The Mrs. Moss Zone

This is the Mrs. Moss Zone!  What, you ask, is the Mrs. Moss Zone?  Well, I'm glad you asked!

At my old school I had the Mrs. Moss's Favorites Cart.  A small cart with books that I had read that I thought were good books for kids.  The ones that I think will appeal to a large section of kids.  I try to include a lot of different genres and reading levels.  Those books were very popular.  I liked having a cart of recommendations.  When kids would ask me for book recommendations, I had a cart full of books I liked and thought kids would like. I would walk kids over to the "Mrs. Moss's Favorites Cart" often to look for good books.  It made it easy for me.  Because of this, I wanted to carry on the tradition at my new school.

When I got here, I realized there was no place to park a cart on a permanent basis.  I did, however, have this shelf which used to house the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books.  Those books will circulate no matter where I put them so I shelved them back with the fiction books.  I took that shelf and put my Mrs. Moss's Favorites on it.  I had chapter books on display on the top shelf.

Then I had an epiphany!  I often have kids ask for "that book you read to us last week."  That usually means three weeks ago and I can't always remember what book I read to what grade level.  I always wished I had a place to display my past read aloud books.  While moving some other books around, I ended up with a small display shelf with no home.  I looked at it, then looked at the top shelf of this bookcase and thought - Hey!  You should use this to display your read alouds!

The bulletin board above it seemed perfect for sign to acknowledge what this space is.  The Mrs. Moss Zone popped into my head and it has stuck.

Genrefication - why?

I have decided to "genrefy" my library.  And, I hate that spell check does not recognize that word!

First, what does it mean to genrefy? What is genrefication?  Basically, it just means to organize your library by genre.  Some people do this just to their fiction sections.  Some to their whole library.
Some of you might ask, "But isn't that what the Dewey Decimal system does?"  Well, yes it does.  Sort of.  Which leads us to the "why?" of genrefication.

The Dewey Decimal system is a fabulous way of organizing books and it has proven effective for many, many years.  But there are some flaws in the system.  For example, some of the books about the Titanic are found in the 300's, others are in the 900's.  Books about the branches of the military are in the 358's but books about military vehicles are in the 627's and books about wars are in the 900's.   Mammals are in the 599's, unless they are domesticated animals and then they are in the "science and technology" section in the 636's. And in the fiction section, all books are shelved alphabetically by the first three letters of the author's last name regardless of what the book is about.  All of this makes it confusing for kids and not very intuitive for adults.  When you go into a book store,  you look in the section that has the books you like.  A mystery fan? You go look in the mystery section.  A romance lover? You go to the romance section.  Why doesn't it work that way in libraries?

So, some libraries are making the change to genrefication.  It is much more straight forward for kids.  They can find the kind of books that they like.  Most librarians find that their circulation numbers go up after they genrefy because kids can browse in the section of books that they are most likely to read.

There are concerns, of course.  Shouldn't we be teaching the kids Dewey so that they will be able to find their way around other libraries?  Yes, we probably should, which is why I am not going to do my non-fiction section.  Yet.  What about authors that write in many genres, how will kids find their books?  If a student is interested in reading a particular authors work, they can still look them up in the on-line catalog and find what genre sections those books are in.  It may be a little more difficult than before but still doable.  However, finding all the mystery books, regardless of author, will be much easier.  Most of the time my students want a particular kind of book, not a particular author. My fellow library ladies in my district had questions about how it would affect them when they want to borrow a book.  When looking up a book by title or by subject, or even by author, it will work the same way as before.  Just the call number will be different.  Since I will be the one pulling books it only affects me.

I did a lot of research on this topic before I made this decision.  I'm still a little scared but mostly I'm excited.  It is going to be a lot of work.  I'll post updates so you can see how I'm doing it.

Paint!

When I accepted this job, one of the requests I had was to paint the library.  I think what I said was "Can we please, please, please paint the library?"

The dark green and the blue behind my desk just made it feel so dark and seemed to emphasize the smallness.  Thankfully, my principal is awesome and we had some amazing help.  Comcast is a company that encourages its employees to volunteer in their community.  Occasionally Comcast does a big volunteer day and during those days they have flagship locations.  This year, we were chosen as a flagship location on a Comcast Cares day.  Between us and the adjoining school, we had over 200 volunteers!  And painting my library was one of our big projects!

I chose a happy yellow color.  Unfortunately that meant that the dark green and blue needed to be primed first.  On Friday night, a bunch of volunteers showed up to do just that.

It looked so much better even with just the primer on! It was a tinted primer which helped.

And now that it is done?

And the blue behind my desk?  It is gone.

And my reading rug area?  It looks even better!

I am so happy with the paint! It is so much brighter and cheerier!  And it feels much bigger.  And the kids LOVE it.  That is the important part.

Beginnings are cool

The transition here was hard but now that I'm over the shock I'm settling in.  I'm learning the kids' names (I figure I'm at about 60% or so), I'm making friends with the staff.  And I'm making changes.

Whenever you takeover an already existing job, you make changes to make it work for you, to make it feel like "your" job.  I have done this in spades!

I started by moving the beginning chapter books out of the fiction section.  I wanted the transitional chapter books (Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, A to Z Mysteries) to easily found by my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders.

I pulled them out and put them together on a book shelf in between the easy reader picture books and the rest of the chapter books.  Then, I moved some other cool but less popular series out into baskets and bins.

The biggest change I made was I added my reading rug!  The previous library lady had only read to Kinders and 1st graders.  Because of this, she had her rocking chair in a very small space and didn't have a reading rug.  I read a book to every grade level (K-6), every week.  Those 6th graders were not going to fit in that spo!  I moved it to the other side of the library, moved some bookshelves out of the way and ordered myself a big, colorful reading rug. 

It is MUCH better this way.

I've also been cleaning things out and figuring out what exactly I have.  Going through cupboards and finding out I have lots of craft supplies is kinda cool.  Going through drawers and finding out that I don't have all the mending supplies I need is not as cool.  But now I have an idea of what I have and what I need.

I'm feeling kind of moved in, but the biggest change is coming up - paint!

Transitions are Tough

Transitions are hard.  This one was especially tough.  Because of how the transition took place (and because of some snow days which made the schedule really weird), I worked a full day at my old school on Tuesday (9 classes) and then worked a full day at my new school on Wednesday (6 classes).  Talk about emotional whiplash!

On Tuesday I held it together fairly well.  I got teary a few times but managed not to completely lose it.  Until I walked out of the building with my arms full of boxes of my stuff.  Two people offered to help me and I really needed the extra arms so I accepted.  As I left the library - MY library - for the last time I started to cry.  When I left the building - MY building - for the last time I started to sob.  And. I. Could. Not. Stop.  I felt sorry for the two people helping me because it must have been uncomfortable for them.  It sure was for me.  They helped me put my boxes in my car, gave me hugs, then left. Quickly.  I got in my car and just sat and cried for 10 minutes before I could even drive.

On Wednesday I woke up excited and nervous and sad.  I got to work early and started setting up and pulling books for the classes that day.  My first class thought I was crazy.  Several of them actually laughed at me (not in a good way).  Their old library lady didn't read books to the upper grades, only to Kinders and 1st graders.  I read to all ages, every week.  I had picked a funny, silly book "The Wizard, The Fairy, and The Magic Chicken" by Helen Lester (on of my favorites).  I wanted a short book because I had rules and expectations (and introductions) to go over.  With that book I make silly voices and faces.  The kids at my "old" school had loved that book.  These kids? Not so much.  I think it was partly because I was SO different from their old teacher.  The first class was a class of 5th graders.  They were "much too mature" to be read a picture book!  I was a shock to them. I was pretty convinced they hated me. 

I had an hour wait until my next class.  Thankfully, they were much more receptive. They laughed along with me and really enjoyed the book.  Then the three afternoon classes happened.  I have 1st grade, Kinder, then 2nd, all back to back.  It was CRAZY!  The old librarian had them doing color sheets or showed them movies.  I was expecting them to listen and sit still!  Oh my.  By the end of the day I was crying again and asking myself, "What have I done?"

The next day was the real shock.  On Thursdays I don't have any classes.  I just get to do library work.  But is was SO quiet!  My old library was the center of the school - literally!  No walls, no doors, just bookshelves in the middle of the school. I talked to every single person, every single day.  If there was a sub in 3rd grade, I knew about it.  If there was a kid taking too many bathroom breaks, I knew about it.  When Mrs. Who's It was having a bad day with her students, she would come to me to vent.  My new library is behind a door in a hallway that doesn't even have classrooms in it.  So I don't see people very often. And no one eats lunch together so I ended up eating lunch alone, too!  The staff at the new school was very welcoming and friendly - I just never saw them!  I felt very alone and very, very lonely.

I ended up crying every day for two weeks.  I lost 12 lbs because I couldn't eat.  I didn't sleep and thought long and hard about just quitting.  But I finally turned the corner.  In part, because I gave myself permission to leave at the end of the year if I still hated it. 

I am now about two months in and I'm loving it.  I have had to adjust but I really like it.  I really miss my friends and all the kids at my old school but all the reasons that I wanted to change have come true.  I am having to force myself to really think about why I do things the way I do.  Is that the best way?  Is there a different way?  What is best for the kids?  I really feel like I am making a difference with these kids.  Not just in the book department (although my circulation is way up over the same time period last year so more kids are getting more books) but also in the relationship department.  These kids are awesome and they need a lot of people in their lives who tell them that - often!  I'm glad I get to be one of those people.

So, transitions are tough.  But if you tough it out, they can also be awesome!

Snow Days Cause Havoc!

Normally, school staff are just as excited about snow days as their students are. This time, I found myself hoping that the snow would melt.

We have had 5 days of very wintery weather.  The snow started Thursday at about noon.  As the snow continued to fall, heavily, I decided that I had better prepare.  In case we didn't have school on Friday, I would need to be prepared for Monday.  Monday would be my last day at my current school and I wanted it to be a smooth sail.  I pulled all my books for my lessons.  I made sure all the returned books were shelved.  I cleared off my desk so I could see what the heck was going on! Then, I went home and watched the snow fall.

Sure enough, school was cancelled for Friday. The snow was beautiful but we didn't get to enjoy it.  Kaden had a gymnastics meet in Tacoma.  Jim was supposed to take him and I was staying to get work done.  Since I had the day off, I decided to go also.  We were a little worried about the snow and the trip up was a little dicey for the first part.  We got there and enjoyed the meet.  All during the meet my sister was texting me and telling me about all the snow that was falling in Portland.  We had originally planned to stay the night and come home Saturday but we looked at the weather reports and decided it would be better to come home Friday night.  The trip back was slow but otherwise uneventful.

Saturday was fun.  The kids and Jim went sledding, I took the dog for a walk in the snow.  I read a ton of my book and we just hung out and watched the snow.  By the end of the day we had about 8 inches of snow.  Then the freezing rain started.  When we woke up on Sunday morning, we had 8 inches of snow, topped by 1/2" of ice.  Driving was treacherous.  there wound up being no school on Monday either.

Unfortunately, Monday was supposed to be my last day and was supposed to be the day I trained my replacement.  That wasn't going to work!  I ended up working Tuesday at my old school, they had a sub at my new school and my replacement was able to be with me for most of Tuesday afternoon.  I don't feel like I trained her well at all, but at lease she got to see how I do things. 

I Knew This Day Would Come

Today was not a good day.  I started telling kids about my leaving yesterday.  I told them about the opening at O (Tyler, it isn't really important what she died of), about the kids needing someone good to take care of them and their library (Yes Jane, they probably could get someone else) , I told them I would still be around training the new person (No, Suzy, I don't know who she is yet.), how I am keeping my Sun School job, and just how much I was going to miss them all (No Peter, I'm not leaving because I don't like you guys). I tried to walk them through what to expect in the next few days and weeks.  I ended each explanation with telling them how awesome they are and how much I have loved getting to know them and read to them and talk to them.  The first class was 6th graders.  I have worked with these kids since they were in first grade.  These kids were my son's classmates before he changed grades. I know these kids well.  I like these kids. I did very well until the very end when I said I would miss them and I started crying. It hit me that I won't see these guys go to middle school or have them come back and visit once they do (our elementary school is right next door to the middle school and kids come in the say hi all the time.).   I also thought, "Oh no, I have 8 classes today, if I cry with every one I'm going to be a mess!"

I pulled it together and didn't cry again.  Yesterday.  Today, a different story.  I started with the first class and almost lost it with every class (I had 9 classes today).  The worst was the staff though.

I knew that people at my current job would be sad that I was leaving.  I've been there awhile.  I like to think I'm pretty good at my job and that my co-workers appreciate that.  I get that they would be sad.  What I wasn't expecting was the anger.  Not everyone mind you. But some. One in particular.  He had me in tears at lunch. I left and cried it out in the bathroom.

I really am very excited to go to my new job but I'm going to miss these people an incredible amount. 

New Job, New Adventure!

I got the job!! 

Can I just tell you how excited I am?  I have been having a lot of conflicting emotions.  I LOVE the job I'm at and leaving makes me a little teary.  But ever since I found out that I'm actually going, I've been just excited and much less teary.

I am going to stay at my current job until they hire a replacement for me.  That should be two weeks or so.  So, I have some time to finish things up and say good bye.  I will be able to do my book clubs without making the kids read ridiculously fast.  I will be able to leave some really good instructions for my replacement.  I asked if I would be able to help train the new person and my new boss said we could work that out.

Last night my current boss sent an email to all the staff at my current school, telling them that I had accepted the other position.  But she sent it at 6:30 on a Friday evening so most people didn't see it.  Tonight I posted on Facebook that I was changing jobs and, wow! did I ever get some responses.  Most people are glad for me but sad to see me leave.  Some are just sad to see me go.  I'm not friends with everyone at school on Facebook so I'm sure I will have people finding out on Monday.  Could be interesting.

This week, I get to tell all my kids that I'm leaving.  I have 8 classes on Monday and 9 classes on Tuesday so I will tell all the kids in the school in two days.  I will need to work on some "verbiage" to use so that they know I'm not leaving because of them and how much I love and appreciate them. 

It is going to be a very emotional week.

Little Library

I went and visited my "new" library today while I interviewed. I spent some time looking around and pulling books to look at. 

Here's what I realized.  This library is small.  Like really small.  I'm guessing about 2/3 the floor space of my current library.  And that floor space is chopped up with free standing shelves.  I stood there forever and tried to figure out how/where I would put my reading rug.  I'm still not sure how I'm would do it but I have a few ideas.  I did decide that I would not change anything for the first week, which was my original plan (I have spent a lot of time thinking about what I would do if I got the job).  I think I'm going to need more time to decide. Plus, I don't want the kids to freak out.  The former library manager died.  She didn't quit or move to Texas, she died.  And the kids loved her.  I'm afraid that if I make too many changes, too quickly, it will seem disrespectful. And they might hate me!

At my library, I am going ahead with the book clubs that I had planned before this whole thing happened.  The kids were SO excited and I didn't want to disappoint them.  If I end up getting the job,  I'll just squeeze it in however I can.  The 4th graders are going to do Charlotte's Web, the 5th graders are doing The Westing Game, and 6th graders are doing A Wrinkle in Time.

So, I'm off to go and read two books in the next several days.  And plan a new library.  And keep the one I'm at running smoothly.  And prepare my chess club lesson for tomorrow.  And help my kids finish their homework and tuck them in.  Then edit/proofread a chapter of the book I promised I'd edit/proofread for a friend.  Then? I think I'll collapse.

The Beginning of a New Adventure

I'm might be changing jobs.  I'm very excited.  I'm scared to death. I'm excited to possibly go to a new job.  I'm sad to leave my current job.  All at the same time.  Best decision ever? Worst?  We shall see.

First, some history.  One of the schools in our school district has been deemed a failing school.  Test scores have fallen and morale is low.  Last spring the principal of that school decided to step down and return to the classroom.  The district decided it was time to make some major changes in hope of turning the school around.  The principal of our school, L was chosen to lead the new school.  We were very sad to see her go.  She was, and is, a great boss.  As part of this change, the call went out to staff of the whole school district, "We are making great changes at O Elementary.  If you want to come and help change the world, let us know."  A few people from our school, and staff from all over the district decided to help O be the best it can be.  I volunteered to go to O and take over the library there.  My principal said she would love to take me.  The district decided not to make any support staff changes as there was going to be so much change in other places.  So, I stayed in my current job, which, I might add, I love.

Fast forward to Christmas break.  The current Library Manager of O Elementary died suddenly and very unexpectedly.  This leaves an opening for the very position I volunteered to move to last spring.  Should I go?  Should I leave?  I have started so many new projects at my current job and I'm really happy now.  I decided that if they asked me to go, I would say no.

Then, they actually asked me. Well, not they exactly, but some people did.

The new district librarian said she thought it would be great for me to come. (Not that she has any say in who the principal ultimately picks)  My really good friend Mara, who had moved over this fall, really wanted me to come. But I could have said no to all of that, had they not played dirty.

The district librarian, Riva,  and I have been exchanging emails about new ideas we would like to implement at our schools and changes we would like to make if we had the time and permission.  Riva says, "Jill, L says the new person and I can make any changes we want.  We could build this library to be anything we want. We could pilot all those ideas we've been talking about.  We could really make a difference there!"

Well.

I said I would think about it.  I called my sister and asked her advice.  I called my dad and asked his advice.  I talked for a very long time with my husband. I even asked my kids' opinion. 

I have a lot of flaws in my life, but I am really good at my job.  I LOVE what I do.  I have a passion for books and kids and literacy for kids.  I think libraries play a huge role in academic achievement.  Even though I am not a licensed librarian, I have worked hard to make my current library part of the academic achievement of my students.  Increasing circulation of books.  Increasing the diversity of the collection.  Supporting the reading goals that are being taught in the classrooms.  Working hard at matching each kid with the perfect book. And, hopefully, inspiring a love of books.

My sister said, "You have been given skills and gifts and you need to use them to bless other people.  Go bless the kids at O."

My dad said, "You're good at your job? Maybe you should go out and prove it."

My husband said, "I'll support you no matter what you do. And either school you work at, kids win." (See why I married him?)

My kids said, "Yeah, whatever."

Not really, they said I should go for it.

So, I went and visited the new school (I had never been there), scoped out the library, ran into friends I knew who I didn't realize worked there.  And decided.  I would apply.

Now, I'm in limbo and on an emotional roller coaster.  They have to post the position and I'm not really talking about applying until it is officially posted and I've actually applied.  So, no one at my current job knows I'm thinking of leaving. But I do.  Every time some kid comes and talks to me I think about leaving them.  Some fellow staff member asks about my weekend and I think about all the friends I have there and I get sad.  Then, Reva emails me about some idea we could try and I get excited again.  The going is exciting.  The leaving is sad.

But either way, I may be embarking on a big new adventure. Follow along.