Library News

August, 2007

Welcome to the Don Callejon Library’s second year.  One year ago we were setting up the library media center –installing bookcases, setting up worktables and computers, unpacking boxes and boxes of books. In June, 2007, the last of the initially purchased library books were delivered—ready to be used by this year’s students.

In May, audio-visual materials were delivered so teachers will be able to support the curriculum with appropriate DVDs. A list of these materials is published on the teacher resource page of this website. We also received about 40 playaways, a fairly new device. Each playaway contains a single audio book in a user-friendly digital audio device. Middle School Students will be able to check out the playaways after they are cataloged in September. These were funded by Don Callejon’s School Site Council as a way to entice Middle School Students to listen to literature. I am excited about this new collection and believe that students will benefit from their use.

I was very pleased when I was told that Hans Barber would be our new principal. I began my employment in Santa Clara Unified School District at the same time as Hans. In fact we first met at the District orientation meeting prior to the opening of the 1995-1996 school year. He was an outstanding teacher, well respected by all of his students, a leader at Santa Clara High, esteemed by staff and administration, and, as vice principal at Peterson, he was highly regarded by staff, parents, and students. We are indeed lucky to have him at Don Callejon. Welcome, Hans.

In the latter part of the first Don Callejon school year, the library and teaching staff collaborated in staging three very successful events.

Our first Book Fair was outstanding.  We netted $4500.00. We used the proceeds to upgrade the in‑classroom book collections so students would have ready access to reading materials. I will spend the remaining proceeds for materials to place in the classrooms added for this school year.. Our next book fair will take place the week after Thanksgiving, November 26 to November 30 so that books will be available for Holiday giving. Come join us for this fun filled week in the library.

Sixth Grade Career Day at Don Callejon was awesome. I was privileged to work with three organized, clever, and enthusiastic sixth grade teachers – Dana Brown, Karen Henry, Xuong Tu. Guest participants were enthusiastic and knowledgeable, illustrating the necessity of students to cultivate skills they learn in school and at home no matter what their long-term goals are. We appreciate the many Don Callejon parents who participated in this first Career Day. In 2008, we will expand Career Day to all Middle School Students. Watch for upcoming information on this  important event

Fifteen third to sixth grade students participated in our first California Young Reader Medal luncheon. They each read the three selected grade level appropriate books and voted for their favorite so I hosted a lunch for them as a reward. We had a great time. I will offer this incentive again this year. Please encourage your children to participate. To find out more about the Young Reader program, go to the California Young Reader information page on the DCS library website which includes a link to this year’s selections.

At the closure of the school year, I talked to all the K-4 grade students about the adventures they might have during summer break. I encouraged them to write a few sentences and draw a picture of their favorite adventure....small or big. Those who return the assignment will have them posted in library and will receive a prize as well.  My summer adventure example can be found at Sheepherding in The Streets of Venlo. Share it with your children - they might enjoy this immensely. I cannot wait to read about their adventures!

I am excited to announce that we have a new permanent wall hanging in the library. Sharon Hathaway’s seventh and eighth grade art students each designed and crafted an animal or insect quilt square. Mrs. Hathaway connected all of the squares to make a gigantic quilt, which is displayed on the inner front wall of the library. It is beautiful. Please stop by to admire the artwork of Don Callejon Students. If you see Sharon, say thank you for all the work she did to complete this fantastic project. Sharon, thank you from all of us. We will enjoy the wall hanging for many years. Thanks to all the art students for their outstanding workmanship on the wall hanging.