Rota MHS Library News
There is something special happening in our library! It is students showing up, leaning in, trying new things, and building a community around curiosity and creativity.
Last month alone, our students checked out 537 books, and that number tells a story all on its own. Our kids are reading. They are exploring different genres, finding stories that resonate, and choosing to spend time in a space that invites them to think, imagine, and grow. That matters.
One of the highlights of April was our participation in the first annual Europe South Book Battle. Fourteen of our middle school students committed to reading ten different books. They met during lunch to talk about what they were reading, share ideas, and push each other to keep going. That kind of ownership and engagement is exactly what we hope for.
On April 20, four of those students represented Rota in the online competition, answering 100 questions about the books they had read. And while our team had a strong showing overall, one of our own, Grayce B., answered an incredible 98 out of 100 questions correctly and earned first place individually. We are so proud of her and the entire team for stepping up and representing our school so well.
But the magic in our library does not stop with reading.
Our Maker Space continues to be a place where students can create, experiment, and learn in a completely different way. This month, fifteen students joined sessions to design and build everything from pressed flower bookmarks to hand and machine-sewn fabric “monsters.” And yes, these monsters are as creative and unique as the students who made them.
Students are using patterns, designing their own ideas, learning how to cut and pin fabric, working with sewing machines, and mastering skills like appliqué and button sewing. These are real, tangible skills. More importantly, they are learning perseverance, problem-solving, and pride in their work. Even better, this opportunity is open to all of our students in grades 6 through 12. The Maker Space is an open invitation to try something new, to create without fear, and to be part of something.
As we look ahead, we will continue to offer these opportunities, including our next Monster Sewing Workshop on May 5. All materials are provided, and all students are welcome. That is what we want our school to be, a place where every student can find something that sparks their interest and reminds them that they belong. And in our library, that is happening every single day.
