Roger with Jo Kirkbride,'07 President

 

 

 

See below for some thoughts from the people with whom Roger has worked most closely in the last few years.

 

Roger, with appreciation for all you have accomplished for MAME, we wish you the best!

 
From Judy Hauser, '08 President:"Over the years when Roger would call me at work we always had good conversations about MAME and media specialists. I don't know why, but whenever Roger would start out by saying, "Judy (pause) well, there is something we have to talk about" I always felt like I was about to be admonished for something I did or didn't do. Roger was always very calm and very nice on these phone conversations but I still felt like a kid about to get into trouble. Then, much to my relief, we would talk about a MAME issue or make plans for a meeting. I must have felt a momentary tinge of guilt because A) I was guilty or B) it was THE ROGER ASHLEY on the other end of the phone!

It has been a great experience and pleasure to work with Roger over the last several years on the Executive Committee. He has been very much involved with talks in Lansing and has been able to provide advice and influence to those who make decisions in K-12 education. And, of course, Roger is always aware of what's going on with media specialists in the state and his opinions on media center matters are valued.

He has always been a very wise and calming influence and he will be sorely missed. Just when you wanted to work up a good snit
about something Roger could talk you down from the ledge. Thank you Roger and congratulations!"

From Marsha Lambert, '06 President: "Roger has been a reference guru for many years. MAME members overflowed his conference sessions, but many did not realize that Roger truly knows the ins and outs and Who's Who of the library world. At my first ALA Midwinter Conference as MAME President-Elect, Roger pointed out the movers and shakers and policy makers at the Boston conference. And of course they knew HIM! He made sure we attended the ALA President's Reception. Just as I worked with teachers, students and school board members locally, he moves among the national policy makers and has ensured that MAME leaders are aware of the necessary background. Roger has made sure MAME is a visible, active presence in Michigan and nationally as well.
When we encountered challenging situations, Roger's calm voice on the phone always put things in perspective and provided balance. He has been a tremendous gift to all MAME members. Benefitting from Roger's wisdom, kindness and mentoring was truly one of the highlights of being a MAME president. I will always be grateful for his leadership and guidance. As he moves on to his next set of adventures he goes with the good will, blessings and gratitude of those of us lucky enough to work with him."

 

From Joanne Steckling, '05 President: "I think Roger will always be "Mr. MAME" for me.
I can't remember a time when he wasn't a large presence in the organization. He is a past president (1986), and his conference sessions on reference materials were always standing-room only-who would think REFERENCE materials could be so entertaining? I know a few current media specialists who were his former students in Bloomfield Hills, and I strongly suspect that he was an influence in their career choice.

In his time as Executive Director, he has provided continuity for the organization by gently bringing each new group of officers up to speed, quietly imparting the wisdom gained from years of history with the organization, and allowing each person to realize their potential for leadership. Thank you, Roger, for all you have done for MAME!"

 

From Teri Terry, '01 President: "One memory I have of Roger was at the ALA Midwinter in Washington D.C.  Roger always was very non-intrusive and went about his business(saying hello to his many friends from the ALA side of things), however; every time Ginger and I turned around he was there.  We saw him in meetings, while shopping, and even in a highly recommended restaurant.  We decided to join him and was regaled with story upon story of past actions by AASL/ALA/MAME.  We all missed our next meeting, but it certainly was well worth the listening time.  Roger is a vast wealth of knowledge and history.  He is the foundation of our profession in the state as well as the nation.  He's also a wonderful friend and story teller!!"

From Ginger Sisson, '02 President:
"Although Teri Terry led the way for me and taught me the ropes of what it meant to be a MAME President, it was Roger Ashley who was always there when a difficult decision had to be made or a policy understood. Both Teri and I leaned on him, and he never failed us. Later, it was Karen Lemmons that I was mentoring, and again, it would be Roger who helped us through the tough stuff.

 
"Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer - Those days of soda, and pretzels, and professional development...".
Oh, dear.  That doesn't sound very enticing.  Perhaps another approach:

 Are you looking for the chance to dazzle your colleagues?  Impress your building cohorts with your keen insights on cross-curricular lessons and applications?  Claim the title of Queen (or King) of Collaboration?  Then come to Holt High School on June 24th for the second Michigan Joint Education Conference.  Seventeen professional organizations - including MAME - are hosting a one-day workshop on integrating instruction across multiple subjects.  You can check out the sessions and find registration information at http://www.mijec.org/ .  Be sure to sign up for the discounted partner rate!

 Are you looking forward to catching up on your summer reading?  Searching for innovative ideas to spark your students' interest in exploring books?  Are you ready to tackle cutting-edge comprehension strategies and tweak your literacy lessons into the 21st Century?  Then come to the Ingham ISD on July 7th for the MAME Summer Institute with literacy expert Judi Moreillon (http://www.storytrail.com/ ).  The day includes presentations, professional sharing, a collegial lunch, and lesson development work time.  You can register right through the MAME site (http://www.mimame.org ).  Bring along a teacher or administrator, and you get half off their registration!

 Are you feeling a little bit behind, technology-wise?  Are you bewildered by blogs and a little uncertain about casting pods?  Do you feel like a digital immigrant who missed the boat?  Then come hone your tech skills by the shores of beautiful Lake Macatawa!  The MAME Summer Technology Academy, August 5th and 6th, offered in partnership with the GVSU School of Education at their Holland campus, features half-day sessions on Web 2.0 applications, Google tools, podcasting, and movie making.  Go to the MAME home page for further details (http://www.mimame.org/ ).  Sign up for one day - or both!
 
One final note on the topic of professional development:  I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Roger Ashley for his many years of service as our Executive Director.  Throughout his entire tenure, Roger has helped develop an entire generation of leaders.  He has graciously guided and nurtured a host of MAME officers, enriching our professional experiences and ensuring the future of our organization.   Farewell, Roger - and a thousand thanks!

Ah - Is there any finer time for the school librarian (or library media specialist - "your title here") than summer?  Time to catch up on those books you heard about all year, but couldn't find the time to read.  Maybe that great new novel for your book club, some school - related YA books, a little non-fiction, even a good "beach read" or two.  But sometimes I'm not quite sure what to read next - so I need a little help.  Here's a brief collection of what I hope are helpful web sites and blogs about books.  I'll start with two of our great resources from here in Michigan and then just share a few others as fun and useful examples.  Have a great summer of reading.
· MEL - Books and Reading Gateway

MEL has some great book stuff - here's one entry point:
· Mame Interactive

Several good wikis for us all to participate in sharing our favorites
· Flashlight Worthy
"Handpicked book recommendations on hundreds of topics."

· Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast 
"A blog about books"

· Likely Stories - A Booklist Blog 
Booklist staff writes about books and publishing

· Pop Goes the Library

"Using Pop Culture to Make Libraries Better"

· Librarian by Day
"Reviews and other babble about teen literature"

· School Library Journal's Blogs
from SLJ

· Dear Librarian
From the head librarian of the American School of Bombay

 

And now..... presenting the suggested reads!
The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and Friendship by Jeffrey Zaslow

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

The Libba Bray series - A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, A Sweet Far Thing - a great read for those who miss the Twilight Series. 
 
Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris. A combination of mystery, history, flashbacks and superb human insight, the main characters will place you in France along the Loire both now and during WWII--you will not be able to put this book down.  
Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick. Although aimed at 7-12th grade readers, I thought it was one of the most inspirational, emotional and insidiously funny books I have read; a fast read, too.

 

Physics for Future Presidents: the science behind the headlines  by Richard Muller.  "explanations of the science behind issues facing the United States during the early twenty-first century, discussing dirty bombs, energy alternatives, radioactivity, space exploration, and global warming" and while that MIGHT sound boring, it is all headlines and the reality (plus science in everywoman's words) behind them!  Almost as fascinating as E! on TV.  A great bathroom book as you can pick it up and read a chapter here and there.  Or there."

 

Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost
(subtitle: the strange and true story of one man's attempt to understand the world's most mystifying nation, or, How he became comfortable eating live squid)  NOT a travel book but an insight into why we all need to learn Chinese, with wonderful anecdotes from Troost's lengthy stay in Asia.  You'll laugh, you'll cry...it was better than CATS!  With a little Hoisin sauce...

Mancelona Schools Chooses Media Specialist as this Year's OPIE

 

In these times when educational positions are being drastically cut, Media Specialists feel especially anxious about the prospect of their jobs. The future of school libraries and the people who run them are at risk. One Media Specialist in Northern Michigan stands out from this trend.
Elizabeth Van Pate, Media Specialist of Mancelona Public Schools, was chosen by her fellow educators as this year's OPIE (Outstanding Person in Education).  Elizabeth Van Pate, a 2004 graduate of Florida State University's Library and Information Science program, officially accepted the honor at a dinner held on May 7.
"Mancelona Public Schools embrace the concept of teachers working collaboratively," says Mrs. Van Pate. "Teachers here want to work with me to make learning more engaging for the students."
With higher expectations from the State's education department, student success is even more critical than it has been in the past. Mrs. Van Pate incorporated technology into the classrooms, Media Center, and computer labs and has taught teachers and students how to use it.
Mrs. Van Pate says, "so many students live in a technology-rich environment, and when they walk through the front doors of many schools, they become disengaged because we need to do a better job engaging them." Mrs. Van Pate is completing her second year of teaching in Mancelona.

Tuesday July 7, 2009

 2630 W. Howell Rd, Mason (just s of Lansing)

 

 Judi Moreillon, M.L.S., Ph.D., will provide us with examples of exemplary, co-taught lesson plans for teaching reading comprehension strategies in the context of classroom-library collaboration. She will make specific connections between reading comprehension and 21st-century information literacy skills.

 

Plan to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. To receive SB-CEU's, you must be signed in before the program begins at 9:30 am.

Online registration is now available on the MAME website for the first MAME Summer Academy, in partnership with the School of Education at Grand Valley State University.  Barbara LaBeau, Coordinator of the M. Ed. School Library Media Services Program, is working with MAME to present a two-day hands-on technology program for our members.

ROUNDTABLES - CALL FOR PRESENTERS
If you have a topic you would like to share with others at the conference but don't have enough information to fill an hour please fill out and submit the Roundtables - Call for Presenters Form.

 

Media Matters in Michigan!

 

When you receive your Knowledge Quest in the mail this week you may think that this is a special Michigan issue. Look at our representation:




 

 Kindles:
WE LOVE IT!
My brothers and I just purchased one for my 93-year-old mother for her birthday.  I read a couple of books on it before wrapping it up for the birthday party and was totally hooked.  I will probably purchase one for myself in the near future. The books download in an instant from literally anywhere.  The font size can be adjusted at several levels and can be as large as the font in large print books. 
The need for large print was the primary factor in getting the Kindle for my mother.  Now, rather than waiting for the books she wants to read to be published in large print, she can have any book she wants at any time.  She is adapting well and is finishing up her first book.  The Kindle would also be a great device for folks with other types of limitations, such as the inability to hold heavy books or turn the pages.
Among its many other features, the Kindle has a built-in dictionary, has a direct link to Wikipedia, can be used to access one's e-mail and enables one to travel with endless numbers of books to read.   I think every librarian/media specialist/book lover on the planet should have one!  Mary James

 

My assistant principal purchased a Kindle to use while pursuing his PHD.  He now has the ability to send .pdf documents from research he has collected to Amazon and they will convert the document into an kindle file and send it to his computer for free.  If he has it sent directly to his kindle, there is a minimal cost.  Once downloaded to his Kindle, he can have the .pdf document read aloud.

 

Check out Doug Johnson's blog on kindles?  Does Kindle spell the end of intellectual freedom? at http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2009/3/20/does-kindle-spell-the-end-of-intellectual-freedom.html

 

I WISH:
That the audio narration was an actual live person, instead of a digitized voice. 

 

 
How do you keep your students reading?
I encourage my students to start series in the last few months of school (Among the Hidden, Daughters of the Moon, Cirque du Freak, Warriors, Raven's Gate, Maximum Ride, Clique) or start reading an author they won't be able to put down (Dessen, Shan, Maureen Johnson, Paulsen, Stine, Henkes, L.H. Anderson, Lupica, Natasha Friend). 
My secret weapon is the public library in town - I know they own the same titles/authors.  I suggest getting a library card and continuing the series with them.  The kids are happy, the parents are happy and it works every time!  

 

  
Books for Boys
PJ Haarsma's goal, is to keep young boys reading through the middle school years. He writes great science fiction with an emphasis on the science....teens and adults alike also like him.  See his web site: www.pjhaarsma.com

 

Declining budgets?  You CAN get an author!
Author Visits: Neal Shusterman shared that at a school he visited, students collected pennies, nickels and dimes to contribute for an author visit in their "at risk" school.  The students did such a great job, not only did they get enough to fund his visit, but they also purchased one book for each student with the surplus funds.  The added bonus-students had a stake in the visit!

New citation generators!
ottobib.com is for BOOKS only, with an ISBN.  Enter a list of  ISBN numbers and choose your format:  Turabian, MLA, APA or Chicago.  Voila!  It creates your works cited list and provides a permanent URL.

bibme.org creates a citation from all types of print sources, as well as from a URL! It creates your works cited list and provides a permanent URL when you create an account.

New visual lexicon
Take a look at http://lexipedia.com/.  This is a visual dictionary in a beta format.  Try it out!

Why do we need a media specialist?  Check out allaboutexplorers.com
Did you know that the Native Americans loved the cell phones that Christopher Columbus brought?
This website was created by educators who wanted to impress reading critically and evaluating information to their students.  There are all kinds of inaccuracies!  Students are encouraged to read information critically and evaluate it.  These are the skills that media specialists teach!

*Check out the links to technology and reading in the summer reading section!
 

 

Enjoy your summer!

Sue and Joanne