Be a buddy.
Be a Reading Buddy.
Month: September 2013
Jim Abbott
Jim Abbott was born on this day in 1967. Abbott debuted as a Major League Baseball pitcher in 1989 for the California Angels. He would go on to play for several other teams, including the New York Yankees. It was with the Yankees that he threw a No-Hitter on September 4, 1993.
Jim Abbott was born without a right hand. He would throw with his left hand while his glove would rest on the end of his right arm. To field the ball he would deftly slip his left hand into the glove. To throw, he would then tuck the glove between under his right arm, and get the ball into his left hand. Early in his career teams tried to exploit this apparent “weakness” by bunting on him, but he was an amazingly effective fielder.
Jim Abbott’s ability to thrive as a professional athlete despite his physical challenges is truly inspirational.
After retiring from professional baseball, Jim began to tour the world as a motivational speaker.
For more on Jim Abbott, check out his website, jimabbott.net
What should you read in SSR?
What should you read in SSR? Whatever you want.
SSR is meant to give you time for RECREATIONAL reading. This means you can choose what you want to read. You can have your own purpose for reading, whether it is to entertained, to be informed, or some combination.
You don’t need to pass a test. You don’t need to write a book report. You don’t need to complete a project– you don’t even need to complete the book if you find that it is not meeting your needs.
Read for fun. Read to escape. Read to learn something you are interested in. Read to connect with different people, different places and different times. Read for your own reasons.
On This Day in History
(click for source)
On this day in 2003, David Lee Roth, best known as the lead singer of Van Halen, injured himself on stage with a fighting staff while performing a Samurai move.
This fascinating piece of history and much, much more is available from on-this-day.com. Check it out!
18 Minutes of Pure Pleasure
SSR goes everyday before 2nd period, from 9:25 to 9:43. Be sure to have a good book or other reading material. SSR is the best time of the school day!
Don’t waste SSR with textbooks or planners. Take some time to pick out something that you will enjoy. SSR is your chance to read something that you want to read. You don’t need to read it for a test, or a book report, or for any reason other than for the sake of reading. It might be pure escape, it might be informative, it might be a combination of entertainment and education. It is up to you.
Please remember that in the school library during SSR, we are reading too! So we would love to help you find an SSR book at any other time of the day, but not for those 18 minutes!
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, or the “Day of Atonement”, is the holiest day on the Jewish Calendar. For devout Jews in Canada and around the world, Yom Kippur is the most important Holiday, beyond Hanukkah or even the Passover. Many Jews will spend the entire day in fasting, praying and other observances. For more on Yom Kippur, click here.
Reading Buddies
The Reading Buddies program at the Surrey Public Library is looking for volunteer reading buddies. Reading Buddies is a great volunteer opportunity where you can develop your mentorship skills. Being a “big buddy” is a rewarding experience, and counts towards CAPP hours. For more information, check out surreylibraries.ca. You can download an application form there. You can also contact the Youth Services Librarian at the Cloverdale Library to ask questions, and to apply.
Stephen Biko
Anti-Apartheid and Black Consciousness leader Stephen Biko died on this day in 1977. He was killed by South African police who tortured and beat him while he was in custody. His story, told in the book Biko, and the film “Cry Freedom,” helped to expose the brutality of the Apartheid regime to the world.
Learn more about Stephen Biko.
Changes to the Site
We are currently in the midst of big changes at the school library, both in the physical space and online. Please bear with us as we work on it!
Join the Library Team
Once again the Panther Den invites you to be a part of the Library Team. We are looking for responsible, diligent students to work as library monitors at lunch, before school and after school. Earn service hours, get first crack at new books and enjoy the privilege of serving your school in an important way.
All students from Grade 8 to 12 are invited. Click here to apply online. See Mr Sexton if you have any questions, and check out the Library Team page.
SSR
Sustained Silent Reading is on! Take advantage by making sure that you have a good book in your hands. Come down to the Panther Den as we would love to help make that happen!
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day, traditionally observed annually on September 8, focuses attention on worldwide literacy needs. According the the UN, “Education brings sustainability to all the development goals, and literacy is the foundation of all learning. It provides individuals with the skills to understand the world and shape it, to participate in democratic processes and have a voice, and also to strengthen their cultural identity.”
For more information on International Literacy Day, click here
Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School Library 