October Library Newsletter

On October 20th we welcomed Alena Curry, a nurse anesthetist and endometriosis advocate and Mirabell, an endometriosis advocate who specializes in youth awareness, to Winchester High School. Alena and Mirabell presented to the Health Occupations Club and the Women's Health Club and were here to help us better understand endometriosis, a condition that affects millions of people but is often misunderstood or overlooked. They spoke about what endometriosis is, common symptoms, how it can affect daily life and why awareness and early recognition are so important.

Ms. Often’s classes toured the CTC (Creative Technology Center) to explore its tools, equipment, and resources. Using their background knowledge, students identified and described the purpose and function of each technology. For example, the purpose of an embroidery machine is to create decorative designs on fabric, while its function is to use programmed stitching patterns and a needle with thread to sew those designs into the material. This hands-on exploration encouraged students to think critically about how different technologies work, what they are designed to accomplish, and how they might be used creatively in their own projects.

Mr. Hackett’s class is exploring the world of cabinets of curiosities through block printing! Drawing inspiration from source imagery and their own imaginations, students are conjuring up wonderfully curious images featuring skeletons, fossils, magic, antique objects, and other mysterious oddities.

Once completed, their prints will become part of our growing WHS Wunderkammer—a collaborative collection celebrating the strange, the unexpected, and the fascinating. Keep an eye out for these imaginative creations as they find their home in a special display frame in the library!

Take a look at our world map in the WHS Cultural Resource Center! Students and staff are invited to place a pin on the country or countries their families come from. Together, we can create a visual representation of the many cultures, histories, and experiences that make up our school community.

Whether your family has roots nearby or across the globe, we want to see where our stories connect! Stop by, add your pin, and help us celebrate the diversity that makes our community unique.

Thank you so much to The En Ka Society Grants Committee for awarding the Library a grant towards the cultural resource center!

As students begin their National History Day projects, Dr. Spencer visited the WHS Library to introduce students to the resources available to support their research. Students explored library databases and print resources, learned strategies for finding reliable information, and developed essential skills for evaluating online sources. These research skills will help students build strong foundations for their National History Day projects!

Students in History classes brought world history to life with their World Civilizations Fair, displayed in the library! Projects explored fascinating aspects of civilizations across the globe, including the Ottoman Empire, Russian rulers, trade networks, and social structures. The exhibition showcased students’ research, creativity, and exploration of the people, systems, and cultures that have shaped our world.

World Language Classes Explore Research Skills in the Library

World Language students are visiting the library to strengthen their research skills and explore authentic resources in Spanish, Italian, and French. Students are learning how to develop effective search strategies, locate credible sources in the target language, and explore the cultures, traditions, and communities connected to their studies. By working with articles, data, videos, and other digital resources, students are building the skills to move beyond basic searches and discover meaningful cultural connections.

The WHS Library welcomed Jessica Brill of Logitech for an engaging, hands-on workshop exploring digital marketing and short-form video creation! Jessica introduced students to how brands connect with audiences through content, messaging, and digital platforms, sharing insights from Logitech’s own marketing campaigns. Students in Ms. Lamson's Marketing class then put their creativity into action by developing short-form videos designed for a social media campaign. The visit offered a valuable opportunity for students to explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and marketing while learning directly from a professional in the field.

Take a break from the busy school week and join us every Friday in the Library Conference Room for coffee, treats, and good company! Stop by to catch up with colleagues, meet someone new, share ideas, or simply enjoy a few minutes of conversation and connection.

AP Literature students recently visited the library’s Learning Commons to experiment with their new podcasting equipment and put their creativity to work! As part of their exploration of the Southern Gothic literary tradition, students developed and recorded their own podcasts, using the new sound studio to bring their literary interpretations, ideas, and discussions to life. A great example of how literature, technology, and creative expression come together in the Learning Commons!

The WHS Library’s annual Pumpkin Carving Contest brought a little Halloween magic and a whole lot of creativity to the Learning Commons! Students transformed ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art, showcasing everything from spooky and silly to impressively intricate designs. The library was filled with festive spirit as students showed off their creations and competed for bragging rights. A big thank-you to everyone who participated and helped out, and a enormous thank you to Rosemary Baldwin, Jessica Haggerty, Neils Burger and Anya Van Damm for being our amazing judges and also to Mahoney’s Garden Center for generously donating the pumpkins. 🎃 Congratulations to our 1st prize winner Eli Kim!

All pumpkins were generously donated by Mahoney's Garden Center- thank you thank you thank you

The WHS Library is hosting a Musical Lunch in the Learning Commons in late November. Students are invited to take a break from their usual lunchtime routine, enjoy live music, discover student talent, and connect with friends in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're ready to perform or just want to sit back and enjoy the show, there's a place for you. Stay tuned for details!