Author: CJUSD

CHS Multimedia News

December 1, 2008
Volume 12, Issue 2

The Pursuit of Information Literacy

CSLA Convention

Teen Favorites– Popular Homework Websites
Google- http://www.google.com
I Google– from Google Accounts
Wikipedia–http://www.wikipedia. com

On Friday November 21-Saturday November 22, 2008, I attended the California School Library Association Annual Convention in Sacramento. I uncovered many amazing things that will improve my professional practices. I attended workshops ranging from grant writing, California Young Medals Award, and screen casting.

I also met librarians throughout the state of California. While I will communicate with most of these educators on the online CSLA List Serv, I will be able to keep in touch with local professionals.
I hope to incorporate some of these ideas at the CHS library. First, I would like to start a book club in January. Perhaps, I will utilize Jing for informational literacy lessons. I also plan on applying for grants that will increase the number of resources available to students.
I look forward to attending next year’s conference in Ontario, Ca. Since it’s nearby, fellow colleagues may also be able to attend.

Volume 12, Issue 2

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Spirit of Thanks

To celebrate Thanksgiving, CHS Library will include a “Spirit of Thanks” week. Each day, visitors will listen to an array of popular songs to explain what we are grateful for this year.
Monday November 17, 2008-Band Performance
Tuesday November 18, 2008 Heroes & Role Models
Wednesday November 19, 2008- Friendship
Thursday November 20, 2008– Family
Friday November 21, 2008– Compilation of Thanksgiving Songs
Students may also participate in making a “Spirit of Thanks” book. The writer will express gratitude to a special person with poems, pictures, letters, etc. The books will be delivered to the person sixth period on Friday November 21, 2008.

“As we express our gratitude, we must not forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy

Audio Books & Second Language Materials

As I have looked through the library collection, I have noted there are limited resources for struggling readers. First, there are no audio books in the collection. For my second major library purchase, I will be happy to include titles for purchase. If you can send me a list of suggested titles, I will greatly appreciate it.
I have also re shelved the fiction section to place the Spanish language novels in its own place. These follow the end of the general fiction titles. However, I would also like to know which second language titles to add to the collection.

Noteworthy Teen Reference Source

: December Teen Reference Site of the Month-Internet Public Library Teenspace _
Near the new computer terminals, I placed a suggestion box for students to include their favorite websites for completing homework assignments. I included these on the front of the news letter. A few students responded with the standard sites of Google and Wikipedia.
I would like to suggest a different website students may find useful. The Internet Public Library (IPL) Teenspace Page includes hyperlinks for homework help, graphic novels, money & work, health related issues, etc. Since the site is sponsored by Internet Public Library, the information will be accurate and useful.

Volume 12, Issue 2

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CHS Profile: Math and Science Day by Mrs. Carla Garcia, Edited by Ms. April Geltch

On Friday November 14, 2008, Mr. Stein, Mr. Golgart and I (Mrs. Garcia) attended the Math and Science Appreciation Day at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) with 62 students from Colton High. This is a local outreach program SVBC has sponsored over the past two or three years (as far as I know). The students were divided into groups and escorted around campus to several short workshops as well as an hour long hands-on math or science activity. These workshops included glass blowing demonstrations, a visit to the planetarium, chemistry and physics demonstrations, DNA extraction in the biotechnology lab, and several activities. All students received information about registration and financial aid. Finally, we were treated to a lunch of barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs. The faculty and staff at Valley College were all very accommodating, and put in countless hours planning and organizing this event. Based on the feedback that I got from the students who attended, they had a great time, and many were expressed a new found interest in science.

Academic Resources-CAHSEE Preparation

Many CHS students need to pass the CAHSEE exam in order to graduate. There are several opportunities for students to pass the exam throughout the school year. These additional resources may be helpful in their preparation.
Mathematics Study Guide
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/mathguide.asp
Study Zone Guide
http://www.studyguidezone. com/cahseetest.htm
English Sample Test
http://www.sccoe.org/depts/svitv/writersworkshop/CAHSEEStudyGuideRev.pdf

ELD Open House by Ms. Ajoke Adefeso, Edited by Ms. April Geltch

On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, the ELD Department held its first EL Open House, for parents and students, who have a first language other than English.
The turnout was a success. We had between 40-50 parents and students in attendance. CHS faculty included Principal – Robert Verdi, VP – Scott Boggs, Director, Language Support Services Bertha Arreguin, Curriculum Program Specialist – Cheryl Graybill, EL counselor – Myrna Cardenas and EL teachers – Stephanie Balistreri, Jannet Torres and Patricia Yorba-Wyant, and Teacher on Assignment- ELL Ajoke Adefeso.
Parents and students enjoyed dinner and desert, before introductions were made. We discussed the Home Language Survey, CELDT, and the new EL program Language! 4th Edition textbook adoption.
Guests also saw a short DVD film, titled “Immigrant Student Voices” where students related their experiences in an EL program. Our own students realized they were not alone after hearing these stories. Cheryl Graybill encouraged parents to participate in ELAC, (English Learners Advisory Committee). Myrna Cardenas provided information regarding ACT/SAT exams, requirements for graduation and other beneficial pamphlets.
The EL Open House was a great success, and the first of many to come!

Thanksgiving is the one day that is ours. Thanksgiving is the one day that is purely American”.
O’Henry

Colton High

CHS Multimedia News

Contact Information:
Ms. April Geltch, School Librarian
Email: april_geltch@colton.k12.ca.us
Phone: (909)580-5005, Ext 2343
Mr. Jose Calderon: Library Technician
Email: jose_calderon@colton.k12.ca.us
Phone: (909)580-5005, Ext 2342
Geltch Library Reference Site
http://ageltch.googlepages.com/

The library is open on Monday-Friday from 7:15-3:30 PM. Please let Ms. Geltch know when your classes are coming in for a class visit. Library orientations and trainings can then be arranged.