: 404-657-9800
Fax: 404-657-6822 Email: jserrite@doe.k12.ga.us

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G aD O E Library M edia Services

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1st medical colle- Birthday ofDaniel Who is General

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Boone: 1734- Field Marshall

opened in

1820

Rommel?

Boston: 1848 What is the

National Author's Spruce Goose?

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Saturday
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King Tut's tomb discovered: 1922

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What was The Gunpowder Plot?

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Birthday ofJohn Philip Sousa: 1854-1932

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Election Day! Tell Birthday of

Berlin Wall

you parents to Edmund Halley: opened: 1989

vote!

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Banneker?

U.S. MarineCorps World War I

established:

ends: 1918

1775

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First meteor shower on record: 1799

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Peanut butter invented: 1890
World Kindness Day

Aaron Copland Who is Georgia born: 1900-1990 O'Keefe?
Birthday of Robert Fulton: 1765-1815

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Oklahoma

The Suez Canal

becomes a state: opens: 1869

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1998 : Alice McDermott wins the National Book Award

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Abe Lincoln deliv- Garrett Morgan ers Gettysburg patented traffic Address: 1863 light: 1923

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1877 : Edison's first great invention

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Vasco de Thanksgiving! Gama rounded Cape ofGood Hope: 1497

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Birthday ofToulouse-Lautrec: 1864-1901

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Homeland Security Act becomes law: 2002

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1922 : Archaeolo- Senate voted to

gists enter King confirmGerald

Tut's Tomb

Ford as Vice

President: 1973

Magellan reached Pacific Ocean: 1520

1929 : Byrd flies over South Pole

Who is U Thant? Who is J. Gordon Liddy?

Reading giv es you the ability to reach higher ground. Oprah Winfrey