February checklist

Information overload? These are the most important DLL things to know to stay on track: 

• Be mindful of upcoming budget deadlines and submitting any remaining orders on time.

Tell Us Something Good That Happened Today

Let’s start off by stating the fact that I am a biased UNC-CH graduate. I come by it honestly as a Tar Heel twice over, and just need to state my affiliation before proceeding. End disclaimer.

Welcome to February, the shorter month that follows the longest month of the year. Perhaps it’s the fickle, undulating North Carolina weather; the long stretch until Spring Break; or the overwhelming amount of stories in the news cycle, but I wonder if Mary Poppins (movie musical version starring the affable Julie Andrews) had it right, “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” 

So, here’s your simple, sweet assignment: First, view the viral video from the walkway in front of Wilson Library at UNC. Second, think of something good that happened today and share it with someone else. You’re welcome to send a message to Library Media Services.  -Kendra 

February: Black History Month - Focus on Scientists and Inventors

In honor of Black History Month, we recognize and celebrate amazing Black scientists and inventors who have forever changed the course of human history with their curiosity, intelligence, and ingenuity. We have compiled resources for you to use with teachers, students, and families as well as to inform your library programming. While we encourage activities, lessons, and resources inclusive of Black and African American representation throughout the year, we take this opportunity to celebrate and learn. 

Digital Learning Updates

If teachers see 25-26 courses in Canvas, do not do anything with them until it has been communicated that the courses are ready. Look for information about Infinite Campus training in upcoming newsletters. 

New Instructional Resources for Elementary Librarians

A number of new resources have been added to the Elementary Library Lesson Plan Bank (new resources added in the 2024-2025 school year are noted with a ⭐).

• Sample Learning Targets for Elementary Library Instruction (aligned with the NC Digital Learning Standards) - in response to requests in PLCs for support with writing learning targets, this document provides some examples of potential learning targets that align to the NCDLS and are relevant for K-5 library instruction. Feel free to comment on this document to contribute additional sample learning targets you are using in your lessons. 

• North Carolina Children’s Book Award Picture Book resources

  • WCPSS Annotated Picture Book Nominees Lists - Get ideas for how to use the 2025 NCCBA picture book nominees in your instruction, including potential connections to curriculum topics. Add your own ideas and links to this document. 

2025 WCPSS North Carolina Children's Book Award Canvas Module - Import this module into your own Canvas course for a multi-week inquiry unit. The module is best suited for grades 3-5, but could be modified and adapted for younger students. You need to open Canvas Commons before clicking on the link. Or, you can search Canvas Commons for the tags nccba, elementary library, or wonderwake.