Makerspace
& Programs
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Author Visits
As the budget and schedule allow, the library media center sponsors author visits every other year and/or cultural visits. Generously funded by PAC (Parent Action Committee), the Author in Residence program seeks to introduce students to published authors, provide writing workshops for interested students, and inspire students to read and write for pleasure.
Past Author Visits
In the 2017-2018 school year, PAC funded an author visit by Young Adult author Paul Volponi in celebration of Read Across America Day and to introduce our March Madness Reading Brackets. Students participated in two interactive assemblies with Paul and some students had lunch with him or attended a creative writing workshop.
In the 2015-2016 school year, PAC not only funded an author visit by Lynda Mullaly Hunt on Read Across America Day (March 2, 2016) but also a number of after-school author Skypes with Tim Green and Kwame Alexander in May.
Past author visits have included author Dr. Padma Venkatram in October 2014, poet/photographer Charles R. Smith Jr. in 2014 and 2012, Nora Raleigh Baskin in 2007 and 2009, and Will Hobbs, in 2008.
Charles R. Smith
Visited our 8th Grade students virtually on March 25th!
Nora Raleigh Baskin, Gae Polisner & Tom Rogers
Visited our 7th Grade Students virtually on March 24th!
Sarah Darer Littman
Visited Virtually on Friday, March 5th, 2021!
Lisa Schroeder
Visited Virtually on World Read Aloud Day (Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021)
Past One Book, One Community Program and Visiting Author Events
In order to build community, promote discussion of important topics, and promote a love of reading, the SDMS staff have participated in three One Book, One Community Read Aloud programs.
According to the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book, “One Book projects (community-wide reading programs), initiated by the Washington Center for the Book in 1998, are being introduced across the U.S.A. and around the world.”
In 2007, staff read aloud Basketball or Something Like it by Nora Raleigh Baskin in preparation for her visit. In 2008, eighth grade staff read Downriver and seventh grade staff read Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs. In 2010, staff read aloud Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin and conducted a number of staff and student activities related to autism awareness and the novel. Discussion guides, Jeopardy games, educational videos, and opportunities to question the authors about their writing process and book themes made the experience worthwhile for all involved. Click on the link to hear Nora discuss her book Anything But Typical.
Makerspace
In our Makerspace, we foster creativity, innovation, play, risk-taking, resourcefulness, and personalized learning by providing opportunities for creation, failure, problem solving, tinkering, wondering, taking of risks in our learning, and hands-on activities utilizing tools, technology and other materials. By encouraging student curiosity and pursuit of their own passions, we inspire and empower global citizens.
ASAP
(After School Achievement Program)
** Currently not running due to Covid-19 restrictions **
The library media staff offers late hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 3:30 p.m. through the Wethersfield Youth Services/ASAP Program for those who need help with a project, use of a computer, or are looking for a quiet place to do your homework. This service can be used on the weeks of ASAP sessions on a drop-in basis. Students needing transportation may take the late bus at 3:20 p.m. In addition, when intramural sports run, the library is open until 4:15 p.m.
We also offer Minecraft Mondays (fee and preregistration required) using Minecraft Edu in the fall and have started a Coding Workshop this winter. Students will have a choice to do Minecraft. High school students earn community service hours helping run these programs with the teacher librarian.
Scholastic Book Fairs
** Check Back for Dates on Upcoming Book Fairs **
Every year, the Library Media Center holds a Scholastic Book Fair/The Exchange in the fall to promote reading and raise funds to supplement the library budget. In May, we sponsor a Buy One, Get One Free Book Fair. The purpose of this fair is to provide an affordable way for students and teachers to build their personal libraries and promote summer reading. Parent volunteers are usually on hand to staff and support both of these events.
SDMS Literacy Committee
The SDMS Literacy Committee consists of staff from all subject areas and a representative from the Wethersfield Library. We meet monthly and plan fun activities for students to promote literacy.
Past Happenings & Events
2019 - 2020
September: Library Orientations, SDMS Scholastic Book Fair, and Legos
October: Makedo Cardboard and Literary Pumpkin Painting
November: Fall into a Good Book Drop Everything and Read Event and Keva Planks
December: More Recycled Book Art and Hot Cocoa Cafe Drop Everything and Read Event
January: Collaborative Mosaics
February: Love a Book Cafe Drop Everything and Read Event
March: Read Across America Spirit Week and Author Event with Sarah Darer Littman (postponed)
April: MS Nutmeg Nominees Voting
May: Memorial Day Choice Activities
June: Virtual Author Visit with Paul Volponi, Nora Baskin, and Gae Polisner
2018 - 2019
February Makerspace Activities: Making for Good
February: Black History Month Collaborative Mosaics: Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman
February 4-8: Duct Tape Creations
February 11-14: Cards/Valentines Cards
February 20-22: Make Dog Toys to Give to A Local Shelter
February 25-28: Make Fleece Blankets to Give to a Local Shelter
March 1 : Read Across America Day
March: March Madness Reading Brackets and Voting
April: Nutmeg Voting, Nutmeg Luncheon
April 22-26: Scholastic BOGO Book Fair