Art/Music/P.E./Library

THE JCDSRI SUMMER READING PROGRAM     Link to all Reading Lists: 

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs182/1101781664576/archive/1121355100244.html

Dear JCDS Families,

Welcome to our summer celebration of books, the JCDSRI Summer Reading Program! The intent of our summer reading program is to promote reading skills. Research studies have demonstrated that students who participate in a summer reading program are more likely to read at their grade level or above than nonparticipating students and those reading above grade level are more likely to retain those skills into the next school year. (Evaluation and Training Institute). While an increase in reading promotes reading abilities and other skills, we want our students to experience the joys that reading brings through marvelous characters and adventures. Books introduce us to friends we will have for life. Reading is FUN!

We are asking students to read at least five books from our booklists. Hopefully, they will read many books.

Each student entering grades 1-5 receives a summer reading program folder containing a JCDSRI summer booklist of various levels and interests complied by Karolyn White, librarian.

The lists are sent to the following public libraries: Rochambeau, Cranston, East Providence, East Greenwich, Johnston, Lincoln, Pawtucket and the following bookstores: Books on the Square and Barnes and Noble in Warwick.

For 22 years, the summer reading program has been coordinated by Karolyn White, librarian. kwhite@jcdsri.com

 We wish you a happy, healthy summer and wonderful reading adventures!

Dear Friends,

After twenty-two years as the JCDSRI librarian, I am retiring at the end of the school year. I have loved working with our students and enjoy keeping in touch with many alumni. I have been delighted to be the school librarian, where I can play with puppets, read fairy tales and sing pirate songs. Now, how good is that?

For twenty-two years, I have loved creating book fairs that have promoted reading and fostered wonderful memories for our students. Although running book fairs for twenty-two years was quite a job, I did it because the students loved it so much. The youngsters enjoy dressing in PJs and going to Clifford Family Nights to meet Clifford the Big Red Dog. This activity became a beloved event. Many students dreamed of “being Clifford” and were thrilled if they were selected. Recently, I met an alum who asked about the book fair dates and who would be Clifford at next year’s fair. Alumni enjoy sharing happy memories of the fairs. Over the years, we have sold thousands of dollars of merchandise at the fairs, which enabled us to get thousands of books, many supplies, classroom rugs, school furniture and more. I am delighted that the Scholastic book fairs have never cost the school any money. Thank you for your long time support of our book fairs!

Twenty-two years ago, I automated the school library-not an easy task. For twenty-two years, I have created summer reading programs. I certainly appreciate the positive comments my summer reading programs have received from school librarians throughout the country. For many years, I conducted public preschool story times, which I greatly enjoyed.

Thank you for all my wonderful memories.  I will dearly miss everyone!

Sincerely,

Karolyn White

Swat! Scratch! The bugs are back! We are featuring our great collection of fiction and nonfiction insect/spider books. This week, PreK was “oohing” and “aahing” over the delightful lift-up counting books:

In library class, we read the funny and thoughtful book The Very Ugly Bug by Pichon. The “ugly” bug does not look like other bugs and would like to until he discovers how special his body is. The story made us think about: What is beauty? What is ugly? What does it mean to be different? After the story the children had fun making and naming their own bugs.

Do you know that the raven, a massive bird, is extremely smart with complex problem solving skills? We have been learning about ravens and other animals especially valued by Northwest Native Americans. While looking at totem poles, we noted that the ravens were frequently on them. To the Northwest Native Americans, the raven symbolizes intelligence, heroism and the “bringer of light” (creation). Totem poles usually  tell a story, perhaps about a family, an event , etc. Students assembled traditional totem poles and then created their own totem poles that reflect their lives.

In addition, we read an exciting book about Inuit Indians, A Promise is a Promise by Munsch that tells a tale about the Qallupilluit, mythological creatures who live under the sea ice. The students loved this story and were amazed at how a serious problem was so cleverly solved! They enjoyed drawing Qallupilluit.

Once we started reading about Gladys Gatsby, a sixth grade gourmet cook in the delicious book, All Four Stars by  Tara Dairman, the library became the JCDSRI Culinary Arts Department. We began by choosing chef names. After reviewing some material, the chefs brainstormed and decided what type of food shop or restaurant they would create. Choosing names for our establishments was fun! Talk about creativity and excitement! We are also learning about marketing.

Gladys enjoys writing very witty food reviews and to help us become food critics we are having food samplings and rating the different samples. We have had jelly, bread and olive samplings. I am so impressed with their professional attitudes during these activities. Like our aprons?

 Our school will welcome many family members and friends next Friday, May 8, our annual Special Visitors Day. It is such an awesome happy day! While reviewing books about families, I discovered some great stories that reflect the diversity of families. Families come in all shapes and sizes and are more diverse than ever before. Today’s picture books  provide insight into interracial families, families with non-biological children, same-sex parents and intergenerational relationships.

  Enjoy this thoughtful book  list: http://bit.ly/1GAZASK

Some of our favorites: (NOTE We love  Todd Parr’s books http://www.toddparr.com/index.html )