MAMS April/ May 2014
Volume 11 Number 4
Chrome books
Chrome books are out and being used. We’ll be adding some different models to try so we can decide which size of device works best. Things are going pretty smoothly with them. Full steam ahead!
Library Web Site
The library web site is being remodeled so things will be moving around for awhile. Think of it as Virtual Hide and Seek. Hopefully, in the end, it will include more of what’s important now with Common Core: copyright and plagiarism resources, updated citation information, informational books, and more information on using databases from Badgerlink, Grolier, and CultureGrams. These are resources that are paid for, have tons of features, including current events and leveled reading, and give students needed practice in using databases.
States Research
Mrs. Shear’s fifth grade class is using the Chrome books to research states. They are using CultureGrams and AV2 media enhanced library books. Media enhanced means there is a web site that goes with each book. Each web site contains lots of information, video, quizzes, and will even read the book to the student. The students enjoy using these resources. Take a look at the library web site to see some pictures.
Citations
There have been requests for the citation forms that were used once upon a time. Citation formats have changed, so these fill-in-the-blank sheets are being updated and will be posted on the library web site. The handy, dandy note-taking sheet has not changed and is available now.
Grades 5 in the Library
Besides library skills, we took time to hide Valentine’s in random books. Take a look at the library web site to see some pictures of what's been happening in the library.
Volume 11 Number 4
Chrome books
Chrome books are out and being used. We’ll be adding some different models to try so we can decide which size of device works best. Things are going pretty smoothly with them. Full steam ahead!
Library Web Site
The library web site is being remodeled so things will be moving around for awhile. Think of it as Virtual Hide and Seek. Hopefully, in the end, it will include more of what’s important now with Common Core: copyright and plagiarism resources, updated citation information, informational books, and more information on using databases from Badgerlink, Grolier, and CultureGrams. These are resources that are paid for, have tons of features, including current events and leveled reading, and give students needed practice in using databases.
States Research
Mrs. Shear’s fifth grade class is using the Chrome books to research states. They are using CultureGrams and AV2 media enhanced library books. Media enhanced means there is a web site that goes with each book. Each web site contains lots of information, video, quizzes, and will even read the book to the student. The students enjoy using these resources. Take a look at the library web site to see some pictures.
Citations
There have been requests for the citation forms that were used once upon a time. Citation formats have changed, so these fill-in-the-blank sheets are being updated and will be posted on the library web site. The handy, dandy note-taking sheet has not changed and is available now.
Grades 5 in the Library
Besides library skills, we took time to hide Valentine’s in random books. Take a look at the library web site to see some pictures of what's been happening in the library.
MAMS February/ March 2014
Volume 11 Number 3
What are those Post-It notes for?
The library shelves are adorned with multicolored Post-It notes these days. During library skills class, sixth grade students created a resource list of their favorite books. From the list, each student wrote the title and author of one of their favorites onto a note, and placed the note near where the book can be found in the library. Lots of "Good Book" suggestions shared with others!
Library Web Site--Featured Links
The library web site has some new features of interest:
1.Book Lists & Reviews Page-Book Recommendations. What should I read next?
The Book Seer Type in the title and author of a book you enjoyed reading, and you'll get suggested books to read next.
Your Next Read Type in a title, author, or genre. Click on one of the results for recommended books.
These sites have been introduced to some of the fifth and sixth graders. Kids like them!
2.Library Apps
Catalist Digital contains the MAMS virtual audiobook library.
These titles are not found in the library's Destiny Catalog Library Search with our other resources, but can be found with
You must login to listen or download these audiobooks.
You will need to contact the library or your teacher for the student user name and student password.
iPhone 3GS, 4, 4s, 5, 5c, 5s
iPad (all)
iPod touch 3rd generation and 4th generation
Android 2.3 OS or higher
Barnes & Noble Tablets, HD, HD+ (not compatible with Nook Color)
You can listen to books on a computer with the following browsers: Internet Explorer 8 and higher, Firefox 8 and higher, Google Chrome 15 and higher, Safari 5 and higher. To listen on a computer, access the MAMS virtual audiobook library at www.catalistdigital.com/students.
For more information: Catalist Digital Frequently Asked Questions
3.Keyboarding
The Keyboarding web page includes a link to All the Right Type and other keyboarding game sites. Some sites include timed tests.
Volume 11 Number 3
What are those Post-It notes for?
The library shelves are adorned with multicolored Post-It notes these days. During library skills class, sixth grade students created a resource list of their favorite books. From the list, each student wrote the title and author of one of their favorites onto a note, and placed the note near where the book can be found in the library. Lots of "Good Book" suggestions shared with others!
Library Web Site--Featured Links
The library web site has some new features of interest:
1.Book Lists & Reviews Page-Book Recommendations. What should I read next?
The Book Seer Type in the title and author of a book you enjoyed reading, and you'll get suggested books to read next.
Your Next Read Type in a title, author, or genre. Click on one of the results for recommended books.
These sites have been introduced to some of the fifth and sixth graders. Kids like them!
2.Library Apps
Catalist Digital contains the MAMS virtual audiobook library.
These titles are not found in the library's Destiny Catalog Library Search with our other resources, but can be found with
You must login to listen or download these audiobooks.
You will need to contact the library or your teacher for the student user name and student password.
- Titles downloaded onto a mobile device are checked out for two weeks.
- A downloaded title can be returned early by opening the audiobook on the device, clicking on "Details" in the bottom left corner, and then clicking on the "Return" button.
- If you are not done reading after two weeks, you will have to check out the audiobook again.
- You must use your own headphones.
iPhone 3GS, 4, 4s, 5, 5c, 5s
iPad (all)
iPod touch 3rd generation and 4th generation
Android 2.3 OS or higher
Barnes & Noble Tablets, HD, HD+ (not compatible with Nook Color)
You can listen to books on a computer with the following browsers: Internet Explorer 8 and higher, Firefox 8 and higher, Google Chrome 15 and higher, Safari 5 and higher. To listen on a computer, access the MAMS virtual audiobook library at www.catalistdigital.com/students.
For more information: Catalist Digital Frequently Asked Questions
3.Keyboarding
The Keyboarding web page includes a link to All the Right Type and other keyboarding game sites. Some sites include timed tests.
MAMS December/January 2014
Volume 11 Number 2
Library Skills
Fifth graders are reviewing Destiny searches and how to locate fiction books in the library. We are also logging into the network, their individual library accounts, and creating AR and Favorite Books resource lists.
New Books
New Books continue to be added to the "New Books" cart. A large order has been made that will add more multiple copies of titles for Lit. Circles. The books ordered also include titles from "Best of 2013" lists, student requests and requests from Miss Frahm's seventh grade reading classes. It will be an exciting January with new books!
Do You Use Any of These?
The American Association of School Librarians has published the Best Websites for Teaching & Learning 2013. Areas include: Media Sharing, Digital Storytelling, Manage and Organize, Social Networking and Communication, Curriculum Sharing, Content Resources: Lesson Plans and More, and Content Collaboration.
Ancient Rome, from K-12 Technology Newsletter, Big Deal Media, December 1, 2013.
What did ancient Rome look like in 320 CE? Rome Reborn is an international initiative to create a 3-D digital model of the Eternal City at a time when Rome’s population had reached its peak (about 1 million) and the first Christian churches were being built. The result is a truly stunning bird’s-eye and ground view of ancient Rome that will make students feel as if they were actually there.
Volume 11 Number 2
Library Skills
Fifth graders are reviewing Destiny searches and how to locate fiction books in the library. We are also logging into the network, their individual library accounts, and creating AR and Favorite Books resource lists.
New Books
New Books continue to be added to the "New Books" cart. A large order has been made that will add more multiple copies of titles for Lit. Circles. The books ordered also include titles from "Best of 2013" lists, student requests and requests from Miss Frahm's seventh grade reading classes. It will be an exciting January with new books!
Do You Use Any of These?
The American Association of School Librarians has published the Best Websites for Teaching & Learning 2013. Areas include: Media Sharing, Digital Storytelling, Manage and Organize, Social Networking and Communication, Curriculum Sharing, Content Resources: Lesson Plans and More, and Content Collaboration.
Ancient Rome, from K-12 Technology Newsletter, Big Deal Media, December 1, 2013.
What did ancient Rome look like in 320 CE? Rome Reborn is an international initiative to create a 3-D digital model of the Eternal City at a time when Rome’s population had reached its peak (about 1 million) and the first Christian churches were being built. The result is a truly stunning bird’s-eye and ground view of ancient Rome that will make students feel as if they were actually there.
MAMS October/November 2013
Volume 11 Number 1
The year started with a very successful book fair sponsored by Student Council. There were some new titles available this time, and everyone had fun looking through them.
Library Skills
Sixth graders in Mr. Shipman's, Mrs. Keefe's, and Mr. Berndt's classes are finishing up classes in the library. We have reviewed library basics and practiced various searches. We also have logged into the network, library accounts, and used Gaggle.
Professional Reading Service
This service was again offered to staff. Sign-up sheets were placed in mailboxes.
If you did not receive one, or have changed your mind and want one, contact Mrs. Buehler.
Tech Problems
Printers—Toner Cartridges
We do not keep a supply of toner cartridges so contact the library when there is a low toner message.
A new cartridge will be ordered after the notification.
Used toner cartridges must be returned to the library for recycling.
Flip Cams
The Flip Cams are checked out to teachers for in-school use. If a teacher decides a student needs to take a camera home, the teacher should contact a parent/guardian for their permission.
*Please delete videos from the cameras before returning them to the library.
External DVD/CD Drives
If you need to copy resources to your computer, there are external DVD/CD Drives that can be checked out of the library to do that.
Volume 11 Number 1
The year started with a very successful book fair sponsored by Student Council. There were some new titles available this time, and everyone had fun looking through them.
Library Skills
Sixth graders in Mr. Shipman's, Mrs. Keefe's, and Mr. Berndt's classes are finishing up classes in the library. We have reviewed library basics and practiced various searches. We also have logged into the network, library accounts, and used Gaggle.
Professional Reading Service
This service was again offered to staff. Sign-up sheets were placed in mailboxes.
If you did not receive one, or have changed your mind and want one, contact Mrs. Buehler.
Tech Problems
- Please report your problems to Mrs. Wirz in the library by email or leave a note in her mailbox. It is important to put your difficulty in writing so it can be kept track of and referred to when talking to Mr. Hinderliter.
- Skyward and phone problems need to be reported to Keva.
Printers—Toner Cartridges
We do not keep a supply of toner cartridges so contact the library when there is a low toner message.
A new cartridge will be ordered after the notification.
Used toner cartridges must be returned to the library for recycling.
Flip Cams
The Flip Cams are checked out to teachers for in-school use. If a teacher decides a student needs to take a camera home, the teacher should contact a parent/guardian for their permission.
*Please delete videos from the cameras before returning them to the library.
External DVD/CD Drives
If you need to copy resources to your computer, there are external DVD/CD Drives that can be checked out of the library to do that.