CHS Media Center Newsletter
March 2026
This newsletter highlights a selection of our services, programming, and resources. In this issue:
- Celebrate this month's events with our resource collections: Women's History Month, Irish American Heritage Month, March Madness, National Craft Month, Optimism Month, National Nutrition Month, Expanding Girls' Horizons in Science & Engineering Month, Maryland Day
- It's Time to Read: Thank You, Mr. Sprites!
- March Trivia Contest: It's About Time!
- Community Student Leadership Opportunity: FOLMC Student Representative
- Spotlight on Digital Citizenship: AI Chatbots - Who’s Behind the Screen?
There is so much to celebrate in March!
Click on a tile below to learn more:
It's Time to Read: Thank You, Mr. Sprites!
Next time you head for the door in the media center, look up! We are proud to debut our brand-new literary clock hanging right above the media center's exit. Specially crafted by our Head of CTE, Mr. Sprites, this functional artwork perfectly blends technology with tradition. The clock face is made from a favorite repurposed book, while the clock hands and numbers were created using 3D-printing technology.
This creative addition has quickly become a media center favorite, sparking smiles and gathering compliments from everyone who sees it. A huge thank you to the amazing Mr. Sprites for this wonderful gift! It’s a beautiful reminder that there is always time for a good story!
Check Out a Time-Themed Book
In honor of Mr. Sprites' gift, we’ve curated a special collection of books where every second counts. From ticking-clock thrillers and mind-bending time-travel journeys to historical texts that defined our past, there is something for everyone!
March Trivia Contest: It's About Time!
Continuing our celebration of our new time piece, we have a themed trivia contest for you this month: It's About Time! 😉
Congrats to our February Trivia Contest Winners:
Alina Salman, 12th Grader
Tayvon Bradford, 10th Grader (pictured below)
Community Student Leadership Opportunity:
FOLMC Student Representative
Are you looking to make a real impact on the Montgomery County teen community? Do you want a front-row seat to how nonprofits actually work? The Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) are looking for a motivated, independent leader to serve as the next Student Representative to the Board of Trustees.
This is more than just a resume builder—it’s a chance to shape the future of library programming for your peers.
The Opportunity
As a Student Representative, you will dive into the world of nonprofit governance and leadership. While this is a non-voting role, your voice is essential. You will directly influence how the FOLMC determines programs and enhancements, ensuring the library stays relevant and useful for the local teen population.
Key Details:
Term: Two-year commitment (Junior and Senior year).
Start Date: August 2026.
Work Style: You’ll need to be a self-starter! Much of the work happens independently, outside of scheduled board meetings.
Why Apply?
Gain Experience: Learn about nonprofit boards, community involvement, and organizational leadership.
Earn SSL Hours: Student Service Learning hours are available for your time and efforts.
Advocate for Peers: Be the voice for Montgomery County teens.
Note on SSL Hours: Students are responsible for tracking their own hours and submitting the necessary paperwork to their school's SSL coordinator.
Are You Eligible?
FOLMC is looking for students who will be entering the 11th grade in the Fall of 2026.
📅 Important Dates
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Term Begins: August 2026
Ready to lead? Follow this link to apply: https://folmc.org/student-representative/
Spotlight on Digital Citizenship:
AI Chatbots - Who’s Behind the Screen?
Throughout this school year, students will participate in digital citizenship lessons during their advisory period. These lessons will focus on the responsible, ethical, and informed use of technology and the internet. Digital citizenship includes understanding how to interact safely and respectfully online, protect personal information, recognize and prevent cyberbullying, and respect the intellectual property rights of others. To find out more about digital citizenship and why it's important, explore the Common Sense Education website.
In March, students will participate in an advisory lesson on AI Chatbots. The lesson will address the essential question: Why are AI chatbots designed to sound so human-like, and how can that impact our everyday lives? To go deeper on this topic, click here for an article on the effects of AI chatbots on teen mental health.
Free Ebooks & Audiobooks on the Sora Reading App!
DID YOU KNOW?
How to Access Sora
Video on How to Use Sora
Contact Mrs. Blanchard
Questions? Stuck in your research? Looking for your next great read?
Find her in the media center or contact her via:
Email: courtney_blanchard@mcpsmd.org
Website: Coyote Information Hub
X: @CburgLibrary