Presenter: Lindsay Cesari, AKA Bee in the Library

Session Description: Discover the best new books and fresh teaching ideas in one dynamic session! In this interactive workshop, you'll explore 75+ standout titles released in the last 18 months. From picture books to middle grade and YA - each title is paired with a ready-to-use lesson or activity aligned to state and national standards. Perfect for energizing your program, this session equips school librarians with everything they need to captivate young readers and meet curriculum goals.

Workshop Highlights:

Hands on makerspace activities

Ready to teach lessons for each title with access to digital copies of graphic organizers and worksheets.

About Lindsay: Lindsay is a national board certified NYS school librarian with 15+ years experience. She has a social media audience of 40,000+ users across Instagram and TikTok under the username Bee in the Library where she provides micro PD to followers.

Dates: July 31 - August 1
Location: OCM BOCES, Syracuse
Featured Presenter: Lindsay Cesari, National Board Certified NYS School Librarian (@bee_in_the_library)
Cost: $75
Payment Link: Pay Here via Zeffy

Join us for this two-day summer institute focused on Leveraging AI Ethically to Enrich and Innovate School Library Programs. This timely event will help school librarians understand and lead in today's AI-driven educational landscape.

Over the course of the institute, we will explore AI-related issues that directly impact school librarians, equipping you to help students and staff navigate this emerging information ecosystem. We will begin by building a strong foundation in how AI technology works, then delve into ethical considerations surrounding its use.

From there, we will examine what AI means for teaching media literacy, maintaining academic integrity, and addressing the provocative question: Is the academic research paper dead? We will also discuss the growing presence of AI-generated books and their implications for libraries and learning.

With a practical emphasis, participants will work with the PreK-12 AI Scope and Sequence developed under the direction of the School Library Systems Association (SLSA) of NY, contributing to a shared lesson pool aligned to its key strands. A special focus will be on identifying picture books that can effectively teach AI concepts to younger learners.

This institute will equip school librarians with the tools, knowledge, and collaborative support needed to lead confidently in the age of AI.

Website for Event

Note: Virtual & In Person Options Available

The SLS Communication Coordinators meetings are designed to be a bridge between the School Library System team and the school librarians in each of the districts and non-public schools that are members of the system. Each district has a designated Communication Coordinator who is required to attend the meetings but all members are welcome to attend. The morning (8:30 am to 11:30 am) will be the meeting and the afternoon will be a professional learning opportunity.

The SLS Communication Coordinators meetings are designed to be a bridge between the School Library System team and the school librarians in each of the districts and non-public schools that are members of the system. Each district has a designated Communication Coordinator who is required to attend the meetings but all members are welcome to attend. The morning (8:30 am to 11:30 am) will be the meeting and the afternoon will be a professional learning opportunity.

The SLS Communication Coordinators meetings are designed to be a bridge between the School Library System team and the school librarians in each of the districts and non-public schools that are members of the system. Each district has a designated Communication Coordinator who is required to attend the meetings but all members are welcome to attend.

The SLS Communication Coordinators meetings are designed to be a bridge between the School Library System team and the school librarians in each of the districts and non-public schools that are members of the system. Each district has a designated Communication Coordinator who is required to attend the meetings but all members are welcome to attend. The morning (8:30 am to 11:30 am) will be the meeting and the afternoon will be a professional learning opportunity.