MSMS Library

Check out some of the best websites for the classroom... Best of the Web Nov. 2012 from Richard Byrne

Start downloading now!  Two free audiobooks are available every week this summer from Sync Summer 2012.  This week there are two great choices: The Eleventh Plague and The Grapes of Wrath. The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch In an America devastated by war and plague, the only way to survive is to keep moving.

 In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two-thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade. But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst

Attention MSMS Faculty and Staff: Can you accept this challenge?  Read a book a day for summer break?  When we read, we inspire our students to be readers as well. 4th Annual Book-a-Day - The Book Whisperer - Education Week Teacher

Watch Raina Telgemeir accept the 2012 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award for her graphic memoir, "Smile," and listen to her talk about about creating cartoons and graphic novels. 

      I just picked up Temple Grandin : How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery this afternoon thinking I would read one or two chapters.  A couple of hours later, I turned the final page and knew I had to blog about it.    This is a biography about a woman who is amazing in so many ways.  She is a scientist, an engineer, a professor, an animal rights advocate, a speaker and so much more.  Grandin was diagnosed with autism as a young child but at a time when the disorder was not well understood.  Thanks to her mother, Grandin attended school and was not institutionalized as her father wished.       As Grandin grew up she developed an understanding of the way she perceives the world and she recognized her deep connection to animals.  She harnessed her visualization skills and her understanding of animal behavior and has invented many systems used in ranches, feed lots and slaughter houses to increase the quality of life for these animals.

'My name is August, by the way. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.' 10 year old August was born with facial abnormalities.  He looks very different from you or I.  Both children and adults look away when passing him in the street.  Due to his recurring surgeries, he has never attended school but that is about to change.  Wonder takes us through Auggie's first year of middle school and all of its ups and downs.     New York Times Book Review

When asking students where they got their information or image, I often hear the answer "Google" or "Google Images"  This is just a friendly reminder that Google is not a source of information.  Google is the tool (in this case a "web browser") that we use to locate sources of information like specific websites, blogs, images or videos.   Image source: http://www.unshelved.com/2007-10-27

General Information: Kodu Challenge is a statewide game development contest broken down into two categories: grades 4-6 and grades 7-12. It is your job to create a fun, innovative game using Microsoft Kodu game development software. If you do not have Kodu installed, you can download it for free here: http://fuse.microsoft.com/page/kodu. How to Enter: You can enter either as a team or an individual. If you are part of a team, your team captain must be 13 years of age or older. Teams must also be no larger than 4 members. If you are entering as an individual and are not 13 years of age, a teacher must be your captain and submit your entry for you. Each individual or team may only submit one game. Click here to register your team and get started. If you have already registered but forgot your login information, e-mail our support staff at celia@digitalwish.org. Prizes : One grand prize winner will be awarded an Xbox 360 with Kinect, courtesy of Microsoft. Runners up will re

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is the winner of the 2012 DCF Award.  It is a fantastic graphic novel memoir.  If you haven't read it, pick up a copy at the MSMS Library. 

Witty, intelligent, and beautiful, Ophelia is Queen Gertrude ’s favorite lady-in-waiting. Handsome, determined, and in possession of a very dark secret, Prince Hamlet falls in love with her. They meet in secret, guarded by their friend Horatio . But before long, Elsinore Castle becomes a treacherous place, and Ophelia must make a decision. After realizing a frightening thing, Ophelia knows what she must do- and it may cost her life. Summary by Rachel Sucher, Grade 6 This book is available in the MSMS Library. Thank you to Rachel Sucher for contributing this blog post.

The new DCF list for 2012-2013 is now available! Check it out HERE ! We will open voting for this year's winner on March 26th. Come to the library to cast your vote. Check out the DCF Blog to read what other kids around Vermont thought about the books.  You can add your comments too.  See Ms. Chabot or Mr. Brown if you need help.

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey. From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

This book is the source of the "Question Sea" graphic organizer that Patti shared at a recent faculty meeting. There are many more activities for building reading comprehension. Find it in the professional collection in the library (PROF 428.40 ZWI). Teaching Reading Sourcebook was a teacher recommendation for the library. Find it in the professional collection in the library (PROF 372.4 HON). We welcome all suggestions for new additions to our collection.

Last call for Poets!!! All poems need to be submitted to Ms. Chabot by February 10th. Please share a google doc with Ms. Chabot and title it: PoemCity2012_Your Last name.

Spies have been part of our history in times of war and peace alike. In this information-packed--and fun to read-- book, the author sheds light on some fascinating characters and events, including George Washington’s spy ring during the American Revolution, cold war spy planes over enemy territory in the 20th Century, and modern cyber-espionage. Much of the gadgetry and technology used in spying are revealed here, making for fascinating reading. Most of all, the behind-the-scenes stories of men and women who choose a life of spying and danger will likely keep the reader turning pages to see what happens next. Reviewed by Mr. Brown

Faculty and Staff: Please join the Tech Committee for a hands-on workshop on using Microsoft word to create rubrics and graphic organizers. Tuesday January 24th, 7:30 AM MSMS Computer Lab Healthy snacks and coffee provided by the MEA

At twelve years old, Daralynn Oakland finds her family life shattered by the sudden death of her father and brother in a plane crash. While she and her mother grieve and try to hold things together, everything seems to happen at once in the small town where they live: life-changes, broken-hearted neighbors and relatives--even the mystery of a dead body in the local lake. Although sad things happen in this beautifully written book, it is ultimately a healing story told with great humor and positive life-force. GROUNDED is a novel about love, funerals, and creative hair-styling; about community and inner strength. It’s a tale rich with unforgettable characters and events, told with humor and imagination in the voice of brave, compassionate Daralynn. Reviewed by Mr. Brown