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Fall is the perfect time to enjoy to join a fun reading incentive program! The colors are changing, the days are shorter and well, it just feels natural to find a yummy book, cuddle up and read! Here are some fun ways you can share this reading joy with others.
Grades 2 & 3: Read Around the Genre - (September 26 - June 2) Read Around the Genre is designed to encourage students to expand their reading awareness and preferences by sampling books from an array of genres. In a nutshell, students will be given a bookmark consisting of 8 genres (2nd grade) or 11 genres (3rd grade). When students complete a book, they will draw a response card and discuss their answer with Mrs. Allison or Mrs. Eckhart. If students earn all 8 or 11 completion hole punches on their card, they are intrinsically rewarded with an expanded reading experience and extrinsically rewarded by picking a goody from the Library Treasure Trunk! Grades 3-6: MUS 4th Grade Battle of the Books - (October-March) Students in grades 3-6 will read a certain amount of books per grade level between October and March 2023. Third will read 5/9 books, fourth 10/15 books and 5th&6th 15/28 from the Battle of the Books list (Library Book Club read, Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech is also on the list) Once your student finishes reading a book they will go to the library (before school, at recess, or at lunch) to share their thinking and understanding of the book in some way with Mrs. Allison. Students will get an online emoji stamp on their progress tracker, receive a small prize and then spin the Battle of Books wheel to select their next book. Each student that reaches their grade level goal will be able to participate in the quiz-show-style Springtime Battle (during March parent conferences). More information will be sent home in October but feel free to click on the link to view the. lists and pre-register. Grades 4-6: Library Book Club - We will be reading award winning author Sharon Creech’s book, Ruby Holler. We will meet on Tuesdays during lunch in the library on the following dates: September 27th, October 4, 11, 18 and 25. Students will be given a copy of the book and will meet with the club to eat lunch, discuss the book and engage in fun book related activities. Grades 4-6: Santa Barbara County Office of Education's, "Breakfast with the Authors" event Saturday, October 15th at 10:00am. For more info and to register, click HERE.
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Coming Soon...!
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 Grades 2-3 |  Grades 4-6 |  Grades K-1 |
Summer Reading Programs & Lists
Keep your students reading daily by taking advantage of these great resources!
Keep your students reading daily by taking advantage of these great resources!
- Santa Barbara Public Library - check out their monthly calendar of literacy rich activities & programs, plus audio and print books!
- MUS Library Website Reading Lists - Newberry Medal, Caldecott Medal, Pura Belpre Medal, STEAM, CYRM Medal etc...
- MUS Audio Books - Students in grades 3-6 may log in using their Google ID and birthday to check out audio books throughout the summer!
- Haislin - Grade Level Reading Lists (compiled by teachers & librarians)
- Battle of the Books - Students in grades 3-6, get a jump start on this reading list and join us in the fall for our Battle of the Books MUS Club!
- Summer Reading Challenge - Students have been given the Summer Reading Challenge (yellow) card below, to use as a bookmark or post somewhere visible as a fun way to keep reading fresh and fun!
Our "Poem in Your Pocket & Poetry Jam" was a hit! We were delighted to watch students and staff exchange a range of meaningful poems with one another throughout the day. And the lunchtime Poetry Jam was filled to the brim with student and staff participants! Poetry is such a fun way to extend and enrich literacy! We're looking forward to next year!
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Direct Relief caught wind of our 6th grade collaboration with the Peace Crane Program and Ukrainian Refugees in Poland and Romania and offered to fly our letters and peace cranes with their next batch of support supplies. This effort not only enriched student's current activism unit of study, but it also supported our Habits of Mind "Empathy" tenets as well as our strategic plan initiative 1C. - collaborate and contribute to local and global communities to promote learning, leadership, and activism through service. Help students develop and display empathy and an understanding of various generations, schools, languages, and cultures. Go Mustangs!
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Drum roll please.....And the winning March Book Madness Books are:
In Grades 4, 5 & 6 In Grades 2 & 3
In Grades 4, 5 & 6 In Grades 2 & 3
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April is National Poetry Month! Inspired by Santa Barbara spring, April showers, our nature lab and Earth Day, Mustangs have been writing an array of poems in the library as well as in class. Additionally, our students have been writing poems with our talented Santa Barbara County poet laureates. On April 28th, the library will host a "Poem in Your Pocket Day" and a lunch time open microphone, "Poetry Jam." Students are encouraged to wear an outfit with a pocket or two. They will select one or two of their favorite poems, place them in their pocket and throughout the day, exchange a poetry reading with other students or staff members.
On another note, our 6th grade students participated in the Peace Crane Project. This organization promotes global peace by connecting students around the world through origami peace cranes and letter exchanges in effort to learn about one another's culture, geography and language. Disney illustrator, author and Founder of the Peace Crane Project, Sue DiCicco-Smith shared her career path while guiding students through a Micky Mouse sketch and led them in folding origami peace cranes for Ukrainian refugees currently living in Poland and Romania. During library time, students wrote letters of support to accompany their crane.
On another note, our 6th grade students participated in the Peace Crane Project. This organization promotes global peace by connecting students around the world through origami peace cranes and letter exchanges in effort to learn about one another's culture, geography and language. Disney illustrator, author and Founder of the Peace Crane Project, Sue DiCicco-Smith shared her career path while guiding students through a Micky Mouse sketch and led them in folding origami peace cranes for Ukrainian refugees currently living in Poland and Romania. During library time, students wrote letters of support to accompany their crane.
March has been very exciting in the library!
First, we welcomed Mrs. Eckhart as our new library assistant! She is a MUS mom and a wonderful addition to the team! We feel so fortunate to have her in the library.
In addition, students in grades 2 - 3 and 4 - 6 took part in March Book Madness, an activity that mirrors the March Madness's Sweet 16 college basketball competition. In the Library, the top 16 circulated books for these two age groups are placed in 8 brackets and "compete" with one another each week via a student vote until a "winner" emerges. Next week students will decide which book will become the champion!
First, we welcomed Mrs. Eckhart as our new library assistant! She is a MUS mom and a wonderful addition to the team! We feel so fortunate to have her in the library.
In addition, students in grades 2 - 3 and 4 - 6 took part in March Book Madness, an activity that mirrors the March Madness's Sweet 16 college basketball competition. In the Library, the top 16 circulated books for these two age groups are placed in 8 brackets and "compete" with one another each week via a student vote until a "winner" emerges. Next week students will decide which book will become the champion!
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2 & 3 Final Round! 4-6
Also, all students celebrated Women in History through a collection of picture books. Students listened to and explored a range of courageous women's lives who persevered in spite of societal limitations. As a result, their life stories continue to inspire and encourage both girls and boys, women and men to strive for their dreams.
Finally, on March 17th, the leprechauns must have noticed our St. Patrick's Day decorations because a handful of gold coins were discovered in the library! Word spread like wildfire, and we had many leprechaun detectives searching during lunch. Students had fun learning about St. Patrick's Day and why we celebrate this unique holiday in the US.
Finally, on March 17th, the leprechauns must have noticed our St. Patrick's Day decorations because a handful of gold coins were discovered in the library! Word spread like wildfire, and we had many leprechaun detectives searching during lunch. Students had fun learning about St. Patrick's Day and why we celebrate this unique holiday in the US.
February buzzed by with students in grades 4-6 learning more research skills via an online game, "Shelver." This activity helps students understand the organization of both fiction and nonfiction and the purpose of the Dewey Decimal system and call numbers. The goal is for students to navigate the library efficiently and effectively when researching or looking for books of interest.
In grades 2-3 students explored "Animal" and "Fantasy" genres by participating in a "Book Boogie." Tables are pre-curated with genre specific books. Students go through several rounds of browsing and "boogying" with a particular book. At the end of this activity students typically want to check out one of the books they read. The ultimate goal is to introduce students to a range of genres to expand their reading interests and foster a love for reading.
In grades K-3, students reviewed our Habit of Mind Listening with Understanding and Empathy by discussing and drawing inferences; tracing character responses and identifying key details through several relevant books. See below.
In March, we will celebrate Women in History, March Book Madness, St. Patrick's Day and for 4-6 grade Battle of the Books practices begin!
In grades 2-3 students explored "Animal" and "Fantasy" genres by participating in a "Book Boogie." Tables are pre-curated with genre specific books. Students go through several rounds of browsing and "boogying" with a particular book. At the end of this activity students typically want to check out one of the books they read. The ultimate goal is to introduce students to a range of genres to expand their reading interests and foster a love for reading.
In grades K-3, students reviewed our Habit of Mind Listening with Understanding and Empathy by discussing and drawing inferences; tracing character responses and identifying key details through several relevant books. See below.
In March, we will celebrate Women in History, March Book Madness, St. Patrick's Day and for 4-6 grade Battle of the Books practices begin!
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This week Mustangs in grades K-3, celebrated Valentine's Day with an array of fun loving Valentine's Day books before browsing and checking out books . All students received a Valentine's Day bookmark to color if desired.
Mustangs in grades 2-3 were challenged with a "Book Boogie." This activity encourages students to select a book from an array of books at their table and read for 5 minutes. We went through 2-3 rounds before students browsed and checked out books. This exercise exposes students to different genres in addition to supporting and stretching their current reading level. As a result most students checked out new and different books this week. Yay!
In grades 4-6 Mustangs continued to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Americans through picture book read arounds. Afterward, active discussions and appreciations ensued.
Also, students voted for their favorite California Young Reader Intermediate picture book and the MUS winner was The Sky Diving Beaver by Susan Wood! Our votes have been sent to the CYRM organization which should announce the official "winner" this April.
Coming soon: March Book Madness & Battle of the Book practices
Mustangs in grades 2-3 were challenged with a "Book Boogie." This activity encourages students to select a book from an array of books at their table and read for 5 minutes. We went through 2-3 rounds before students browsed and checked out books. This exercise exposes students to different genres in addition to supporting and stretching their current reading level. As a result most students checked out new and different books this week. Yay!
In grades 4-6 Mustangs continued to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Americans through picture book read arounds. Afterward, active discussions and appreciations ensued.
Also, students voted for their favorite California Young Reader Intermediate picture book and the MUS winner was The Sky Diving Beaver by Susan Wood! Our votes have been sent to the CYRM organization which should announce the official "winner" this April.
Coming soon: March Book Madness & Battle of the Book practices
What a week!
Mustangs have celebrated the Lunar New Year, Groundhog's Day, the fun date of 2/22/2022 and the 100th Day in School! Students have learned the difference between the Gregorian and Lunar calendar as well as their Chinese Zodiac birth year animal. And our 4-6th grade students celebrated the "Year of the Tiger by making Tiger corner bookmarks.
February is also Black History Month! Mustangs will dive into the amazing accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans throughout the month. Join us by checking out the following booklist below!
Mustangs have celebrated the Lunar New Year, Groundhog's Day, the fun date of 2/22/2022 and the 100th Day in School! Students have learned the difference between the Gregorian and Lunar calendar as well as their Chinese Zodiac birth year animal. And our 4-6th grade students celebrated the "Year of the Tiger by making Tiger corner bookmarks.
February is also Black History Month! Mustangs will dive into the amazing accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans throughout the month. Join us by checking out the following booklist below!
 |  Year of the Tiger corner bookmarks | K-1, My First Chinese New Year 2-3, Lunar New Year
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You've Been Virtually Book'd for Black History Month!
Click on this link, then click on any of the book covers to hear the special stories.
Click on this link, then click on any of the book covers to hear the special stories.
K-6 Picture Books Celebrating Diversity
Sulwe, Lupita Nyong'o
I Am Enough, Grace Byers
Black is a Rainbow, Angela Joy
Islandborn, Junot Diaz
Hair Love, Matthew A. Cherry
The Day You Begin, Jacqueline Woodson
I Am Every Good Thing, Derrick Barnes
All Are Welcome Here, Alexandra Penfold
Going Down Home with Daddy, Kelly Starling Lyons
My Hair is a Garden, Cozbi A. Cabrera
K-6 Picture Books Celebrating Black History
This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration, Jacqueline Woodson
Let the Children March, Monica Clark-Robinson
Martin's Big Words, Doreen Rappaport
The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander
So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth's Long Walk Toward Freedom, Gary D. Schmidt
The 1916 Project: Born on the Water, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson
Rosa, Nikki Giovanni and Bryan Collier
Mae Among the Stars, Roda Ahmed
Counting on Katherine, Helaine Becker
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, Ellen Levine
Lillian's Right to Vote, Jonah Winter
The Story of Ruby Bridges, Robert Coles
The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby, Crystal Hubbard
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver, Gene BarrettaGame Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams, Lesa Cline-Ransome
Middle Grade Chapter Books
Blended, Sharon Drapers
Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ways to Make Sunshine, Renee Watson
One Crazy Summer, Rita Williams Garcia
New Kid, Jerry Craft
Through My Eyes, Ruby Bridges
A Kid’s Book About Racism, Jelani Memory
Tristan Hole Punches a Hole in the Sky, Kwame Mbalia
The Crossover, Kwame Alexander
Genesis Begins Again, Alicia D. Williams
Look Both Ways, Jason Reynolds
Ghost, Jason Reynolds
The Parker Inheritance, Varian Johnson
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Mildred D. Taylor
The Season of Styx Malone, Kekla Magoon
Sulwe, Lupita Nyong'o
I Am Enough, Grace Byers
Black is a Rainbow, Angela Joy
Islandborn, Junot Diaz
Hair Love, Matthew A. Cherry
The Day You Begin, Jacqueline Woodson
I Am Every Good Thing, Derrick Barnes
All Are Welcome Here, Alexandra Penfold
Going Down Home with Daddy, Kelly Starling Lyons
My Hair is a Garden, Cozbi A. Cabrera
K-6 Picture Books Celebrating Black History
This Is the Rope: A Story From the Great Migration, Jacqueline Woodson
Let the Children March, Monica Clark-Robinson
Martin's Big Words, Doreen Rappaport
The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander
So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth's Long Walk Toward Freedom, Gary D. Schmidt
The 1916 Project: Born on the Water, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson
Rosa, Nikki Giovanni and Bryan Collier
Mae Among the Stars, Roda Ahmed
Counting on Katherine, Helaine Becker
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, Ellen Levine
Lillian's Right to Vote, Jonah Winter
The Story of Ruby Bridges, Robert Coles
The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby, Crystal Hubbard
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver, Gene BarrettaGame Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams, Lesa Cline-Ransome
Middle Grade Chapter Books
Blended, Sharon Drapers
Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ways to Make Sunshine, Renee Watson
One Crazy Summer, Rita Williams Garcia
New Kid, Jerry Craft
Through My Eyes, Ruby Bridges
A Kid’s Book About Racism, Jelani Memory
Tristan Hole Punches a Hole in the Sky, Kwame Mbalia
The Crossover, Kwame Alexander
Genesis Begins Again, Alicia D. Williams
Look Both Ways, Jason Reynolds
Ghost, Jason Reynolds
The Parker Inheritance, Varian Johnson
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Mildred D. Taylor
The Season of Styx Malone, Kekla Magoon
Hello MUS Families!
Over the past few weeks, Mustangs in grades 4-6 have listened to each of the California Young Reader Medal Program nominees in the "Older Reader Picture Books" category and will begin voting for their favorite book next week! Student votes will be sent to the CYRM Program who will then tally and award the author with the very special CYRM Honor Award in April or May.
Over the past few weeks, Mustangs in grades 4-6 have listened to each of the California Young Reader Medal Program nominees in the "Older Reader Picture Books" category and will begin voting for their favorite book next week! Student votes will be sent to the CYRM Program who will then tally and award the author with the very special CYRM Honor Award in April or May.
Students were also encouraged to participate in the CYRM Intermediate Books category which included the following chapter books. These books flew off the shelf each time they landed. So I know we'll have a great voting turn out in this category too!
Students in K-3 have been listening to books that support the Habit of Mind characteristic of "Managing Impulsivity." After reading an array of funny, yet poignant books that support this characteristic, we had engaging discussions around real life situations where students could practice thinking before acting, choosing behaviors that make the situation better and remaining calm. Books included:
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