The De Leon Library announces it's new book club title -- Day of Tears by Julius Lester.  Julius Lester tells the story of several characters including Emma, a slave owned by Pierce Butler and caretaker of his two daughters, and Pierce, a man with a mounting gambling debt and household to protect. Emma wants to teach his daughters—one who opposes slavery and one who supports it—to have kind hearts. Meanwhile, in a desperate bid to survive, Pierce decides to cash in his “assets” and host the largest slave auction in American history. And on that day, the skies open up and weep endlessly on the proceedings below. 

Using the multiple voices of enslaved Africans and their owners, Julius Lester has taken a little-known, all-true event in American history and transformed it into a heartbreaking and powerfully dramatic epic on slavery, and the struggle to affirm humanity in the midst of it.  (Barnes & Noble Review)

 Our first book club discussion of the Lion's R.O.A.R (Raving Over Amazing Books) was held Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 in the Library.  The book, Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper was discussed.  Our special guest reader was Mrs. T. Estrada, De Leon MS Life Skills teacher.  Mrs. Estrada shared her experiences of being a mom of a child with Cerebral Palsy and a teacher of students with special needs.  Thank you students for sharing your thoughts of this very touching book.  Check out pictures of our event in the slideshow below.

 Congratulations to all of our students that achieved their AR goals the first six weeks grading period.  Students that "doubled" their AR goals were treated to a VIP pass during the lunch period and to a very tasty ice cream bar treat.  Parents, ask your children about their AR requirements and make sure that they are reading daily.  ELA teachers have discussed their point requirements for the second six weeks.  Students, READ, READ, READ! and see you at our next AR VIP activity!

 The De Leon Middle School teachers and staff have decided to have our very own book club.  Our first book selection was the novel, The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  A few of us met after school on October 13 and enjoyed a riveting discussion and some wonderful treats.  All of the De Leon staff is invited to join us in reading the next title -- The Shack by Wm. Paul Young.  Photos of our October meeting can be seen in slideshow below.

 Children's Book Author, Ramona Moreno Winner visited with one of our 6th Grade Classes.  Mrs. Winner shared her experiences visiting different countries and her knowledge of different cultures. Students learned about the history of different foods, like hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza and even about the history of the first toothbrush.  Mrs. Winner gave each student their very own Miswak, a twig of the arak tree that was used in ancient times as a toothbrush.  Students also had fun with spanish jumping beans and were surprised to learn that fried crickets are a source of protein in some cultures.  Pictured are Mr. J. Garza and some of his 6th grade students.  See the slideshow below to see more photos of this event.

The Texas Lone Star list is a recommended reading list developed by public and school librarians from the Young Adult Round Table from the Texas Library Association. The purpose of the list is to encourage students in grades 6, 7, or 8 to explore a variety of current books.  The Lone Star list is intended for recreational reading.  De Leon MS Readers are invited to participate and win some great prizes.  Check out the links below and/or stop by the Library to ask for information.

Read 5 books on the list and attend the Lone Star BBQ.
Read 10 books or more and also win a book store gift card!
Read 15 books or more and win book store & movie theatre gift cards!!!!

 Congratulations to these students for participating in the Lion Summer Reading Challenge.  They were treated to a delicious breakfast, received a Certificate of participation, a goody bag, and a gift card to Barnes & Noble. Pictured with Mr. Grossweiler, Principal, are Michelle H., Erika D., Jennifer A., Ellluid H., Akilan M., Cynthia H., Kayla E., Daniel M., & Sebastian R.

 Welcome to a new school year and to new books!  The Lions' R.O.A.R (Raving Over Amazing Reads) Book Club is proud to announce our first book club selection-- Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.  In this memorable story you will meet Melody, a fifth-grader who is unable to walk, talk, or feed herself.  However, she can read, think and feel. She is trapped in her own body and she is going out of her mind!  Melody is brilliant and is determined to make a mark in the world despite her physical limitations.  This is a wonderful, funny, sad-at-times story, with a character that you will stand up and cheer for.  Check it out today!!

Dear De Leon Reader & Parent,
Summer is a great opportunity to catch up on reading really great books!  Studies show that kids who read 4 books or more over the summer do better in reading tests than those that only read one or no books.  Take the Lion Summer Reading Challenge and read as many books as you can this summer.  Download the file below (Summer Challenge 2011) for a list of recommended titles.  Keep this list handy when visiting your public library or local book stores this summer.  List the books you read on the reading log provided.  Parents verify and sign the reading log and return to the De Leon Library by Sept. 2, 2011.  Students that participate in the summer reading challenge will attend a party and will have a chance of winning a great prize!