Check It Out!

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you had a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and maybe even enjoy a good book.

I'm excited to begin my second year as the librarian at Straus Middle School! This year marks my 21st year in education, and I continue to love helping students discover books they'll enjoy, build strong research skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Our library is a place where every student belongs. Whether they're searching for their next favorite book, working on a research project, joining one of our clubs, or simply looking for a welcoming place to learn and explore, the library is here to support them every step of the way.

Inside this month's newsletter, you'll find:

• 📚 Library information, hours, and checkout procedures
• 💻 Digital resources students can access from home
• 📖 My monthly book recommendations
• 🎉 Information about Book Club and upcoming library events
• 📅 Reading challenges, contests, and opportunities to get involved throughout the year

I'm looking forward to another fantastic year of helping our Mavericks discover new books, explore new ideas, and grow as readers. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there's ever a way I can support your student.

Here's to a wonderful school year filled with great books and exciting adventures!

Paige Fosmire
Straus Middle School Librarian
📧 Paige.Fosmire@nisd.net
📞 (210) 398-2583

If your summer reading isn't quite complete yet, don't panic! You'll find the book lists, assignment directions, and helpful resources in the link below. Take some time to finish up and start the school year strong—we can't wait to hear about what you've been reading!

Be sure to bring your completed game board to the library during the first few weeks of school to claim your prize! I can't wait to see all the reading adventures you completed this summer.

Are you ready for a frightfully fun reading challenge? Read five books checked out from the Straus Library and complete a short response for each by October 23 to be entered into a drawing for a ticket to Creepy Cafe! Forty students from each grade level will be selected to enjoy pizza, treats, door prizes, and a Goosebumps movie during lunch on October 30. Visit the library to get started!

Find this link in your portal at myportal.nisd.net and explore the Library Catalog or get there by going to bit.ly/StrausLib. Mrs. Fosmire has linked collections of curated books that are highlighted each month and you can also search by genre! You will be learning more about using the library catalog during your 1st library rotation this year.

Students will choose and read a book and get together twice each month to discuss the book with our librarian, Mrs. Fosmire and other students. Book Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 8:00 am in the library. Five students selected from our Book Club will also get to attend the Battle of the Books Competition field trip the second semester. Stop by the library for more information.

Click here to learn all about SORA, our district provided platform for ebooks and audio books and download a great book today!

Think you're ready to conquer the Straus Library? Stop by and test your library knowledge with our Library Expectations Challenge! Answer 10 quick questions about library expectations, checkout procedures, and how to make the most of your library visit. Everyone who completes the challenge with the correct answers will earn a sweet treat!

It's a fun way to learn the library, discover what we have to offer, and start the school year

like a library expert. Good luck, Mavericks!

Email: Paige.Fosmire@nisd.net
Location: 8092 Talley Road, San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: (210) 398-2583