Right on TARGET!

Today, Wednesday, September 9, 2009, sixteen volunteers from four local Target Stores came to help Mrs. Read pack up the library. It was amazing how much work they completed in the four short hours they were here.

All bookcases were been emptied. Thousands of books were boxed and boxes were labeled so make restocking the shelves easier.

Volunteers moved labeled boxes out to the storage shed for safe keeping until they return on October 14 to begin unpacking!

Computers were disconnected and moved into to classrooms so students can still have access while the removation is taking place.

Students loved seeing the Target Volunteers in their RED shirts! Several classes wrote thank you notes to the volunteers. Students are very excited about the makeover - especially now that they see the work beginning!

Thank you Target Volunteers for your role in making our Library Makeover possible.

Summer Staff Lounge Make-Over Project

Each summer, I take on a project at school to make it a better place. I enjoy watching programs on HGTV ... and what better place to try some of the ideas than at school! This year I decided to "Make-Over" the Teachers' Lounge as a surprise for the staff. Our "Lounge" has not been a place for staff to relax. It was more like a chaotic workroom with tables and chairs for staff to eat lunch. I wanted to create a place for the staff to get away from the demands of the classroom and rejuvenate, so after lunch they would be relaxed and ready to return to their students with a smile. Here are some BEFORE pictures:

AFTER: Because this space also houses our copy machines, I tried to divide the space to make a "Lounge" and a "Copy Center." All the paper, forms, and other supplies seen in the before pictures are now in the Teachers' Workroom (in the adjoining room).

What do you think? Would you like to eat lunch in our lounge now?

Victoria's Library Makeover Project

As many of you know, last March Victoria was selected as the recipient of a Library Makeover provided by the non-profit Heart of America Foundation and Target Stores. The makeover includes new paint, carpet, furniture, technology, art work, and thousands of books.

Today, the designers sent me a "design deck" of their plans for our library. Mrs. Read and I will conference with the designers and project managers, as well as other key RSUD people on Thursday to review the plans!

The plan expands the library to include Room 4. The library will now be the entire wing of three classrooms. As you see from the drawing above, the computer lab will remain where it is, but will have the addition of a new Promethan Board. There will also be new tables and chairs for students to use while they complete research or other work - including two "cafe" style tables.

Mrs. Read will finally have a reading area with plenty of room for students to sit while she reads to them. This area will be complete with a colorful carpet and bean bag chairs!

Here is a sample of the color scheme and furniture. Our new Library will be bright and cheery! I can't wait to see the finished project!

The library makeover will be largely volunteer-driven. Professional contractors will complete tasks such as painting and other cosmetic changes to the library. Then, on October 16th, more than 200 volunteers from Heart of America and Target will complete the finishing touches. They will assemble the furniture, shelve books, and complete light cleaning and landscaping projects. Families and school staff will be invited to participate in the event, which will culminate with a library re-opening ceremony, to be held on the same day. As part of the festivities, each child will receive seven books to add to his or her own home library.

The School Library Makeover project is a partnership between Target and the Heart of America Foundation, which has worked for the past decade to give children the tools they need to read, succeed and make a difference. More information about the program is available online at: www.heartofamerica.org/READesign.htm.