Unused Elements

TweenTribune features twice-daily AP news articles adapted for four different Lexile levels, self-scoring quizzes customized by Lexile level, critical thinking questions, Español AP articles, weekly lesson plans, a weekly video, and a weekend "Monday Morning Ready" newsletter as prep for the week ahead.

PBS's online education resource, PBS Learning Media, is included in our MediaConnect subscription, but temper your expectations. Rather than showcase full-length PBS programs, it gravitates toward short clips and lesson plans. The interface is less overwhelming than some of the other sites, and you may find some useful clips from Ken Burns or NOVA, but overall this source is less expansive than the ones above.

Create virtual tours using Google map and street view data.

Nonfiction ebooks

Username: ocmsls
Password: ocmsls

Sooth is a search engine designed to highlight reputable sources. It focuses on reputable news outlets, think tanks, and government agencies. It also tries to estimate the reliability and political bias of different sources.

Ben Wightman, Jenn Jones, and Jenn McDonald at the 2025 Central New York School Librarians (CNYSL) award dinner.

Read Mr. Wightman's acceptance speech

Thanks to everyone who nominated me for the 2025 CNYSL Super Librarian award, or who reached out with congratulations when news broke!

More importantly, thanks to our awesome staff and students for taking advantage of library resources, collaborating, learning, reading, being responsible, and making this an awesome place to work. You all rock!.

-Mr. Wightman

Reminders

Avoid Misinformation

The Internet is full of unproven, misleading, and made-up health advice.

Remember to research the people behind your information.

Use Reputable Sources

Look for information from government health agencies and well-known organizations.

Beware of sources that rely on anecdotes, and sources trying to sell a product.

Cite Your Sources

When you present information, say where it came from. List all your sources (including picture sources) on a proper works cited page.

Also remember to use the permissions filter in Google images.

Sample Advocacy Presentation

Guides

RADCAB Checklist

How to import database sources to NoodleTools

How to create and print an outline in NoodleTools

How to fill out the Scavenger Hunt Sheet

How to add Internet sources to NoodleTools

How to write a body paragraph using your NoodleTools outline.

How to start your NoodleTools project

How to search Opposing Viewpoints

Note-taking sample and tips (one of Mr. Wightman's highlighted sources - See the others here)

Setting Up Your Video

Making Your Video

Turning In Your Video

Citing Sources

NoodleTools has citation templates, and step-by-step support for managing your sources. I like it because you can hover over options and get help when you are unsure what to do.

You may also use NoodleTools notecards to keep track of your notes, but you are not required to do so.

If you prefer not to use NoodleTools, the Online Writing Lab from Purdue University has step-by-step instructions for setting up a works cited page and creating citations.

Follow the directions carefully if you choose this method. You will be responsible for small formatting details that NoodleTools handles automatically.

Subject Databases

Visit the Resources by Subject page for a list of databases and websites relevant to specific classes and topics.

By Collective, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62858409

Social Studies
Science
Health
Agriculture and Tech
Business and Careers
Foreign Language
Art and Music

Download free music tracks and sound effects.

Source Evaluation

Summer Reading

RADCAB Checklist for Source Evaluation

Source Evaluation Practice

Source Justification Sample

Library Media Center Mission Statement:

Click the picture above to reserve a 5th period library pass. For all other periods, ask your study hall teacher for a pass.

More Information about Coronavirus and the Library

2020-2021 Procedures

Book Trailer Sample

Use this sheet to monitor which students have passes to the Library.

Students with bold names have passes to the library, but have not yet checked in. Students with regular names have checked in for their assigned period.

Use mediaCONNECT to stream media directly from sites like NBC Learn, Learn 360, and Discovery Education. Once you are logged in create resources list for media related to specific topics or units, then share the list with other teachers. Be sure to let me know if I can help you create your media lists!

View this post on Instagram

In all my time substitute teaching, I only regretted taking one job. It was when the current seniors were 5th graders. I was pre-scheduled to fill in for Mrs. Bailey, and I woke up feeling terrible. The problem was that I'd never called in sick before. I didn't even know how to do that as a sub. So I did the job, knowing I was ill-equipped to handle shenanigans. If you've ever subbed in a fifth grade classroom before, you know that's not good. Fortunately the free periods were strategically spaced. I told myself if I could just make it to third period, I could get out. I don't know if the kids sensed weakness, but they were AMAZING. I made it to third period. Then I made it to sixth period. Then I made it to the end of the day. I still regret coming in because who knows how contagious I was, but to this day I'm grateful for how accommodating and disciplined those kids were. When I couldn't be at my best, they covered me. Tonight ,I remember that experience as I look on my empty library. I won't be repeating my mistake of coming in too sick to teach. But as we take instruction online, I will need my students to be as responsible and self-motivated as they were seven years ago. I believe we can do it. I miss you already. See you soon. We'll be in touch sooner.

A post shared by Mr. Wightman (@cazlakerlibrary) on Mar 16, 2020 at 3:20pm PDT

1. Register for Sync with your email at this site: https://www.audiobooksync.com/.
2. In the Sora app, open the menu in the top right and select "Add a public library"
3. Search for and add "AudiobookSYNC."
4. Sign in by entering the email address you used to register.

Get Free Audiobooks This Summer

The library has purchased digital access to the New York Times for all staff and students. Click on the logo above to set up your account. See this guide for more instructions.

Watch the Video and Sign the Form Here

Read the Policy Here

Library Magazine Survey

Animoto Project

Create your Animoto

Turn in your Animoto

Animoto Sample

Animoto Guide

Fair Use Guide

Library Media Center Mission Statement:

Library Hours:
Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm

Library Policies

Passes

Students may obtain pre-signed passes to come to the library during lunch or study hall.
To pick up a pre-signed pass:
1. Come to the library in the morning or between periods. Passes will not be signed during a period.
2. Write your name in an open spot on the Library Sign-In Sheet under the period(s) you want to come.
3. Get a signed pass from Mr. Wightman or Mrs. Dewan.
4. Use your pre-signed pass to sign out of lunch or study hall.
Students must unbold their names on the Library Sign-In Sheet when they arrive for lunch or study hall.
Students may spend the first part of their lunch period eating in the cafeteria before coming to the library. Students who have checked-in to the library may not return to the cafeteria for the second part of a lunch period.
Students who wish to cancel a library pass must come to the library and delete their name from the sign-in sheet prior to the start of the period they were scheduled to come.

Borrowing

Students may check out two books for pleasure. Students may check out additional items if they are needed for class use.
Books are loaned for three weeks.
Books may be renewed indefinitely as long as they are not on hold. You must have the book with you to renew.
Overdue notices will be sent to homerooms.

Personal Devices:

Students may use personal devices for reading, music, and schoolwork.
Students must ask before using personal devices for any other purpose.
At the beginning of each year, students must affirm their agreement to the personal device policy before using personal devices in the library.

Food:

Food is allowed at the tall tables and counter beside the west entrance. Food is not allowed anywhere else in the library. Students must move to designated areas to eat snacks. Lunch should be eaten in the cafeteria.

Classes:

Classes have priority over lunch and study hall visitors.
Contact Mr. Wightman directly to book the library for a class.

No login required. See Mr. Wightman if link is broken.

Username: [email protected]
Password: cazhs2018

Click on the logo and follow the instructions to set up your account. See this guide for more information.

Please take a moment to review our study hall procedures and cell phone policy. You must sign the cell phone agreement before using your phone in the library.