While this seems ages ago – so much front loading of plans occurred!
From continuing to drag out the large event tent at 8:00 AM (early start) and attack the cleaning of this – to tracking down the parts we need for 2 replacement flaps,
this large project is being hit head on to work on erecting this tent as well as to figure out usage!
At 9:00 AM we had a super exciting surprise from Steve Schwartz and Randolph Guschl, former DuPont employees as well as current representatives of the Delaware Foundation for Science and Math Education (DFSME) providing a Shine the Light Award to us for our work and education in Science and Math. Needless to say, it was an HONOR to receive such an award but on top of that, these two esteemed individuals provided back history of the involvement of DuPont in the area. We even had representation from the Seaford Star present too!
I did appreciate these community members discussing how many unknown things that were done to the environment were then largely unknown of the repercussions on the environment and how vital it was, and is, to take proper measures to take better steps to protect the environment. Always this rests on many people’s minds, and as a total group of concerned citizens, we try our best to carry forward the effort to do better by the environment. The students received cool mini flashlights, I generously received a gift card, an iconic flashlight, certificate and more great info about the DFSME. We definitely will be able to make connections to the DFSME with the work we are doing together with the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy.
As part of the effort to keep bringing in additional experts in the field for the NRWC students, board members Holly and Gary Focht visited the trail and taught and showed the impacts of invasive and native species for our environment. Additionally, Mr. Gary Focht showed all work study members how to properly use a chain saw and the dangers of doing so – and the precautions to take as a result of them. There were trees in the way of a sign on the turn and with the proper trimming and now, visible as it should be!
Thanks to NRWC volunteers, Seaford’s FFA educator, and community members, several security cameras were installed along various parts of the trail for future protection of various aspects of the nature trail.
After these several hours, we moved into planning phase for creating a community festival called the Lolly Festival for families to occur at the end of July.
From there we moved to working on turning milk and juice containers into bird feeders to be given away at the Lolly Festival. THEN we distributed what would be the next community read dealing with the resource of water (hunt) – and broke into divisions to outline and break down the contents to connect with references to what readers would be coming across as they read this next community read book.
Finally, we created a Photocircle application that will contain all our captured photos for Upward Bound WorkStudy, 2024. Believe it or not, we were humming constantly through each hour and moving forward on plans that will keep the NRWC in front of the community to be involved.
Yes! We have some exciting and amazing things planned for the community in 2024 for the Upward Bound/Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy Workstudy!
Planning a community open house for a Chapel Branch Nature Trail event for July 21st – open to adults and youth – free (but open to donations) event- full of free giveaways, a silent auction for some local gift baskets received, games, a nature trail walk and tons more!)
We mowed the grass on our NRWC building property
We did a first inspection of the trail and clipped various places where vines/thorns were reaching onto trail
We unleashed the NRWC 50+ person banquet tent and tarted cleaning
We started generating on ideas for an upcoming, new community book read
We discussed future projects coming up:
Wild flower seeds planted under bat boxes and what is to be planted around Chapel Branch Trail sign
Update kiosk with new information for the public
Checking on surveillance cameras on the trail next week
Precious Plastics grant idea to create a local, youth operated recycling of plastics business
Preparing for a local native indigenous arborium in Seaford and a podcast pertaining to this based on Glen Mellin and Lennie Truitt
Setting up a podcast interview with current and former NRWC executive directors, Marlene Mervine and Lisa Jo Frech.
Former NRWC executive director (first one!) – podcast!
Creating a podcast opportunity with the NRWC building contractor, Shirey Contracting for paths of insight into the Upward Bound workstudys interested in engineering.
That was just the first week – stay tuned for some major developments forward for the NRWC and community youth as we work together!
In investigating and deep searching Rebekkah Smith Aldrich’s novel, Sustainable Thinking, and thankful for her time at the MLA/DLA Conference – there are many great pockets of information that public libraries and school libraries do, and can do to help educate many on what their libraries can do for them as community members.
Here are the some of the positives libraries do and can do in the first ten chapters.
Chapter One- Disruption- There is absolute fact that being passive versus being proactive has its implications on the perception of libraries and their value. This applies to the role of librarians and how they perceive the opportunities around them. There is no secret that librarians’ time is sacrificed and often deleted from daily schedules, and put on a back burner of value. It is difficult to have school librarians negotiate community involvement without give planning time to meet public librarians halfway find those paths to be proactive. It is an absolute truth that libraries do indeed influence a community and can enhance a community when given a chance. Being able to be proactive comes from being recognized as an entity from administration to have an opportunity to be proactive.
Chapter Two- Beyond Our Walls – Having situational awareness of what is needed and how a library can help is crucial, and certified librarians are trained to assess situations around them and find how to best support the needs of a community. There are a number of disruptions on these levels that interrupt students every day- environmental, political, economic, technological, and social. Yet, a clear path and guide exists for students to have a chance to evaluate information, resources, and support for opportunities with our libraries. Many are unaware of these opportunities and we have a chance to show and appeal to strategies to be allowed to reach these needs to our patrons. Public and school librarians, working together, help navigate unknown minefields. I do agree that we need to leverage the wide view to improve the long view and libraries are equipped and trained to do so.
Chapter Three- Back to Basics – Certainly Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs takes precedence in times when so many students are in need more than ever before, due to circumstances often out of their control. Self-transcendence and mapping helpers in the community that can help and echo the resources that are available – this goes hand in hand with being able to see where a library and librarian can fit a niche that is missing. I love the fact that a long time ago, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots allows individuals to map their community find what resources exist and are missing, and make evaluative choices to provide those missing resources. School libraries are counted on to do that on a daily basis – public libraries absolutely. Together, their ability and time to work together can change everything for the better about a community.
Chapter 4- Survive the Earth – One of the most pressing situations in front of us has been climate change. It is a good reference to check out the Yale Program on Climate Change – but there are so many nonprofit organizations that exist, locally, that can provide opportunities for youth to shine, lead, and be a part of a community that changes things for the better for our world. School Libraries certainly need to be present to give youth that opportunity, and public libraries the resources to reinforce those leadership opportunities outside of school walls.
Chapter 5 – The Most Important Thing- Building resilience. In a time where school libraries and school librarians are being removed, reduced, and discounted over technology to do the very thing trained librarians of Information Science can do to add to an institution’s strength, resilience is needed now more than ever. Helping ALL to be heard and finding ways to have voices be heard – that is a school librarian’s specialty, that is what they are trained for. Finding their voice thanks to resources that might not be evident at first – yes. Covid unfortunately showed how school librarians can help students find their way. But it does not have to take a calamity to be able to let others know, school librarians/libraries and public librarians/libraries can fill the niches needed to support a foundation. Interruptions will happen, expected and not expected, and librarians and libraries are the safety net.
Chapter Six – Being Strategic – From comprehensive collection development plans, to seeing how school librarians can be strategically position to support literacy and working with public libraries, empowering learners as well as other librarians eliminate silos. Many of our students lack and struggle with long term thinking, and that is where Informational Science training comes into play. Libraries and librarians are TRAINED in areas of technology, information, strategizing, organizing, curating, investigating, and so many other categories, that can pivot to any discipline at any given moment. Many might not be aware of this and it is very crucial that libraries find ways to make and identify the deliberate choices that allow community members to havre the freedom to find those decisions that meet their needs.
Chapter Seven- The Why Behind the What – I love the value placed on the why. Old ads of Apple that created this sense of breaking away from the mundane and normal were referenced. There is certainly nothing mundane and “normal” about how libraries navigate the avenues of choice in today’s world. Referencing the West Vancouver Memorial Library as one single example, there is no substitute, in ANY FORM, of a librarian that is able to keep in sight of what they need to do for the community. Losing sight of what libraries do for a student, adult, community, etc. is never happening when the knowledge of what libraries provide to patrons is made clear. Always focusing on the WHY versus the WHAT is one of the most valuable assets librarians hold close to their profession.
Chapter Eight – Core Values of Librarianship– Without a doubt, the qualities listed below need to be exemplified and emphasized to community members so they are aware, this is what a school and public library stands for:
Intellectual Freedom Professional Services Social Responsibility Service Preservation
Without the trust and opportunity to exemplify these characteristics to the community at large, librarians and libraries are handicapped. We need to press upon administrators and legislators alike, these core values are what are important to communities, and we need to insure school and public librarians are in place to reinstate these values to all that come into contact with their school library.
Chapter Nine- The Three E’s of Sustainable Libraries – Empower, Engage, and Energize. School and public librarians do this and persevere under situations and circumstances that would amaze most people. Many are largely unaware of these circumstances and situations, and in order for school and public librarians to stay empowered, engaged, and energizes, and to pass these qualities onto future generations, knowledge and support needs to be freely available. Period.
Chapter Ten – WHAT- Local Supports local. I cannot say enough about how much local matters. Local businesses, local leaders, local agriculture, local employment, local opportunities, local influencers, local supporters, local information, local success. The best thing ANY local community member can do is find out the statues of their local school library and librarian, public library and librarian, and find ways to support them, voice concerns over their needs, and to continue to support their path forward. This cannot be realized or stressed enough.
These are only ten out of 25 chapters that provide a roadmap of how school librarians and public libraries depend on the knowledge of what libraries are able to do day in and day out. Stay tuned for a continuation of more but in the meantime, PLEASE dig into how and what is happening with your school and public library, and how you can support their role, in supporting your community.
Whew. What a year in review for schools, education, libraries, literacy, advocacy, youth empowerment, youth leadership – youth possibility. This comes in all forms – finding ways for students to be the faces of legislative hall, Girls Who Code, hosting on air radio personalities and YA authors, this year students took charge and ran with so many events when give the reins. Following library legislative day where for the first time, we put students at the very front of advocacy to explain what librarianship means to them, we discovered … our library is and has always become…
…a workshop.
A planning nucleus of projects to be, a place where students can regroup, plan, strategize, create, and implement.
The workshop identity has served us well and to those stuck in the iconic idea that libraries are where books happen, wellll, they are only 30% correct. With the warm welcome of Senator David Wilson visiting the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center on on May 31st, the word transparent with Senator Wilson’s visits made us realize how lucky we are to live in a state where some legislators are so transparent where they stand and what they believe in. From the actual dedication of the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center to the support Senator Wilson has given to FFA programs, to his deep support and involvement in open space preservation, agricultural and farming initiatives up and down the state, we sat in the Woodbridge High School May 31st as he enlightened us on his involvement with various logistics of the many ties and connections he has had with agriculture. farming, land legislations, and so much more; so many people in and out of legislative hall and around the state became part and parcel of our conversation.
Very rarely do many get the chance to be able to learn, chat, and hear the history of Delaware unfold in front of us as it did with Senator David L. Wilson as it did this day. In addition, as our Woodbridge students, who did not have to be at school that day, one came back to escort Senator Wilson around school and talk with him about our concerns of maintaining healthy librarianship in the state. We appreciate this past year legislative hall student lobbyist, Carley, showing what she is capable of over and over again. Certainly the sky is the limit when opportunities exist and individuals are willing to grab them.
In addition, our architect of a unified literacy program that has taken off involving vocabulary, comprehension, and writing, (Mr Weiler) utilizing noted researches and practitioners of literacy and combing them into one solid, collaborative process, was introduced and discussed with Senator Wilson, was a breath of fresh air in being able to chat with him about this.
We agreed that students and educators need to have a plan that will activate and allow both to grow, learn and apply to address what often are the basic foundations of learning that are often missing. Hence, many students are pushed forward without truly acquiring the solid, retainable knowledge needed before moving to a next level ; they cannot work effectively missing the basic knowledge they need.
To have conversations as these, on an academic, literacy, and alongside areas of community history is to truly realize what and why a school library media center and a certified librarian is necessary to be an activated learning center. A nucleus of learning, creating, disciplines, and a place to contemplate and having the time to be able to entertain discussions with a large representation of community members, in order to really understand the deeper, powerful potential school library spaces have- is a best kept secret for those that do not know. Absolutely, books are definitely NOT on the decline when represented as being more than containers of page after page after page of have to reads.
No.
Books become a coveted tool when found in places that school libraries were meant to be found and known as – centers of inquiry, possibility, and in this case amplifying the transparency of wisdom of a Delawarean senator, while considering a literacy framework architect that designs programs allowing students to grow, and students in turn take on roles of leadership to be voices that normally are not amplified.
Being able to involve Senator Wilson on the passing of a prize to a student for being a frequent visitor snd patron checking out materials from our library was so much better than simply giving a gift to the student. This student, who might not often have the chance to travel to legislative hall, had the opportunity to meet a DE senator on her own school community, and congratulate her, from a senator, on keeping the possibility of literacy in front of her.
It was fitting that we ended out invitations and welcome of legislators to Woodbridge High’s Walter P.J. Gilefksi Media Center with Senator David L. Wilson, as it felt so many pieces of information and names he was able to share with us just felt like a hometown visit, as it always does when students are involved in something that is our own state history.
We were grateful for legislators like Senator David L. Wilson taking time to stop by and let us chat with him about our concerns for future investments in school librarians in our state. As we discussed, we want more certified librarians, alongside students, to facilitate the knowledge and know how of grabbing onto opportunities and resources that introduce vocational and apprenticeship paths, agricultural knowledge obtained first-hand and through university study, with the many experiences of so many past generations that have so much wisdom to pass on. It seems fitting so much of this can occur in a school library, when you have one. Without one, we keep saying you never know what you don’t have when you never had it.
Senator Wilson kept apologizing when our students travelled to Legislative Hall on March 28th as he was being pulled in many directions for several meetings. After a whole day of being in legislative hall, and seeing the last minute moves we made from senator to representatives’ offices, we understood how legislators’ schedules are not the same as schedules outside of legislative hall and can change on a dime. Yet, Senator Wilson that day had provided legislative hall pins for all our students even with him being pulled here and there.
He knew we were there, he acknowledged us in the best way he could with meetings requiring his presence, he was 100% transparent about his beliefs, actions and abilities. Students picked up on this and indeed, realized, there are so many good things that can be done that should not fall into a discussion on being partisan to one specific group. There are so many important values that are nonpartisan, and one of the most transparent qualities we saw, aside from Senator Wilson, was the transparency of the ability and voices of students. Enabling students to be more involved in adult roles has some amazing impacts and all of them are earning lessons that we need as communities.
Yes, definitely school libraries are the workshops of invention we need, and we need to increase the voices of the very stockholders impacted by them, students. Added to that how interested and involved we became in tying a literacy program that engages students where they have needs at crucial points, Senator Wilson walked away impressed that so much research, time, and effort was being utilized to employ such detail to a literacy framework. It was refreshing to be able to talk to him about this. Where else would you want to talk about improving literacy BUT in the school library?
Thank you Senator David L. Wilson for always willing to travel the distance to see, hear, and impact our students, allowing them as students and leaders, to be as transparent as the school libraries and yourself. We appreciate you so much and love opportunities to learn first hand.
Definitely we have worked with literacy and advocacy, workshop-style and tied to our school libraries – that is who we are as a school library.
Let’s keep the ability to dream and create, moving forward and gaining momentum, creating possibilities for everyone around us.
Representative Paul S. Baumbach celebrating the excitement of student library advocacy at legislative hall March 28, 2024.
However, as we move slowly through and up to Chapter 14 (only two more left!) – moving at the speed we wish we could all the time matching with what trees see and feel day in and day out, we are amazed again.
Despite taking place in Colorado for this chapter, it did not fall on unnoticed eyes that the things we take for granted in our busy lives, rushing from here to there, often are the aspects of life we should stop and cherish more. Oh to be a tree. To be able to contemplate and slow down the events of our lives in much fuller perspectives than we allow ourselves time for. Believe it or not, slowing all down changes us as well as changes our lives.
So the questions begs to be answered, how much do trees communicate with each other, feel, and notice? You will be pressed to find a chapter where so much has not been delved into and researched and discovered as our Chapter 14. In the process, of course you will find and learn much about yourself, if you give yourself time to.
One last irony- Yugen. In 2017-2018, in Mexico City, the Repentino. staff of The American School Foundation chose Yugen as their literary art magazine theme.
Was it coincidence that we revisit this over six years later? One would think when we surround ourselves with slowed down memories of events that allowed us to also discover a little bit about who we are, those memories are more likely to come back to us and mean even more, than the moments we push through to just get from A to B.
Adam, Amanda, Jeff, (now Jacinda!), Mackenzie, Madison and Morgan,
While it is the case that weddings are public, but also private, it was an honor to be considered a guest at Jacinda and Adam’s wedding, there is so much that all of your family should celebrate that so many people could benefit from – I just wanted to remind you publicly.
It is usually my style in writing anything to individually pull out individual characteristics and list them, as a family, in this case the qualities you have grown into, together, are the reasons you should always be content with your lives and I am so very proud and honored to be connected with your family as far as I can remember.
It is awesome to see you individually, to have found what you do know works for you that makes you happy, and what doesn’t. I have said this before, but it is absolutely necessary to your happiness to know independently, you can make your life be the best it can be, the happiest it can be, not needing to rely on anyone else for that happiness, but to know, in the right time, in the right moment, there is a possibility of someone else that could enhance that happiness, but is not necessary for your own personal happiness.
Each of you, (now one married!) and those not, single or not, have such beautiful, strong personalities that should never, ever, be hidden in the shadow of someone else. The unique characteristics that each of you have grown into, is one of the aspects I have loved knowing about each of you growing up. As you have come to know, the chance to NOT push your families aside in light of any relationship you are luckily enough to discover, is a chance that is priceless – especially in moments like yesterday’s wedding. Please never let anyone define you more than the talents and personalities to bring to any relationship. Despite the pain and heartache that comes with relationships, please never let anyone hide the very awesome personality traits that make you each you. Each of you are unique and so strong in who you are, it is my bragging right all the time to tell others I know you because of who each of you are.
Never ever feel forced into doing something as a career and having to know that path i for sure, 100% at any given moment in time. I say this because life changes so much in the opportunities to present you you. Never also let anyone impact your opinion of what you are doing or want to do at any given moment. Changing your mind of your interests and career as you go along is never a problem, as long as you always never let what you are interested in to be part of what you choose. Each of you are so incredibly intelligent, confident and capable. Make sure that is a part of the equation when you dream and work, and despite your doubts, you will never need to worry about providing for yourself, even though it might not be clear at the moment. It will appear as long as you stay true to yourself and be patient. (And lean on each other and friends to get you there).
The one single thing you have continued to teach me and have taught me, is home is where each of you are. You have always welcomed me into your spaces when I have trekked back to Pennsylvania seeing you grown up from little to the adult you are and now have become. It has always let me redefine what and where home can be, and you have always help keep Pennsylvania as my home in a variety of ways. It is obvious you build your home around you as well with the people you keep around you. Each of you have the great talent of keeping some of the very best friends and family around you, keep that always.
It is so typical to make the decision to work harder than the person next to you. My Dad perfected that and passed that on to me silently often, and at times I always have felt compelled to match that ethic. However, I also realized how more importantly it is to work hard for each other as family – MOST important. Never hesitate to ask me if I can help, as well as others that are in positions of experience or have connections to help you achieve your dreams. You have earned that right for the hurdles that you have pushed through and came through the other side, so never hesitate to ask those that could help. I never doubted having one of the largest families and have realized the importance of “hurrying up” in taking care of my financial stability so i can have more time to spend with my family- moments that are priceless.
Of all the most interesting characteristics I have noticed in anyone, I have seen people changed from selfless to selfish along the path they have made to build their life around them. What I admire about each of you is despite the hard situations that have been placed at your feet, each of you have found a way forward, yet have kept the selfless and pure heart to help others without thinking at a moment’s notice. I have met so many people lose themself and become so full of themselves with their accomplishments and a ” I so deserve this!” attitude, it often steals a little of how they define themselves. Each of you 100% deserve all the success and happiness you have found and will find, and yet the way you care for others has always defined you. That is what I absolutely love about each of you.
There is so much more I can say but in seeing each of you at Jacinda and Adam’s wedding, the overall energy, optimism, and just desire to be happy is what always makes the drive anytime to see you and just hang with each of you worth it. I cannot tell you enough what an amazing gift it has been to see each of you progress, grown and navigate the path you are on. Honestly, it is one of the best gifts I have ever been given, so thank you for always thinking of my in an amazing life each of you continue to design. I have said it many times before but, I am so incredibly proud of each of you – SO proud. NEVER hesitate to ask me for anyway I can help you into anything you could use help with. Anytime. And please find the time to visit Delaware when you can as you always are welcome, always.
Rachelle, doesn’t it seem like yesterday we we were navigating the route to Slippery Rock University in that Ford Ranger? It goes without saying from the doubts you had then as a student to parent to now proud Mama, it has been an honor to be your friend and be included in so many of your experiences. Your doubts of being a good parent, well you can wash them away, I never doubted any of your spirit to pass on the sentiments of selflessness, generosity, hard work for family, as well as being true to yourself and others. Your family exudes this every quality. It is so awesome having the chance to meet all your friends and family, and thanks so much for always including me.
Joe, wow. Just WOW. Your achievements and support for such a beautiful family often are not voiced enough but what is great, usually no words are needed when anyone meets your family. From the smiles, confidence, and good natured-ness you feel instantly when your family is together, it speaks volumes. Thank you for always being the backbone of family for your family and all of you who I consider my dearest friends. Going the distance for your family has had the ultimate payback, and is evident in the smiles, laughter, and actions of your family. It is just reward for any obstacles that you and your family have all overcome.
Thank you so so much for thinking of me, because honestly, your family has done way more for me than I feel I have done for your family – but I am grateful for you sharing your life with me 🙂 I purposely took no pictures of all of use together as I wanted to share this day in talking with you and just asking each of you how you have been and asking what is ahead, and enjoying your success. However, we will need to make a point to try and get a picture together in the future. Congratulations Adam and Jacinda to so much, and congratulations to each of you as a family!
I, as well as countless others, never realized that to effectively provide resources and to connect students to the educational artillery they need to maneuver informational minefields of today’ society. In order to become an effective member of an educational team as a librarian and navigate through informational deserts, I would have to embrace so many aspects of law in order to help maintain and preserve my presence as an Informational Specialist.
I have never met so many parents, community members, and legislators that have been kept in the dark about what, how, and the lengths needed to be taken to provide a synthesis of education to students, from K – 12 on behalf of school librarians. I hear story after story of professional librarians that have to strategize their next move to be able to provide and maintain a presence for their students who are in desperate need of location, support, and inspiration that tie the many bits of information they receive daily – together – to simply make one connected end result.
As far back as 2020, I have realized how much of the public knows so little about the power of school librarians (power to inform, not power to deceive). Coming together as school librarians from every state and breaking down any walls of perceived competition between public and school libraries, shattering partisan issues for the sake of a student’s educational success, navigating legislation to strengthen student education, protecting students rather then jeopardizng their opportunities are what school librarians have ALWAYS been about, and nothing else.
It is easy to paint a picture of controversy, but harder to interpret a picture of intellectualism.
That involves taking the steps to be self informed, resistent to false narratives, and a willingness to be an advocate of what is true and correct. Our students are willing to take these steps every day. if challenged. The potential of organizations like the American Library Association serves as a landmark to what is possible and needed in every day education.
That is what librarians, professional librarians, who take the risks, do when they study Informational Science in the hope that they can return to their home district and support the educational institutions that provide clear maps if discerning information from simply, false narratives.
Thanks to the Mellon Foundation, the Freedom to Read Foundation, the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, and local state library associations, so many students receive the inspiration to take what they receive, and turn it into a creative path forward for their futures. Often, simply having a place where students mentally can check in and breathe, discover ways an onslaught of information can actually be applied into their immediate home/work/community situations, is all they need. Despite many being suspicious of the aims, goals, and presence of school librarians, we need for the supporters of young learners to resist the conspiracy theories that so easily can make their way to the front news lines; instead we need MANY to be willing to be informed, sit down and talk, question, and represent school librarians that can represent every students, from every working, educational, and social background in across our country. That has and is the only agenda school librarians are trained to do when they agree to be professional Informational Specialists.
When lawyers, attorneys, and corporations come together to express their concern for the presence of school librarians, coupled with students who want to save their holiest of places in the school – it is time for the community to come together and resist the fears that can and could be attached to what librarians do and look into what librarians and the presence of librarians ACTUALLY do for an institution.
After the last three years of being fortunate enough to share, listen and experience the struggles across the United States alone, librarians have just wanted to get their ability to further their students’ futures, I have received constant pleas from students to be a part of the learning arena. They certainly deserve the chance.
The amount of time I have seen library professionals having to figure out how to survive in opposition to school board members, administrators, and state legislators, boggles my mind way. Why does so much energy have to be put forth to have their students be successful? What happens when all of these stockholders in education join forces? I have seen that too and the difference is night and day. After 25 + years and a litany of accomplishments heaped on me FROM MY STUDENTS, yes, from my students, I have never found one conspiracy theory surrounding librarians, that has been true, in being the storyteller of my student’s successes.
The power and creativity of the librarian is UNTOLD and unparallel, but ONLY when supported by the very individuals and organizations that resist false narratives and want the law to reinforce an educated public. That is what learning Federal, State, and local statues, as well as law and policy has been able to do to support so many reasons why school librarians are fighting for the very cause they have been trained for- educating students in a new era of disbelief and doubt.
I do know one thing with all my experiences I ever have learned about education; until communities realize the strength, power, expertise and breakthroughs librarians bring to the educational arena, so many communities will never see the gains they deserve. The solutions, energy, foresight, and shared expertise of school librarians from across the United States, when they come together is similar to what occurs when educators in specific disciplines are able to connect and collaborate together. Magic. Success. Empowerment for students.
Do not confuse privacy with conspiracy. If a TRAINED and Professional individual, who parents and community members are willing to open a conversation with from the beginning about their hopes and inspirations, is willing to take a risk, then others should as well. It is easy to see the power that librarianship can have in any institution, when a school realizes that possibility. In merely opening the channels of inquiry and dialogue, the transparency of what is possible becomes crystal clear.
The landscape of how we can bolster school librarians has been an informational desert itself.
Allowing more collaboration and networking to occur across every state in the United States, placing more trust in the trained professionals who want to further the educational power of their schools, is a game we all want to play.
When you allow students to be a part of the mix as ambassadors of their learning? Involve guardians to ask more questions about the status and role of their school librarian in the education process? There will not be a country around us that can rival the value we place on education and the value of our youth’s futures. Only together when dropping the misconceptions of libraries and strengthening the investment in these hubs of possibility will this occur.
Everyone wins. I cannot state enough how many amazing products of education can be created and how librarians can meet the challenges educational institutions face when supported by the legislators, parents, and administration that serves in their schools. Student voices begin to impact other student voices and address the very fears adults express every day. Areas such as AI and technology can become a launching pad for motivating students forward. Paul Allison and the National Writing Project out of New York are one small example:
~
“As we come to the end of the academic year and move into summer, we invite you to reflect on your year OR tell a story of summer learning from the past. Once we’ve written our reflections or stories we’ll practice using Writing Partners — AI Coaches to push our thinking and consider what might be next. See more in this our Community of Practice group on Writing Partners.
Unless school librarians and public librarians are allowed, given permission to grow as professionals, resources like the above indeed are kept in silos across the country. We need to eliminate silos and work across the aisles in so many arenas, and we need administrators, legislators, parents, guardians, and community leaders to realize this.
Students show me this every day with their hunger to play a role in their own educational path forward. All we have to do is trust the very constituents that want to come together and utilize legislation, parenting, student advocacy, and student leadership, and educational minefields turn into meadows of possibility. The possibility is so close to us, you can almost smell the excitement that is possible, When we see graduation after graduation occurring around us during this time of year, it is difficult to not see what is possible. Let’s take the final steps to support each other across every state, and the leaps and gains we will each make as investors in our future will be realized.
May 13th, 2024 was a great opportunity to meet Representative Michael Ramone who took time out of a QUITE busy legislative year to visit our student legislative advocacy team, our FFA, Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center at Woodbridge High School, and the whole school. Many many aspects of his visit, as with the previous legislators, was exciting and we were grateful for his visit!
In talking about how we as a student institution, body, and state can discuss how to better literacy in Delaware, we want to be able to add to the possibilities. When we asked Representative Ramone to please press for more representation for school libraries at the Department of Education – we truly wanted to drill in more on the emphasis of all schools in our state having the ability to choose from a certified librarian to serve as mentor, IT and AI guide, reference navigator, mental health advocate, truth in media guru, and literacy seer.
He said the magic words that everyone agrees upon.
“Literacy is not a partisan decision.”
We could not agree more. As have students across the state that represent ALL paths of study as they graduate, from vocational to college, all professional, all talented. We want all avenues open and to be able to view their school library, as well as their public library as a vaulting point. We want ALL students to have thew ability to access their state legislators and voice their opinions. We feel pushing for that advocacy for school libraries at our Department of Education is a real start to this, to help working on the other many branches of librarianship that meed to be touched upon. We believe you as a community as well can help us too!
Thank you so so much Representative Ramone for taking tine out to advocate with us, listen to us, and provide us with a path into knowing who you are, and celebrating students who have chosen literacy during their school day! Now we want to give other schools the chance too!
As I opened my eyes, a deep jade-green blur vanished as soon as it appeared. With golden thread-like plumage along its back, the feathers gleamed as it flew by. A once-in-a-lifetime spectacle appeared before me as I looked back and spotted the most regal bird I’ve ever seen: a Quetzal. Native to Guatemala, my native land, the Quetzal’s beauty can be identified by its long accentuating tail, gliding in the motions of an eloquent dance. However, my long-awaited dream of seeing this magnificent bird in person has, in fact, yet to become a reality. The Quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala, is one of many birds that make up the endangered species list worldwide.
What is the main reason for the continuous decrease in population? Deforestation, which continues to lead to the loss of habitat for a plethora of living organisms.
This past summer, I and other young environmentalists worked with the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy to sprout a few seeds of hope within Delaware. While we worked at Chapel Branch Trail in Seaford, the board led us to the sacred Beech Tree within the trail, an expansive tree that stands higher than any creation built by humankind. Through its overarching foliage and prominent trunk, I learned that this tree would continue to protect us if we protected it first. I could feel the grooved edges and glossy leaves as we spent our summer days at the trail, and soon enough, the Beech Tree welcomed us with open arms. We developed a symbiotic relationship with the Beech Tree and exchanged our care for the tree’s protection. As our work continued into late July, we continued to speak with the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy Council Board. We learned that runoff waste continues to be one of the leading concerns of the conservancy. The Nanticoke River, through its 725,000-acre extension, reaches parts of Delaware, where a biodiverse ecosystem of flora & fauna resides. I and other younger environmentalists spent the summer working with the board on trail clean-ups while researching to inform our community about the potential dangers that runoff could lead to if nobody takes action.
In my own experience, I’ve witnessed this runoff affecting not only our native ecosystems but also our communities. Near the heart of Georgetown, I grew up surrounded by several chicken plants, of which my mom temporarily worked in one to support our family. At that time, we lived in a part of Georgetown where violence was whispered discretely between my parents, and I was often forced to admire nature from the windows, occasionally allowed to go out if accompanied by my parents. A wonder lingered within my heart, which yearned for the flora and the fauna I saw within my books. The bees, the evergreens, and the butterfly garden I dreamed of planting one day all looked so far yet close to me. I would daydream about the day I’d prance around the lush greeneries I read about and be one with nature. When my mom worked in this chicken plant, we once had the opportunity to eat lunch with her during her break, and my dad took me and my siblings to enjoy a meal as a family. However, I vividly recall this specific day, which remained stamped into my memory for years. All around the ditches by the plant, the yellow straw-like grass wilted. Looking up, I could see the faint but noticeable smoke leaving the plant. The smell was even more evident; the putrid chicken smell lingered from the plant into the nearby houses, a small community with a desolate park where no kid played. There was no butterfly garden in sight. There were no kids to play with and no seeds to plant.
Growing older, we moved to a region that didn’t pose as much risk as before, and I was finally allowed to go out as long as I told my mom before going to my local park. I spent a long time here, drawing the young native flowers barely budding every spring up until the present. I played with other kids, and as I grew older, I realized many other kids had similar aspirations to view a brighter, greener Delaware. Groups of people can make it happen, and change is possible if these groups work together to coordinate action. Even though chicken plants are economically advantageous to Delaware’s economy, environmental security should be balanced with economic prosperity. In regards to runoff, our rising sea levels due to our proximity to many bodies of water have also continued to increase the dangers of this runoff seeping into the daily water we consume. Our churning economic wheels should not be determined merely by what produces the most. Our communities should not face the consequences of larger companies and their waste. We cannot continue taking and taking without giving back, too. Without a balance, our communities, from those closest to me and you, will face the consequences of our actions. It may feel as though our voice is small among our current leaders. However, together, ACTION is needed to protect our communities. The environmental injustices I faced growing up have only continued to increase my desire to grow our community continuously. No matter what background, environmental justice advocacy is being able to express YOUR VOICE for a better tomorrow.
A Changing Tomorrow:
Standing before the Beech Tree and all its magnificent composure, I notice the budding branches with sprouting leaves.
Beside me, my friends and I sit underneath the shade of the tree it provides as we relax for a moment and–-breathe. While attempting to capture the beauty of the present, I contemplate the movements that youth can bring into effect. Though we may be much like the budding branches on the limbs of the Beech Tree, we can advocate for our beliefs as the future of tomorrow. Upon closer look at these budding sprouts we planted this summer, we see that these seemingly small seeds contain the love and hope of many aspiring young environmentalists to preserve a land that has withstood the test of time and will continue to do so. Where there is still green, there is life. Where there is still life, there is hope.
I open my eyes again; it’ll be springtime soon enough. I can feel the supple green leaves flourishing along the Beech Tree branches with streaks of sunlight coming through. Besides these initial leaves, a rough bark symbolizes the sustained ups and downs the Beech Tree has faced since it first sprouted. The rough bark symbolizes the hardships but eventual victories you, me, and everyone else gained on their environmental advocacy journey. Whether it be found through producing art to uplift communities, coordinating clean-ups with local organizations, or educating others on the importance of environmental justice, I know that our action against environmental injustice can affect our community and native ecosystems exponentially. Slowly, we can combat the injustices within our community while rebuilding the habitat loss of many species, such as the Quetzal. While spotting this beautiful bird has always been a distant dream, I know one day I will view this bird as other young environmentalists continue fighting for environmental justice worldwide. My native roots are in Guatemala but are now too rooted within the Delawarean ecosystem as I stand hopeful by the Beech Tree. As the future generation, our roots are one no matter what background we come from, and our diverse roots accentuate our individual but united advocacies as we work towards building a stronger community. Through our extending branches, I can feel the exhilarating thoughts that transcend my mind as we, the youth, utilize our voices to communicate what we need most: ACTION.
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With so many exciting things to celebrate, it is often difficult to remember we are graduating a class that worked and pushed through 2020 to know, there was a fight ahead to make through the challenges it took to be the class of 2024. I am so very proud of the students at my Woodbridge High School and it is bittersweet to see the challenges they rose to and overcame. They have the ability to achieve ANYTHING and all they need is the mindset. The push, The drive.
I am reminded of the difference between words, intent, and action. Melisa, an Upward Bound Student from Sussex Central who shared her wisdom, energy, and ideas in the past few years as a Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy Upward Bound workstudy student, is taking no prisoners. Winning first in the ReNew Essay contest, first in her video project for the Sussex Preservation Coalition, recognized by the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays – and more to come – the feats are just building.
I am convinced of these thoughts as you read her winning essay-
You can do things to be self-serving and help recognition on yourself or to receive recognition to have others see a path to other organizations that serve our community. I am proud to say Melisa is in the latter category
People will see your awards as self-serving – BUT, not if you bring ways people can take action based on the stir you are causing. I ask and insist students that are willing to take on dreams to make them reality thanks the community around them for letting them rise to the challenges that have given them these opportunities. I am all for going for every single opportunity it means bringing recognition to the parts of our community that are needed- you can obtain anything if it means you are doing it for the right reason, bringing recognition to organizations and bringing results to the community around you, then you are on the right path. Use your ability and contacts to help advance others constantly.
There is enough of “me me me!” and and “look at what I did”– and not enough of using your abilities to bring future ways to make positive change out of negative ones (for others). Dare people to keep up with you and what needs to be done for others.
It is pretty easy to be mediocre, why settle for mediocre? Grab every single opportunity you can and in the process, people will either think this is for you or for the causes that need their support. Don’t worry about people that think you are being self-serving, they probably will not be the movers and shakers anyway. TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY to bring greatness to others and you will always be successful.
There are plenty of people that like to take hate and churn up others. Use other’s hate to advance in what can be done for good. Take their hatred and negativity and push ahead even further ahead of them.
It is easy to say YES! I will!- It is another to lead by EXAMPLE and ACTION.
Use social media and use technology to further strategies to improve the world around us. Take advantage of those that do not have the drive or passion for realizing so much is possible if you constantly live int he moment.
Make the best out of the worst that is dealt to you. There is much negativity- use each negative (there is much that comes to our doorsteps) to turn around and churn out an even better positive.
Go Melisa and also go Class of 2024- this is only the beginning and you re the movers ands shakers you decide to be! Success and possibility is not limited to one school district, not one community. It is a world possibility.
Norah McMurray Fink said it best; “Love reading/seeing kids care. THEY are the hope to make the Difference, to correct many injustices the Earth has somewhat endured.”
Aking with Representative Morrison visiting Woodbridge High on May 10th, we also had the pleasure of Representative Baumbach. Representative Baumbach has been no stranger to what libraries can offer immediate communities and supporting librarianship in general.
It is vital that schools are also considered in this process as often, enough units are not available to schools to allow a certified librarian, as well as the availability of certified librarians to fill the positions that would be required for schools to obtain is a dilemma, and it is not difficult to see that the roadblocks and hurdles that the state has previously put in front of school librarianship has hurt this process from both ends.
But there are paths forward. Returning a position of representation for school libraries at the Department of Education, finding investments to allow educators to pursue a path of certification in a school library, providing the opportunity to recognize and fill such positions in every school, as well as educating the general public on new roles of the school librarian in presenting paths of leadership, financial support, employment in vocational and collegiate areas of study for their future, securing scholarship and recognition through literacy and reading scholarship and connecting students to paths in technology careers and more women in STEM occupations, are just a portion of what will result.
Literacy comes in all shapes and forms, and school librarians are the center of connecting what various areas of the curriculum present in the class to what is practical and what can be implemented outside of class. Deepening and connecting real world connections to what is learned enhances the education and power of colleagues throughout the school and a deeper education and menu of possibilities for all students is what can be the result. As far back as 2007 we knew this from research and the need for literacy in vocational, community, and public arenas has only increased.
In 2022 again, as every year, the power of libraries and what they can do to pave a road forward for educators as well as students is often misunderstood. Recognizing that we need guides to support and utilize technology in the right way is vital as Senate Bill 195 has stated. Not many recognize the power school librarians can and do have, in the same vein as nurses and counselors, and yet this occurs on a higher level with school librarians present and on the scene.
We arte grateful for Representative Baumbach being the eyes and ears of the realities of how school librarians make or break the status of a school and enhance them. Being a champion of libraries has not just been a book thing, but a success thing for many student’s futures. We need to grow this reality across the state, and with supporters like Representative Baumbach we can continue to PR this message and the reality of this is possible. Our students ate the best representation of this with their success!
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