tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post8689158365776223206..comments2024-03-26T00:55:28.400-04:00Comments on The Daring Librarian: How to be a Teacher Librarian Rock Star @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-62926631981394382332023-02-14T02:27:25.280-05:002023-02-14T02:27:25.280-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.REDDYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08750089641520474134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-5568762229545240232022-03-12T09:22:40.583-05:002022-03-12T09:22:40.583-05:00Hello Mrs. Skittles! Kinda wish I had a real name ... Hello Mrs. Skittles! Kinda wish I had a real name for you and a way to contact you - but super thanks for your much appreciated comment. When I started this blog I wanted it to be a real resource for ideas, content, and advice - not some sugar coated BS that was only there to make me look good. Ppppphhhhht! Teacher Librarian REALNESS. What worked but most importantly, what didn't work. Didn't want anyone to make my same well intentioned mistakes! Reach out if you need me! See below.<br />Warmly, <br />~Gwyneth <br /><br />PS. To all the REAL commenters out there and not SPAMMERS: You are so appreciated and I love hearing from you! Sorry for the delay in replying - as you know, it's been a challenging couple of years and I had 487 SPAM comments to go through to find only 13 REAL ones! Daunting. But your comment was worth finding and publishing. If you ever have any questions or if I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me directly at Gwyneth Anne at G to the mail dot com. Best wishes, ~Gwyneth@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-18716597291360155092021-11-13T18:28:19.303-05:002021-11-13T18:28:19.303-05:00Hi Gwyneth,
I am currently in the same situation ...Hi Gwyneth, <br />I am currently in the same situation as a few of your past posters. I am just beginning the Teacher Librarian program and have been asked to do some online sleuthing to get deeper into the world of Teacher Librarian blogs. After reviewing quite a few and finding myself deeper and deeper into this, I have stopped for quite some time on your blog. It has quickly become my absolute favourite and this post, in particular, really spoke to me! I value and appreciate all of your honesty and advice. One of my favourites was your advice for the clipboard when you are just beginning your job as TL. This is such a simple idea but so smart and useful! Something I would definitely see myself trying in my Library. I also really appreciated your idea of trying 1 thing, especially in your first year. The idea of not overwhelming yourself and sticking to the basics is great advice to hear. Also, the idea you tagged along with that, about admitting when you are new is also something I needed to hear. I feel like as Teachers sometimes our experience is our badge of honour, so admitting we are new isn’t always easy. But I see and hear your point that admitting you are new with staff and students is a great tool to allow yourself that grace period as you continue to learn and grow as the TL. This can then lead to building positive relationships with your staff. And lastly, your graphics are amazing! They definitely kept me very focused on your blog posts and quickly became a favourite that I looked forward to seeing. <br />Thank you again for all of your information, advice and blog posts! I look forward to reading more. <br />TessaMrs. Skittleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06606096040659639444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-44048600336392809502019-02-16T08:05:31.199-05:002019-02-16T08:05:31.199-05:00Thank you so much, Julie for your kind comment. It...Thank you so much, Julie for your kind comment. It means the world to me. Laura's legacy will live on, kept vibrant by the students whose lives she touched, her family and friends who loved her, and all who were inspired by her sweet goodness. Long distance hugs to HI from MD! ~Gwyneth <br /><br />PS. I'm following you now on Twitter.@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-21467995414067892212019-02-13T14:51:05.773-05:002019-02-13T14:51:05.773-05:00Sweet Gwyneth, I came back to check on you in 2019...Sweet Gwyneth, I came back to check on you in 2019 and to see how your heart was. I had this feeling you would post a p.s. this year. And you did. God bless your sweet little heart for loving, writing and encouraging those around you to do the same. <br /><br />Lauren's story has interwoven into yours for a reason. When the blue does come back, embrace in for a moment and recognize that it has a legitimate reason to be there. Then reach out and let someone help walk with you on your path until the blue seems further away and not as strong. I have confidence you can do this and praying you forward.<br />Hugs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03494217157500025117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-78299133636955888322018-10-14T11:57:35.283-04:002018-10-14T11:57:35.283-04:00Dear, J. Flynn - Thank you so much for your commen...Dear, J. Flynn - Thank you so much for your comment! If you ever have any questions or need any help, you can email me or hit me up on Twitter. Good luck to you & it's all good to admit you're new, admit when you don't know something - but say you'll try and find out, and to only really focus on 1 big thing at a time. Kids first, always. The teachers, yes they are watching you, they will always watch you because we have a very visible job. Just try and be as transparent as possible, and do tell them now and then that our job NEVER includes reading books in school....unless it's to kids! LOL Cheers!<br />~Gwyneth @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-55515720411318370762018-10-13T19:08:28.950-04:002018-10-13T19:08:28.950-04:00As I take courses to earn a degree in School Libra...As I take courses to earn a degree in School Library Media and Technology, I find myself a bit overwhelmed when thinking about all the roles of being a librarian. I love the information I am learning and look forward to this new challenge. However, I am worried about transitioning into being a librarian and find myself more fearful than I was as a first year teacher. I think the biggest difference is a librarian has more eyes on them and more people depending on their abilities. <br /><br />I am thankful I stumbled upon this blog post because I find the information reassuring. I appreciate the suggestions of admitting you are new and focusing on one thing. As I mentally prepare myself for a change in responsibilities, you have pointed out simple ways to be successful while maintaining the respect of others. Just like in teaching, it is ok to perfect your craft over time. I plan on referring back to this post when I feel pressure to perform!<br /><br />- J. FlynnAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15658180173864494337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-56669900879432628452018-07-15T16:02:37.440-04:002018-07-15T16:02:37.440-04:00Dear Kim B, Thank you for your comment and more fo...Dear Kim B, Thank you for your comment and more for your kind words of comfort and support.<br /><br />I really like <br /><br />""When you are sad or mad about things you have no control over, go to the kids who make you smile and get you to focus on the good in the world." <br /><br />I wish I knew the name of this principal so I could credit him properly. I wish I knew your Twitter or Instagram name so I could follow you. I think we would be kindred spirits. That Anne girl of Green Gables had a lot of wisdom. <br /><br />On your tragic loss. I encourage you to write it out. Don't delete your feelings. It doesn't work. Just maybe don't publish them. But I can tell you that writing and updating this post and this tragedy has been helpful and healing. This quiet secret sharing. Not as a standalone blog post. That would seem somehow wrong or even exploitative - and yet, and yet, and yet....maybe it could be helpful? Because this reached you, and you reached out back to me, and I feel better for it. Wouldn't that be a good things? Because maybe we're helping each other by telling our stories. To start a conversation about school grief. To know that out there, in this world that can sometimes become so toxic, sad, discouraging with the inevitable and ongoing, since ancient times war, cruelty, political meanness, senseless violence and chaos , that horrible helpless feeling -- that there ARE WONDERFUL people out there who matter. Like your principal said, "go to the kids who make you smile and get you to focus on the good in the world." You matter. Our kids matter. Our schools matter. <br /><br />It's not weak to show feelings. But for me, it *is* super awkward. <br /><br />Thank you again, Kim B...whoever you are...for reaching out. You can find my email and if you would ever like to reach out. I'm here for you. <br />~Gwyneth @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-27704594427200937392018-07-13T21:28:41.661-04:002018-07-13T21:28:41.661-04:00Thank you for sharing your story. It is important ...Thank you for sharing your story. It is important and cathartic to let your feelings find a space outside of your head. I am still struggling with the loss of two of my high school students--Since my school was advisory/internship based, I had the same kids for all four years as their primary teacher. I actually just wrote about what happened to them, but deleted it. Maybe someday I will be brave like you and share the story to find a space to let it be. <br /><br />I am now a elementary school librarian and love my job. It is important to keep doing what makes you happy. I had a wise principal say to me, "When you are sad or mad about things you have no control over, go to the kids who make you smile and get you to focus on the good in the world." He was right.<br /><br />I wish you all the happiness in the world. I believe the ones you lose are never far from your heart, but they want you to keep moving and that is just what you are doing.<br />Best,<br />Kim B.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-26462082474553314682018-07-01T17:20:12.873-04:002018-07-01T17:20:12.873-04:00Hi Liz, WOW. I have been rendered unusually speech...Hi Liz, WOW. I have been rendered unusually speechless and humbled by your kind comment.Thank you. When you do decide to start up your Twitter please reach out to me and reference this comment and I will be proud to follow your adventures! <br />Cheers!<br />~Gwyneth @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-30458563799248230942018-07-01T15:46:03.081-04:002018-07-01T15:46:03.081-04:00Wow. What a great blog!
I am currently a music /Fr...Wow. What a great blog!<br />I am currently a music /French teacher who has begun my course work to become a teacher-librarian. I love what your blog has to say. I have read numerous posts and look forward to reading many more.<br />What excellent advice for people beginning out in the library, or even teaching for that matter.<br />Work Hard<br />Be Reliable<br />Be Reflective<br />Be Positive<br />I wrote them out here because I want to remember those four things myself.<br />When you said work hard I was glad that you also said work smart and don't be a martyr. It is so easy as a teacher of any kind to get so wrapped up in being the best teacher we can, that we lose our balance of life. Your advice was intelligent and blunt which I think is great. It spoke to me!<br />Reflecting on what you did that year is so huge. Taking time to tweak and hone our craft and recognizing that what might work one time might not work the next is really important.<br />Your reflection on the staff room made me sad. I am lucky because my staff are very positive and supportive in general and I like the staff room as a place to connect with the other teachers. But it is wise advice to know when a place you are hanging out is a negative place for you. I do strive to be a positive influence to everyone I work with; like you, I don't always succeed but trying is key.<br />I was particularly interested on your parts about getting social, branding myself and a mission statement. Even as I read this blog post I am reflecting on what my mission statement is as a music teacher and will be as I move into being in the library.<br />Thank you for all the practical suggestions, ideas and resources for how to delve into creating a brand for myself. I plan to use these in the future as I do this for my own teaching. It was great to remind us to look into our own district's policy on social media so we start out meeting their expectation too. But my favorite thing you mentioned was how you use a social media presence only for school. This really resonated with me. My family and I choose to keep a low profile on social media on purpose so we can have privacy for our family and reduce the amount of media time we have in our lives (Mentioned in an other post of yours). It really encouraged me that there is a way to create a presence for my school community while not making it personal. <br />I appreciate your wise advice and as a teacher-librarian rock star in the making, I look forward to reading more of your ideas and thoughts.<br />LizLiz Laforestnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-3134023336594723702018-07-01T09:03:29.444-04:002018-07-01T09:03:29.444-04:00Hi Dionne!
Thank you so much for your kind commen...Hi Dionne! <br />Thank you so much for your kind comments and your condolences. I took a week and half at my Coastal Cottage to decompress from this, the hardest school year I've had in 20 years. <br /><br />I'm glad this post was helpful! I think having a mission statement is super for the community but even more effective yourself - it helps you focus on your purpose. Sometimes I re-read mine to make sure it's still on point - and to make sure I'm focused on my priorities. <br /><br />If you should ever need me, please reach out on Twitter (referencing this comment) or email me! See the link to my contact page above. :-) ~Gwyneth @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-35242414245496136892018-06-30T15:47:32.041-04:002018-06-30T15:47:32.041-04:00Hi Gwyneth,
Like some of your other readers, I st...Hi Gwyneth,<br /><br />Like some of your other readers, I stumbled upon your blog as part of a Teacher Librarian course. Am I ever glad I did. This single post has more amazing advice than some entire blogs I have read. I also love the flair with which you write and design. It's clear that you know how to connect with students and the broader community. I will definitely be subscribing and checking out some of your other posts. I've been a classroom teacher for 15+ years, but I'm new to this whole world of librarianship and you have been very inspiring. I love the idea of beginning with a mission statement. There are so many aspects to the job and the field of education, it's important to decide what really matters to you to guide your work and keep you on track. I've tried to do that as a classroom teacher as see the value of it as I move into a new role. It's nice to learn there is so much support in the Teacher Librarian community, and I look forward to becoming a member some day soon.<br /><br />Also, I realize this post is a few months old now, but I wanted to offer my condolences for your tragic loss. I hope you have some time to grieve, rest, and take care of yourself now that the school year is over. <br /><br />Thanks for sharing.Ms. Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13357760979367559393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-45746282770140064782018-04-19T19:41:10.079-04:002018-04-19T19:41:10.079-04:00Awww Amanda! This is one of the nicest comments I&...Awww Amanda! This is one of the nicest comments I've ever gotten, thank you! I could give you a big hug right now! Who is your lucky mentor? I'd love to see if we could ever meet up at a conference or something. Reach out to me on Twitter or Instagram mentioning this comment and I'd love to follow you & keep in touch. Thanks again - you just made my week! ~Gwyneth @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-74668749583550272412018-04-15T13:54:35.827-04:002018-04-15T13:54:35.827-04:00Hi Gwyneth
What a wonderful blog to stumble upon. ...Hi Gwyneth<br />What a wonderful blog to stumble upon. I am actually in the same situation as your commenter Patti - new to blogs, in a librarianship program, learning to navigate new technology and ideas... I really appreciate your candor and am looking forward to continuing to follow your blog as I venture on this new career path. <br /> <br />Your comment about not trying to master everything at once, but to " master the foundation of the job, then you can start adding the sizzle" was very appreciated. Only 1 week into my new program and I am seeing the massive diversity that this career path brings with it. It is somewhat unnerving, in particular because my mentor is a teacher librarian rock star. But I think that that idea of perfection, especially when one has taken steps to become a specialist in one's field (ie librarianship) is quite natural. It's human nature to want to be the rock star we know we can be. Thank you for the reminder that rock star doesn't necessarily mean doing it all right now and to take the steps to support the journey like keeping the old school clipboard to do chart and connecting with other teacher librarians. If you had to go back to the beginning of your career, knowing what you know now, but could only start with one "sizzle", what would you try? <br /><br />Thank you for the advice that you have provided and the great tech tools you have listed. Upon reading your blog it was fun to get side tracked on to some of the web tools you use. Your use of graphics and flare showcase your enthusiasm for your profession and make me a bit more excited for this journey. <br /><br />I will be keeping you, your school and your community in my thoughts and heart as you move through the challenges that you have been faced with. Don't forget to follow your own advice and set up a support system and not try to overdo it in the face of such travesty. It is evident that you must be an excellent pillar of support for all those touched by the losses. <br /><br />Kind regards,<br />Amanda<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169291132467546859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-2103120254185718062018-04-09T20:54:35.881-04:002018-04-09T20:54:35.881-04:00My dear Auntie Lynn, I love you so. Thank you dear...My dear Auntie Lynn, I love you so. Thank you dear. <br />~Gwynnie@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-43164615506127332002018-04-08T10:57:19.151-04:002018-04-08T10:57:19.151-04:00My darling girl... This is the single most moving ...My darling girl... This is the single most moving blog post I have ever read. Ever. Yes, it ran the gamut of subjects and emotions and I cherished every single word. I felt your feelings - your enthusiasm, joys and pains. And when all the words and thoughts are tied together they paint such a perfect “picture” of my wonderful, sweet, generous, big-hearted Gwynnie, who I love and adore so much. I hope you never change a word of this post... it speaks from your heart and it speaks to ours. I love you so much. ♥️Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-14533625062206385052018-02-10T15:36:21.088-05:002018-02-10T15:36:21.088-05:00Thank you Audrey, my sweet Aussie friend for your ...Thank you Audrey, my sweet Aussie friend for your kind words. I will quietly grieve with you through these senseless tragedies. Hugs. Hope someday to come back to your lovely land.<br />~Gwyneth@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-89233232537358359372018-02-06T23:56:38.457-05:002018-02-06T23:56:38.457-05:00Gwenyth,
Thank you for being you. You are not onl...Gwenyth,<br /> Thank you for being you. You are not only daring, but caring! <br />I am so sorry to hear about the many very sad & unfair happenings in your area. <br />I cannot imagine the depth of your grief as I know how very affected I was by the death of one of our teachers who came from another area....but was at her school preparing her lessons for the casual, for her upcoming wedding and honeymoon the next week. The cleaner- yes the cleaner ! No-one could have predicted that. So many were affected. Her fiance lived through what was so cruel-typically being a suspect on top of his loss. I felt uncomfortable from that day on just being at school on my own....before I had been happy and unconcerned. <br />Please take care of yourself and take the time to grieve. I loved your brick Audrey Nayaudreynayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06683519033385639925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-75854854863107182972018-02-03T10:55:00.362-05:002018-02-03T10:55:00.362-05:00Hey Janene! Thank you for your kind comments &...Hey Janene! Thank you for your kind comments & heartfelt encouraging message. It's really never been easy for me talking feelings and emotions too much - I've always been a private person. <br /><br />Which is funny, because I've always been a super talkative outgoing voluble gregarious person - just not about serious stuff. I like to joke around that I'm deeply shallow! <br /><br />But, you're right - maybe showing my vulnerability side rather than my faux Vulcan side, is not only healthier but more authentic. I'm 52 - I guess it's never too late for personal growth. Thank you for being so genuine & caring. Please reach out to me if you're on Twitter, I'd love to keep in touch! And even if you only lurk & listen - it's the BEST way to connect, get great Edu & TL ideas, and to get inspired! <br /><br />Cheers dear!<br />~Gwyneth <br /><br /><br />@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-58990744448262963372018-02-03T10:44:01.766-05:002018-02-03T10:44:01.766-05:00Thanks Patti for your kind words & helpful com...Thanks Patti for your kind words & helpful comment! Welcome to the world of blogs! What class are you taking and with whom? Do you have a class hashtag? I'd love to say Hi & keep in touch! <br /><br />I'm glad you found the graphics engaging and helpful - I'm a visual writer and learner! LOL<br /><br />One thing. That's all you, or anyone, needs to keep in mind. It's so easy to get overwhelmed but when you narrow your focus, things become really do-able! <br /><br />Other blogs you might want to check out - Tiffany Whitehead - Mighty Little Librarian & Jennifer La Garde - Adventures of Library Girl - and of course MY mentor - Dr. Joyce Valenza - Never Ending Search blog! <br /><br />Cheers dear & stay in touch! Tweet me, mention this comment, & I'll be sure to follow you back! <br />~Gwyneth @GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-77895956129073197212018-02-02T19:37:46.546-05:002018-02-02T19:37:46.546-05:00Thanks for your practical library advice - makes s...Thanks for your practical library advice - makes such sense and aspects I’ve practiced as a teacher over the years. I’m 50 and have just started my new career in the library and studying my Masters in Education library studies part-time so are trying to soak in all advice and strategies, yours are fantastic- practical and inspirational.<br /><br />Thanks also for your vulnerability in sharing your hurt. Don’t be Vulcan. I’ve been through tough things in my life and had to “put things in boxes on the shelf” in order to get through work and raise my kidlets. But if things stay in boxes at some time, all the lids come flying off and you get hit in the head, heart and guts with full whammies!<br />Model to your kiddos a person who is hurt and how to handle that healthily. Hiding it or being Vulcan isn’t healthy (from one who tried both). Do with your kiddos and colleagues what you’ve done with us, tell them you’re hurting, your grieving, you’re sad and you don’t know why bad things happen to good people. Tell them you’re feeling angry and struggling to forgive but you hope, with God’s strength, to one day forgive. <br />Tell God your mad, etc. He’s big enough to take it! Ask Him to help you learn to forgive as you don’t want to be be bound by anger etc. as the #%# boyfriend and all the bad stuff wins. <br /> I used to think that forgiveness was simply words said and “letting someone off the hook”. But now I know it releases us from their hold and also from bitterness.<br />I used to think vulnerability was a synonym for weakness and something I wanted to avoid at all costs. But now I know that vulnerability is actually central to my emotions and feelings, the very thing that allows me to love, take risks, be real and experience joy - I trust you’ll find the same.<br />Thanks for your courage and I’ll pray for you and your school.Janenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-568209219910498692018-01-31T17:27:18.420-05:002018-01-31T17:27:18.420-05:00Today is actually my first day at diving into the ...Today is actually my first day at diving into the world of blogs. It is an assignment for a teacher-librarian course I am taking. I have spent several hours finding and reading many, many posts. There were lots that had ideas that I could pull and learn from. I had spotted your blog as I went through a list I found online. The title caught my eye “How to be a Teacher Librarian Rock Star”. It was a perfect hook to get me to read your post. I am a music specialist and you know that there is a big correlation between rock starts and music. <br /><br />I have read so much since the start of this course. Besides your title for your blog, it was your use of a variety of styles of graphics that brought me back to actually read through everything. A lot of the information you mention has been covered in my course work; however, it was great to read and see everything in such an eye-catching format. <br /><br />You have provided so many suggestions, with links to past posts. This makes a wonderful source for developing ideas for my library. Your words of wisdom for new librarians starting out are so on the mark too. <br /><br />With deep cuts to education funding for the past 15 years, many of the libraries where I live, faced drastic cuts. Teacher-Librarians are now being hired again. As new people are trained and step into these roles, I really appreciate your last piece of advice, “just do your best, that’s all we can really do & remember – it’s NOT about US…it’s about the kids.”<br /><br /><br />Pattinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-37635178949221700562018-01-28T19:07:08.291-05:002018-01-28T19:07:08.291-05:00Thank you Melissa. I do try to keep it real. For g...Thank you Melissa. I do try to keep it real. For good or for ill - I be illin sometimes, goofy most times, but this year has been exhausting. Your kind words mean the world to me. ~G@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4128908838311784462.post-451841633749308582018-01-23T14:11:55.551-05:002018-01-23T14:11:55.551-05:00I'm reading your post for the first time. You&...I'm reading your post for the first time. You've impressed me with so many interesting ideas! We've worked diligently to change the culture in our Library. (Grades 7-12), I, too have tried to .... <br />Work hard, Be Reliable, Be Reflective, and Be Positive! I've made our main objective for this space to be SAFE. This has proven to be successful! Jr/Sr High students seem to LOVE coming to the Library! Imagine that!?! :-) They also enjoy seeing themselves on my Instagram (because they understand my FB page is family & friends, and I try to keep them separated). <br /><br />What has also moved me is your transparency. Life is HARD! and UNFAIR! I am saddened by your grief and the trauma your school family has experience. One thing I have learned in the last 15 years of working with students is they respect and appreciate seeing an Adult "be real". Life & death cannot get any more "real". I pray peace and healing will cover you. Sincerely, MLSMelissa L Starks (MLStarks28 on Instagram)noreply@blogger.com