2017 Battle of the Books Final Four
Well over 100 RCMS students qualified to attend the Final 4 assembly this year, and it was awesome! Congratulations to all the student teams that participated this year: Booklars, Mac N Cheesers, Pickles and Peanut Butter, The Team That Shall Not Be Named, Sparkly Stingrays (2015 champs), Banana Joe's, Fun in Books (2016 champs), Unisaurs/CIGC, and Titanz. Also, a special thanks to our two amazing teacher teams, The Crazy 8s and To Read or Not to Read.
STUDENT CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:
4th place went to the Titanz
3rd place went to the Mac N Cheesers
2nd place went to the The Unisaurs/CIGC
1st place grand champions was the Furious 4!
In the teachers vs teachers match, To Read or Not to Read protected their 2016 title as teacher champs, defeating The Crazy 8s with a score of 10-5.
The RCMS all school championship battle was such a close one! The Furious 4 6th grade narrowly defeated the To Read or Not to Read teacher team, with a final score of 8-7! Therefore, the Furious 4 team is the new RCMS overall grand champion!
Who's ready for next year? Could Fun in Books make a come-back as 8th graders and reclaim the championship title? Could The Furious 4 be the first ever repeat student winners? Will a teacher team finally beat the students? Only time will tell...see you in 2018!
Well over 100 RCMS students qualified to attend the Final 4 assembly this year, and it was awesome! Congratulations to all the student teams that participated this year: Booklars, Mac N Cheesers, Pickles and Peanut Butter, The Team That Shall Not Be Named, Sparkly Stingrays (2015 champs), Banana Joe's, Fun in Books (2016 champs), Unisaurs/CIGC, and Titanz. Also, a special thanks to our two amazing teacher teams, The Crazy 8s and To Read or Not to Read.
STUDENT CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:
4th place went to the Titanz
3rd place went to the Mac N Cheesers
2nd place went to the The Unisaurs/CIGC
1st place grand champions was the Furious 4!
In the teachers vs teachers match, To Read or Not to Read protected their 2016 title as teacher champs, defeating The Crazy 8s with a score of 10-5.
The RCMS all school championship battle was such a close one! The Furious 4 6th grade narrowly defeated the To Read or Not to Read teacher team, with a final score of 8-7! Therefore, the Furious 4 team is the new RCMS overall grand champion!
Who's ready for next year? Could Fun in Books make a come-back as 8th graders and reclaim the championship title? Could The Furious 4 be the first ever repeat student winners? Will a teacher team finally beat the students? Only time will tell...see you in 2018!
Wednesday, May 9, 2017
As the school year, draws to a close, I wanted to document the end of the year fun we've been having! First of all, we held our final coloring contest of the year, which was appropriately a Spring theme! Congratulations to our two winners from April, Gloria Beal and Rianne Boone!
As the school year, draws to a close, I wanted to document the end of the year fun we've been having! First of all, we held our final coloring contest of the year, which was appropriately a Spring theme! Congratulations to our two winners from April, Gloria Beal and Rianne Boone!
In addition, the last two 5th block creation station challenges were so much fun! We did jelly bean "chick" coops for our Peep chicks right before Easter! Then, to celebrate the final week of 5th block, students made free-standing celebration balloon towers using just one large piece of paper, masking tape, and balloons. It was so much fun!
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
The BOOK FAIR IS HERE! We will be open all week in the library! We have the following specials:
-Every $5 spent equals 1 entry to win a gift basket raffle!
-Spend $10, get candy!
-Spend $20, get a free book!
-Buy a librarian's pick or principal's pick, and get an extra entry for the gift basket raffle!
ALSO--Book Fair will be open during the 5th block Open House tomorrow night from 4:30-5:30, with EVEN BETTER SPECIAL DEALS! You won't want to miss it!
The BOOK FAIR IS HERE! We will be open all week in the library! We have the following specials:
-Every $5 spent equals 1 entry to win a gift basket raffle!
-Spend $10, get candy!
-Spend $20, get a free book!
-Buy a librarian's pick or principal's pick, and get an extra entry for the gift basket raffle!
ALSO--Book Fair will be open during the 5th block Open House tomorrow night from 4:30-5:30, with EVEN BETTER SPECIAL DEALS! You won't want to miss it!
Monday, April 10, 2017
Look at all of the fun we've been having in the creation station! Pictured are scenes from the following challenges of the week and the extension activities we've been doing in 5th Block!
Challenge of the Week: 5th Block Extension Activity:
1. Make and give a Valentine 1. Valentine Candy Heart stacking challenge (How high can you build a tower? A wall? What is the tallest that can also withstand "wind" from a straw?)
2. Create or build a four leaf clover or rainbow 2. Skittles "rainbows"!
3. Create or build a "leprechaun" bridge. 3. Build a bridge using coins, then build a bridge using minimal materials that can support the coins!
4. Build a marble run! 4. Make your own marble maze using paper plates, pipe cleaners, straws, tape, and construction paper.
5. Create or build a chick or bunny! 5. Chick and bunny catapults (using Peeps)!
6. Easter egg fun! Build and create with eggs! 6. Easter egg building competitions: tallest tower, fastest to a tower of 40, and most
creative.
Look at all of the fun we've been having in the creation station! Pictured are scenes from the following challenges of the week and the extension activities we've been doing in 5th Block!
Challenge of the Week: 5th Block Extension Activity:
1. Make and give a Valentine 1. Valentine Candy Heart stacking challenge (How high can you build a tower? A wall? What is the tallest that can also withstand "wind" from a straw?)
2. Create or build a four leaf clover or rainbow 2. Skittles "rainbows"!
3. Create or build a "leprechaun" bridge. 3. Build a bridge using coins, then build a bridge using minimal materials that can support the coins!
4. Build a marble run! 4. Make your own marble maze using paper plates, pipe cleaners, straws, tape, and construction paper.
5. Create or build a chick or bunny! 5. Chick and bunny catapults (using Peeps)!
6. Easter egg fun! Build and create with eggs! 6. Easter egg building competitions: tallest tower, fastest to a tower of 40, and most
creative.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
In the midst of all of the One Book, One Community excitement, I have not updated lately about all of the projects we've been doing with our Creation Station/Makerspace. Today I would like to share with you the winners from our February and March coloring contests. The February theme was Valentines/love with the prize of giant Hershey's kisses, and the March theme was based on our 2017 One Book selection, Some Kind of Courage, with the prize of an oversized Horse Breeds book. Congratulations to February's winners, Ruth McMullen, Alexis Seals, and Amanda Stone and March's winner, Ally Guthrie!
In the midst of all of the One Book, One Community excitement, I have not updated lately about all of the projects we've been doing with our Creation Station/Makerspace. Today I would like to share with you the winners from our February and March coloring contests. The February theme was Valentines/love with the prize of giant Hershey's kisses, and the March theme was based on our 2017 One Book selection, Some Kind of Courage, with the prize of an oversized Horse Breeds book. Congratulations to February's winners, Ruth McMullen, Alexis Seals, and Amanda Stone and March's winner, Ally Guthrie!
Friday, March 24, 2017
Some Kind of Courage book club students and Mrs. Leslie had the privilege to visit the Equine Lead yesterday! Owner Debi O'Brien introduced us to three of her horses: Reba, Moonshine, and Apollo. We talked about their breeds and markings, and also determined their heights and weights. We learned about proper English and Western saddling and different types of bridles, and got to see Reba demonstrate walking, trotting, and cantering. The visit was concluded with each student being able to enjoy a short horse ride. Thank you Debi and the RCMS 5th Block After School program for working with us to make this year's One Book, One Community project extra special!
Some Kind of Courage book club students and Mrs. Leslie had the privilege to visit the Equine Lead yesterday! Owner Debi O'Brien introduced us to three of her horses: Reba, Moonshine, and Apollo. We talked about their breeds and markings, and also determined their heights and weights. We learned about proper English and Western saddling and different types of bridles, and got to see Reba demonstrate walking, trotting, and cantering. The visit was concluded with each student being able to enjoy a short horse ride. Thank you Debi and the RCMS 5th Block After School program for working with us to make this year's One Book, One Community project extra special!
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Yesterday was the big day! Dan Gemeinhart, author of the 2017 One Book, One Community selection Some Kind of Courage, was in Olney on Tuesday, March 14th. He presented to all Richland County Middle School students, St. Joseph middle school students, and interested community members. His presentation began with his life story, which included his love of books and all that ultimately led him to fulfill his lifelong dream to become a writer. The presentation was concluded with Gemeinhart's words of wisdom, "What I've Learned...The most important and powerful story we tell to the world is how we live our lives. It ain't about talent. It's about work. And determination. And not giving up." Students were encouraged to take an oath "that no matter what my goal is, I will suck at giving up."
Other events throughout the day included question-and-answer sessions with book clubs from both RCES and RCMS, student book signings, and a community meet-and-greet reception with book signings, held after school in the RCMS library. Everyone at RCMS would like to thank RCCU1, ERFAE, the Carrie Winter Trust for faithfully supporting this project.
Yesterday was the big day! Dan Gemeinhart, author of the 2017 One Book, One Community selection Some Kind of Courage, was in Olney on Tuesday, March 14th. He presented to all Richland County Middle School students, St. Joseph middle school students, and interested community members. His presentation began with his life story, which included his love of books and all that ultimately led him to fulfill his lifelong dream to become a writer. The presentation was concluded with Gemeinhart's words of wisdom, "What I've Learned...The most important and powerful story we tell to the world is how we live our lives. It ain't about talent. It's about work. And determination. And not giving up." Students were encouraged to take an oath "that no matter what my goal is, I will suck at giving up."
Other events throughout the day included question-and-answer sessions with book clubs from both RCES and RCMS, student book signings, and a community meet-and-greet reception with book signings, held after school in the RCMS library. Everyone at RCMS would like to thank RCCU1, ERFAE, the Carrie Winter Trust for faithfully supporting this project.
Friday, March 3, 2017
The library has been a very busy place since we released Some Kind of Courage. Many students have already finished the book; so far everyone loves it! Last week, Collin Gilreath and Mallory Benson, eighth graders who were on the One Book student committee, recorded a radio public service announcement at our local radio station 92.9 The Legend. The one minute announcement provides all the details about One Book, One Community 2017 and the upcoming author visit.
The library has been a very busy place since we released Some Kind of Courage. Many students have already finished the book; so far everyone loves it! Last week, Collin Gilreath and Mallory Benson, eighth graders who were on the One Book student committee, recorded a radio public service announcement at our local radio station 92.9 The Legend. The one minute announcement provides all the details about One Book, One Community 2017 and the upcoming author visit.
Finally, our Some Kind of Courage book club has been meeting once a week to discuss the book. During our first meeting, we were lucky enough to have Debi O'Brien, horse expert and owner of the Equine Lead, come and speak to us about horses. She also related some of her own experiences with horses to examples from the book! Students are looking forward to taking a field trip to the Equine Lead later in the Spring.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
If you haven't heard, we released the One Book, One Community 2017 title today! All this week, students viewed video clues to give them hints about this year's title. Today, the secret was revealed when they watched the book trailer! View clues and the book trailer below:
-Clue 1
-Clue 2
-Clue 3
-Clue 4
-Clue 5 (Book Trailer/Title Reveal)
We are proud to announce that the 2017 One Book, One Community title is...Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart!
If you haven't heard, we released the One Book, One Community 2017 title today! All this week, students viewed video clues to give them hints about this year's title. Today, the secret was revealed when they watched the book trailer! View clues and the book trailer below:
-Clue 1
-Clue 2
-Clue 3
-Clue 4
-Clue 5 (Book Trailer/Title Reveal)
We are proud to announce that the 2017 One Book, One Community title is...Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart!
Over half of the RCMS students and all of the faculty and staff received their own free copy of Some Kind of Courage! Additional copies are available for checkout (or purchase) in the RCMS library. Copies are also available at RCES, RCHS, St. Joseph School, and the OCC and Olney Public libraries. Finally, over 150 copies are available and circulating throughout various businesses and entities in Richland County. Please join us in reading this year's One Book, One Community selection. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy these photos from our title reveal and book give-away!
Friday, February 3, 2017
What a month January was! We launched the brand new RCMS Library Creation Station! To go along with it, we also hosted a challenge of the week. Students could complete each challenge using any materials from the creation station; doing so gets them an entry into a monthly gift card drawing. Students have been enjoying coming to the library to tinker, build, create, make, and learn! So far, the students' favorite items are the electronic snapcircuit sets and the marble run sets, and the favorite challenge was the 100 cup challenge (described in detail below.) The record set for tallest cup structure was 20 CUPS HIGH.
What a month January was! We launched the brand new RCMS Library Creation Station! To go along with it, we also hosted a challenge of the week. Students could complete each challenge using any materials from the creation station; doing so gets them an entry into a monthly gift card drawing. Students have been enjoying coming to the library to tinker, build, create, make, and learn! So far, the students' favorite items are the electronic snapcircuit sets and the marble run sets, and the favorite challenge was the 100 cup challenge (described in detail below.) The record set for tallest cup structure was 20 CUPS HIGH.
In addition, during 5th block, we have been doing extension activities based on the weekly challenges (see pictures). The challenges of the week for January were:
1. Build, create, draw, color, or make a snowflake.
2. Build, create, draw, color, or make an igloo. (5th block students got to complete this challenge using toothpicks and marshmallows!)
3. Build, create, draw, color, or make a snowman. (5th block students did a "snowman stretch" competition using scrap paper, toliet paper, pipe cleaners, and tape to try and make the tallest snowman.)
4. To celebrate passing the 100th day of school, the 100 cup challenge: build something (anything) using 100 cups! (5th block students formed teams and participated in games, races, and challenges using all 100 cups.)
1. Build, create, draw, color, or make a snowflake.
2. Build, create, draw, color, or make an igloo. (5th block students got to complete this challenge using toothpicks and marshmallows!)
3. Build, create, draw, color, or make a snowman. (5th block students did a "snowman stretch" competition using scrap paper, toliet paper, pipe cleaners, and tape to try and make the tallest snowman.)
4. To celebrate passing the 100th day of school, the 100 cup challenge: build something (anything) using 100 cups! (5th block students formed teams and participated in games, races, and challenges using all 100 cups.)
Finally, we hosted another coloring contest. This month's winners were Destiny Russell (not pictured) and Icesis Russell. They both received their own creative charm coloring book/pencil set.
Stay tuned, February will be an exciting month: One Book, One Community 2017 will be launched!
Stay tuned, February will be an exciting month: One Book, One Community 2017 will be launched!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
It's the last day before Christmas break! It has been a fun, eventful December here in the RCMS library. During 5th block, we've been busy at work making various different ornaments, upcycling materials from old book pages and CDs! We used the ornaments to decorate the RCMS tree, as well as to give away to local nursing home residents when 5th block students went caroling. Also, congratulations to the following students who were chosen as winners of the library Christmas coloring contest, winning their own copy of the movie Arthur Christmas and a candy bar: Breena Mick, Paige Liston, Hayley Pitts, Kali Hinterscher, and Kiersen Brach (not pictured). Merry Christmas from the RCMS library!
It's the last day before Christmas break! It has been a fun, eventful December here in the RCMS library. During 5th block, we've been busy at work making various different ornaments, upcycling materials from old book pages and CDs! We used the ornaments to decorate the RCMS tree, as well as to give away to local nursing home residents when 5th block students went caroling. Also, congratulations to the following students who were chosen as winners of the library Christmas coloring contest, winning their own copy of the movie Arthur Christmas and a candy bar: Breena Mick, Paige Liston, Hayley Pitts, Kali Hinterscher, and Kiersen Brach (not pictured). Merry Christmas from the RCMS library!
Friday, December 2, 2016
The Holiday season is upon us; decorations are hung and hearts are merry here at RCMS! There are even two fun library promotions this month:
One is the Christmas themed coloring contest, as promised. Five grand prize winners will be chosen this time, and all will receive a Christmas DVD and candy! The other reward is carried over from last December, The Polar Express reading reward. All students have to do is read the oversized copy of The Polar Express that is on display in the library and pass the AR test and they will receive candy!
Pictured below are of some of the winners from the Thanksgiving coloring contest, as well as a snapshot of 5th block students helping out in the library! Congrats to Destiny Russell for being chosen as the grand prize winner and receiving a copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Double Down.
The Holiday season is upon us; decorations are hung and hearts are merry here at RCMS! There are even two fun library promotions this month:
One is the Christmas themed coloring contest, as promised. Five grand prize winners will be chosen this time, and all will receive a Christmas DVD and candy! The other reward is carried over from last December, The Polar Express reading reward. All students have to do is read the oversized copy of The Polar Express that is on display in the library and pass the AR test and they will receive candy!
Pictured below are of some of the winners from the Thanksgiving coloring contest, as well as a snapshot of 5th block students helping out in the library! Congrats to Destiny Russell for being chosen as the grand prize winner and receiving a copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Double Down.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Thanksgiving is almost here! To celebrate (and decorate), the library is sponsoring its first coloring contest! The coloring page theme for this month is Thanksgiving, of course! Students who turn in a sheet will be eligible to win the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid Double Down by Jeff Kinney, should their page be chosen as the winner! All sheets will be on display on the library bulletin board and in the library. Also, a new coloring area has even been set up in the library. It is such a hit, it's likely we begin to do the coloring contests every month!
Thanksgiving is almost here! To celebrate (and decorate), the library is sponsoring its first coloring contest! The coloring page theme for this month is Thanksgiving, of course! Students who turn in a sheet will be eligible to win the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid Double Down by Jeff Kinney, should their page be chosen as the winner! All sheets will be on display on the library bulletin board and in the library. Also, a new coloring area has even been set up in the library. It is such a hit, it's likely we begin to do the coloring contests every month!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
First quarter has ended and Fall is here! Students and teachers alike have settled into a comfortable routine, and excitement is in the air for all of the festivities to come!
The One Book, One Community Student Committee has been reading from Mrs. Leslie's list of 20 books with the potential to be chosen as the 2017 One Book selection. Last week, there was a special "Cookies and Conversation" meeting to discuss each book and argue either for or against it book being chosen as the 2017 One Book. We all had a great time!
First quarter has ended and Fall is here! Students and teachers alike have settled into a comfortable routine, and excitement is in the air for all of the festivities to come!
The One Book, One Community Student Committee has been reading from Mrs. Leslie's list of 20 books with the potential to be chosen as the 2017 One Book selection. Last week, there was a special "Cookies and Conversation" meeting to discuss each book and argue either for or against it book being chosen as the 2017 One Book. We all had a great time!
Wednesday, August 25, 2016
Welcome back! School is in full swing and the library has been a very busy place! We are working hard to get many new books on the shelves, including the 20 new titles on the 2017 Rebecca Caudill Award list! We are so excited to be back! Our new motto this year at RCMS is GRIT, so I thought I would share an amazing example of what it means to truly have GRIT. Enjoy!
Welcome back! School is in full swing and the library has been a very busy place! We are working hard to get many new books on the shelves, including the 20 new titles on the 2017 Rebecca Caudill Award list! We are so excited to be back! Our new motto this year at RCMS is GRIT, so I thought I would share an amazing example of what it means to truly have GRIT. Enjoy!