Check it Out!

Books, books, and more books … there’s always something to discover in Steward’s libraries! Lower School Librarian Carlee Smith and Middle/Upper School Librarian Crystal Hamlin ensure that readers in all divisions have access to thousands of books, ebooks, and audiobooks. At Steward, students explore the bounds of their creativity, and reading can transport them to new places and foster meaningful discussions.

Ms. Smith and Ms. Hamlin frequently collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to create novel projects. We caught up with our hardworking librarians to learn about some of the latest library happenings. 

Second graders, taught by Kris Marchant, and seventh graders, taught by English teacher Mary Hopkins, worked together in October on an artful reading project in the Middle/Upper School Library. After Ms. Hamlin read “Creepy Carrots,” an action-packed book that is meant to be read aloud, the students teamed up to create their own bright-orange creepy carrots.

“We love when younger Spartans work alongside their older school friends,” said Ms. Hamlin. “Our close-knit community is made even stronger when students of all ages collaborate.” 

This semester, third-grade teachers Liz Houston, Andy Routzahn, and Emma Zehfuss helped their students explore how to recognize and combat failures and how to pull from a “growth mindset toolbox” when failures arise. 

Through December 19, Lower Schoolers are participating in Steward’s fourth-annual Lower School Book Swap. Over the past several weeks, Lower School families donated dozens of their well-loved books, including easy readers, picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels. The book swaps take place during class time.

Ms. Smith said, “The book swap is my favorite event of the year! Kids call it a ‘free book fair’ and it really is. Not only does it allow them to clean out their bookshelves and get new books, but many students also take the opportunity to holiday shop. I have had many students tell me they’re picking out books for siblings, cousins, or even a parent!”

Middle and Upper Schoolers recently participated in a Thank a Teacher Contest. More than 60 students (and a few teachers!) submitted nominations for each of the two divisions, and Upper School World Languages Teacher Maria Burruss and Middle School Science Teacher Sarah Bain were declared the winners. Students cited their teachers’ compassion, empathy, and all-around amazingness. Ms. Burruss and Ms. Bain were each presented with a delicious pie. 

Ms. Hamlin said, “I love this contest (now in its third year) because it's so heartwarming to read through all the kind and thoughtful words students have to say about their teachers.” 

Middle School World Languages Teacher Diana Niemas brought her eighth graders to the library for a “book tasting”: an opportunity to browse through various Spanish-language books. 

“They looked at picture books, chapter books, and novels to test their Spanish skills,” said Ms. Niemas. “They also reviewed how to access Spanish books on Sora, a reading app. This was a fun activity that empowered students to choose (rather than be assigned) books that interested them. A book tasting is a great way to give readers new pathways to learning.” 

When Madelyn Gunderson ’29 scoped out the graphic novels and fiction and non-fiction books, she was “kind of surprised that I knew most of what the books said in Spanish. This activity really tested my ability and understanding of Spanish!” she said.  

Ms. Hamlin noted, “Students have done book tastings with me before but this one had a twist with books in Spanish. I've been building a collection of all levels of Spanish-language books for the last four years. We offer popular titles like ‘Dog Man’ and ‘The Bad Guys,’ plus classics like ‘Matilda.’” 

Learning a new language can strengthen connections in the brain and improve memory and critical thinking skills. It can also be a lot of fun! Ms. Hamlin and Middle School World Languages Teacher Claudia Ramirez recently invited fifth graders to the Middle/Upper School Library for a hands-on activity that tested their Spanish-language skills. 

“Students practiced their Spanish vocabulary and then we had them complete Spanish-language labels for items in the library, laminate them, and hang them,” said Ms. Ramirez. Ms. Hamlin added, “I also gave our fifth graders a tour so that they could check out the ‘big kid library.’ Their enthusiasm was marvelous. One student said, ‘This place is so luxurious!’”