K-5 Library Media Specialist: Jennifer Stanbro

My favorite thing about being a library media specialist is that I get to combine my passion for good books and my experience with information technology with my love of teaching.

My professional interest in education technology and information literacy dates back to 1994, when I began working as a technology teacher and consultant for enrichment programs and private schools in Maryland. Since then I have served as a technology integrator, consultant, curriculum designer, and educational software designer for public schools, private schools, and businesses in Maryland, Texas, and Maine.

But my love of literature goes back even further. My favorite books of childhood were From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, A Wrinkle in Time and the Little House on the Prairie series. As an undergraduate, I studied English and Psychology, then obtained a masters degree in the great books program at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. Finally, I completed my masters in Library Science and teacher certification in Texas and Maine.

Some of my latest favorite recommendations are Me, All Alone, at the End of the World by M.T. Anderson, Willa and the Wind by Janice Del Negro, Each Little Bird That Sings, by Deborah Wiles, The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, and The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.

K-5 Library Media Specialist: Catharine Potter

I feel so fortunate to work in a school library each day. Reading and libraries have also played an important part in my life. As a child, I looked forward to visiting the school library each week.

I majored in English in college and earned a master’s in Literacy Education from USM. I recently completed my master’s in Library Science from Clarion University. For 12 years, I was a classroom teacher before I made the transition to library/media specialist. I find it rewarding to help students develop their information literacy skills and learn to use the research process.

Some of the books I enjoyed reading over the summer include Rules by Cynthia Lord, Heat by Mike Lupica, Batter Up Wombat by Helen Lester and Lynn M. Musinger, and Shrek by William Steig.

Library Courier: Kristen Tulley

Brown Elementary: Margaret Keilty

Dyer Elementary: Sarah Elwell

Kaler Elementary: Betsey Cummings

Hi my name is Betsey Cummings. I have a K-8 certification and previously owned and taught at a preschool for eight years. I came to the South Portland schools in January 2004 at the Marsh Elementary. I was transferred to Kaler September 2005. I am very much enjoying my time here in the Kaler community.

In addition to being in a book group, I read 7 chapter books that I am anxious to share with the 4th & 5th graders. This fall is a time of transition for my family as one child started college and another is a freshman in high school. I look forward to reconnecting with the children from last year and meeting the new children. Please stop by and say hi!

Skillin Elementary: Deborah Vallely

I would like to introduce myself to all of you. I will be in the library for the upcoming school year. Some of you might know me from a couple of years ago as I once was part time in the library at Skillin School. My name is Mrs. Vallely (but many of you called me Mrs. V as it is easier to say). I live in Cape Elizabeth with my husband Jack and I have two daughters and a son. My oldest daughter just graduated from college and my son just graduated from high school! My youngest daughter is a sophomore in high school. I have a dog named Fred. Happy Reading !!

Small Elementary: Anne Mason

My name is Anne Mason and I work in the Small School library. This is my third year at Small and I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have such a great job. I have always wanted to work in a library and started as a volunteer at the Portland Public Library when I was sixteen.

Some of my favorite books include Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Snip! Snap! What's That? for the "audience" participation, the Little House On the Prairie Series and anything by E. B. White.

I live in Falmouth with my husband and two children. I have a son who is a freshman at Oberlin College and a daughter who is a sophmore in high school. I also have a cocker spaniel named Sugar.

Brown Library

Dyer Library

Kaler Library

Skillin Library

Small Library