This week, please return all library books and resolve any library issues. The last day to check out books is June 10, 2011. All library books should be returned by June 17, 2011. Not just students but parents must also return all library books.If a book checked out to you or your child has been lost or damaged beyond repair, payment must be made for that book. Payment should be in exact change, in cash or a check payable to MBUSD. For the exact cost of any lost or destroyed book, please contact Ms. Barbara in the library.

Per MBUSD policy, if any child (or his or her parent) has unresolved library issues, a hold will be placed on that child's report card pending resolution of all issues. Fifth-grade students with unsettled library issues will also not be allowed to attend the class party.

The library catalog can now be viewed online, which means the catalog can be searched from home, classrooms, and any other location that has internet access. Try it! http://destiny.mbusd.org

The book club for students in grades 4 and 5 will be meeting on June 15, from 1:30 to 2:30, in the library. The selection is Cosmic, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, and copies should still be available at the reference desk of the Manhattan Beach branch of the County of Los Angeles Public Library.

This is the last week of class visits for this school year. For DK, I will be reading books about bears to Mrs. Schepis's class, because bears are her favorite animal. I will be reading books about cats to the students of Ms. Ellis, because cats are her favorite. Most of the other classes are hearing books about summer, or the end of school, or adventures of various kinds. Mrs. Curry's 5th grade will hear a book about Sitting Bull also--a story told as his remembrance, as if he were looking back over the many changes and challenges of his life, which are in many ways representative of the generally difficult experiences of Native Americans since the arrival of Europeans on this continent.

There is exciting news: the library catalog can now be viewed online, which means the catalog can be searched from home, classrooms, and any other location that has internet access. Try it! http://destiny.mbusd.org

The end of the year is quickly approaching, which means it is time to return all library books and resolve any library issues. The last day to check out books is June 10, 2011. All library books should be returned by June 17, 2011. Not just students but parents must also return all library books.

Per MBUSD policy, if any child (or his or her parent) has unresolved library issues, a hold will be placed on that child's report card pending resolution of all issues. Fifth-grade students with unsettled library issues will not be allowed to attend the class party.

If a book checked out to you or your child has been lost or damaged beyond repair, payment must be made for that book. Payment should be in exact change, in cash or a check payable to MBUSD. For the exact cost of any lost or destroyed book, please contact Ms. Barbara in the library.

The book club for students in grades 4 and 5 will be meeting on June 15, from 1:30 to 2:30, in the library. The selection is Cosmic, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, and copies should still be available at the reference desk of the Manhattan Beach branch of the County of Los Angeles Public Library.

Scholastic orders are no longer being accepted. The current order should be fulfilled before the last day of classes. Thank you for ordering from Scholastic. The points orders generate have allowed the library to acquire dozens of "free" high-interest books for the library collection.

Themes this week for class visits are as follows: DK will be hearing stories in honor of Father's Day, which is June 19 this year. Kindergarten will be hearing Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey, at the request of the kindergarten teachers (but I'm delighted to read this fun, classic story!). For 1st grade, I will read the last of the three Knuffle Bunny books--Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion, which is a travel story but also one of generosity and growing up. Grade 2 will be reminiscing about all they've done and learned this past year. 3rd grade will likewise be looking back, but through time, with On This Spot. For 4th grade, I have been concentrating on California content, so this week we have Blackie: The Horse Who Stood Still, a picture book based on the true story of a horse who found unique roles to play expressly because he held his ground. Finally, grade 5 will hear a new book (purchased through fund from the Manhattan Beach Historical Society) about Abe Lincoln, especially his leadership during the time of the Civil War: Abe's Honest Words, by Doreen Rappaport. As this book is illustrated by Caldecott-winning illustrator Kadir Nelson, we will also take a look at his illustrations for Moses: How Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom.