This Week in the Library

Harbari gani is Kiswahili for "what's the news?" This week in the library students learned about Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of black heritage that lasts from December 26th to January 1st. In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced Kwanzaa to the U.S. as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home. Kwanzaa is also a time for African-Americans to think about their people, their struggles, and their future. 

Kwanzaa centers on the seven principles or nguzo saba. A candleholder embraces one black candle in the center, three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right. Each of the seven candles signifies a principle. The bendera is the flag used to decorate for Kwanzaa. The colors of the bendera are red, black, and green. 

Preparations for Kwanzaa begin in early December. The seven symbols of Kwanzaa are gathered together for the celebration. These symbols all have great meaning and relate back to the history of Africa. Kwanzaa is a very special celebration because it teaches everyone about the African heritage and it helps to keep the spirit of Africa alive. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri! May your Kwanzaa be happy!

New Books in the Library

A Pair of Polar Bears by Joanne Ryder features twin Polar Bear cubs Kalluk and Tatquiq who were three months old when they were found orphaned in Alaska. The cubs were then taken to the San Diego Zoo to be cared for. This book follows the twins' development with up close and personal photographs. Ryder's lyrical and enlightening text and the insightful photographs give us a birds eye view of the playful cubs who have won the hearts of the many San Diego Zoo visitors. 

Happy Birthday to our Author of the Week 
Happy December birthday to author Jerry Pinkney! Some book titles by Pinkney are The Little Match Girl, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, Noah's Ark, and The Ugly Duckling.Check out these and many more at the Springhill Library. 

Springhill Library Website
Explore our website athttp://www.lafsd.k12.ca.us/people/smattern/index.htm . You can find a full update on what's happening at the Springhill Library, find more reviews of new books and links to many helpful resources.

Sherry Mattern, Library Specialist
Kimberli Sparks-Buckley, Library Aide

GERMS, GERMS, GERMS 

Did you know we just completed National Handwashing Week? 

They're so small you can't even see them. They multiply faster than the clothes that keep piling up on your floor. They're everywhere - they lurk in the water you drink, the food you eat, and the air you breathe. At this very moment they are in your stomach and on your skin. What's more, they've been around forever. Sound like creatures from a horror movie? Nope! They are germs or, more scientifically, microbes. And there is more than one kind of microbe out there. BAM= Body and Mind is a friendly website you and your children can visit together. They have great information on food and nutrition, physical activity, diseases, your body and safety! Check it out! 

http://www.bam.gov/sub_yourbody/yourbody_buzzonscuzz.html  

Is Your Child a Lego Lover? 

If your child is interested in learning about engineering and architecture through the Lego building system, then this is the class for you! The curriculum (designed by engineers) builds off the math and science skills students learn during the school year, and applies them in real-world engineering scenarios/challenges utilizing Lego bricks and pieces as a manipulative. Students will have access to over 100,000 Lego pieces including motors, gears, leads, battery packs, etc., as they are given challenges appropriate to their skill level. During class students will build projects presented by an instructor who teaches them part names and how to build the different models. 

The program is open to girls and boys grades K-5, and will begin January 15, 2008 and run through March 18, 2008. Class is on Tuesdays from 2:45 pm to 4:15 pm in Room 25, and the fee for the ten week session is $165. Class minimum is eleven students with a maximum of twenty. To register pick up a form in the main office and mail it in or go to the Springhill PFC web sitehttp://www.springhillpfc.org/ , click on "Resources", then scroll down to "Programs" for a link to Play-Well Teknologies where you can print out a registration form yourself. 


Springhill Spring Rummage Sale Fundraiser Announcement 

DON'T THROW OUT ALL THOSE OLD THINGS TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW HOLIDAY GIFTS....GIVE GENTLY USED ITEMS TO SPRINGHILL FOR OUR ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISER! Once again, it's time to begin our donation collection in preparation for the Rummage Sale in April 2008. Last year we encouraged you to clean out your closets, kids' rooms, garages, etc. to make room for the new holiday gift goodies. Parents responded with donations of tons of great stuff. 

This year, we're planning a December and January donation week. December's dates are: Tuesday-Thursday 12/18-20. 
January's dates are: Tuesday-Thursday 1/15-17. Please call either Shelli Shepherd @ 925-788-8274 or Karen (Williams) Macdonald @ 925-588-8300 to arrange drop-off by appointment. We had so many donations last year that Karen's garage was overflowing, so we'll have 2 drop-off locations availabe to you this year: Lafayette & Concord. 

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS FOR DONATION: Books, Games, DVDs/Videos, Toys, Sports & Camping Equipment, Small household items & applicances & small furniture items. If you're unsure, just ask Karen or Shelli.


Springhill Mileage Club Announcement 

This is the time of year when outside activity slows down for kids. Why not sign up for the Springhill Mileage Club and get some running in before school starts? (We will skip Mileage Club on rainy days.) This program will continue until the end of the school year. Parents and students need to sign and return forms that went home in last Friday's folder to marked box in the office. Note: Children will not be permitted to participate without this slip on file. 


Girl Scout Troop #814 - Holiday Community Service Project 

Junior Girl Scout Troop 814 would like to thank our Springhill community for their support of our toiletries drive benefiting the Monument Crisis Center and Shelter, Inc. We were able to collect and donate a countless (truly!) number of care packages for these two very thankful organizations. Thank you, Friends, for paying it forward with us! 


Girl Scout Troop #1116 - Soccer Uniform Collection Project 

Lafayette Girl Scout Troop #1116 is making its last call for LMYA soccer uniforms! We have started to ship team uniforms off to needy youth/kids in Africa, but we would love to collect any additional old LMYA uniforms (including shin guards and shoes too) and soccer balls! Boxes will be located in the office until Friday, December 21st. Thank you for your participation! Questions? Contact Caroline Sjostedt Davis at 925-287-6621 orcaroline_sjostedt@keybank .com.