Don’t forget, there are 100+ eBooks available to ALL MHMS kids through our Clever & Mackin account!
From our friendly neighborhood Howard County Public Library Savage Branch Teen Librarian:
At the library, we too, are working from home. And while we don’t have physical resources available, we have many many online resources and tools that can hopefully be of help to you, your colleagues, your students, and your families.
There are all sorts of resources there, including homework help, ebooks, and research tools. Students can access all of this content from home using their virtual A+ Student Card or a regular Howard County Library System card.
Yes, HCPSS students are still able to access Howard County Library System eResources through their HCPSS.Me accounts. If a student does not a student account, then yes they may apply electronically for a Howard County Library Card here.
In addition, students and teachers who have physical library cards may go here to find access to online e-resources for students and here.
If a student does not have an A+ Student Card or if a parent or teacher would like to access these resources and don’t have a library card, they can sign up for an online card here: https://hclibrary.org/how-do-i/getting-a-library-card/. This online card will provide immediate access to all of HCLS’s eContent.
You can access all of our eContent by clicking on HCLS Now! on our web page or clicking here: https://hclibrary.org/research/
Howard County Library Online Classes and Tools for Students: Students can access many learning resources with their A+ student accounts through hcpss.me by selecting HC Library.
Elementary school students: Keep reading with a large selection of eBooks and audiobooks. Practice math with TumbleMath. Build skills in language arts, science, and social studies. Learn a new language.
Middle and high school students: Find eBooks and audiobooks, online magazines and books, historical research tools, literary research and criticism tools. Practice world languages. Take an online class. Prepare for SATs and ACTs.
And HiTech is still doing their online classes/study labs: hclibrary.org/hitech_events. A new schedule is put out at the end of each week, and registration opens 48 hours in advance of the class – they fill up fast!
Please let me know if there is any way that the library or myself personally can assist you and support your students and teachers; stay well (:
Sarah Cooke | Teens’ Instructor
Howard County Library System | Savage Branch | 9525 Durness Lane | Laurel, MD 20723
410.313.0752 office | 410.313-0760 main
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Summer Reading: Imagine Your Story (Ages 11-17) (Jun 01 – Aug 31)
SUMMER READING: IMAGINE YOUR STORY!
Track your reading, play fun educational mini-games, and find missions full of activities!
Earn points and unlock badges as you go. A new Mission will be added every Monday.
Earn 1 point for each Mission you complete or book you log. Missions may be completed in any order.
Each book logged as part of a mission earns 1 bonus point.
When you have reached a total of 10 points, you have officially completed Summer Reading 2020!
What happens after you earn 10 points? Keep on reading! Continue reading, logging books and completing Missions to earn up to an additional 4 points and 4 badges!
PRIZES FOR COMPLETING SUMMER READING
When you complete Summer Reading, you will earn a donation to the Community Action Council of Howard County!*
* Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System will make a donation of up to $5000 in food and goods to the Community Action Council of Howard County after Summer Reading ends. Donations earned by each reader will have a variable value.
If you are interested in donating directly to CAC or learning more about their services in Howard county, please visit cac-hc.org.
Sponsored by Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System.
HCPSS Kids: Stay Connected!
Here are some ways to stay connected during the summer, including enrichment activities, reading lists and programs, the free summer meal program and more.
Years ago, when I was on the ISTEBoard of Directors,* I was honored to tour a few of the Nashville Metro schools & observe their amazing partnership with the Limitless Library system. It was the coolest! With one login kids could access all the public library databases, get one on one help, AND request books online – and the library system trucks delivered those book right to their school! WOW!
And now, something similar has come to Howard County! W00t! (Not the delivering books part, a girl can dream, right?)
But FREE Access to millions of items, live homework & History Day help, and amazing database, primary source, and research resources!
“HCPSS students now have a new way to access Howard County Library eContent in the classroom, at home, or anywhere they need to do homework or research. The Howard County Library System (HCLS) and the Howard County Public School System have launched the A+ Student Card to deliver the library system’s extensive catalog of electronic resources directly to students.
All HCPSS students (Pre-K–12) will receive their new A+ Student Card account number at the beginning of the 2017–2018 school year. Students gain immediate access to all HCLS eContent by using the A+ Student Card account number to login via the HCPSS.me portal.
The new A+ Student Card account also provides students with full customer privileges at all HCLS branches. While previously issued HCLS cards may still be used at library branches, the A+ Student Card account enables students to use just one number for all their homework and research needs.” HCPSSHoward County Library System Launch A+ Student Card
But sorry, Parents & Teachers, this service is just for the kiddos
When you log into Clever, you have access to more Epic resources including Newslea For FREE, Wikipedia, Common Sense Education, and MackinVia
With MacinVia, our kiddos can access“3 Million Print Titles- 1 Million Digital Titles- and now features a growing catalog of nearly 3 million print titles from 18,000+ publishers and a burgeoning digital collection of more than 1 million eBooks, educational databases, audiobooks and videos.”
Check out these slideshows for more details!
Thanks Howard County Public School Library Media and Howard County Library! These great resources will be transformative!
Ms. Sarah Cooke Teens’ Instructor410-313-0760 main 410-313-0752 office
From our Friends at the Maryland Science Center:
By popular demand, and to coincide with Baltimore’s gigantic outdoor light celebration Light City, Laser Rock shows return to the dome of the planetarium. Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and all the classic rock favorites provide the soundtrack for a spectacular laser light show and special effects in 360 degree surround sound.
Laser Beatles will play daily at 1:30pm and is included with admission. Evening laser shows will run Sunday-Thursday at 6:45pm and 7:45pm, and
Friday & Saturday at 6:45pm, 7:45pm, and 8:45pm.
Pricing for evening shows is $8.00, add a second show for only $4.00.
WARNING:This post contains an abundance of exclamations marks. No characters were hurt writing this post, however, the ! key is giving me the side eye!
Be a Super Hero (cape optional) and Join the Summer Reading Program at your friendly neighborhood Howard County Library, Savage Branch!
You can read anything!
“You may read books, magazines, graphic novels, newspapers, and web sites. You may also listen to audio books. For ideas and suggestions, check out the links below for a list of books for Middle School and High School students developed by Howard County Library System teen specialists in conjunction with the Howard County Public School System.
To get started, register at the research desk at any Howard County Library System branch. We’ll give you all of the materials you need to get started: a reading log, instructions, and even your first raffle ticket just for signing up. You may then earn raffle tickets for reading and completing other fun, library related activities”
Grades 6+REGISTER Online!
You can also pick up a Summer Reading List flier in the MHMS front office!
As always, if you would like to request a book for purchase for the MHMS Media Center for next year, fill out this Google form!
We are so lucky to have a marvelous local public library close to our Middle School! The Howard County Public Library Savage Branchhas been a fixture in our community for decades…but it needed a facelift, it needed expanding, it needed a HITech makeover. And it got it!
From their website: “The newly renovated and greatly expanded HCLS Savage Branch & STEM Education Center further positions HCLS as a 21st century educational institution, delivering 21st century public education for all. A launching point for the STEM career pipeline, the contemporary branch centers on science and technology, tripling classroom space for the delivery of the enhanced HCLS STEM curriculum for children and teens.”
One of my best resources and friends there at the Savage Branch is Teens’ Instructor and Specialist, Ms. Sarah Cooke!
She has such amazing programs for our teens – and now with this new renovation those teens have a super cool new hangout in the library! The Teen Hangout & Cafe! (Ok, I just named it that!)
Teens can meet here for the STEM Lab & HiTech classes!
Here’s Sarah Cooke showing off the cool USB bracelets that kiddos made recently!
Wonderful bright spaces to read, work, and contemplate. Like a slick airport – with books! Many different areas to plug in laptops or tablets – a multitude of desktop computers ready for you! Comfy furniture, abundant books & materials, friendly librarians, and a slick futuristic design make this a significant contribution to the heart of our community!
Branch Location
9525 Durness Lane
Laurel, MD 20723
(410) 313-0760
Branch Hours
Mon. – Thurs.
10 am – 9 pm
Fri. – Sat.
10 am – 6 pm
Sun.
1 pm – 5 pm
Here are the latest Winter offerings for our students at the Savage Branch!
HCLS Savage Branch Winter Classes!
BOOK REVIEW BLOG Ages 11-17 Read any interesting books lately? Or any terrible ones? Join us in creating and maintaining a teen book review blog where you can share those you loved, those you hated, and why with other readers, as well as learn the basics of making your own blog. Dec 1 Mon 6:30-7:30
HANDS ONLY CPR & AED
Ages 11-17, registration required for each class.
You could save a life! Learn about cardiac arrest, how to recognize it’s happening, and the three simple steps of Hands-only CPR for victims over 8 years old. Receive a basic overview of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Sat Jan 17 3-4pm
BE A BOOK ARTIST
Ages 11-17
Ever wondered why young adult books rarely have pictures? You can change that! Create illustrations for your favorite book, then share with group for friendly book/art discussion and possible library display.
Mondays; 6:30 – 8 pm Dec 22, Jan 26, Feb 23
VALENTINE LOVE BUGS
Ages 11-17
Who knew insects could be so cute? Using colorful crafting clay you can create adorable little “love bugs” to give as Valentine gifts to show how much you care…and how creative you are!
Feb 10 Tues 6:30-7:30
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD
Ages 11-17
Join the Teen Advisory Board at your branch to recommend books, music, and movies; develop and plan events for teens; and work with HCLS instructors on projects you create. Service learning hours available.
Thursdays; 4-5 pm Dec 18, Jan 15, Feb 19
LET IT SNOW!
Ages 9-13; 1.5 hours; drop-in.
Celebrate the season with a cup of hot cocoa and snow inspired crafts. Drop in and learn how to make giant snowflakes, pompom snowmen and other crafts that will make you feel warm even when it’s cold outside.
Saturday Dec 13 3-4:30 pm
RECYCLED RACE CARS
Ages 9-13; 1 hour; registration required.
On your marks, get set, GO! Let’s zoom into the the year 2015 by creating cool race cars out of recycled materials and rubber bands, and then exploring the laws of motion by racing them in the library.
Saturday Jan 10 3-4pm
DUCT TAPE VALENTINE ROSES
Ages 9-13; 1 hour; registration required.
Join us in our latest duct tape adventure — making roses out of colorful duct tape and pencils for that special someone to show how much you care…and how crafty you are!
Saturday Feb 7 3-4pm
FOURTH FRIDAY FAMILY FRIENDLY FLICKS
All ages, drop-in.
Enjoy a popular G or PG rated movie on the big screen with your family and friends.
3:30-5:30pm
Dec 26 Frozen
Jan 23 The Lego Movie
Feb 27 Despicable Me 2
Interested? For more information contact:
Sarah Cooke
Teens’ Instructor
Howard County Library System — Savage Branch
410-313-0760 main/410-313-0752 office
Create (or Edit) an iBook
Register today to collaborate with your friends to create a Choose Civility iBook! A community-wide initiative, Choose Civility aims to enhance respect, empathy, consideration, and tolerance.
All you need to do is write a brief summary, poem or letter (no longer than 1 page) on one of the following topics:
• importance of being respectful,
• a kind or thoughtful message for those going through a tough time, or
• how to make the world a better place.
Please make sure your document is on a thumb drive. You may also bring original pictures and photos that best depict your written document or create it during the iBook session.
HiTech is funded by a Federal STEM grant from IMLS and the MacArthur Foundation.