Ms. Hoekema continues to meet with double 1st grade classes weekly to pre-load and provide some extra background connections to the Wit & Wisdom lessons taught in 1st grade. This quarter, she's focusing on Cinderella Stories and used the VR headsets to tour places where some of the stories were set.
A 5th grade student requested that the librarian and the student run a book club together for 5th grade students. With the help of other librarians in the district, we were able to get enough copies of the book so that (at times) 19 students in 5th grade were reading books and meetings to discuss them. Such Fun!
Our school library conducted a library book inventory with the help of a wonderful volunteer grandmother and our school tech. We accounted for 13,882 copies of our library books and have 251 lost books. Our library is currently working to weed almost 3,000 books that haven't been used over the past 5 years. Students will be encouraged to take home books for summer reading when the books are removed from our library system.
Our librarian and Digital Lead Teacher are asked to support testing whenever there are NC Check-ins or other tests that require small group settings. This spring, that has occurred over 7 different days.
The highlight of our academic calendar, HFE's Annual STEAM Night! Each year, our school transforms into a bustling hub of innovation and creativity, as students, parents, and educators come together to celebrate the exciting realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. From interactive exhibits showcasing cutting-edge experiments to hands-on workshops exploring the latest in robotics and coding, STEAM Night ignites curiosity and fosters a passion for discovery in learners of all ages. With captivating demonstrations, engaging activities, and inspiring guest speakers, this event embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Our Spring Book Fair was a successful fundraiser bringing in $3,600 for the library and more than $1,200 in books was gifted to students from our supportive community and past Book Fair profits.
Governor Cooper spoke with area leaders in the Hall Fletcher Library about his "Year of Public Schools" in which he asked that there be a moratorium on vouchers toward private schools until Public schools are fully funded, PreK programs have been expanded and there is an increase in teacher pay.
Ms. Hoekema, the librarian, supported the Makerspace challenge during library visits by reading these books about love.
Our Elementary Battle of the Books Team (EBOB) worked hard to read at least 8 books each and traveled to Lucy S. Herring to compete against other Asheville City Schools. Although our team was a bit disappointed with our score, we got to enjoy an amazing meal prepared and donated by 67 Biltmore as well as some pie themed around the book Miscalculations of Lightening Girl and some Gummy Bears connected to the Not if I can Help it book.
Our 4th & 5th grade students were tasked with the role of a collaborative team of engineers and designers on a mission to establish an optimal learning environment within their school. The goal was to recognize and address the common challenges students face, such as feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious throughout the school day. These difficulties can hinder their ability to concentrate, form positive connections, and foster a sense of belonging within the HFE community. Their assignment involved conceptualizing, crafting, and presenting a 3D prototype intended for use in designated calm corners, contributing to the creation of a solution for these challenges.
Our library has some new shelves installed that will house some of our non-fiction books.