Although I didn't get alot of replies, it has been about 2 weeks now
since I posted my target asking for ideas for beginning a new school with
"pizazz." These are the ideas I received. thank you to everyone who took time
to reply! I especially like the idea about using photos of staff as follows:
I was in the same spot several years ago. We were all new to each other
(with a few exceptions, some had worked with the principal or perhaps one
or two others on campus before)and almost a third were brand new at
teaching. I would suggest getting a photo of each (or maybe in small groups
by grade level) and then creating a bulletin board in a staff area with
everyone's first & last name, grade or specialty, room #, and
appropriate/preferred marital status (Ms., Miss or Mrs.). This is a great
way for folks to get to know each other. I found that some folks even in
the third year we were together didn't know each other because they were on
opposite ends of the campus, and the grade levels were staggered by recess
times and lunch breaks - they really didn't have much chance to know others
outside their wing or grade level.
Later in the year you can do fun things with their photos, in the student
area, like link their favorite childhood book, etc.
I opened a new elem. school library 4 years ago and now I am opening a
new middle school library next month! If you get any good middle school
ideas and have time to pass them on, I would love to read them.
On opening day we hung a wide ribbon with a really large bow across the
double doors of the library. A fourth grade class had won the honor of
being the first class to come to the library (in a lottery) and one of
the students cut the ribbon. The other students provided the "drum
roll. We took lots of pictures for the school yearbook and newspapers
and the other classes were able to watch the whole thing on TV in their
classrooms. Teachers reported that their students begged to come to the
library that day! We operate on a flexible schedule, so anyone is
welcome at anytime and circulation was high!
Two other things worked well while we prepared for our grand opening...
1. I asked for parent volunteers to help unpack and shelve books.
Start with the PTA board if you are wondering how to get the word out.
Have a plan and know where you want everything shelved before the
parents show up. Post signs on the shelves so helpers know what will go
there without asking you each time they open a box.
2. I had 2 large display cases in the hall in front of the library that
needed to be filled. I used small book boxes and some packing paper and
some of our new books displayed as if books were spilling out of the
boxes. I added some teddy bears (we're an elem. school) and a sign that
said "Bear with us while we unpack! The library will be open on August
21" Keep the library doors open so parents and students can come see
what is going on and some will offer to help!
(the teddy bear idea is also one of my favorites!)
Hope your year goes well!
Balloons! Food! Gifts - like pencils, bookmarks,
coupons for free xerox copies! Book Raffle!
Good luck!
Another reply was to play harpsichord music!!! :-) Thanks to all!
Carole Bierwiler, Media Specialist
Sunset Lakes elem.
Miramar, FL 33029
CHBMedia@aol.com
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