Happy holidays!

Reindeer on the Move
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

Good-byes and wishes for a great break are sounding throughout the library. Students are dashing in and checking out books and movies. We are dispersing quickly as the snow line moves towards us. We wish all safe travel, on-time flights, and relaxing days. Happy reading to all!

Study Break

The library had been silent as students studied for the upcoming Science Semester Exam. A sudden flurry of noise drew our attention. Three students were attempting to "kite surf" in the Sager Bowl. Alas, the wind was gusty, not steady, but we all welcomed the opportunity to stretch and watch.

Sherlock Holmes display

Sherlock Holmes display
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

Sherlock Holmes was born (on paper) in 1888, but he's as much an icon today as Marilyn Monroe or Harry Potter. What makes a literary figure universally appealing? Surely a well-developed character with personal foibles and self-destructive tendencies can draw us into a character, but Sherlock Holmes gives us so much more. Mystery has an appeal that touches every generation. The young and old alike appreciate a good surprise, with clues along the way to make the journey personal. But Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was more than a mystery writer. He also chronicled his times so that his stories also survive as historical fiction. He gives us insights into the lives of the highest and lowest society of nineteenth century England, fascinating us by taking us places we can never venture on our own. And Holmes is still more than mystery and historical fiction. Dr.
Watson introduces us to the forensic sciences of the times, giving the stories an historical science fiction flair.

Yes, the stories survive on their own merits; but the acting talents of Jeremy Brett in the British television series have made Holmes a new celebrity, and few of us can consider the "whodunit" without thinking first of Sherlock Homes.

Carollers

Carollers
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

One of the loveliest traditions at the academy is carolling by different language classes. Today was Spanish. Feliz Navidad!

"Tis the Season

In addition to creating a "Tree of Holiday Books" for the Academy's youngest readers, we created a display of the three activities that we shall be indulging in during the upcoming break. Curling Up includes both holiday DVD's and stories. Our Baking selection did include cookies and soups (I know cooking, not baking, but definitely seasonal!) Most of these have already gone out. Creating is a selection of crafts - making handmade cards, origami, knitting, beading, quilting, woodworking..... The ones promising quick results ("make in a weekend") have all gone out so the recipients on someone's gift list will be in handmade heaven!

Picture Books to Warm Your Spirit

Christmas Picture Book Tree
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

While Blogger has been down for the past week, we've been decorating for the holidays. While we are technically a high school, we are, moreover a community of students and families living and learning in this lovely corner of Massachusetts. Our mission includes serving the families who live on campus. This display is geared to entrance the children of faculty and staff families who are looking for ways to share the holidays indoors when the weather is blustery (as it is today)!

The Christmas Candle, by Richard Paul Evans, tells the story of a self-absorbed young man who is looking for a candle for his lantern. His disregard for strangers in the cold of the night is replaced by true illumination when he perceives the faces of his family in each of the cold, tired, and hungry people he meets. By the conclusion of his journey he realizes that we are all part of one large family. The story is beautifully illustrated with the paintings of Jacob Collins - a story to warm anyone's heart on a cold winter evening.

Milk

Milk
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

Ice cream, clotted cream, whipped cream, milkshakes, yogurt...all of your favorite dairy treats, and many you have never tried, are described in loving detail in this book. Part cookbook and part food history, this book tells about the cultures and climates that milk-based foods come from and how they can be prepared by you, at home, with little more than fresh cream or milk to begin with. You may want to experiment with these recipes for the holidays!

Seminar on Teaching and Learning - Understanding how to view a photograph

Seminar on Teaching and Learning - Understanding how to view a photograph
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

Our latest Seminar on Teaching and Learning Luncheon in the library was given by our photography teacher, David Oxton. We often ask him on how we assess student work that we see at art shows. What makes it a good picture? He started by explaining the Rule of Three and gave us concrete examples with current and former student work. We were able to ask questions (as well as answer them.) The last few minutes he handed out cameras and told us to pair up. We were to take pictures of each other which would appear in the yearbook. A very clever way to get many pictures done at once!