Smith Media Center News

Mrs. Chatel Returns to the Media Center!

It's been wonderful to be at home the past few months with Edmond Anthony, who was born July 3, but I am excited to be back in the Media Center and to share my passion for books and technology with your child! For those of you who don't know me yet, I am Mrs. Chatel, your child's media specialist. This is my third year in the library; I am at Smith on even dates and Boulan on odd dates.

When I tell people that I am a school librarian, many think that my job consists of helping students find books and then shelving the books. However, the librarian of the 21st century does so much more than that! I have wonderful parent volunteers who shelve the books for me, enabling me to spend my time advising students on what books to read, collaborating with teachers, or teaching lessons.

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Your son or daughter will be coming to the media center this year to learn about the research process, which includes how to avoid plagiarism, cite sources using EasyBib, utilize research databases, create a bibliography, among other valuable skills. I also aid teachers by co-teaching technology lessons on how to use certain websites and apps.

Your child's iPad will be an essential tool in the media center, whether it is to find books using our library catalog app, Destiny Quest, or to do research and create a final product.

Of course, much of my job centers around helping students find the right books. (I am so passionate about reading that I named my son after Edmond Dantes, the famous protagonist of The Count of Monte Cristo!) I have several book recommendation lists on my website, as well as special collections and displays in the media center to attract students to read. It is always important to be aware of what your child is reading and to discuss books at home.

Many events in the media center support students' love of reading. See below for the schedule for this year!

I look forward to working with your child for the rest of the school year. Please contact me if you have any questions.

2015-2016 Media Center Events

• Barnes and Noble Bookfair--December 4, 4-8 pm at the Rochester Road store. Your child should have brought home a Cheesecake Factory order form and information about the fair. Any purchases made at the store that night will benefit the Smith Media Center--just mention us at the register! We will do a special reveal of two of the Troybery titles that night. Can't make the event? You can shop online at www.bn.com/bookfairs using the code 11758000. Funds raised go towards purchasing Troybery books.
• Book Discussion Club--Meets from 3-4 pm on 12/10/15, 1/14/16, 2/18/16, 3/24/16, 4/28/16, and 5/26/16 in the Media Center. All are welcome! We choose a book or books to discuss each time. 
• Troybery--The Troy Middle School Media Centers will be launching the 16th annual Troybery Awards Program in early January. The ceremony will be held at the Services Building on April 29, 2016.
• Scholastic Book Fair--February 22-26, 2016