Lowell Library Newsletter

Hello Lowell Families and Caregivers!

April was Poetry Month! All classes took an opportunity to explore poems and poetry writing in addition to their other learning activities. First and second grades wrote class poems on a topic of their choice (see some examples in this newsletter). Older grades had opportunities to create magnetic poetry or use a poem coding app to visually reflect the meaning of the poem.

We also celebrated Literacy Week with our theme: Spring Into Reading. Students all participated in various genre activities to discover, perhaps, a passion for a genre new to them.

Our curriculum is a combination of library, digital learning , and computer science. Each year we build on previous year's work and expand our understanding in all three areas.

Kindergarten

• Poetry
• Rhyming Words
• Rhythm in Poetry and Books
• Writing Poems

First Grade

• Structure of Poems
• Rhythm and alliteration
• Rhyme and Onomatopeia

Second Grade

• Human- Computer Partnerships
• Futurism and Computers
• Poetry Writing

Third Grade

• Creating a model/ simulation of a scientific process using digital tools
• Sharing GIF to a collaborative space

Fourth Grade

• Fake News Collaborative Article
• Utilizing digital tools to publish a new article and share with classmates

Fifth Grade

• 30 second book talk write a hook
• Write a summary for book talk
• Write a speaking script and edit with a peer

The end of the year is soon upon us and the library looks to collect all the books students and staff checked out before the last day of school. Reminders with a picture of the book will be sent home so families can check for missing books.

The last day to check out books is Friday, May 1, 2025

All books are due by Tuesday, June 17, 2025

If you think the books is lost you can:

• Replace the book with a new copy of the book so other students can enjoy it.
• Pay for the book by check. Cash is not accepted.

Book checkout starts the first week of school during library class time. Students generally have about ten minutes to make a selection at the end of the specials block.

Overdue books must be returned before a new book is checked out.

Only one graphic novel at a time may be checked out.

The library will hold one (1) book for one (1) week for any student who forgot their book from the previous week.

Students who missed library day or would like to swap for a new book can visit the library any morning before 8:35 with permission from their classroom teacher.

Kindergarten and First Grade: One (1) book.

Second Grade: One (1) book September - December; Two (2) books starting in January.

Third to Fifth Grade: Two (2) books

It happens, even if you do not expect it. A book vaporizes while in your care. Here is what we can do to help return the book for someone else to share.

• Alert the librarian so she can keep an eye out for the book in the library and the school. She will check the shelves in case the book mysteriously materialized back on the shelf.
• Check the usual book sleeping spots at home: under beds, in the car, bottom of backpacks, home book shelves.
• Ask the classroom teacher in case the book ended up in the classroom collection or elsewhere in the room.
• If you use the Public Library, stop by the Watertown Free Public Library and ask at the desk. They keep books belonging to the school but they do not notify the school in any way or return the books. They will release them for return to the school library.

If you are absolutely sure it's gone or you do not want to think more about it the best option for the library is for you to purchase a replacement copy of the book. You can pay the District for the book but that money does not return to the library to purchase a new copy and my goal is to put the book in kids hands.

• In the case of book damage such as water, ripped pages, or scribbling, please check with the librarian. Some damage can be repaired but other damage means the book is permanently withdrawn from the library collection. Those books require a replacement copy or payment.

Any questions please do not hesitate to contact the library and librarian!

Would you like to spend a little time in the school library each week? The library is looking for parent volunteers to help with various library tasks such as book checkout, shelving returns, shelf reading, and possibly other projects. Click the link to access the form.

Email: kelly.mccollum@watertown.k12.ma.us

123 Lowell Street Watertown, MA 02472

Find Us Online:

@jrlowellreads

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