Ms Johnson

Book Fair

Our Scholastic Book Fair was a big success! This year's theme "Lights, Camera, Book Fair" really got students excited about books and reading. They were introduced to new authors and new releases by old favorites on the Scholastic promotional DVD. Some of the most popular titles included Scat by Carl Hiaasen, The Boy Who Dared by Susan Bartoletti, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod by Heather Brewer, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw.

The Popcorn Contest winner was a student in Mrs. Bitler's seventh grade home room. Our lucky winner received lots of popcorn to pop, movie treats, and a coupon to use at the Book Fair.Congratulations for the lucky guess that was the closest to 558 pieces of popcorn.

Students also participated in choosing Durham's Favorite Movie Inspired by a Book. Twilight was the overwhelming winner. Grade level winners were drawn from those students who chose Twilight. They received movie treats and a coupon for the Book Fair.

The teachers greatly appreciate the Wish List Books purchased for their classrooms. Many teachers had their wishes fulfilled due to your generous support and thoughtfulness.

We attribute our successful book fair to the wonderful support from students, parents, teachers, and community. A very special thank you goes to Vonda Palmer, Media Center Volunteer Coordinator, to the many volunteers who helped before and during the Fair, and to all our Durham families.

Media Center

Welcome to the Durham Media Center! Our goals for the year include teaching information literacy, promoting reading for pleasure, and collaborating to improve student achievement.

Students have received orientation on media center policies and procedures, as well as an overview of the Cobb Virtual Library and our on-line catalog DESTINY. During the summer, the Cobb Virtual Library was given a new look, and links to DESTINY, NetTrekker, and several other databases were added. We hope you enjoy the new features and user-friendly format.

DESTINY

Students and staff can now access DESTINY from home. A link is provided on the CVL (http://cvl.cobbk12.org) and on Durham's Home Page (http://www.cobbk12.org/schools/durham) to access Durham's catalog to search for library materials from home.

• Search by author, subject, keyword, or title.
• Search results include books and websites listed as WebPath Express.
• DESTINY WebPath Express websites are pre-approved and reviewed by educators for student use.
• WebPath Express results include a summary, grade levels, and URL link.
• To access WebPath Express, click on the DESTINY link, choose Durham Middle School, click on the CATALOG tab, then on WebPath Express.

Cobb Virtual Library

CVL provides Cobb students with access to high-quality information resources that are specifically selected for their grade level. Passwords are required for off-campus use. Students received password stickers to place in their agendas. See the media staff or homeroom teacher for password information.

Databases in the CVL are now listed under subject headings to assist users in choosing a source. A few of the new links are listed below.

• SIRS Discoverer: Full-text news and reference articles, images, and other materials. Use the GALILEO password when accessing this site from home. GALILEO passwords change quarterly.
• NetTrekker: Web sites have been reviewed by teachers for credibility, depth, and readability. NetTrekker includes special search tools for images and famous persons, as well as a "read aloud" feature. Students must create an account while at school to access NetTrekker from home. Click "register" at the top of the NetTrekker home page to create the account.
• Student Research Center: Magazines, Newspapers, Biographies, Country Reports, and Videos.
• The New Georgia Encyclopedia: A general encyclopedia about Georgia.

Debbie Johnson, Media Specialist