I am sitting in the library as I write this.   Where has the summer gone?

Technology
Our computer technicians have spent the past several weeks trying to get all the returned devices ready for the new school year. 

I am so proud that we had such a high device return rate and that very few of the devices returned were deemed unusable.  Thank you for taking care of the technology.

If you kept a device for use during summer school or were unable to return your device during the many dates we set aside for device returns, please BRING it school during Open House or the first week of school. 

If you do not return a device or otherwise contact the school regarding the status of your device, CCSD will assume the device has been stolen and proceed accordingly. 

Library
We have tons of great new books to share with you!  I've been experimenting with my Cricut Maker and learning what this cool machine can do.  Activities for the Maker Space are being planned and I can't wait to welcome classes to the Library for lessons, activities and check-out.  It's been way too long. BTW-the new media parapro is still yet to be determined as is whether that person will work in the library on a full or part-time basis. 

Keep reading and we'll see you soon!
Mrs. Kent

Since we're unable to read together in person right now, here's a selection of fun Thanksgiving stories for you to enjoy. 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3po4CC4_8IYQtsq6OGZno-teFgOj7gxb

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Gobble! Gobble!

Today, we will enjoy a recent story written by Juana Martinez-Neal and listen to an interview with the author where she talks about her inspiration for this book.

Do you know the story behind your name?  Are you named for a grandparent, friend of the family or someone else who inspired your parents?  

Activity:  Interview your family members to find out details about how and why you/they were given your/their names or acquired nicknames.
Go to this FlipGrid for assignment details and instructions to submit your video: 
flipgrid.com/716ba347

Let's enjoy some classic stories that written by modern day Hispanic authors:

To finish off today's lesson, let's visit Machu Picchu, located in Peru. This country is located in South America. 

Hello City View Skyhawk Readers!

2020 has been quite the year hasn't it?  I've been able to pop in to some of your classrooms during ELA time. It's been great to see some of your older siblings helping our new K&1 students out with logging into CTLS.  I miss seeing y'all in person!

By the way, I'm Mrs. Kent, the media specialist.  Mrs. Griffin, whom you see in PE during specials with Coach Batchelor and Coach Dean, also works part-time in the library.  We're here to help you find a good book, answer burning questions and show you how to research almost any topic you can think of.  We also like to make stuff and have fun while learning.   Some of our activities may be arts & crafts, while others will involve building, technology and coding.

Read. Explore. Create. These three words pretty much sum up my vision for our library.

Where's your dog?

Some of our 4th and 5th graders may remember my dog, Boomer. We were a nationally registered pet therapy team who visited CHOA - Egleston and CHOA - Scottish Rite, plus served as a reading dog team at the Cobb County and Smyrna Public Libraries.  Boomer became gravely ill in January. He recovered, but the thrombocytopenia returned with a vengeance.   He passed away in late March.  It was a sad summer.  I dearly miss my boy!

I'm happy to report that Sadie, the Labradoodle who joined us in January as a temporary foster, became an official member of the family on March 1st. Lil Missy (my pet name for Sadie) is a sweet girl who has been working very hard to learn commands and contain her excitement when meeting new people. She passed her initial evaluation to become a therapy dog and we begin field testing in September.  We hope to complete therapy dog credentialing by year end. 

So this is why you normally see me with a dog. I love dogs, but I also enjoy serving as a pet therapy volunteer.  

​Hope to see you soon!