So, last year around this time.. I made a leap. A leap that I was so nervous about.. but yet so excited as well! I had been an elementary special education teacher, then an elementary instructional technology specialist, and then an elementary librarian. After 16 years in elementary.. I moved to Middle School. Now guys, I didn't just move to any middle school, I moved to the BEST one! You can find about my changing perspectives here
Today I finished my Year End Review (I used Piktochart to share my information)
At the beginning of each year, I create a list of SMART goals. This helps me stay on track and think about why/how I am implementing items.
You can find all my SMART goals here
Top
1. Being able to learn from the most AMAZING library clerk! Gomez taught me SO much about middle school, working with middle schoolers, and systems that help make the library run smoothly.
2. The #Skurtcrew- It is important to find people that you can trust and work with. These ladies are AMAZING! They were always there for me, answered all my questions.. and were just an amazing support and wonderful friends!
3. Learning that there is a ghost in my library! You could always tell when Fred was around. He would push books off the shelves. These books would usually flip once, always land face up.. and also land about 2 feet away from the shelf (I have a whole Ghost Instagram Highlight at Beeinthebookends)
4. Working with some amazing librarians! Ones that are ready to collaborate.. ready to learn.. ready to try new things.. and ready to listen. I am lucky that I have librarians all over that continually support me!
5. Going to games and seeing the kids outside of school! I didn't go to as many games as I wanted to, but I LOVED cheering on the Lamar Lions! I can't wait until next year to go to even more games!
6. Destination ImagiNation in Middle School! I have done DI forever (and I LOVE it) but I sure did enjoy working with these middle schoolers! I also got to work with the Nerdy Birdys (which I have been doing since they were in 3rd and 4th grade!) Also.. I was smart enough to burn my chin with a hot glue gun!
7. Attending the North Texas Teen Book Festival with a bus full of kids (and some amazing adults!)
8. Being able to volunteer and work with some of the most amazing people. Words can not even begin to express how thankful I am that I had the help that I did this year. Not only that, but I am so thankful for an admin that let this elementary school librarian come in.. and do some crazy things! I am also super thankful for the BEST STAFF ever to always try new things!
9. Library LINKS. These 8th graders were what kept me going. Did I cry a little when they walked out the door for the last time.. of course I did (I mean.... after my 5th period girls left, I couldn't hold it in anymore.. and then to read what they wrote in my yearbook?)
10. My Ugly Sweater that I created- I became the real elf on the shelf.
There are SO many things that happened in the library this year. I really focused on helping staff and students know that they library is a place where everyone can belong. I had big shoes to fill, but I have enjoyed creating my own space. My circulation numbers were not where I wanted them, I didn't get all of the things done that I had in my smart goals.. but I feel as I made a difference. I know where I want to go next year.. I have ideas... and I look forward to continue to grow!
Other highlights
-started a K-Pop Club
-all 5 Destination ImagiNation teams placed at Regionals
-continued the ukulele club
-had 2 late night in the library that had over 100 participants each time
-hosted 2 bookfairs
-weeded over 120 boxes of books
-added over 700 books to the library
-attended some amazing conferences (TLA and North Texas Library Expo)
-I also took the best school picture I have ever had, but then again at the beginning of the year I was told I looked like Spiderman?
-being named Employee of the Month for September
-publishing an article over Bitmojis for the ATPE magazine
I know that I wasn't able to include all the things that made this year amazing.. please know that if we ever crossed paths, I appreciate you!!
What a great year of new perspectives, but this next year I my word is priority! I am starting off this summer with some #digitaldetox. So, catch you guys on the flipside! I will be back at the end of July!
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