A number of classes have been in the library creating awesome, interactive, online posters using Glogster.  The honors English 9 classes spent a week working in groups making Glogs about an American war, with emphasis on a song from the war.  They showcased their analysis of song lyrics and embeded video as well.  See the example below -- click on "Glogster" to see it full-screen.  Nice job freshmen!
 
New Tech Page 09/26/2011
 
Check-out our new page dedicated to hosting a collection of free websites that can be used by students and teachers to bring  useful technology into the classroom (and home).  See Mrs. Reiswig for more information about using any of these sites and for help incorporating these into your current lessons!  

Click on the "Free Technology" page on the left-hand menu for links.
 
 
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Good News! 
Our Library is Still Open!
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Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch will be reserved for book browsing or reading, as well as checking-out library books.
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Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at lunch will be reserved for using computers and printing. Quiet study is available at tables. REMEMBER: Printing costs $.10 cents a page now.


Every day after school the library is open for ALL services!  Plan ahead :-)
 
 
Congratulations to Mrs. Herlihy-Randall's 9th grade English students for creating original book videos using Animoto.com.   They applied their literary knowledge --- highlighting main character traits, conflicts, setting, and symbols from their chosen novels.  Watch the two class winners --- Janet Abarca's and Corinne Salas'!  Turn your sound on.
 
 
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ML Hamilton has been teaching high school English and journalism in Central California for the last 17 years. She has been writing fantasy since high school, but realized that bringing her novel to fruition might take some time. She chose the next best thing: sharing her love of literature with her students. 

Emerald is her first novel, but she has written five other books in the World of Samar series. She also has a contemporary fiction manuscript, entitled Ravensong, which made it to the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest in 2009.

As the mother of three teenagers and a house shared with four pets, writing provides a welcome escape from the complexity of a demanding schedule. 

Visit ML Hamilton at her website: www.worldofsamar.com.ragraph.
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Emerald
In one terrible instant, Kai is thrown from his privileged life and plunged into a conflict that began before he was born. Worse yet, he learns that the one man who can help him is his enemy. 

Kiameron is the crown prince of DiNolfol.  He is torn between two destinies - assuming the crown upon his father’s death or answering the call of his non-Human traits, abilities associated with the mysterious Stravad.

The decision is made for him with the destruction of everything he holds dear. Armed with his burgeoning powers and a mysterious talisman that he does not know how to use, Kai strikes back at Gava, the despot who destroyed his life.

Crippled by self-doubt and fear, he falters in his quest, until he meets a man who forces him to take action. However, his new ally is hiding
secrets, secrets that will rob Kai of everything he holds sacred.

  “... gut-wrenching sacrifice ... Wonderfully written.” ~ Karen Blakeney, author of Nathan: A Heart, A Storm, A Prayer

“Slick and gripping.”~ Lynne McLean, author of Brooklyn Bridge

“Style and voice, gripping and vivid.” ~ Osman Bangura, author of Cold Love
 
 
Below are some of the 70 new books we have in the library.  Many are award winners and "best books" as determined by the California School Library Association and various teen book review journals. (A few are from popular series too).  Stop-in to get one today, or read about the titles by clicking on the picture collage below!
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