April, 2021

Happy Spring! I love this time of year! This month all grade levels will be continuing to study authors. Grades 2-8 are working on an author study. The students all got to choose a favorite author to study and learn about. Grades K-1 have been looking at Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, and Beverly Cleary. I look forward to seeing the finished projects in a couple of weeks.

April is National Poetry Month. We will spend some classes taking a look at different poets and the poems they have written. Older students will experiment with blackout poetry and other different poetry formats. Younger students will be creating their own poems and will also talk about Poem in Your Pocket Day. We will also talk about books that are written in verse, which have become very popular in the last several years.

Please note, that as we get closer to the end of the year, I am starting to collect overdue books. I will be sending home notices more often. If the book has been lost, it will either need to be paid for or replaced. You can pay for books either through RevTrak on our CCA website, or you can send money in to the library. You may also purchase a replacement copy of the book and send that in as well. If you have any questions please send me an email at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org.

1st Grade Technology

The first graders are finishing up their Google Doc assignments this week. We will begin to look at Google slides and the students will be creating their own slide show presentation. We also continue to use Typing Pal in each class. The students are doing a great job using home row!

If you have any questions, please contact me at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Happy Reading!

March, 2021

Hello CCA Families!

I am so excited that we are so close to Spring! I love it when the weather gets warmer and we can spend more time outdoors. I am looking forward to March and the reading celebrations that we will learn about.

Up first, is Read Across America Week! March 1st - 5th we will read books from diverse voices and will also celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2nd. In library class, students will learn why we celebrate reading, we will share some fun read alouds, and students will get to reflect on what makes them a reader. I am looking forward to some cozy library reading time this week!

The second week of March brings us Cherry Creek Reads 2021, a districtwide celebration of reading. During the week of March 8th - 12th we will look at the theme, "Read Together, Share Our Stories Together!" which is based on the inspirational book Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal. It’s a heartfelt story about a little girl who deepens her understanding of her own identity and her own story by learning about the power behind her name. I will be sending home a 67 minute reading challenge to celebrate the 67 schools in the Cherry Creek School District. Students are challenged to read for 67 minutes over the week and then return the form to the school library to be entered to win a prize. Students will also be creating a poster that will celebrate their own name stories. I am looking forward to a fun week!

After spring break, we will finish up the month with author studies. We will look at specific authors and learn why they write and a little about their writing process.

1st Grade Technology

The first graders have been spending some time getting familiar with Google Docs. We will continue to explore Google Docs this month and will also introduce Google Slides. The students are also continuing to practice typing at the beginning of every class. Encourage your kids to show you how well they are at using home row and proper typing form.

If you have any questions, please contact me at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Happy Spring!

February, 2021

Happy February! This is a busy month even though it is short. If your students borrowed books while we were remote, please send them back to school so they can be checked in.

Library Classes

February 3rd is World Read Aloud Day, and we will be celebrating world read aloud week at CCA next week during library classes! We will celebrate reading aloud and will share some fun read stories with each other.

February is also Black History Month and we will be talking about and celebrating diverse authors in the library.

All classes will also make a Valentine for their favorite book character later on this month. Classes continue to talk about book awards and K-2 classes are finishing up their Caldecott Medal Design. 3rd and 4th graders will begin talking about the Newbery Medal in February.

1st Grade Technology Classes

This month in technology class, students will continue to work on their typing skills using the Typing Pal program. Students will also continue to practice coding skills. We are also going to be spending some time learning how to use Google Docs and collaborate on a Doc.

Feel free to contact me with any questions at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Have a great month!

January, 2021

Happy new year! We have made it to 2021! I am looking forward to a really great year. January is award month in library land and I am looking forward to sharing the award winners with CCA students. This month we will be taking a closer look at the Caldecott and Newbery awards and will also talk about some of the other awards that are given through the American Library Association. I am also excited to welcome elementary students back to school so that we can resume our weekly checkouts! If anything changes, I will plan to have open library hours in the future, but I am hopeful that we will be back.

Library Classes

Kindergarten: This month kindergarten students will learn about the Caldecott Medal and why it is given. We will read some past award winners and will complete some fun activities that coincide with the books we read.

1st Grade: First graders will learn about the Caldecott Medal and will have a chance to look at past winners. They will also work on their own Caldecott Medal design. We will also talk about the Theodor Seuss Geisel award and look at past winners.

2nd Grade: Second graders will finish up our Weird School read aloud and will then begin looking at the awards given through the American Library Association. Students will get to create their own award, and award it to a book of their choice.

3rd Grade: Third graders will continue our read aloud from the I Survived series and will talk about historical fiction novels. We will also discuss awards given through the American Library Association and complete activities that will reinforce our discussion.

4th Grade: Fourth graders will finish up our genre study this month, completing our genre book. We will also learn about the Newbery Medal and the students will have the opportunity to design their own.

1st Grade Technology Classes

This month in technology, first graders will finish up the coding course they began last semester. We will also look more closely at code.org and the students will be able to put their new skills to work! We will also continue working through the lessons on Typing Pal. Students will continue to work on using home row and proper posture, while also work to improve accuracy and speed.

Feel free to contact me with any questions at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Have a great month and happy new year!

December, 2020

Happy December! I can't believe that it is already December. This has certainly been an interesting year. I appreciate how hard everyone is working during remote learning. The kids are doing amazing, and the switch was relatively seamless. Library definitely looks a little different when we are remote, but I am having a great time sharing some wonderful read alouds and activities with the students. I have also set up some CCA Open Library hours that you and your child(ren) can attend to check out books. If you are interested in signing up please click here CCA Open Library Sign Up

I am also offering book packs that you can pick up here at CCA. If you are interesting in checking out a book pack please fill out the form: Book Request Form

As always, please feel free to email me with any questions at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org.

Library Classes

Kindergarten - Kinder students are exploring fun book characters in December. We are also learning how to draw them so be on the look out for some fun drawings!

1st Grade - 1st graders are listening to the read aloud, Late Lunch with Llamas from The Magic Tree House series. We are also completing some corresponding activities and going on a virtual field trip to Machu Picchu.

2nd Grade - 2nd graders are enjoying the read aloud Miss Daisy is Crazy from the Weird School series. We are also talking about book characters and what makes a really great character.

3rd Grade - 3rd graders are listening to the read aloud, I Survived the California Wildfire, 2018. We are also talking about book covers, and book series.

4th Grade - 4th graders will continue their genre study through December. We will be looking at humor, realistic fiction, and historical fiction. They are also listening to the read aloud, Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom.

1st Grade Technology

1st Grade tech classes are continuing to work on Typing Pal. We begin each technology class with Typing Pal. The students are working on good posture, using home row, and building stamina. We are also working on coding this month. The students are working on a self-paced coding course through code.org. Later on this month we will start looking at some of the other programs on code.org.

Feel free to contact me with any questions at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Have a great month and happy holidays!

November, 2020

Library Classes

Kindergarten - Kinder students are continuing to learn about parts of the book and are completing a skills book in class. We are also enjoying fun read alouds and activites to match!

1st Grade - 1st graders are learning about the different sections of the library and about fun book series. We are also enjoying lots of wonderful read alouds and activities!

2nd Grade - 2nd graders are going to dive deep into nonfiction this month. We will also enjoy some fun read alouds and activities.

3rd Grade - 3rd graders will continue to learn about genres through read alouds and activities.

4th Grade - 4th graders are hard at work on their genre books. We will continue to explore genres and add pages to our books.

1st Grade Technology

1st Grade tech classes are hard at work at Typing Pal. Ask your students how they are doing on their lessons. We are also learning how to access Schoology, and how to submit assignments this month.

Feel free to contact me with any questions at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Have a great month!

October, 2020

Hello CCA Families! Fall is definitely in the air! I love the changing of the seasons and of course sharing some wonderful fall and autumn books with the kids! I have had several questions about having a Book Fair, and I am working on getting something planned. I will keep families posted!

Kindergarten: This past month we have been spending time getting to know the library and procedures. The students are doing a great job of bringing library books back. I am looking forward to spending some time reading some fun books and completing activities to match! We will also talk about Fiction and Nonfiction books.

1st Grade: 1st Graders have been talking about what makes a book fiction or nonfiction and completing some activities to help reinforce the idea. In October, we will read some fun books and will discuss how books are organized in the library.

2nd Grade: 2nd graders read some great books this month! We talked about what a trilogy is and completed some fun activities. In October, we will be introduced to what a series is and searching the library for a great series! We are also using our online encyclopedia, PebbleGo, to begin some research.

3rd Grade: 3rd graders will begin to discuss genres this month. We will talk about some different genres and complete a genre passport.

4th Grade: 4th graders had a brief introduction to Banned Books Week and created "Celebrate the Freedom to Read" posters. In October, we will begin to talk about genres and read from many different genres.

1st Grade Technology: The students should all be set up in Typing Pal and have been spending some time on the lessons. They will have a home row quiz this week. We have also been using Google Drawing and Encyclopedia Britannica, which we will continue into October.

I am really enjoying seeing the students back in school. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to send me an email at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Have a great month!

September, 2020

Hello CCA Families! The school year has been off to a great start! All students have been able to check out library books over the past two weeks. Kindergarten and 1st Graders check out 1 book a week, 2nd Graders check out 2 books per week, and 3rd and 4th Graders are able to check out 3 books per week. Books are checked out for 2 weeks and can be renewed if students need them for a longer time. I love seeing students pick out their books, they are always so excited!

In September, students will continue to learn about how a library is set up and organized. Younger students will explore Fiction and Nonfiction, and older students will begin to learn about the Dewey Decimal System. September 15th (ish) is International Dot Day. This day is inspired by Peter H. Reynolds' book The Dot, and encourages creativity for all students and adults alike.

2nd - 4th Grade students practiced logging in to Overdrive this past week. This is something that they can access from home as well as in school. Overdrive is the CCSD's online access to eBooks and audio books. It is a wonderful resource.

1st Grade Technology: The students and I have been talking about Digital Citizenship and what it means to be safe online. We will continue our discussions about being a good digital citizen in September. We will also begin our typing program, Typing Pal, and will explore some other fun programs we will use this year.

I am really enjoying seeing the students back in school. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to send me an email at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org. Have a great month!

August, 2020

Hello, and welcome back to another school year! I am so excited to be back at CCA and to share the library with all of the students this year. As you can imagine, library time will look a little differently this year. We are going to be able to check out books, but when they are returned the books will go into a 96 hour quarantine before they are checked in. Students will begin checking out books in the next two weeks, so look for those coming home. Elementary students will come to the library once a week, and will return books on their library day. Check with your child's teacher to learn the library day for his or her class.

All students have access to Overdrive through the Cherry Creek School District. To login, students will use the same login information that they use to login for my.cherrycreekschools.org. Click on this link for a video to show you how to use Overdrive: Overdrive Video If there are any issues, please feel free to contact me at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org

Please feel free to email me with any questions that you have. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

March, 2020

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! March 2nd was his birthday and also the beginning of Read Across America Week. We are celebrating in the library with our first annual CCA Book Tasting. The library has been transformed into the CCA Reading Cafe and students will come in and dine with us. They will fill out a menu of different books that they "taste" during their visit. K-6 students will visit the Cafe this week!

Next week, we will be celebrating Cherry Creek Reads with the rest of the district. Please be on the lookout for a flyer coming home. Students are asked to read for 67 minutes during the week (one minute for every school in the district) and tracking it on the tracker. Students can turn in trackers to the library and can be entered in a drawing to win a book. We will also be reading the book Because by Mo Willems, the district chosen book to represent the week.

I hope that everyone enjoys spring break!

As always, the library is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, you may email me at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library!

February, 2020

Happy February! This month we are staying busy in the library.

Kindergarten and 1st Grade have finished voting for the Colorado Children's Book Award. This week we are reading about Groundhog's Day. The rest of this month we will focus on Valentine's day center activities, parts of a book, and a study of the Caldecott Medal.

Second and third grades will finish up the CCBA read alouds and voting this week. We will have some fun Valentine's Day centers and then will focus on character traits for third grades and a Caldecott Medal study for second grade.

Fourth grade is continuing to study the Dewey Decimal system. We completed our scavenger hunt and will finish out the unit with a poster project.

Fifth and sixth graders continue to have study hall during library time. We are spending some time learning how to compose an email and the in's and out's of Gmail. Fifth graders are emailing a first grade buddy this month as well. We will get into research toward the end of the month.

Overdue notices were sent out the last week of January. If a book has been lost, it will need to be paid for. Payment can be with cash or check, or you can pay by card through the CCA website. Please email slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org with any questions.

I hope that everyone has a great February!

January, 2020

Happy new year! 2020 is going to be a great year! January is award month in library land. The Newbery and Caldecott awards will be given out at the end of January by the American Library Association. We will be talking about these awards and past winners in all of our classes. We are also going to talk about the Colorado Children's Book Award and will begin reading the nominees. The students will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite! Fourth graders will also begin talking about the Dewey Decimal System.

Fifth and sixth graders will continue with study hall but we will also spend some time talking about research and email procedures. On January 17th, our 5th-8th graders will have to opportunity to meet and listen to an author! Donna Cooner, a young adult writer and professor, will be visiting CCA! Stay tuned for information about ordering books!

As always, the library is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, you may email me at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library!

December, 2019

The CCA Library is a busy and exciting place! We have our STEAM materials available and in use and we have just introduced the Perplexus puzzles in the library. Kindergarten finished up studying Rainbow Fish and each class created a fish for our library ocean. The older students worked on creating a Book Snapshot for our interactive bulletin board. Come in and check out our displays!

This month we will be doing some fun reading activities in the library. First grade is listening to different versions of The Little Red Hen and then will be designing a Little Red Fort in teams using the STEAM materials. Kindergarten - 4th grade will be completing some unplugged coding activities for Hour of Code happening the second week of December. We are also spending some time looking closely at the Nonfiction section of the library.

Some of our 5th and 6th graders will be paired with Kindergartners for Reading Buddies two afternoons a week and all 5th and 6th graders will begin to receive mini lessons on research. The PTO Holiday Shop will be in the library the last three days before Winter Break so students will shop and check out books that week in the library! Please also watch for overdue notices to come home in the next week or two. Happy December! I hope that everyone enjoys the month!

The library is always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering in the library please either contact Mrs. Lanyi at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library and see us!

November, 2019

Happy November from the CCA Library! This is going to be a great month!

Thank you to everyone who visited our Book Fair last month! We had a really successful book fair. We made close to $10,000.00 and we will receive half that amount to buy new books and materials for the library. I am grateful to everyone who came in and supported our school. Thank you also to everyone who came in and volunteered. We could not have done it without you! I look forward to next year's fair.

We are going to have some fun in the library this month. Kindergartners and 1st graders are having some fun with Pete the Cat and will continue to work with our STEM materials. 2nd graders are continuing to learn about the different sections in the library and how the library is organized. They will also work on a Fiction/Nonfiction project. 3rd Graders will read The Scarecrow and get to create their own scarecrows. 4th graders will learn about the behind the scenes of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. All students will celebrate World Kindness Day next week, and we will talk about Thankfulness the week after.

5th and 6th graders continue to use their library time as a study hall. Students are also able to work on projects and check out books at this time. 5th and 6th graders will also participate in some World Kindness Day activities. Please remind your 7th and 8th graders that they are able to visit the library before and after school and during homeroom time.

I am so excited to welcome our new library assistant, Ms. Moon Lee! Stop in and meet her if you get the chance.

The library is always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering in the library please either contact Mrs. Lanyi at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library and see us!

October, 2019

Fall is in the air and that means that the annual CCA Book Fair is almost here! The Book Fair will take place in the CCA library the week after fall break, October 21st - October 25th. The hours are as follows:

• Monday, October 21st 7:30AM - 4:00PM

• Tuesday, October 22nd 7:30AM - 4:00PM

• Wednesday, October 23rd 7:30AM - 4:00PM

• Thursday, October 24th 7:30AM - 7:00PM

• Friday, October 25th, 7:30AM - 12:00PM

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to volunteer, I look forward to working with you during the Book Fair!

Classes will visit the Book Fair early in the week and will create a wish list so be on the lookout for those coming home. I love book fairs and can't wait to share my excitement with all of the CCA students and families!

Overdue notices went home this month for students who have overdue library books. Please have your student return them to the library as soon as possible. If you have any questions please let me know.

The library is always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering in the library please either contact Mrs. Lanyi at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library and see us!

September, 2019

Library is in full force and the students are checking out books and hopefully bringing them home and sharing them with you! Kindergarten and first graders are checking out one book, second, third and fourth graders are checking out two books, and fifth-eighth graders are checking out three books. Books can be kept out for two weeks. As the year progresses the number of books checked may increase if the students are showing me that they are taking care of their books and bringing them back on time.

In August, we worked on expectations, book care, and library procedures. We also spent a week talking about the moon in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing which was July 20th. We read books about the moon, talked about space, and third and fourth graders even watched a story time from space!

In September we will be focusing on creativity and STEM activities. I will be introducing our STEM stations and we will celebrate International Dot Day. Kindergarten and first grade will continue learning about library, parts of a book, and fiction and nonfiction. Older students will talk about banned books week. It should be a great month!

The library is always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering in the library please either contact Mrs. Lanyi at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library and see us!

August, 2019

Welcome back to another wonderful school year! My name is Sarah Lanyi and I am so excited to join the staff of Cherry Creek Academy this year. As I enter my thirteenth year in education, I can't wait to share my love for reading with the students of CCA! During the month of August each grade level will be reintroduced to the library and will go over book care and checkout procedures. We will begin checking out books this week, so be looking for books to be coming home. Students can keep books for two weeks, but have the option to check out every week.

5th and 6th grade library time looks a little different this year. Students will attend library once a week and will receive a mini lesson about research, books, etc. The remainder of library time can be utilized as a study hall or check out time. 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to stop by the library during study hall time to check out books or work on homework.

The library is always looking for volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering in the library please either contact Mrs. Lanyi at slanyi@cherrycreekacademy.org or stop by the library and see us!