New Year, New Beginnings...

This year is one of new beginnings for me: I started working in a different middle school library this past fall,East Middle School in Plymouth-Canton; and I am now starting in a new role in MAME as President for 2014.  As with most new beginnings, I have been reflecting and trying to set some priorities for the coming year.

For MAME, I would like to focus on Professional Development for members as well as Advocacy for School Libraries in our state. Fortunately, MAME has some great people involved in putting together some wonderful professional development opportunities for our members this year. Sue Lay, Past-President, of MAME is planning the Spring Workshop; watch the MAME listserv for the announcement on specifics of date and location. Kay Wejrowski will again be planning this year's Summer Institute. Everyone who attended the Summer Institute planned by Kay last year had great reviews of the session; so, we are looking forward to another wonderful learning opportunity this summer. Finally, Gwenn Marchesano, President-Elect, is already gotten off to a great start in putting together an excellent Annual Conference for Fall 2014. Watch for some announcements about the Annual Conference from Gwenn.

I will try to pass on other Professional Learning opportunities to members as well. The SIGMS group of MACUL has 3 pre-conferences planned on March 12 in Grand Rapids. You can find the details below. This summer's  ALA Annual Conference will be held in Las Vegas from June 26 - July 1, while  ISTE's Annual Conference will be held in Atlanta from June 28 - July 1. I would recommend either of these conferences and, remember, if you sign up for ISTE, please indicate MAME as your affiliate organization.

In terms of Advocacy for School Libraries in our state, I will need everyone's assistance in getting the word out to advocate for your own students and their libraries as well as for all school libraries. There is no question that our state has suffered a significant loss in school library services to our students in the past 10 years. I put some specifics in my report to AASL and I shared this report earlier this month on the MAME listserv. You can find MAME's report to AASL at this link.  

This year, I will continue to work with the Outreach Subcommittee that MAME has formed with the Library of Michigan to educate others about the role of the school librarian through presenting at other conferences and submitting articles to other educational journals. In addition, each month this subcommittee will submit articles (LMS: Get Loud) to this newsletter with ideas for you to advocate for your own program. Please use these ideas or your own ideas to make sure the school community understands your contributions and your role towards student achievement.

In addition, I will continue to look for other ways to advocate for school libraries. Currently, I have sent requests to both MACUL and MRA (Michigan Reading Association) to have signings of the Declaration for the Right to Libraries at their conferences. MACUL has agreed!  MRA has a board meeting next week. As the details of this get worked out, I may need volunteers to assist with the signings. If so, please consider volunteering! We may be a small group at this point, but, I believe we can make an impact if we work together.

Which brings me to my final point -- MAME needs you!! We have several positions open on the MAME Board and the MAME Conference Committee. [See the article below] Please consider getting involved. Several years ago, I responded to one of MAME's general requests for help and I have never regretted it. I have reinforced some old friendships, made some incredible new friendships, and have felt good about contributing to something that I feel strongly about.

If you have any ideas for advocating or how MAME can better serve its members, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Looking forward to a good year!

All my best,

Kathy Lester, MAME President, 2014

kathyL@mimame.org

judy.hauser@oakland.k12.mi.us 

 

• Attend the annual conference for FREE!
• Get rid of your "library/school" stuff at our auction at the conference
• Help support MAME
• Start each school year with a fantastic get-a-way

Many of you may have lost your library or become overwhelmed in your position, but knowing you have this wonderful group of friends is such a blessing. We also go into libraries to volunteer with special projects, if a request is made.

• "Four full days brimming with robust, inspirational professional learning opportunities that will help you build the skills to support digital age learning
• Unlimited networking opportunities with nearly 18,000 educators, education leaders and corporate representatives from around the globe
• Three powerful keynote addresses from ed tech leaders and experts
• The opportunity to choose from hundreds of sessions in a variety of formats, including lectures, BYODs and hands-on learning environments
• Access to a massive expo hall featuring the latest ed tech products and services from more than 500 companies and 1,400 industry reps
• One-year standard membership to ISTE"

Don't wait, register today! Early bird housing opens Nov. 7, 2013.

For full conference details and registration click the link below.

ISTE 2014