Navigating Informational Minefields

Posted on June 2, 2024 by Harry Brake

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.

But here we are. Along the way I have found that students have wanted to advocate for their school libraries more than many have been given the opportunity to. Also, they have truly been the best champions of their own destinies. Students from all areas of the U.S. are investing more and more in why they need to maintain their school libraries.

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.

https://www.ala.org/advocacy/literacy

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.

https://libslide.org/infographics/

But that can change.

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.

See more about The Art of Asking Smarter Questions and how we can use this research to coach teachers in the reflective process.

Paul Allison Join us on “Teachers Teaching Teachers“. every Wednesday evening 8E/7C/6M/5P

https://Kumospace.com/youthvoices. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.”

~

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.

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Delving Into Education

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Harry Brake

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!

Not only running for governor, but also serving on the education committee was of peak interest about Representative Ramone for us. Do NOT forget his passion for reading as well! There is absolutely no doubt we feel his view about reading to children. As we struggled with how sometimes do not consider the full impact of what a tree means to a community The Giving Tree).

– we wanted to dig deeper into how school and public libraries are more recognized as doorways to paths of confidence as Representative Ramone here.

https://harrybrake.com/2024/05/29/seeds-of-hope/

Hailing from St. Mark’s (the site of the movie The Holdovers) – (we loved how Education was featured in a highly ironic situation here but a deep meaningful one) – a deeper comment Representative made really stood out.

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!

Thank you!

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Seeds of Hope

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Harry Brake

Melisa Velasquez-Zunun. Sussex Central High School, 11th grade.

2024 RENEW essay contest 1st prize winner

Seeds of Hope

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.

~

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.”

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Proclaiming Librarianship as a a Key to Literacy

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Harry Brake

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.

From announcing and recognizing the value of librarians during library week (April 7- 14th)

to previously addressing the need for a school librarian available to every school

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.

We learned from Representative Baumbach his passion is tennis and libraries, which have been a part of his life from an early age on. His support of libraries recognizes the many purposes of libraries, be it public or private.

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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Transparency and Lines of Communication- Not as Apparent Sometimes

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Harry Brake

May 10th brought Representative Eric Morrison to visit after students advocated for school and public library support at Legislative Hall in March. As a Woodbridge alumnus, and an avid library/literacy supporter, WHS students had enjoyed their visit to legislative hall and the warm welcome Representative Morrison always provides.

In visiting with Representative Morrison, one truth and revelation was passed on. In talking with Representative Morrison, it does seem from the outside of Legislative Hall that all the Representatives and Senators are indeed aware of what and who is working on which bill, legislation, initiative, etc.. In fact, there are so many tasks at hand, many Representatives and Senators might not know who is working on leading a bill, initiative, piece of legislation, etc.. It often helps for correspondence to include a prior knowledge of what bill or legislation is being worked on by who, how far in the process, etc.. Having been an early supporter of SB195 – We hoped to pair with Representative Morrison and Representative Romer’s initiative to find ways to involve school librarianship more and more.

This means some work on the part of the lobbyist and individual before just cold calling an legislator and conferring on a topic of interest. As as school library and librarian, and wanting to be a nucleus and hub of support to the other areas of the school-it is important to role model how to prep youth to be active in their community.

It is also vital to be supporters and suppliers of information for our community at large about all candidates for all elections to voters. THERE IS SO MUCH that can be done as a student in a school for the community at large partnered with a school library. We just need to open more opportunities.

All of them,

Opportunity, creativity, legislation, lobbying, advocating, creating, initiating and so much more.

We hope to continue a legacy of involving more and more youth to be one of the strongest voices that advocate for trained school librarians in awesome school libraries in the state of Delaware.

We feel our state deserves it.

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Looking back on Mother’s Day at March 8th’s International Women’s Day

Posted on May 12, 2024 by Harry Brake

As we celebrate Mother’s Day today- I wanted to look back on an event we had at the Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center that really stood out. On March 8th we held an International Women’s Day Panel thanks to the assistance of Joy Conway’s Community in Schools.

I do have to tell you how necessary this was. I can attest there are some very talented young ladies in our school that are being raised without mother’s in title, but raised by grandmothers, aunts, extended families, and individuals serving as mothers, not by blood, but their mother in every step of the word.

There are many young ladies that need the encouragement because they have the ability. This blog post does not do the day we had for these ladies justice. The panel was powerful, positive, and they were all testaments to what is possible when you realize your potential.

Everyone that was a part of this panel had a courageous and powerful journey. It has taken us awhile to put the audio from this podcast together, and does not do justice to how powerful this was for the young ladies in attendance. We apologize ahead of time for the spots that are difficult to hear, but we agreed as the students listened, it is important to hear as the questions of how to succeed, how to have your voice heard, how to awake the ream you have of a business is real. Many of these young ladies left this day in tears because they were receiving encouragement for their dreams and being given advice on how to grab their dreams, and not remain put down.

It is vital to realize how many young women rely on groups like Community in Schools, as well as female role models that can carry their dreams to fruition. Not that male role models cannot help them as well, but please realize as a community, in order for our students to be empowered, we need to guide them to the resources they need and guide the to the resources that will empower them.

While we are disappointed in the quality of the podcast recording- we felt in necessary to include as much if this as possible to let you in on the powerful advice this panel was able to provide to these young ladies. This is part 1 of the segment, as we work through the remaining segments of this podcast from our International Women’s Day Panel held on March 8th at Woodbridge High School.

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Impacts With Memory and Meaning

Posted on May 11, 2024 by Harry Brake

In the month of March (March 28th, 2024), we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel as DLA, Friends of Delaware Libraries, and DASL to Delaware’s Legislative Hall and having students and a faculty member be part of the lobbying process. This particular day was about the value of funding public libraries and with student’s from Woodbridge High school the connection and value of school libraries.

In the month of May, with the help of Susan Elizabeth Cordle, Administrative Librarian at the Delaware Division of Libraries and our school/library liaison in DLA, we wanted legislators to be invited to see what we see and hear from our school library. We learned stories so far from each and every visit. Here is one of the first:

In receiving a visit from Representative Timothy Dukes, we provided information to Representative Dukes, as well as an in- depth tour of our high school of what is possible. Seeing our farm and FFA program first hand, seeing the halls and classes, and seeing our high school library as a hub for all students for many reasons, we received a valuable story. We wanted to give Representative Dukes a laminated copy of Delaware before Route 1, that had been shared and passed down to us from the St. Georges Technical School Librarian, Kim Read.

As a result, when looking at the area Representatives Dukes was familiar with in Laurel. we received a story. We thought it couldn’t have been received any where better than in our library. While here, we asked Representative Dukes to also provide students that were randomly chosen by name who had been. checking out books from our library to receive a prize from our school library, but through him. it was exciting for students who might not have ever had a chance meet a legislator and to honor their commitment to read. We also want to protect every student’s Right to Read.

Representative Dukes relayed to us a specific farm founded in Sussex County, that was for injured veterans that allowed them to hunt. At the time, costs of hunting were pretty out of reach for returning veterans, and by having a farm area that could be a reduced fee for veterans, a graciousness and thank you to veterans was enabled for injured and disabled veterans, providing the ability for them to participate in an activity that they previously thought they would not be able to do anymore.

Telling us stories of how in one particular case a veteran was lifted into a tree stand with a tractor bucket, to the funny image of legislators/ public officials being followed by security teams across bumpy fields as they made their way to huntings spots, an individuality of legislation appeared. As Representative Dukes mentioned himself, there are many things that are not and should not be politicized and made to be partisan issues. It was fulfilling and rewarding for Representative Dukes to accept our invitation to visit Woodbridge High School’s Walter P.J. Gilefski Media Center.

Our message is and always has been, there is a place for school librarians and libraries to show how connections throughout the school can be centered and represented through school youth as leaders. Representative Dukes made it clear that stories are worth telling and are representative of protecting the rights and values of towns and locations within Delaware. We are grateful for a chance to share these ideals and opportunities with each other. Stay tuned for more insights into the visits we have this month with legislators and tying the value of school librarians, libraries, and the stories that tie us together in our state of Delaware.

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Caught Unaware, Full of “Propportunities” 90 Years of the Delaware Library Association

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Harry Brake

90 years of the Delaware Library Association!

At the MLA/DLA Annual Conference kicked off, we had the great opportunity to have two Upward Bound, Summer Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy work study students as part of the pre session workshop- Farming Seeds of Information – Student / Librarian Projects in the Field.

In retrospect, it was quite amazing to see how these two students worked in between their AP tests to be able to plan and implement a workshop session that strived to connect how youth can be advocates for librarianship ands environmentalism across many pages.

Having the good fortune to be able to have attendees break into groups and focus on some problems set before them, and have them provide their input, both presenters and attendees walked away with ideas neither had thought of. That is the point, generations of knowledge, diversity of organizations can come together and empower the resources of librarianship, community involvement, environmentalism, volunteerism, and an awareness of how combining forces with diverse partners results in a better community for all.

What we came to understand was also is how little many realize school libraries, when present, have the power to empower and create advocates of youth when it comes to librarianship, environmentalism, literacy, and a movement for change.

Students Melisa and Brianna had never been in a situation to present at a conference and they had so much to share of how they have made an impact – and they were already juniors in High School. I realized how much, and how many students have a chance to make a HUGE dent in the unknown experiences school libraries can have when given a voice through the individual they affect, the students.

Without a doubt the planners of the MLA/DLA Conference planners were able to facilitate a powerful and welcoming venue for individuals to find potential for moving forward amid a world of adversity that has come to the doorstep of literacy and librarians everywhere. Anita Crawford, Josh Stone Scott Businsky, Catherine Wimberly, Anne Hiller Clark, Jaclyn Hale, JUST TO NAME A FEW, made the conference start, look – easy. The months of meetings, planning, and adjustments, most people from the outside would have no idea. I thought this and the connection to how much people are unaware of what happens in school libraries and what it takes for so many to have that Aha moment when they see how youth take the lead.

What really caught me off guard was the Keynote speaker, Hilton Carter. Did you you he had an amazing podcast series? Did you know he was as close to a plant whisperer as you can imagine? Did you know Hilton Carter had five published books? Our student presenters Brianna and Melisa had a pretty vast knowledge of propagation and plants and yet, did you expect such a deep dive conversation about what plants to best propagate, start with, work with and realize ways they impact us as individuals AND on top of all that, on top of all THAT – think about how environmentalism and librarianship work together? When I saw how much Melisa and Brianna connected to a key note speaker at an annual library conference, I knew how diverse and wide ranging librarianship is if given a chance by ALL people. Hilton Carter was an amazing start to the MLA/DLA Conference and jumpstarted so many ideas we attempted to take on in our pre session.

What you do not know is so much more powerful than what you do know – and how often do we not realize this? At some point in Mr. Carter’s session, the question was asked of what plant resources are found in Delaware and there was a long pause. I will provide a small teaser of what is unknown, but what you should discover in Delaware – plant/environmentally related:

AMAZING State Parks – From Brandywine to Cape Henlopen

Amazing non-state hiking areas in DE- https://www.alltrails.com/us/delaware/seaford

East Coast Garden Center – Specializes in Natives to Delaware – Millsboro

Edward H. McCabe Nature preserve – Milton DE area.

Hiking Trails near Seaford, DE.

Highland Orchard Farms – Wilmington, DE

Lewes Gardens– Lewes DE

Mill Pond Garden – Lewes, DE

Mt. Cuba Center – Hockessin, DE

Nemours Gardens – Wilmington, DE

Rose Valley Greenhouse – Dover DE

University of Delaware Botanical Gardens – Newark, DE

Willey Farms Garden Center – Townsend, DE

Winterthur Gardens – Winterthur, DE

and this is not revealing some of the most serene pockets of beauty that many would never discover on a quick tour of DE, another opportunity for youth to find ways to make these discoveries.

This was the FIRST day, of an amazing day (May 8th), of the DLA/MLA Conference.

We urge you to follow DASL incoming President Christina Personti, DASL Past President Debbie Supplee, as they were recruited to take over AASL’s Instagram for a day and see more magic happening as the paths of environment and librarianship continue to cross paths. And unlike Robert Frost’s poem, you will not have to choose paths, but are able to take it all in. Informing others of what school librarians and school libraries do for a community, as mini-exampled through two young presenters, is just the beginning.

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Would you Be Willing to Voice Our Voices?

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Harry Brake

I was asked this several times over the course of the last few weeks.

In the last few months, I have worked with students in deep diving the impacts and status of school libraries in our state of Delaware. I have noticed that in this topic, student’s voices have been left out of decisions made, as well as the organization and existence of school libraries in our state.

Students have pointed this out to me. They asked me how often they are asked to have a role in the role of the school library when I ask the questions. These statements they have reinforced and emphasized have stood out to me from talking to students from many different districts in Delaware. Their concerns have hit a point where they are asking for some representation in their statements:

“It is ironic that parents that say “Our children” (our is specific to specific children and the parents that say) OUR kids/children are for kids other than me.”

It is so important that those people that say “THEY need to be comfortable” does not include me.

School is supposed to challenge you and should make you uncomfortable with topic – isn’t that how we learn?

“Kids should be learning about things achy and bad sometimes – so they can learn how to talk about it and being in a space and learn how to navigate that and deal with the feelings that come up. I don’t get that chance at home.”

“English has killed my interest in reading.”

“Classes are in our library but no one has ever told me if I can check out a book or how I can check out a book.”

We will begin a series of podcasts and posts that deal with the rising decrease in literacy with the loss of school librarianship in Delaware, with students at the nucleus of this historical issue.

Check back here in a few days to see below some interesting data that students have helped uncover as we break down the history of school librarianship in districts across the state and what student are wanting.

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Welcome to the Jungle…

Posted on April 27, 2024 by Harry Brake

..as you might first be aware – is the iconic song that Guns ‘N Roses produced. Yet for one weekend, the WHS Theatre a week ago, celebrated an exciting production that captured the imagination of pushing what is possible on stage, thanks to some amazing sponsors guiding many through the production. Yet, we have not thanked everyone for making this possible. As we connect three more cast members to this success as well as one large portion of support (It is coming!) we stand back in admiration of being able to see this great production.

Confronting Creative Risks Often Involves Adding the Very Risks that Seem Daunting

Shayla Stewart/Ensemble – Again, it can’t be said enough how vital and important it is to have quality, talented, motivated returning students to a program. From Elf, to Annie, to Little Mermaid Jr., as well as balancing the extracurriculars such as volleyball in this case, today it is worth admiring students who take on challenges, risks, and areas that challenge in pushing them.

In fact, being involved in such a wide array is a testament and support of the very institution that strives to represent a diverse community. Shayla was expressive and a staple part of the ensemble and it turns out, the ensemble in many ways, from apes to horticulture, was one of the most creative and imaginative aspects of the play, from the movements to the way these groups supported the overall theme. It was exciting to see Shayla on the stage in this production.

The Power and Strength of Preservation Relies on Powerful Individuals

Brooke Taylor/Ensemble – I was first introduced to Brooke through her Social Studies class and Md. McGill and to say I was impressed was a huge understatement. Having interviewed both Steve Inskeep from NPR and author Traci N. Todd. She was a crucial member of the interviewing panel for that podcast and a willingness to take on projects tied to the National History Project in her class. Driven to challenge oneself let alone allow challenges that come to you to overcome is a heavy lift while balancing just everyday routines. By helping reinforce the power of natural beauty on our environment, the ensemble pushes the expression of the natural world versus what is considered a “modern” world. It seems a subtle message, yet without an ensemble to show this clash, a major conflict in the production falls flat.

Adding the responsibilities of an FFA program and member, being a new student in a high school year, as well as maintaining stellar grades and finding who you are, all huge responsibilities to maintain. Seeing Brooke on stage as another main component of the ensemble’s success was gratifying on so many levels. The power and influence of the ensemble on the rest of the production should not and could not be underestimated by reinforcing the themes of how the natural word plays an important part of our experiences and discoveries. One of the strengths of a school is the individual students who are willing to push the efforts to be involved, and Brooke has been on an amazing start to allow that.

Discovery and Exploration at the Risk of Exploiting Resources Reduces Discovery

Carly Wharton/Ensemble– The widest possible picture painted by an individual willing to take on things outside of their wheelhouse, I have noticed opens even more doors than expected. Carly has been on that path in many ways. From serving as a strong and expressive ensemble member (Did you NOT love the scene of Carly with first meeting Porter!!!), being integral to the concert and marching band, to select ensemble is one chapter Carly embraces.

Add to that the fact that her experience at legislative hall lobbying for how integral school libraries and librarians are to the educational process, certainly Carly is more than someone in the midst of everything. She has become an influencer of what changes and can change, what can impact the student and the student body, and what expresses and what can be expressive. The continued talent, support and respect for how to best impact programs and those around us is priceless, and definitely reaps benefits as others help best represent WHS as well.

Sponsors Helping to Break Down the Concrete Jungle and Creating Paths Forward

In addition to the influence and abilities of all those mentioned through these series if posts, celebrating already a week after Tarzan the Musical, the one aspect that looms overall in one of the most responsible reasons for anything successful in a community are it sponsors.

Seeing Seely Homes embrace their own member of the production as well as the whole cast, process and production was amazing. In addition to knowing we have such a close impact and connection with school board members, but seeing the construction of success within our school as well as Seely’s commitment to building homes is heartwarming to say the least. One of the biggest drivers of confidence comes from transparency of sponsors with our schools and we are so lucky to have Seely Homes always supporting our faculty on special days throughout the year and especially in this production.

We have had so many positive students connected to the Tressler Mennonite Group and Mennonite Church, it has been so positive to have a tie and connection to this group. Their support in wanting to always support the immediate community, be it school or simply its residents, adds to the power we are as a Woodbridge School family.

Kiwanis of Bridgeville has been associated with so many positive aspects of our community, from the Christmas Parade, Scholarships, Hometown Heroes, utilizing the famous chicken BBQ fundraisers, to supporting literacy and libraries, having the Kiwanis front and center in supporting all things community and neighbor, the ties between youth and community are vital as represented by the Bridgeville Kiwanis.

The Union Methodist Church in Bridgeville is synonymous with Baacalaureate, Blood drives. summer programs, and some of the most delicious food that supports our faculty on various times of the year. It is so rewarding to see the Union Methodist Church always visible during Apple Scrapple and almost anything tied to the community when it comes to Bridgeville, and all know they are an asset when it comes to supporting community endeavors.

What is your vocation? Again, seeing a vocational path as represented by Morse Roofing & Siding is a welcome support to the production in front of us. One can only think of height and flying braces in the production, and it was a nice connection to this vocational tie to the program. The reinforcement of possible paths post-high school in careers are well represented and a piece of who Woodbridge High School is a faculty and student body. It means much to seem businesses in support of this production.

I love there are so many apprenticeship opportunities in our community and pathways in our community. Many overlook the vocation paths that so many rely on, and that lead to amazing and fulfilling futures for many of our students. It is even more exciting to see companies like Outten’s Plumbing to be one of those services that in turn support various paths students find themselves on in their futures and activities. This support adds to the flavor and feel of a tight community, and it goes without saying that the longevity of this service in the community is a testament to their support of the community they serve.

With the ability to connect so many locations from a computer, as in Information Science, the onslaught so much to choose from can be overwhelming. It was awesome to see the phrase Swing into Spring Break tied to Tarzan the musical with Aaron Jackson’s Dreams Fulfilled services. Navigating experiences, similar to the production of Tarzan, is even more rewarding with someone within our own community to help with those decisions. I love connection discovery, experiences, and travel to the very themes we discovered in Tarzan the musical.

Again, discovery is an essential component of any community. With the service that many might not be aware of with Owens Sporting Clays, many will not even be aware of the experiences in a specific community. The ability to support student and educational events is a daunting one at times, and often comes from the most generous and connected groups tied to environmental and conservation groups. There are so many connections and support activities requiring sponsors of every area, and it is generous to see Owens Station as one of them and informing individuals of those very resources many might not have been aware of.

Again, every vocational service in a community is often overlooked and viewed as secondary when it comes to the time of year when many consider college, scholarships, and tuition. Thank GOODNESS that our educational community also finds ways to magnify the value, importance and opportunity where specific vocations in neighborhoods/community lead to lifelong careers. It is exciting and rewarding to see a service like Willey & Co be also a staunch supporter of the students of the WHS theatre.

Having a Bridgeville community member as Pam Tull willing to invest in a creative endeavor like Tarzan the Musical is priceless, and helps who how individuals make a difference when they believe in the ability to achieve, make a difference, and succeed. Giving back to events that support students in that community and enabling success to occur on the behalf of students – priceless.

Knowing members of the community versus seeing members of the community reinforcing the success of students is a huge difference. These following individuals, a mix of parents, community members, organizations, and alumni were responsible for standing up for the oath forward for our students to be successful:

Amy West Anna Thomas

April Morehouse Bridgeville Lions Club

Dave Dunn Contractors Eric & Wanda Albright

Impact Graphics Jake Meyers

Jane Wright John Wright, Sr.

John Wright, Sr. Kim and Mike Wharton

Leslie and Fred Hulliger Rita and Roger Hovermale

Robert Lisle Sheila Morgan

Sheila Kintz The Melvin Family

Wanda Johnson

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