AHOY THERE MATEYS....our reading motivation theme for 2013-2014 will be
"Arrrr... Books - a treasure greater than GOLD"
We will enjoy a "pirate" theme and hope to excite and motivate our students to read, read, read! Please be sure to remind your children to write the titles of the books that they have read on their reading list.
Completed lists = Prizes
All third through fifth grade students are encouraged to participate in our Accelerated Reader program. After reading a book designated as an AR book, the student can take a short test of five to ten questions on the AR computer in their classroom. These tests check their comprehension of what they have read and the students receive points based on the number of questions they get correct. Classroom teachers help the students set goals for the number of points they should receive each grading period. They also help each student find their appropriate reading level. At the end of each grading period, students who reach their goal will be able to spend the points they have earned at the AR store.
Check out these terrific Internet sites.
----- Search Engines------
A search engine especially for children.
Terrific sites chosen especially for children by North Carolina librarians.
A fast, easy way to get answers to questions. Ask a question and receive the one web site that will answer it.
Created by librarians in an effort to guide children to valuable and age appropriate web sites.
------Research and much more------
An excellent research tool for the students of North Carolina.
A publication of the NC Secretary of State's Office. Contains information, fun, and games about North Carolina.
Information about the official symbols of North Carolina from the North Carolina State Library.
An award-winning site on the solar system especially for children by NASA.
A great site to help students improve their math skills interactively...flashcards, games, homework helper.
A great site for kids by the largest publisher of children's books in the world.
Plagiarism is against the law in North Carolina. Look here to find out what you need to know to avoid it.
In 1986, the Williamsburg School library started an Adopt-a-Book program. Through this program, it is possible to make a donation to the library (a minimum of $5.00) and have a new book placed in the library in honor of whomever you wish. This could be in honor of a child, a birthday, a child's teacher, "graduation" from Williamsburg School, a memorial, etc. Students love to see a book in the library with their name inside. It's also a nice way to remember a teacher at Christmas or during Teacher Appreciation Week. Because books generally cost from $17.00 - $22.00, we must ask for a minimum of $7.00, though more would be greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of the book. Interested? Contact Mrs. Ledford or Mrs. Isley.
Do you have a few minutes to spare? Do you want to help the children and staff of Williamsburg School? The school library is always in need of volunteers. Whether it's ten minutes or two hours, once a week or once in a while, we have something for you to do to help our students. There are always books to shelve and we'll show you how. The sooner we get the books back on the shelves, the easier it is for teachers and students to find the materials they are looking for. There are also many other ways you can help in the library which will impact every one in the school. Come see us!
N. C. Children's Book Award
In March, the K-3rd grade children and staff at Williamsburg enjoy all of the wonderful picture books nominated for the North Carolina Children's Book Award. Each year approximately 15 books are selected from the dozens nominated for this award by the children of North Carolina. At Williamsburg, guest readers from our staff, the school system's central office, and our community share these books with our students. Sometimes the guests go all out, arriving with book-related props and costumes, but the book is always the star. Every four years we tie in our NCCBA voting with the national election. The students go through the entire election process... registering to vote, getting to know the candidates, voting in the primary, campaigning for their class' candidate in the halls and at the convention, and placing their final vote in real voting booths.
Fourth and fifth grade students read and vote on a different set of nominees under the Junior Book category. Since the majority of these books are chapter books, the books are introduced to the students early in the fall. Multiple copies are available for check out by individual readers, as well as by the fourth and fifth grade teachers for a class read-aloud. Mrs. Ledford shares some of the shorter books during March. The students must hear or read a minimum of five books to be allowed to vote.
National Library Week
In April, the students of Williamsburg join the nation in celebrating the wonderful world of libraries.
Welcome to the Bookmobile!
Williamsburg School is very lucky to be a stop for the Rockingham County Public Library Bookmobile. Brenda and Angie bring the wonders of the public library right to our door the second Wednesday of every month from 9:00 - 3:30. All Williamsburg first through fifth graders with Rockingham County Public Library cards are invited to check out five books at a time. Any student who does not have a public library card can get a request form from Mrs. Ledford, the school librarian. Parents and members of the community are also invited to visit the bookmobile during its monthly visit.
The Williamsburg School Library holds two book fairs a year to raise money to purchase books and other materials for the library. In addition, book fair profits are used to bring wonderful performances (Poetry Alive, The Healing Force, David Holt) to the school for the enjoyment of all the students. The fall book fair is held the last week in September and is always open at the school's annual Harvest Festival, the last Saturday in September. The second book fair is held in April and ties in with the school's annual Spring Fling. Both book fairs are provided by Scholastic Book Fairs which carries such favorites as Franklin the turtle, Clifford the big red dog, and Arthur the aardvark.