Blog Interaction about School Library Media Health - Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, 2005

Underwood, A. (Oct. 3, 2005). The Good Heart. Newsweek.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9467735

The above article from Newsweek reports on the mounting evidence suggesting that psychological outlook is just as important to health as are diet and exercise.

Now, how might those factors be interpreted in shaping a healthy school library media program? Yes, I know many school media specialists could lose some weight (especially myself) . . . but that is not what I mean.

Think about the health of a school library media center in terms of diet, exercise, and outlook - - the diet of the library (inputs, what is taken in), exercise (activities, what gets done), and outlook (attitudes, climate, and atmosphere). Reflecting on our discussions and the course content of this semester, provide examples that represent a healthy program approach? Share your ideas and how they fit within the healthy school library framework.

Blog Interaction with Dana Hochstedler & Rob Cox – Thurs. Nov. 17 to Sat. Nov. 19, 2005

Dana Hochstedler and Rob Cox are both elementary media specialists in the same school system. This is Rob’s first year.

Learn more about both Dana and Rob at http://eduscapes.com/sms/hochstedler.html

You might start the discussions with Dana on her insights into maximizing a library center budget, her assignment covering two elementary buildings, and also facilities planning (One of her schools opened this year). You might ask Rob for his candid views on the first year on-the-job; his position is also divided between two schools.

Blog Interaction with Robyn Young – Mon. Nov. 14 to Wed. Nov. 16, 2005

Robyn Young is director of school media at Avon High School.

Learn more about Robyn at http://eduscapes.com/sms/young.html

Robyn Young would be an excellent person to e-talk about library media center newsletters, annual reports, and program assessment. Feel free to expand discussion to any related topics for school library media.

Blog Interaction with Chris Somers – Thurs. Nov. 10 to Sat. Nov. 12, 2005

Chris Somers, a former language arts teacher, is the media specialist at Indian Creek Middle School in Trafalgar, Indiana.

You can learn more about Chris by reading her background information at http://eduscapes.com/sms/somers.html

Her professional interests and expertise includes the integration of technology into the curriculum, assistive technology, and grantwriting and funding opportunities. Use this opportunity to e-discuss with Chris these or other related topics.