This week we are reading books with a Halloween theme. 

All classes in grades 4 and 5 are regularly scheduled after 12:45 each day, so with minimum dismissal, these grades are not attending library this week. All classes in TK, K, 1st, and 2nd are regularly scheduled before 12:45, so they are attending library this week.

The library will be open as usual this week, until 3:15. Students can be in the library after school only if they are in the care of a supervising adult (other than me, I mean). Parents, if you'd like your child to wait for you in the library while you are in a conference, please ask another parent to take charge of your child--I cannot. 

Entries for the County of LA Public Library's bookmark contest are just about due. The last date to turn them in is Saturday, October 31, for entries that are brought to a library branch. The postmark date for mailing is October 24. 

Friday, October 30, from 3:30 to 5:00, the public library will have a craft event for children ages 4 and up. 

Happy Halloween!

The time has changed for tomorrow's event at the Manhattan Beach public library.  Buster Balloon's Halloween Spooktacular, described as "full of creepy comedy, spooky magic, and monstrous balloon creations," will be Saturday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. 

An organization known as PACER has chosen October as National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying is a serious problem that deserves discussion and action. Some stressful social situations that do not fall into the category of bullying may still be troubling or confusing. If you have been looking for a chance to talk with your children about social issues, PACER's anti-bullying month might provide an opportunity.

The books I've chosen this week are not on bullying per se but, rather, are intended to encourage students to be themselves, to offer friendship (especially to students who may need a friend), and to be brave in the face of tough choices or challenging situations. In a word, courage is the theme for this week's readalouds.  

Grade 5 is doing research on explorers. Each class has been given some general guidance on internet accuracy and provided with suggestions as to reliable websites. Also, World Book Online (the online database to which our school subscribes--thanks, Pennekamp PTA!) is an excellent resource. The students have been emphatically urged to confirm internet information in more than one source before using it. Last and very importantly, students should know NOT to use the site All About Explorers! All About Explorers is a teaching tool filled with INACCURATE information designed to give students a chance to practice internet research skills. 

Entries for the County of LA Public Library's bookmark contest are just about due. The last date to turn them in is Saturday, October 31, for entries that are brought to a library branch. The postmark date for mailing is October 24. 

The Manhattan Beach public library has some Halloween events coming up. Tuesday, October 20, from 3:30 to 5:00, the tween group (for grades 5 to 8) will be discussing Coraline, by Neil Gaiman. Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m., is Buster Balloon's Halloween Spooktacular, described as "full of creepy comedy, spooky magic, and monstrous balloon creations." Friday, October 30, from 3:30 to 5:00, the library will have a craft event for children ages 4 and up. 

This week most classes are hearing books about trees. Many grades study the plant life cycle around this time of year, and many books about trees emphasize the often lengthy scope of a tree's life. For instance, a new book in our collection, As An Oak Tree Grows, by G. Brian Karas, uses the long life of an oak tree to trace 200 years of history. Really we have quite a few charming, interesting books about trees--it's always a fun theme.

The Manhattan Beach public library has some Halloween events coming up. Tuesday, October 20, from 3:30 to 5:00, the tween group (for grades 5 to 8) will be discussing Coraline, by Neil Gaiman. Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m., for Buster Balloon's Halloween Spooktacular, described as "full of creepy comedy, spooky magic, and monstrous balloon creations." Friday, October 30, from 3:30 to 5:00, the library will have a Halloween craft event for children ages 4 and up. 

I just learned something exciting: today (October 8, 2015) is World Octopus Day! Celebrate with this really interesting video based on work being done at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

This week, October 4 to 10, happens to be National Fire Prevention Week. The theme of the week this year is "Hear the Beep Where You Sleep: Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm." Fire Prevention Week is an excellent opportunity to talk with your family about fire safety. Visit the event website for printables and other kid-friendly content.

In the library this week we are enjoying books about letters and words. The 3rd-grade students will be applying their knowledge of the alphabet to a little activity involving finding books through the use of call numbers, now that the students know all about the Dewey decimal system. Grade 4 will be hearing about Noah Webster, creator of the first American English Dictionary. The children's pages of the Merriam-Webster website have some cute spelling and definition games. Grade 5 will be searching the catalog and finding books this week, as our schedule has not allowed for a lot of that recently. 

Kindergarteners will begin this week to check out and return books during their weekly class visit. Each kinder may check out one book at a time and is permitted to bring his or her book home. Parents of all students receive a weekly email showing what books their students have checked out and when the books are due. There is no overdue fine, but dear parents, if you can help your students (especially the youngest ones!) to remember their books on library day, that would be great. A replacement fee is charged for any book that is lost or damaged beyond repair.

The L.A. Public Library's bookmark contest is still going on. Entry forms can be picked up at the Pennekamp library and the school office as well as L.A. County Public Library branches. Due dates are: October 24 if the form is mailed in, October 30 if it is returned to Pennekamp, or October 31 for forms that are brought to branch libraries. Print the entry form from the PDF link below.