There's a crisp chill in the air, with falling leaves everywhere, but before going out...beware!

Halloween is one of America's most beloved holidays, as evidenced by stores filled with mountains of fun-size candy and an abundance of costumes, as well as the palpable air of excitement that surrounds October 31st. Whether you're going as Michael Jackson or Edward Cullen or a fairy princess, and whether you're going out or staying home to await trick-or-treaters, remember that safety is paramount. This year, with H1N1 on the rise, it is even more important to keep in mind the following general Halloween safety tips:

• Accompany your children trick-or-treating, or else send them out with another trusted adult or teen.
  
• If you're not going with them be aware of where your kids are going. Know their route and where they plan to be throughout the night. Check in with them using cell phones.
• Set a solid curfew ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page about when they're expected home.
• Keep to well-lit neighborhoods that you're familiar with, and use common sense guidelines for walking at night, such as toting a flashlight or reflective gear and being careful when crossing streets.
• Never consume candy or food that has an opened wrapper or that appears to have been tampered with.
• With the current prevalence of the H1N1 virus, take extra precaution when handling candy, as well as germ-riddled surfaces like doorknobs.

And last but not least....Happy Halloween!

Global Education: Using Technology to Bring the World to Your Students (370.116078 PET)

Eleventh graders in Bangladesh exchange video interviews with 10th graders in Georgia. High schools in Illinois have online discussions with students in six languages. Students across the globe contribute to a shared website on endangered animal species from their areas. This innovative book presents ideas which educators can use to integrate global education into lessons in their K-12 classrooms. A sampling of exciting global education projects from around the world demonstrate ways to help students connect with their peers across global boundaries. Read about the Flat Classroom Project, iEarn, the Global Schoolhouse Project, ePals and many more!

Children's Magazine Month

Have you ever studiously searched for hidden pictures in Highlights? Have you journeyed with Ranger Rick through new and exciting eco-systems (or your own backyard)? Or have you discovered a new favorite story in Cricket? Then you have been the recipient of the magic and knowledge that children's magazines can offer. Often overlooked in favor of books, today's magazines might surprise you with the abundance of literary richness they contain. Celebrate Children's Magazine Month in October by utilizing the comprehensive collections held by most school and public libraries, by subscribing yourself, or by utilizing them as teaching tools in your classroom. Check out the following links for ideas:

• How to Use Magazines in the Classroom
• Scholastic Classroom Magazines
• Highlights in the Classroom
• Weekly Reader Teacher Resources
• Magazines to Build Literacy Skills
  

Everyday Solutions for Life Conference

The Lifespan Autism Network Foundation will be putting on a conference called Everyday Solutions for Life on November 14th in Southington, Connecticut. Featuring sessions on how schools can assist parents in navigating the special education process, an overview and demonstration of Assistive Technology, and tips for important stress reduction techniques, this is one conference you don't want to miss! Visit their website for registration information and additional details.

Understanding Girl Bullying (371.58 FIE)

Girl bullying is a real and pervasive problem in schools today. It tends to be especially common in grades 5-8. What can educators do about it? This 133 page book was written for school counselors and discusses major issues on this topic. Relational aggression is a type of aggression in which harm is caused through damage to relationships or social status within a group rather than through physical violence. When it is directed at one particular victim it constitutes bullying and because acts of relational aggression are more common among girls it is often called girl bullying. This book provides a clearer picture of this type of bullying and addresses methods for assessment, prevention and intervention in schools.

Blogs, wikis, podcasts and other powerful web tools for classrooms, 2nd edition, by Will Richardson (371.33 RIC)

Are you befuddled by blogs? Wondering about wikis? Puzzled by podcasts? Then we have the resource for you! Check out this handy new resource guide by Will Richardson: Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms, 2nd ed. (371.33 RIC). This newly revised edition is full of current information on how to incorporate today's wealth of technology resources into your curriculum. With sections on internet safety, information literacy, and thorough definitions of web tools such as RSS feeds, social bookmarking and wikis, this book is both a how-to guide and a pedagogical approach to incorporating web resources into your classroom. It also includes many real world examples by K-12 teachers that are sure to both inspire and guide you. Using this technology appropriately will not only help to streamline and improve your existing classroom methods, but it will also help you to connect with your students, many of whom will have been immersed in this technology from a very young age. Speaking of new technology, what better way to familiarize yourself with our new online card catalog than by logging in and reserving this item for yourself? See this post here for instructions on setting up your account. Remember, the internet is one of the last great frontiers. So why not be a pioneer?