We’re proud of all the work you’ve done so far this year. We know we’ll continue to be presented with challenges moving forward. Here’s a look at some ways we plan to support you in the new year.

WakeForward

We are excited to announce that we will begin offering a WakeForward Virtual PLC blended learning course. The course will run from January-May. The purpose of this PLC is to provide a virtual space for school library media coordinators to engage in collegial and collaborative inquiry. We'll work together to analyze relevant data, reflect on our practices, and conduct action research to identify methods for growing our school library programs that have the greatest benefit to students.

We will use a blended format for this PLC to allow for maximum flexibility in participation. SLMCs have considerable choice for ways to utilize the course content. You can engage with Common Learning Modules that apply to all WakeForward focus areas and/or Focus Area Specific Modules. You can choose whether you complete the activities in each module independently or in collaboration with your MTAC. Finally, you can also decide whether to share your ideas asynchronously through the Canvas modules or synchronously during monthly Google Meets.

You will be able to view the Canvas course after registering in WakeLearns. Participants can earn up to 1.3 Digital Learning Credits for completing the course. Partial credit will be awarded.

New content will be posted at the beginning of each month. You can work through the content at your own pace and have the option of joining a Virtual PLC Meet at the end of each month to discuss the module content with your colleagues.

As a reminder, all WakeForward information, including the School Library Program Assessment survey and the form to submit your focus area, can be found on the Library Media Services site under WakeForward.

Bookshare

Thank you for your patience as we worked with Special Education Services and Assistive Technology to update the records for eligible Bookshare users. When logged in as a Bookshare sponsor, you should now find an accurate list of eligible students for your school when you filter the search for “Wake County Public School System” as the district. As a reminder, you can refer to the Bookshare page on the Library Media Services site for links to a short training and a Bookshare Guide for School Librarians. If you have questions related to Bookshare, please email Susan at sbock@wcpss.net.

Destiny 18.3 Update

Deb sent out an email on 1/11 highlighting changes to the Holds view in Library Manager Back Office. You can reference a description of those changes here: Destiny 18.3 Update--Holds

Want to help us review newly released titles?

We’ve opened up new sections of the following courses:

• 2020-2021 Survey of K-8 Literature for School Library Media Coordinators (earn up to 1 Literacy CEU)

• 2020-2021 Survey of Young Adult Literature for School Library Media Coordinators (earn up to 1 Subject Area CEU)

These courses have a limited number of spots. By registering for the course, you are committing to read and write reviews for a minimum number of titles before April 30, 2021. Reviews will be submitted in Canvas and then published on our Reviewers’ Choice Blog.

If you participated in either course last year, you will not be able to register again to earn credit. However, if you still wish to review books without earning credit, please reach out to Susan to make arrangements.

Help Desk tickets related to student devices

Need help remembering which information to include in a help desk ticket related to student devices? Use this chart for assistance.

Middle School FYI

Please see the message to middle school principals that was posted on December 7th and included this update regarding Battle of the Books:

Due to the present state of Covid-19 and direction from Governor Cooper about mass gatherings, unfortunately, we will not be able to host the Battle of the Books (BOB) competition this school year. In addition, after continued evaluation of this competition, we will pivot away from hosting the BOB in future years.

To replace BOB, Academics and Digital Learning and Libraries recommends that schools consider Project LIT, a grassroots network of student-led book groups founded by teacher Jarred Amato, that aims to get young people excited about reading by highlighting diverse, high-interest, culturally relevant books. Some middle schools that are already involved in this are Davis Drive ProjectLIT, Alston Ridge Project LIT, Mills Park Middle School and Apex Friendship Middle School Project Lit. There are also several schools at the elementary level and the high school level that has this club on site as well.

Want more information about establishing a chapter at your school? Read more on Jarred Amato’s website and the ProjectLit Twitter site. Also, please connect with any of the schools listed above who have Project LIT already in their schools.