Mrs. Hightower's blog

More than books @ your library!

2012-01-27T12:38:00.001-08:00

Did you know you can test for your food handlers card at the CHS library? You can even prep for the test by taking the Washington State food worker course. The link in on the library page and you can get your card by paying online after the test with a debit or credit card. Mrs. Swanson's Nutrition, Fitness and Foods class was in today and took the test - they have to pass the test before they can cook in her class, so they were all motivated to pass. Have a good time cooking!

Promote reading with teen video contest!

2012-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

I recently received this press release from the Washington State Library:

OLYMPIA . . . Are you a teen who aspires to be the next Steven Spielberg or Spike Lee? Do you love to make fun, cool videos? Here is your chance to put that cinematic creativity to good use and help promote reading and libraries at the same time!

The “2012 Teen Video Challenge” is a national video competition now underway. Its goal is for more teens to get involved with reading and their public library's summer reading program. The contest ends March 9, 2012.

The Washington State Library is partnering with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to promote the video contest. To take part do the following:

1. Go to "Own the Night" Teen Video Challenge 2012.
2. Create a 30-90 second video that encourages teens to read and use libraries this summer. Include your interpretation of the 2012 CSLP teen slogan "Own the Night."
3. Explore the "Resource for video creation" page for additional ideas and information.
4. Entitle your video: "2012 TVC-WA-Unique Name." Please choose a unique name that does not include your real name (example: 2012 TVC-WA-J. Smith-Krpton123)
5. Upload your video to YouTube.com or Vimeo.com.
6. Fill out Model Release form and Entry form .
7. Mail completed forms by March 9, 2012 to:

2012 Teen Video Challenge
Washington State Library
6880 Capital Blvd S
PO Box 42460
Olympia, WA 98504

Winners will be announced by CSLP in spring 2012.

Hunger Games Official Trailer 2012

2011-11-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about this movie! You still have time to read the series before it comes out on March 23, 2012!

North Central Regional Library - ebooks for Kindles!

2011-10-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Use your library card and download a book today @ http://www.ncrl.org/

xtranormal movie "Buy a Yearbook!"

2011-10-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a little video I made on the xtranormal website: http://www.xtranormal.com/

fun Facebook page: this is teen

2011-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Scholastic has launched a new Facebook page you might enjoy: facebook.com/thisisteen, a place for teen readers to interact with friends and favorite authors like Libba Bray, Meg Cabot, Maggie Stiefvater, Markus Zusak and Kevin Brooks. Check it out to particpate in weekly author Q&As, event listings, book suggestions, videos, and more.
PS: sorry, but you'll have to check this site out at home, Facebook is blocked at school :-(

Be smart, be safe

2011-09-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Our Josten's yearbook rep, Tim Corrigan, sent this website that has some good recommendations about online safety. Anyone who participates in any type of personal publishing such as YouTube or Facebook needs to think about their safe and responsible use of technology. As we share more personal information and communication online, we all need to stop and think about keeping smart and safe. I'm going to be sharing with Mrs. Gemeinhart's 9th graders this week and discussing with them the importance of online safety, but I hope we all think about it. Another great online resource, NetSmartz, offers more information. Please take a moment to look into this serious and important topic of keeping safe online.

Question: What do you do to demonstrate safe and ethical use of online resources?

QR Codes . . . "Quick Response Codes" ????

2011-08-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

OK, so I try to keep up, but today I feel woefully behind. I just looked at a glog about QR codes. Maybe you use them or at least know about them, but I have been in the dark. I really need to update my phone and here's another reason to do so. Anyway, if you don't know what they are, here's a great explanation, just click here. I went to an free online CR code generator and this is what I got for the CHS website. I don't know if it works or not (remember, I need to get a smart phone), but if it does, please let me know. If you are the first one to show me, I'll buy you a candy bar from Mr. G's. Update: Thanks Ian Cochrane for showing me the QR code for CHS - he was the lucky winner and got a Reese's candybar from Mr. G's on 9/13/2011!

Is your Google search the same as your friends?

2011-08-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know many internet searches use social media data to rank a website's importance?

Watch this informative TED talk about the "invisible algorithmic editing of the web."

Summer Reading - Vacation time!!!

2011-06-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Prevent Summer Slide
Keep your kids in the reading habit during the break so they don’t fall behind when classes resume.

It is wise as a parent of a struggling reader to try to stop "summer slide" — the backsliding that may occur when students are out of school. Try these strategies to help your child improve her reading during the summer and beyond:

Six Books to Summer Success: Research shows that reading just four to six books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. When choosing the books, be sure that they are just right — not too hard and not too easy.

Read Something Every Day: Try to take advantage of every opportunity to read. In the morning, encourage newspaper reading — even if it is just the comics. During the day, your child can read schedules, TV guides, magazines, etc. For example, if your child watches the food channel, help him look for a recipe online. End the day by having your child read to you from the book he is currently reading. Have him rehearse a paragraph, page, or chapter before reading to you.

Keep Reading Aloud: Reading aloud benefits all children and teens, especially those who struggle. One benefit is that you can read books your child can't, so she will be building listening comprehension skills with grade-level and above books. This will increase her knowledge and expand her experience with text, so that she will do better when she reads on her own.
It’s hard to keep up a reading routine with many summer distractions. These suggestions are meant to fit into a busy schedule and to make reading fun!

(article provided by Scholastic Inc. Reprinted by permission)

More ideas:
EDSITEment's Recommended Reading List for College-Bound Students

What do you want to read?

2011-05-21T06:27:00.001-07:00

Dear CHS Students,

I will soon be ordering books for next year and I want to know what you want to read. We don't have a lot of money to spend, but there will be some new books here in the fall and I hope you will like a few of them. Please leave a comment and tell me what you want me to order. I can't guarantee I can, but I will take your recommendations seriously under consideration. Just click the little comment button below and leave your suggestion. Please sign or initial in case I need to ask you something.
Thank you very much! Mrs. H.
PS: The Cheetos photo was taken by my husband :-)

YouTube Copyright School

2011-04-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Do you know about copyright laws? This little video from YouTube clarifies what is legal or not.

April is National Poetry Month

2011-04-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know April is National Poetry Month? I try to acknowledge this every year. Visit http://www.poets.org/ for good ways to celebrate. Today happens to be "Poem in your Pocket" day. This morning Randi Zodow picked up this poem on the library counter and shared with me how she really liked it.

I Am Not Yours

I am not yours, not lost in you,

Not lost, although I long to be

Lost as a candle lit at noon,

Lost as a snowflake in the sea.

You love me, and I find you still

A spirit beautiful and bright,

Yet I am I, who long to be

Lost as a light is lost in light.

Oh plunge me deep in love - put out

My senses, leave me deaf and blind,

Swept by the tempest of your love,

A taper in a rushing wind.

by Sara Teasdale

Read to children - Early childhood literacy

2011-03-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

One early literacy skill every child needs to learn is book knowledge and appreciation. My granddaughter Siobhan is learning that now and I am anxious to help her in the future by reading to her whenever I can. Story times, checking books out and having lots of reading materials around the house are all things you can do to provide a literacy rich environment for children. Reading to children is one of the best things you can do for their future learning and we have many great resources available through the NCRL. Take a child to storytime or to the library to check out a book or read one of your favorite books to a child. It's fun and you'll both enjoy it!
To learn more about early literacy, click here.

Steampunk comes to CHS!

2011-03-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

Have you read Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan or Behemoth yet? These two books in Westerfeld's newest trilogy proved to be great reads and I can't wait until the third, Goliath , comes out in October. Set in 1914 in Europe in an alternative reality, the protagonists Alek and Deryn take us on adventures completely unheard of before. I thought Westerfeld's two warring kingdoms, the Clankers and the Darwinists, were unique and imaginative. I think you'll love these books that have gotten rave reviews like this one from School Library Journal, "Full of nonstop action, this steampunk adventure is sure to become a classic." .

Something to think about . . .

2011-02-02T12:08:00.001-08:00

I came upon this quote yesterday while I was looking through a book called Readicide. I thought the quote was really good, so I thought I would share it.

"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."

Bradbury, Ray on Books - Reading
Quote from Quotations Book

It is my job to help CHS students find good books to read and think about. So, help uphold, build, create and protect our culture, check out a book and READ!

Flocabulary and the 5 elements

2011-01-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you ever have seen "The Week in Rap" by Flocabulary. Well here is another great Flocabulary video for all you English buffs out there. I can just see Mrs. Gemeinhart lovin' this, can't you?

Flocabulary - Five Things (Elements of a Short Story) from Flocabulary on Vimeo.

All I want for Christmas is a thumb drive

2010-12-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I hope you are doing OK. I have been a very good girl this year! Could you please bring me a thumb drive for Christmas? I really need one for my classes at CHS. They're not very expensive and very handy to save projects to work on at home and school. I think everyone at CHS should get one. Thanks a lot!

Sincerely,

Linda

PS: You also can get me a 8G Kindle if you want to, thanks.

Free Online Tutoring!

2010-12-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

If you need a little homework help or if you just want to learn something new, check out Khan Academy at http://www.khanacademy.org/.
You can browse over 1800 instructional videos covering a vast assortment of topics including math, science and finance. Here's what the founder says about Khan Academy:

Hopefully you'll advance your own education using great online resources like Khan Academy.

Mummy good times

2010-11-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

I had some fun during the Cashmere High School's drama department fall play at the end of October. The Cashmere Middle School transformed into a haunted theather before their production of Dracula. Mrs. Gubsch and I had discussed the possibilities of having a haunted house last spring when discussing her plans for the upcoming drama plays and I always thought it would be fun to help out if she decided to do it. When everything came together she asked me if I could still help out and I jumped at the chance! Mrs. Gubsch let me choose and make my own costume and I decided to become a mummy. Hopefully no one would know it was me. I had a great time scaring or freaking out people who came through the haunted theater. As I gathered with the students for make-up, back stage preparations and the huggle, it brought back a lot of good memories being in high school drama productions a long time ago at Wenatchee High School. If you have ever thought about joining the drama club - DO IT!!! It's a lot a fun and will add many great memories for you high school years.

Little Brother

2010-09-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Cory Doctorow's book, Little Brother. It's one of the Evergreen Young Adult Book Award nominees for this year and I am trying to read all ten this fall. Scott Westerfeld's quote on the front cover says, "A rousing tale of techno-geek rebellion." and I would agree. This book stayed on my mind as I imagined another terrorist attack on our country and the consequences of a Department of Homeland Security government takeover. If you like fast-paced thrillers with a technology twist, you'll love this book. We have multiple copies in the library, reserve yours today.

Have you tried Culturegrams???

2010-09-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Do you need information about other countries? Try one of our CHS databases: Culturegrams. Just click on the area you need to research. If you have questions or more help, remember to just ask Mrs. Hightower - that's what she's here for.

Social Media Revolution

2010-08-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

what do you think?

if you're really bored this summer . . .

2010-06-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

you might want to look at this fun parody:

Librarians Do Gaga

2010-06-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

This fun video produced at the University of Washington's Information School promotes library research - don't forget the databases!.

Brontë Sisters Power Dolls

2010-06-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read anything written by one of the Bronte sisters? Two titles to check out are Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

2010-05-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

As the economy goes down, so do our budgets. I saw this on LM_NET and thought I would re-post because it's so true. Libraries benefit all people: rich or poor, black or white and in between, educated or not. We can't afford not to have them. So please - keep using them and keep supporting them. We need to share resources and libraries do just that!

Have you read any "Orca Soundings" books?

2010-05-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

The CHS Library recently received a new book from the Orca Book Publishers called, "In the Woods" by Robin Stevenson. This quick read of 128 pages will keep you in suspense as high school senior Cameron, after he discovers a baby abandoned in the woods, tries to discover whether his twin sister Katie is the mother. You will want to read all the books in the Orca Soundings series. These contemporary stories are written so you're quickly immersed into the story and you won't want to put it down until you're finished. I have seen guys who never read come back for more. If you find you don't have time to read or you hate to read, try these Orca Soundings books. I think you'll find yourself reading once again.

Author Lois Lowry comes to Wenatchee PAC

2010-04-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Lois Lowry, author of many books including the Newbery winner, The Giver, is coming to Wenatchee April 7th, 7:00pm at the PAC. I have heard her speak at library conferences before and enjoyed what she had to say. This should be good, so get there early and enjoy!
If you want to learn more about Lois Lowry, click here for her website.
We have some of her books in our CHS library if you want to check one out.

March 2nd - Let's "Read Across America"

2010-02-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. Join people across America in this annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. Pick up a book and read to your siblings, neighbors, family or friends!

Read Across America Poem

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,
To pick up a book and read with a child.
You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot,
To pick up a book and share what you've got.

In schools and communities,
Let's gather around,
Let's pick up a book,
Let's pass it around.

There are kids all around you,
Kids who will need
Someone to hug,
Someone to read.

Come join us March 2nd
Your own special way
And make this America's
Read to Kids Day.

Infotopia

2010-02-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Infotopia

Do you have difficulty finding quality information resources on the Web? You might want to use Infotopia, an academic search engine that accesses only trusted websites previously selected by librarians, teachers, and library and educational consortia. You can go directly to a category or search all at once. Who know, you might just find your next favorite website using Infotopia!

Google's Wonder wheel

2010-02-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

Have you used the Wonder Wheel feature on Google yet? If not, you might want to look at the visual searching tool. If you choose the "Show options" button, you'll see "Wonder wheel". Click and you'll see your search represented in a visual array. From here you can click each link to define your search. I think you'll like narrowing your results in this way as you can see in the example below. Have fun with "Wonder wheel"! (the Google link works)

Convert your files with Zamzar

2010-01-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the need to convert a file to another format? It can be a frustrating and confusing process. I just discovered a new free online site that looks great and should help you do your converting much easier (although I must confess I haven't converted anything with it yet). Zamzar converts all types of files including document , image, music, video, compressed formats and CAD formats. Next time you realize something doesn't work and you need your file converted, give Zamzar a try. Hopefully it will make it quick and easy.

http://www.zamzar.com/

Snowflake Workshop fun!

2009-12-17T13:12:00.000-08:00

Try this fun site out when you REALLY get bored this vacation - it's kind of addicting :-)

http://www.snowflakeworkshop.com/

Elf Yourself at JibJab

2009-12-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

If you need something fun to do during our break, why not try to "Elf Yourself"? Tim Wagner recently did this and sent me a link to his fun little video. Be creative and send one to your grandparents or a favorite aunt or uncle. Drag out those old family photos and put your pets, siblings, or parents in the faces. Think of it as a kind of therapy or relaxation session. Get rested up and we'll see you in the new year.

Merry Christmas! Mrs. H.

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/6Ef2r1vod6qXHhUz

shmoop!

2009-12-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out shmoop yet? Take a look at http://www.shmoop.com/ and I think you'll find you can use this site today for many of your classes. There are study guides for bestsellers and literature, poetry, US History, Civics, Biographies and Music. If you need a timeline for the making of the U.S. Constitution, the theme to Eclipse or the lyrics to Purple Haze, shmoop will help you. I showed it to Mr. Morrison yesterday and he used it for one of his classes that same day. Wow - it doesn't get better than that.

Grooveshark Online radio

2009-11-23T17:52:00.000-08:00

I have used online radio websites, but I just found a new one I really like, Grooveshark. You can pick songs and make your own playlists from their vast library. Check it out, I think you'll like it. http://listen.grooveshark.com/

Death in the library

2009-11-12T15:24:00.001-08:00

After the Veteran's Day assembly on Tuesday, Nov. 10th, I was in the hall watching students return to class. I saw a flash and thought someone had a laser pointer. "It's a bird!" someone cried out. The bird flashed through the door. Wow, was it fast. I didn't see it fly into the library, but many did. Immediately I thought, how are we going to get it out? Several teachers and students searched for the bird. Finally Mr. Groce found it dead, lying on a chair in the back. A quick death in the library, so sad - a first for me and I hope the last.

Matt de la Pena's visit to CHS

2009-10-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday, October 16th, author Matt de la Pena visited the CHS library and talked to Mr. Morrison's 2nd block English class and a few students from Mrs. Gemeinhart's Creative Writing class. He shared about the writing process and his experience writing Mexican Whiteboy, the book everyone read. Mr. de la Pena grew up in National City, the setting for Mexican Whiteboy, near San Diego and now lives in Brooklyn where he continues to write and teach. We all had a great time visiting and getting to know this fun, interesting young adult author. Matt de la Pena shared with me after his talk that he really enjoyed his time at CHS and liked how all the students had read his book.

Thanks to North Central Regional Library for bringing Mr. de la Pena to our area.

My new favorite book!

2009-09-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

"[The Hunger Games] is a violent, jarring speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense . . . I couldn't stop reading." --Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly.

That pretty well sums up what I thought about a great book that I just finished reading by Suzanne Collins; The Hunger Games. The story is set in Panem, a nation that lies in what is left of North America. To help control its citizens and keep the districts in line, the Capitol holds the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death for the boys and girls selected from each of the twelve districts. The main characters, Katniss and Peeta, the two chosen from the twelvth district, fight for their survival with the other twenty-two contenders.

The Hunger Games is my latest favorite book. It's the first of a trilogy and I am so impressed, it's a fun and non-stop, can't-put-it-down read. The second book, Catching Fire, is just as good and I can hardly wait to see what happens to Katniss and Peeta. Scholastic's website promoting the books includes video interviews of the author and fun interactive simulation games - be sure to check it out.

Summer's over soon

2009-08-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I for one have mixed emotions about school starting because this summer has been so much fun. I went to Alaska on a cruise, enjoyed Whidbey Island, traveled to Idaho and biked the Hiawatha Trail, spent precious time with my three beautiful daughters and husband, visited a ton of friends at an awesome reunion, and read a lot! However, I am so excited about school starting! It's my favorite time of year and a fun time of new faces, books and ideas. Hopefully we're all rested up and ready to begin the 2009-2010 school year. See you on August 26th!

Summer Reading

2009-06-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

I recently learned about a new website called DailyLit. After a quick sign-up, you can receive complete books in installments via email or RRS. The have over 1440 books, most are free. I looked in the Women's Fiction division and they include many popular titles including Emma, Jane Eyre, and Little Women. In the Science Fiction section are many titles we have in our CHS library including Little Brother (a new book this year), Frankenstein, Flatland, and The Time Machine. DailyLit would be a great way to continue your reading over the summer. You can check it out at: http://www.dailylit.com/.

Junior Library Guild Books

2009-04-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time since my last post - sorry. But, I'm excited about sharing about a new book I read this past weekend, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan. It is a recent Junior Library Guild selection and they are always a good choice when you need great book ideas. If you like dark, romantic page turners, you'll like this book. I couldn't put it down.

Junior Library Guild reviews thousands of books each year before they are published to come up with their selections. Often these books later become award winners. So, if you are looking for a great read this spring, choose a Junior Library Guild selection. Look for their little gold sticker or ask me to show you the list of the Junior Library Guild selections found in the CHS Library.

Enjoy springtime reading in the warm sunshine!

Wordle images

2009-01-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever used Wordle? This word picture is an Wordle image of a wonderful book I recently read, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. You can make your own Wordle image at http://www.wordle.net/. I hightly recommend this book and you can check it out at the CHS library.

Cashmere High School Wins 1A Football State Champions

2008-12-08T09:18:00.001-08:00

Let it Snow!

2008-12-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

OK, OK, I know it's been a long time since the last post. I apologize. Life has been keeping me busy. However, I just logged onto a fun site I thought all you CHS folks out there might like.

http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/

So, if you get a little sad there's no snow yet, just make a snowflake!

Get out of life's ruts - try something new!

2008-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't written anything all first quarter. There are no excuses except my master's classes and youngest daughter's wedding plans keep my head from really thinking about anything else. I am not that busy all the time, I just don't have the mental energy to do a lot of extra stuff - like making this blog better so someone will read it. I guess that's how most high school students feel when it comes to reading. They want to read, but they just don't take the time or find the energy to do it. However, some students around CHS are reading. Just this morning when I was walking into the school Tim Clark told me how much he was enjoying reading Twilight. That made my day. So, I will try to get out of my rut and I challenge you to do the same. Find a book and start enjoying reading again, you'll be glad you did.

Welcome back!

2008-08-25T17:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to the 2008-2009 school year.

I hope you had some fun and were able to relax this summer. I sure did!

Here's a picture of me at the ocean near Oysterville, WA at the end of June. I went with my husband and some friends from church and we had a great time playing on the beach, sight seeing, and just enjoying the different view. I also worked on some classes for my master's degree, went to the Ellensburg Jazz Festival, visited the Spokane area, helped my middle daughter move,and just hung out at home.

What did you do? If any CHS student finds this blog during school, please tell me what you did this summer and I'll give you Smarties!!

Mrs. Hightower

Have a great summer!

2008-06-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Well, school is over and summer is finally here. I hope you have a wonderful vacation. See you on August 27th and remember: Keep reading this summer! Drop by your local public library and check out a book. You can even order books through their website: http://www.ncrl.org/. Have you tried audio books? They are another way to keep up your reading. Hastings also has a summer reading program, so whatever you do - READ!

New Books!

2008-05-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

We received new books recently including some graphic novels. Students seem to enjoy these 148 page adaptations and are checking them out a lot. The titles include: Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Jack London's The Call of the Wild, L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Ox, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage, William Shakespeare's Macbeth and Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. There's still time to check one out and read it before the end of school.

All books need to be back to the library by June 2, 2008. If you need them longer, talk to Mrs. Hightower.

Poem in your pocket

2008-04-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

April is National Poetry Month. To celebrate, the Academy of American Poets post a lot of ideas on their website:

http://poets.org/page.php/prmID/406

You even can upload poems to your mobile device at:

http://poets.org/m/by_occasion.php

Have some fun and put a poem in your pocket today!

have your heard of Glogster?

2008-03-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just learned of a free, online poster making website that is fun and easy to do. Here is a link to one I made for an example:
http://lindakay.glogster.com/glog/

Take a look and see if you want to make your own!

Inspiration at school!

2008-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

We have new software in the library called Inspiration. It's a program that helps you organize your thoughts in a very visual way. A few classes have used it, but I think more students will be taking advantage of Inspiration on their own. If you have trouble getting started writing papers, getting your notes organized, or just thinking about what to do on a writing assignment, why don't you give it a try. With one little click you go from a graphic organizer to a outline that you can download to a Word document and continue on writing. All thirty of the library computers have it loaded and the icon is on your desktop. Begin with Inspiration on your next assigment and you'll find how much fun it is.

Evergreen Young Adult Book Award

2008-01-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Have you read any of these ten books? They are this year's nominees for the Evergreen Young Adult Book Award. To be eligible to vote, just read at least two of these books and return you ballot to Mrs. Hightower by March 14. You can read more about each book - just look at the display in the library. I predict Twilight will win this year, but you never know how students will vote. Take the challenge and read some new books this year and don't forget to vote!

College? It's not too early to start thinking about it!

2008-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

"Happy New Year!" Wow, 2008 is here and I'm finally getting back to this blog. I came across a very helpful website that could help you start thinking about college:

http://www.transitioning2college.org/index.html

This website from Kent State University is fun and very teen friendly. There are videos to watch and links to insights on succeeding in college. You'll be in college before you know it. Get a head start and take a look at some good advice.

book awards

2007-11-19T11:52:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago during my Friday book talk with the freshmen I shared about Sherman Alexie's new book, "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian". I predicted then this book would get a lot of attention. Well, guess what? I was right! Alexie just received the National Book Award's prize for young adult literature and received $10,000 for being the winner. The CHS library has two copies of his book, a semi-autobiographical story of a American Indian at an all-white school, and they are flying off the shelves. Apparently CHS students think this book is a winner also.

End of the quarter woes

2007-11-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

Last week was the end of the first quarter at Cashmere High School. On Friday I observed a lot of students in the library working on their projects and homework. As they freaked out and begged for more time on the deadline, I thought of some study habits I try to keep (yes - I'm still going to school, now I'm working on my master's degree). So, if you don't mind, here we go with Mrs. H's "How not to freak out at the end of the quarter" list.
1. Start way before you think you need to.
2. Pace yourself, do a little everyday. Don't put it off any longer - just do it.
3. When working at the school computers, DO NOT SIT BY YOUR FRIENDS! They always will distract you and you won't get as much done.
4. Things happen, so be ready for unseen problems like: the electricity goes off, the printer's ink runs out, the printer paper runs out, the teachers you need is gone, the Internet goes down, your email won't open, your project partner doesn't show up, or your computer crashes. Be prepared! Save your work on a thumb drive and get your project done early in case something goes wrong, it probably will.

What are we reading at CHS?

2007-11-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

I looked at the top books circulated from the C.H.S. library since the beginning of school and here they are:

Being by Kevin Brooks

Boy2Girl by Terrance Blacker

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (Third book in the series, comes after Twilight and New Moon)

Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper (First book in the Vampirates series)

Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (another vampire book by a very young author)

If you are looking for a good book, try these popular titles. We can reserve them for you too, just ask. Mrs. H.

Friday's book talk

2007-10-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Every Friday I have been going into Mrs. Gemeinhart's 9th grade English classes and book talking five books. Since I am attending the WLMA conference this week, I chose to make this quick little video for those students. If any student leaves a comment on what book they are currently reading and how they like it, I will put their name in a hat for a special drawing. Please make sure your name is in the comment if you want to be eligible for the drawing, Thanks, Mrs. Hightower

Attention Global Studies students

2007-10-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

Global Studies students - make a comment on my blog. Tell me what you learned about our CHS databases and receive a prize on Friday!!!

Mrs. Hightower

(sorry, this offer is expired - watch for more bribes in the future)

On the road with a good read

2007-09-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days I have been listening to this fantastic thriller, Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz. I hardly can wait to get in my car each day and find out what is happening to Odd, a young man who has been "blessed" with a sixth sense. If you don't think you have time to read, check out a book CD from the public library. Listening while driving provides a great way to read another book, just don't get too caught up in the story. You may have to pull over during intense parts, so please drive safe!

family connections

2007-09-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Over this Labor Day weekend I went to a family reunion in Sun River near Bend, OR. While I was enjoying my family I started a family website using myfamily.com. Over the past week members of my extended family have joined and added their photos and comments. If you need a place to keep in touch with you family, I would recommend this easy-to-use website.

books to movies

2007-08-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Last night my book club gathered to watch the Masterpiece Theatre production of The Women in White, our last month's book. (see July 30th post) With anticipation we settled in with our little plates of snacks and began the movie. Soon you could hear groans and exclamations of, "that wasn't in the book", or "I don't remember that", or "was that in the book?". As we watched over the next two hours all of us were disappointed at the liberties the producers took in their interpretation of "our" book. The story line took off in another direction, the characters changed and blended into new people, the plot varied and basically wasn't like the book in many ways. While I have to admit reducing a five hundred page book into two hours must be difficult, I don't know why producers have to change the story line so much, especially sensationalizing the basic plot. It was very distressing to all of us. I haven't seen too many movies that I liked as well as the book, and last night's viewing solidified my opinion that books are better than movies!

Back at school 2007-08

2007-08-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back at CHS and it seems like I never left for the summer. It's weird how almost twelve weeks can feel like only one. It's fun meeting the new students and trying to remember the returning student's names. Each fall brings a fresh start for everyone and this year is no exception. So, get out your new backpacks, supplies, and prepare for a new beginning of a great school year.

Virtual environments

2007-08-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Have you participated in a "Multiuser Virtual Environment"? This could be site like Club Penguin or Second Life. Did you know Second Life has over Seven Million users! The virtual world grows by the minute and I worry about what it is doing to our interpersonal skills, our face-to-face communication, and our brains in general. I realize social networking probably isn't going away, but when people spend millions of real dollars in a virtual environment I get concerned. Online user's avatars (their virtual online personalities) allow people to live in their fantasy world as another person, often very much unlike themselves. Is this healthy? My gut feeling tells me it is not good. Why are we so drawn to the virtual world? As someone who has her feet pretty close to the ground, I realize I probably don't understand the appeal. I would like to know however, I guess a trip through the Matrix is in order. See you on the other side. . .

keeping up on my reading and failing miserably

2007-08-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have tried to read a stack of books from my library this summer and have only gotten through three of them so far. Between my master's classes and yearbook camp I just haven't had a lot of free time. However, I did enjoy reading Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz. This historical novel set in Japan in the late 1800's tells the story about Toyo, a son of a samurai. As his father tries to teach him bushido, the way of the warrior, Toyo learns to adapt the old with his new love of baseball. This book really kept my attention and I don't even like baseball - a big "thumbs up"! Another book I enjoyed and I think you will to is Lucy the Giant by Sherri L. Smith. Lucy, a huge fifteen year old girl from a small Alaskan town runs away from her abusive father and cruel classmates and joins up with a crabbing boat crew who accepts her as an adult. Lucy's character captivated me and I think you'll love her too. Again, this books receives a big "thumbs up". Not everything I pick up to read I finish, as in the case of Clay by David Almond. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this dark psychological thriller set in England, but I found myself putting this one down and never finishing it. However, you might enjoy this book about Davie and his new friend Stephen who can form figures out of clay and bring them to life. Eventually they create Clay, a man-sized figure that eventually turns into a monster that only Davie can stop. This book might not be for everyone, but I think some of you might really enjoy getting into this twisted, dark novel. Whatever you do, Keep Reading!

My book club, "The Inklings"

2007-07-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight I get to go to my monthly book club meeting. We try to read one "classic" book a year and this month's book, The Woman in White by Wilke Collins, certainly fills that requirement. Collins, a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, wrote this novel in 1859 and origianally published it as a weekly serial. Considered one of the first mystery novels ever written, it kept my attention despite it's length (over 500 pages!). I really look forward to meeting my friends and talking about our current book. We've been meeting together for over six years and truly it's one of the highlights of each month. I encourage you to form a group and read a book together. You'll be surprised how much more you'll get out of a book when you discuss it with your book club.

Summer reads

2007-07-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

Between life and my master's classes I haven't had a lot of time to read this summer. However, I did managed to finish Eragon the other day and look forward to the second book: Eldest. Summer nights seem to get me in the mood for fantasy reading and these books by Christopher Paolini allowed me to travel to another time and world without leaving my home. If you haven't picked up a good fantasy book lately, why not give it a try this summer? I think you'll be glad you did.

my next entry!

2007-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered how a computer's mouse arrow moves around inside your computer? I just learned of a web site that magnifies the screen lens to reveal how it works. Check this out! http://www.1-click.jp/ I'm sure you'll go away totally amazed to see the actual workings of this mechanism.

I hope you're enjoying the summer. School will start before you know it, so have some fun in the sun while you can.

Getting started

2007-07-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first blog entry for the 2007-2008 school year. I know, you all are having a great summer vacation, but I am in graduate school and this is my homework. I hope to use this blog for a place to let students and staff know about new books and technology at the CHS library. For now I just want to get started and get this set up. Watch for further entries and be sure to comment if you want to. I hope I get back to this soon.

Mrs. Hightower