Learning to Skype

During the first week of June, Mrs. Durham's 4th grade class will be holding a "skyp-ing" session with author/illustrator Sheri Amsel. Skype is a virtual phone call which takes place over the Internet. Users at each end utilize a webcame in order to see one another as they are talking. This will be our first trial usage of the technology in the library. If it goes well, there are many other ways in which we could try using it next year, including skyping with other schools in different areas of the country in order to get firsthand accounts of what life is like in other places! Stay tuned to find out how this first experience goes. I'm sure it will be interesting, no matter what happens!

Thank You, Mr. Masiello

We had a wonderful visit with author/illustrator Ralph Masiello yesterday. Below are some pictures from his 4 presentations to grades Pre-K through 6th. Students got to learn about everything from illustrating techniques to the shape of a giant panda's skull! Click on the photos to enlarge them.



Ralph holds a giant panda skull while some of the elementary classes look on.



Ralph drew many pictures for the students.....and had a staring contest with a monkey skull!



A copy of "The Flag We Love" which was autographed by the illustrator and given to the school.



This print from one of Ralph's books was autographed and donated to the library as well. It will be framed and hung where it can be enjoyed by many students to come!

Springing Into Action

In celebration of Earth Day, 2nd and 3rd grade classes read books about what we can do to help the Earth, and then decorated and planted seeds during their library classes. As you can see, the seeds have begun to sprout, and we will be planting them outside once the nice weather finally comes to (and stays in!) Star Lake!
We have made it through the April (snow) Showers, and now we look forward to watching our May Flowers begin to bloom!

Get Ready To Draw!

Clifton-Fine students are getting their pencils ready for author/illustrator Ralph Masiello's visit on Thursday, May 6th! Students will get to spend hour-long sessions listening to Mr. Masiello talk about his life, his inspirations and his drawing. They will even receive lessons on how to draw some of their favorite things!
In preparation for this visit, we have begun talking about the different aspects of being an author/illustrator, as well as preparing some questions to ask after the presentations. This seems as though it will be an exciting and inspiring day, and we look forward to it!