Library Buzz
January
As we kick off the new year, many students are working on building their reading stamina, the ability to stay focused and engaged with a book for longer stretches of time. Just like exercising a muscle, reading regularly helps children strengthen their attention and grow their confidence as readers. This skill becomes especially helpful as students begin tackling longer, more complex texts.
One simple way to support reading stamina at home is by creating a small “reading window” each day. This might be just 10–15 minutes of quiet, independent reading in the evening or whenever your family can consistently fit it in. The time doesn’t need to be long; the routine is what matters most. Over time, children naturally begin to stretch those minutes, especially once they find a story they can’t put down!
If your child has trouble staying engaged, offering choices can make a big difference. Graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, nonfiction, or beloved family favorites all count as valuable reading. When children feel ownership and excitement about what they read, stamina grows naturally. Your support at home makes a big difference in helping students build strong, lasting reading habits.
December
Celebrate Reading This December!
“Every new book is a new adventure!”
Winter is approaching and it's getting chilly outside! December is the perfect time to grab a fuzzy blanket, sip some hot chocolate, and open a brand-new book. Did you know that December is Read a New Book Month? It’s the perfect time for children to explore different kinds of stories and discover something exciting and new!
Encourage your child to pick up a book that’s a little different from their usual favorites. Maybe they could trade adventure stories for a funny graphic novel, or explore a book about a child who travels the world.
If they love animals, they might enjoy reading about amazing pets, animal rescue stories, or how zoos help care for endangered species. Children who like to build or create might get inspired by books about young inventors, cool experiments, or stories that show how everyday things are made!
Make reading extra fun by connecting it to real-life activities.
*If your child picks a book about dinosaurs, make fossil imprints using clay or homemade playdough.
*Reading about weather? Create a mini tornado in a bottle or keep a weather journal for a week.
* Reading a mystery story? Set up a “detective day” and create your own clues around the house!
Parents, this is also a wonderful time to share a book you loved when you were a kid. Your child will love hearing one of your favorites and sharing the story together.
No matter what you choose to read, every new book is a doorway to imagination, discovery, and fun. Let’s make this December full of memorable reading moments!
Check out these helpful sites to find your child’s next great read:
- Common Sense Media – Best Book Lists
Find reviews and recommendations by age and topic.
- Scholastic Parents – Book Finder
Search by age, interest, or reading level. - Albuquerque Public Library
November
Junior Achievement (JA) Update
Our students are several weeks into the Junior Achievement program, which helps children understand how money, work, and community all connect in their daily lives. Through engaging, hands-on lessons, students are learning about making choices, working together, and building skills for future success. Here’s a quick look at what each grade level is focusing on:
Kindergarten: Students in JA OurselvesTM , are learning about choices, needs and wants, and the role of money in everyday life.
First Grade: JA Our FamiliesTM, students explore how family members work together, earn money, and meet needs and wants.
Second Grade: JA Our CommunityTM, teaches students about the jobs and services that keep a community running and how people depend on one another.
Third Grade: JA Our CityTM, students discover how cities operate, how businesses and workers contribute, and how entrepreneurs strengthen the economy.
Fourth Grade: JA Our RegionTM, students learn how entrepreneurs use resources to create businesses and how geography affects trade and jobs.
Fifth Grade: JA Our NationTM, introduces students to the U.S. free market system, showing how innovation, competition, and individual skills contribute to our economy.
October
I am excited to share that all grade levels will once again participate in the Junior Achievement (JA) program over the next six-eight weeks. This is our second year bringing JA to our school, and students truly enjoyed the program last year. Junior Achievement USA is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need for economic success. This program helps guide students as they plan for their futures and make informed academic and economic choices.
The focus of Junior Achievement includes three core areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students will gain valuable insights into the realities of work and life in the 21st century, preparing them to explore the opportunities that lie ahead.
📚 Access Our Library Catalog from Home
Parents, you can access our school’s library catalog from home by clicking on the link below. There you can browse our school’s collection, search for books, and see which titles are available. You and your student(s) can also explore ebooks and audiobooks that were purchased by the district.
August & September
I'm so excited to begin another year with all of you! As your school librarian, I look forward to sharing the joy of reading and exploring new books together.
Library Visits & Book Check-Outs
Students will visit the library weekly with their class for 40 minutes. During this time, they can browse, check out, and enjoy our great collection of books. Students may borrow new books each week—just be sure to return or renew the previous week’s books. Renewals are available one week at a time if more time is needed.
Library Rules
The library is a fun and welcoming space—but also a learning space. To help keep it running smoothly, please review these expectations with your student:
- Be Kind and Respectful – Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
- Walk and Use Quiet Voices – Help keep the library calm and safe.
- Use Time Wisely – Focus on reading, learning, and library activities.
- Take Care of Our Books – Handle books gently so they last for everyone.
- Help Keep the Library Neat – Pick up after yourself and treat the space with care.
Classes earn popsicle sticks for good behavior (based on student ratings each visit). Once a class collects 8 sticks, they earn a Free Choice Day filled with games, building, crafting, and reading!
Book Care
Please help your child care for books by keeping them away from food, drinks, pets, and younger siblings. Lost or damaged books must be replaced so all students can enjoy our full collection.
Returning Books
Books should be returned to the library or placed in the return bin just outside the library door. This keeps books safe and ready for the next reader!
Little Free Library
Our Little Free Library stayed active all summer! It's a fun, informal spot where families can take or leave books anytime. This is separate from our school library. If you'd like to donate a large number of books, please reach out to me directly.
I can’t wait to hear about what your child is reading this year. Here’s to a year full of stories, fun, and learning!