Hello, Ford Family! We have reached the end of our first 6-weeks marking period. It has been an eventful and fun beginning of the year in our Mustang library. Read on to find out some of the exciting things we've been doing in the library, and some of our upcoming events and activities.

These students achieved at least 100% of their points goal with at least an 85% average for the first 6-weeks! Each will be receiving a snack as a reward. The top three per grade level and those who have read 100,000 words received a little something extra! Keep reading, students!

Congratulations to the students with the most pages read during the summer, from each grade level.

The top PSJA Summer Readers from Ford are Ezra, Natalie, Preston, Avianna, Troy, Isaac, and Abigail. These students were recognized during a special virtual celebration on Tuesday, September 28. They each received a t-shirt, a yard sign, books, a goody bag, a cupcake, and a cookie. Excellent work, students!

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

TX Library Standards: 6.4- The school library program activities are evaluated

using data analysis in order to improve student outcomes.

Every student who submitted a reading log was awarded books, a certificate, a cookie, and a goody bag. Way to go, Mustangs!

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

TX Library Standards: 6.4- The school library program activities are evaluated

using data analysis in order to improve student outcomes.

In a COVID-safe way, we are circulating books to be enjoyed in the classroom. After books are checked out to the teacher, they can be read and then returned. Once they are returned, they are being quarantined for three days and then disinfected before being checked out again.

TX Library Standards: 3.1- The library encourages students to read a variety of literature for information and pleasure. The library provides access to physical and virtual collections of high quality, current resources in a variety of formats (print, audio, electronic) and platforms (readable on most devices) which reflect input from stakeholders.

A big shout-out to Ms. Guerra’s 4th graders, who organized their own book club during lunchtime! They selected a book from myON that they could all read and discuss together! This book club was completely student-driven and organized! 💙💛📚👍🏼👍🏼

On September 6, we celebrated National Read a Book Day! Students, teachers, and whole classes shared pictures of what they were reading!

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

Jason took part in one of our daily reading challenges! "Read a back-to-school book and send a picture to your librarian!" Here he is, reading one of his favorite books, Geeger the Robot Goes to School by Jarrett Lerner.

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

Natalie read part of a book from MackinVIA for "First Chapter Fridays." We have so many excellent ebooks and audiobooks on MackinVIA. Read Me and My Cat or find another book that interests you! And be sure to follow the PSJA Library Services Facebook page to stay up to date with announcements and reading challenges! https://www.facebook.com/PSJAReads

September 15 was the annual celebration of International Dot Day! This day is inspired by the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. We encourage our children to make their mark, and see where it takes them!

TX Library Standards:

3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

4.1- The library program effectively uses and promotes the use of technology applications and tools across all content areas for discovery, collaboration, critical analysis, creation, and presentation of learning.

4.2- The library program utilizes a variety of engaging technology tools that demonstrate learning in a measurable way.

TEKS: Technology Applications

1.Creativity and innovation. The student uses creative thinking and innovative processes to construct knowledge and develop digital products. The student is expected to:

(B) create original products using a variety of resources;

(C) explore virtual environments, simulations, models, and programming languages to enhance learning;

ELAR TEKS:

K: SE: K.8Di Recognize Central Idea

1st: SE: 1.9Di Main Idea

2nd: SE 2.8B Character

3rd: SE: 3.8C Plot

4th: SE: 4.8C Plot 4.8D Influence of Setting

5th: SE: 5.10A Author’s Purpose & Message

Each year during September, libraries encourage people to get their library cards! Pharr Memorial Library is a fantastic resource, and Mrs. Alvarez challenged our students and their families to apply for a library card, or show off the card they already have!

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

From September 15 through October 15, we recognize the achievements of Hispanic/Latinx people in the United States. During library time, students participated in an activity about Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to go to space!

One of our fourth graders, Jordan, was featured in a collaborative "Did You Know?" video for Hispanic Heritage Month. Watch it at the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/PSJAReads/videos/399024771804963/

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

School library programs promote reading as an essential skill for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment which are essential skills for college, career, and community.

3.3- Library materials reflect diversity, student choice for leisure reading, and reading for information as well as the needs of the curriculum and the state standards.

3.4- Digital Learning - Effective school libraries are a vital hub with equitable access to emerging technologies which provide curated and open access to a variety of print and digital resources. They support best instructional practices and curriculum standards through the integration of resources while assessing the impact on student learning.

TEKS

2: (12) Culture. The student understands ethnic and/or cultural celebrations. The student is expected to: (A) identify the significance of various ethnic and/or cultural celebrations; and

3: (10) Culture. The student understands ethnic and/or cultural celebrations of the local community and other communities. The student is expected to: (A) explain the significance of various ethnic and/or cultural celebrations in the local community and other communities;

5: (21) Culture. The student understands the contributions of people of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups to the United States culture. The student is expected to: (A) describe customs and traditions of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups in the United States;

All students have been automatically enrolled in a Library Google Classroom space. In that area, I will post links to important resources, library activities, and important announcements. Keep yourself posted by checking the stream and materials frequently!

TX Library Standards: 5.3- The school library program extends library-based learning opportunities for families through community-centered activities.

Mrs. Alvarez is active in using the site DonorsChoose to get projects funded to benefit our campus. In addition to projects funded in the spring to support our Global Read-Aloud, a recent project, titled Mustang Students are Makers and Readers was fully funded for $544. Through this project, our library received makerspace materials and books to give out to students for their own personal libraries.

Flex Seating for Cozy Reading, a project with a goal of $321, partially funded, is still accepting donations: Flex Seating for Cozy Reading | DonorsChoose project by Mrs. Alvarez

Join us in our annual Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Be creative! No carved pumpkins are allowed. Please bring in your decorated pumpkin during the week of October 18-22. Entries will be displayed in the library and winners will be announced on October 29. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries and each participant will receive a goody bag. Contact rachel.alvarez@psjaisd.us with any questions!

The Global Read-Aloud (GRA) is a project through which classes all over the world read a common book with their teacher and/or librarian. Here at Ford, each grade level is reading a certain book and we are connecting with Four Georgians Elementary School in Helena, Montana. We have been creating introductory videos for each other, collaborating on a Padlet site, and will be using Jamboard to reflect on the books and create as we read.

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

This year, 2nd graders in Ms. J. Martinez's class will be connecting with poet and author Chelsea Lin Wallace as part of a collaboration called #KidsNeedMentors. An introductory meet-and-greet/Q&A is scheduled via Google Meet during our library time. Ms. Wallace looks forward to encouraging our students' creativity, and sharing her passion for reading and writing with our students.

A Little Free Library has been installed just outside the front gate at Henry Ford Elementary School! We were selected as a site for an impact grant and we received a fully assembled, 2-story Little Free Library, a charter sign with registration number, and a starter collection of books! The Little Free Library is already stocked with books for our Mustang family and community. Please feel free to take a book, and if you'd like to donate a book, donations can be brought to the library or left inside the Little Free Library. A ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration is being planned and will be announced! Be on the lookout for more details.

TX Library Standards: 5.3- The school library program extends library-based learning opportunities for families through community-centered activities.

Eight 4th and 5th grade students have accepted the challenge to read our four Battle of the Bluebonnet Books titles over the next four months. In January, a team of four students will compete against teams from all twenty-five PSJA elementary schools. The winning team will advance to a regional competition. Let's go, Mustangs!

TEKS: (6) Comprehension skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student uses metacognitive skills to both develop and deepen comprehension of increasingly complex texts. The student is expected to: (B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information;

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

This year, we will prepare for the first-of-its-kind Batalla de los Libros! A team of three 4th and 5th grade students will read three books in Spanish. In March, teams will compete against those from other schools, based on their knowledge of the books. Mrs. Alvarez has copies available for use. Please see stop by the library for more information!

TEKS: (6) Comprehension skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student uses metacognitive skills to both develop and deepen comprehension of increasingly complex texts. The student is expected to: (B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information;

TX Library Standards: 3.2- The school library program supports, supplements, and elevates literacy instruction through research-based strategies and participation in national, state, and local reading initiatives.

Students in 1st-5th grade have taken their Star Reading beginning-of-year assessments to determine their current reading level. Using those results, the AR system generates individualized goals for students, including a points goal and a book level goal. We will recognize our goal-getters and top AR participants on a regular basis.

To take AR quizzes, students will visit https://global-zone08.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/239158 and utilize the user name and password provided by their teacher. AR testing is available 24/7, in the evenings and weekends, from school and from home. If you need assistance, please email rachel.alvarez@psjaisd.us.

TEKS: (5) Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: reading, and thinking--self-sustained reading. The student reads grade-appropriate texts independently. The student is expected to self-select text and interact independently with text for increasing periods of time. (6) Comprehension skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student uses metacognitive skills to both develop and deepen comprehension of increasingly complex texts. The student is expected to: (A) establish purpose for reading assigned and self-selected texts with adult assistance;

TX Library Standards: 2.1- The school library program includes a carefully curated collection of current materials in a variety of formats, including curation of open educational resources (OER) that are uniquely suited to support inquiry learning and the needs and interests of all users.

TX Library Standards: 3.1- The library encourages students to read a variety of literature for information and pleasure. The library provides access to physical and virtual collections of high quality, current resources in a variety of formats (print, audio, electronic) and platforms (readable on most devices) which reflect input from stakeholders.

• 14 years as an educator in PSJA ISD
• 2 Master's degrees, in Library Science and in History
• School Librarian Certification for Early Childhood-12th grade
• Certification for teaching social studies
• Passionate about information literacy, digital citizenship, and diverse collections of reading materials for our students.

Always feel free to reach out with any questions! I am here to support our students, families, teachers, and staff in any way that I can. Let's continue reading and using our digital literacy skills.

Click here to see what Mrs. Alvarez is reading, and what's next on her list! https://app.edu.buncee.com/buncee/5a6e5179409941748e69752b18b3ca4c

Email: rachel.alvarez@psjaisd.us
Website: https://www.psjaisd.us/domain/2809
Location: 1110 East Polk Avenue, Pharr, TX, USA
Phone: (956) 354-2770
Facebook: facebook.com/HenryFordElementary
Twitter: @librarian_alva