Back to School, 2015

It's back to school in Guyana after a two month break. School opened on August 31, but I started a week early to get the library ready to receive students. The pigeons had been busy over the break and I was met with wide swaths of pigeon poop covering a good portion of the library floor. Fortunately I had covered most, but not all, of the targeted areas with cardboard, so cleaning was only minimally disgusting.

With the help of Phillip, a graduating student, we washed the ceiling beams, painted the floor, unpacked the books, hung my latest pigeon repelling weapons and labeled shelves with signs that the students may or may not heed. 

Still I was not ready for the students on day one, or day two, or day three of school. The steady stream of students inquiring at the door did not help to speed up the process, but finally on Thursday of the first week, the Cornelia Ida Primary Library was open for business. It truly is rewarding for me to see the students embrace the books and the space with so much enthusiasm.

Also I am continuing to work with small groups of struggling readers in Grades 3, 4, and 6. Over the break, I created several games to use in reinforcing letters and words and keep the students focused. I wouldn't say that we play all the time, but the students do ask "to play the games" every time. 

Pigeon destruction

DVD's hung from broken umbrella frame in hopes to drive off the pigeons.

Phillip sanding the floor

Before we painted.

After we painted

Is the library open yet?

Is the library open yet?

Hey, is the library open yet?

Any chance the library is open?

Open yet?

Finally open!!!

Jonathon