Spring has sprung at OSSB, and everyone is happy about it.
The construction equipment is humming up in the front area of the property-the work on the new school building is beginning to come to an end!! The staff is planning for the upcoming move into the new school building and summer camps, and students are starting to dream of summer vacation and graduation-which is not too far away. This month will find our students reading about Easter, Passover, Gardening, and Earth Day, which falls on Monday April 22nd.
This April finds the Elementary Book Club is well along in its final book of the year titled AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS by Gennifer Choldenko. This has been a serious but fun read, and I’m looking forward to hearing what the students think about it when we have finished-which shall be on April 24, 2013. Mrs. Brown is busy plotting on the title her book club students will be starting in September. So, before you know it, we will be reading and discussing again.
The month of May will find us ending our school year talking about Gardening, Mother’s Day, the season of summer, and Summer Vacation plans. As always, there are many end of the year activities throughout the school coming up this month, as well as planning for Graduation on May 31st.
Parents, with Summer Break fast approaching us, it would be a good time to call up the Ohio Library for the Blind and update your reader’s profile for Braille and Talking books. Also, if you are unsure of your child’s level, please contact their teacher-they would be happy to let you know what level your child is reading and listening at. For parents of print readers, please be sure to take a good look at your local public library!
Many public libraries now belong to large sharing consortiums, so if you have a large print reader, chances are; they can obtain materials for you. This also applies to downloading e-books and audio books-you can download books onto i-pads, Kindles, mp3 players, into computer hard drives (helpful to have speech software!) or onto flash drives to play on the new Digital Talking Books! Please see the main library page for web connections to different agencies that can help you obtain materials for your child. If this is new territory for you, do not fear-your public libraries are happy to lead you through this process-it’s not hard. This technology is fast changing-so be sure to stay connected with your public library to see what they have to offer.
Please be sure to have your student read this summer. A brain that stays active by reading and engaging in learning is a brain that is ready to come back to school in the fall!
Have a safe and happy Summer Break!
Janell A. Brown
Ohio State School for the Blind Librarian