In-School Advocacy

As the student-made video on the Environment landing page says, "This ain't your momma's library". If we want students to use the media center and feel comfortable in the space, they have to know that it provides more than just books. My background is in elementary (13 years total, 8 teaching and 5 in media) and my passion is math and science. I am dyslexic. Strange combination for a media specialist, I know. This background helps me relate to many students who are non-readers. I proudly share that I rarely read "real" books, but I listen to books daily. This helps get students interested in using Learning Ally.

I have been participating in the Reach for the Stars National Rocket Competition for 11 years. In this time, approximately 1,000 students have been able to build and launch model rockets at absolutely no cost. Each year since 2011, I have been able to find grants and get donations so that every child who wishes to participate can. The video below was made a couple of years ago to help "encourage" donors to fund the program. I have used it here in Volusia County to receive between $1000 and $1500 each year from the FUTURES Education Foundation and the USAF to fund the unit here at Pine Ridge. In October 2021, a PRHS student was one of 5 top competitors in the nation. We traveled to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL for the celebration. This has helped ignite (pun intended) an interest in STEM careers for many of the participants and has brought many non-readers into the media center.

Activities such as the book fair and having a Little Free Library have helped provide books to many students and their family members. Proceeds from the book fair help purchase books for the Little Free Library. I apply for grants and book give-aways to help stock it, as well.