Sterling USD 376

Presentations
Professional Activities
Grant Awards
Sterling Grade School Library
Sterling High School Library
Email Mrs. Brownlee

Education

• Master of Library Science -- Emporia State University , 2002

• School Library Media Specialist Certificate K-12 -- Emporia State University

• Bachelor of Arts in English Education (grades 5-12), Minor in Music (voice & piano) -- Bethany College, 1997

• High School Diploma -- Medicine Lodge High School, 1993

• KASL President's Distinguished Library Media Specialist for 2017. Presented by the Kansas Association of School Librarians, Oct. 2017.

• Fulbright-Hays Fellowship -- Chosen for "Ethiopia for Teachers" study trip to Africa, July 2010

• William Allen White Children's Book Award Selection Committee (2003)

• Beta Phi Mu (Library honor society) Achievement Award, 2002 -- awarded by Emporia State University's Beta Epsilon Chapter

• Music and Movement in the Elementary Library. Presented at the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National Conference, Oct. 21, 2023, Tampa Bay, FL.

• Ask Amy: Practical Pointers for School Librarians is a series of four webinars presented through the South Central Kansas Library System.

  • Ready and Running Day One. Aug. 9, 2022.

  • Relationships with Teachers, Students, and Parents. Sept. 13, 2022.

  • Programming and Lessons for Teens. Oct. 11, 2022.

  • Closing the Library. Nov. 8, 2022.

• Managing Multiple Libraries.  Co-presented with Dr. Amanda Harrison at the Kansas Library Association state conference, Oct. 27, 2022, Wichita, KS.

• Music and Movement in the Elementary Library. Presented for USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, Sept. 6, 2022.

• Programming and Promotions for Middle School & High School. Presented for USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, Sept. 6, 2022.

• Recipe for Success in the School Library. Webinar presented through NWKLS, May 12, 2022.

• Building a STEAM Program No Matter Your Budget.  Webinar presented through NWKLS, Sept. 13, 2021.

• Digital Books for Schools: Connecting Kids to Ebooks. Presented at KLA Virtual Conference, Oct. 29, 2020. Resources available online.

• Using Google Classroom in the Library. Presented at KLA Virtual Conference, Oct. 29, 2020.  Resources available online.

• Digital Citizenship and Social Emotional Learning. Presented at Tiger Teacher Nation Professional Learning Day, Jan. 20, 2020, Hays, KS. Resources available online.

• Tips from the Trenches: Managing a School Library.  Webinar given Nov. 19, 2019.  Sponsored by ESU and KASL. Resources available online.

• Library Advocacy = The Power of Your Story. Presented by the KASL Advocacy Committee at KLA/MPLA Library Conference, Oct. 26, 2018, Wichita, KS. Resources available online.

• Digital Citizenship: Teaching Safe, Effective, and Ethical Technology Use. Presented at KLA/MPLA Library Conference, Oct. 25, 2018, Wichita, KS. Resources available online.

• Digital Citizenship. Presented at "Your School Redesign and My Library" training through SCKLS, Wichita, April 20, 2018. Resources available online.

• Show me the Money: Grant Tips & Budget Stretchers. Presented at State Library Conference, Oct. 26, 2017, Wichita, KS. Resources available online.

• Participated in Makerspace Sharing Session. Presented at KASL District III Workshop, Jan. 28, 2017, Newton, KS. Online resources include description of hands-on STEM kits, photos and videos of students using resources, and classroom management suggestions: STEM Hands-on Activities.

• Busy School Librarian's Survival Guide. Presented at State Library Conference, Oct. 20, 2016, Wichita, KS. Resources available online.

• K-6 Sharing Session. Facilitated session at State Library Conference, Oct. 20, 2016, Wichita, KS. Resources available online.

• Elementary Library Lessons: My Favorites. Presented at KASL Annual State Conference, Oct. 1, 2015, Manhattan, KS. Resources available online.

• Interviewed & quoted in online article "Smore Amazing!" by Carmaine Ternes. Published online in School Librarian's Workshop April/May 2015 issue.

• Learning plan for "Cereal Box Advocacy" project published in School Library Monthly, December 2012.

• Learning plan for "Persuasive Reading with Newspaper Editorials" unit published in School Library Monthly, March 2012.

• Reading Takes You Places: Multicultural Literature, Lessons & Activities. Presented at KASL Annual State Conference -- Oct. 13, 2011, Salina, KS. Resources and links available online.

• Ethiopia Presentation given to numerous school and community groups highlighting Fulbright-Hays fellowship trip. Presented to: USD #376 faculty and staff; Rice County Retired School Personnel; Chapter W P.E.O., Sterling, KS; church groups in Rice and Reno Counties, KS; Town Club, Hutchinson, KS. Resources available online.

• Lessons from Ethiopia: Bringing Africa "Home to Students." Co-presented with Carol Settgast and Alica Thomas at Partners in Excellence Conference, Oct. 7, 2010, Junction City, KS. Resources available online.

• "Celebrate the 8 Wonders" Community Research Project. Resources and links available online. Presentations given at:

  • KASL Annual Conference -- April 2, 2009, Junction City, KS

  • SCKLS Summer Reading Workshop -- Feb. 26, 2009, Wichita, KS

  • KASL District IV Workshop -- Oct. 18, 2008, Ellsworth, KS

• Founded LibraryShare website featured in Kansas Library Conference presentation, April 2008.

• "It Works for Me! Sharing Session for Teaching Library and Information Literacy Skills K-6" presented at the Kansas Library Conference, Wichita, KS, April 2008.

• Into the Curriculum collaborative unit "Westward, ho! or Westward? No!" published in School Library Media Activities Monthly, January 2008.

• "Collaborative Projects and School-Wide Themes" presented at Tri-Conference, April 2007

• "Beginning and Leading a Book Discussion" workshop at SCKLS 2006 -- served as speaker for school libraries on panel

• Wrote curriculum guides (published online) for William Allen White Children's Book Award nominees :

  • Savvy by Ingrid Law (2010-2011 Master List)

  • Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller (2009-2010 Master List)

  • Leap of Faith by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (2009-2010 Master List)

  • Clementine by Sara Pennypacker (2008-2009 Master List)

  • The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett (2008-2009 Master List)

  • Let Them Play by Margot Theis Raven (2007-2008 Master List)

  • Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett (2006-2007 Master List)

  • Ida B...and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan (2006-2007 Master List)

  • Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse (2005-2006 Master List)

  • Rodzina by Karen Cushman (2005-2006 Master List)

  • Phineas Gage by John Fleischman (2004-2005 Master List)

  • The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson (2004-2005 Master List)

  • What Would Joey Do? by Jack Gantos (2004-2005 Master List)

  • Seek by Paul Fleischman (2003-2004 Master List)

  • A Step from Heaven by An Na (2003-2004 Master List)

• "Get Them Reading: Promoting Young Adult Literature," presented at KASL District Workshop

• "Libraries Help us Grow," finding age-appropriate library resources for young children, presented at Tri-Conference

• Presentation to undergraduate Children’s Literature class from Sterling College

  • Accelerated Reader and other educational software

  • Choosing and presenting read-alouds

  • Copyright in education

• "Exploring the Challenge of Careers," presented at KAMLE (Kansas Association of Middle Level Educators) Symposium

• "The Children’s Book Writing Project," presented at KAMLE Symposium

• SCKLS School Library Journal Digital Subscription Grant – $137, spring 2023.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $500 to replace worn copies of popular titles. Sterling Grade School, spring 2023.

• SCKLS Libraries Transform Grant – $20,017 for updating the Sterling Jr/Sr High School Library. Matching grant with district funds. Nov. 2022.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $300 for early reader books. Sterling Grade School, fall 2022.SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $245 for Kansas Library Association state conference, 2022.

• Moxley Foundation Grant -- $1,192 for sports books, 2022.

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $75 for Summer Institute with Shannon Miller, 2022.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 for manga graphic novels for Sterling High School, 2022.

• SCKLS Matching Technology Grant -- $358 for library printers, 2021.

• Moxley Foundation Grant -- $1,200 for books, 2021.

• SCKLS Digital Access Grant -- $1,000 for ebooks and digital audiobooks, 2021.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $300 for STEM materials. Sterling Grade School, spring 2021.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 to purchase 2 iPads for SGS for AR/VR (augmented/virtual reality), 2021.

• SCKLS Collection Development Grant -- $1,000 for books, 2020.

• SCCF (South Central Community Foundation) Teacher Grant -- $250 to purchase William Allen White books for Sterling Grade School, fall 2020.

• Donors Choose Grant -- $189 for Interactive Story supplies (flannel board and story sets) for PreK-1st grade storytelling, Aug. 2020.

• Moxley Foundation Grant -- $2,000 for books, 2020.

• Rice County Community Foundation "Giving Today for a Brighter Tomorrow" Grant - $686 for a mobile TV/multimedia station, 2020.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 to purchase green screen and iPad for SGS, 2020.

• SCKLS STEAM Makerspace Grant -- Received a Makerspace STEAM kit valued at over $400. Includes 12 Snap Circuit Bric kits and 200 batteries, 2019.

• SCKLS Matching Technology Grant - $766 for computers (written by Michelle Miller), fall 2019.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $500 for library shelving. Sterling Grade School, fall 2019.

• SCCF (South Central Community Foundation) Teacher Grant -- $100 to purchase filament for 3D pens for Sterling Grade School, fall 2019.

• Moxley Foundation Grant: $1,919 for Cover One book repair machine, 2019.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $500 to replace "classics" and worn out copies of popular titles. Sterling High School, spring 2019.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $450 to replace worn out and damaged copies of popular book series. Sterling Grade School, fall 2018.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 to purchase 2 iPads for SGS, 2019 (year 3 of 3-year cycle for library STEM program).

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $200 for supplies and signage for reorganizing fiction books by genre. Sterling High School, fall 2018.

• SCCF (South Central Community Foundation) Teacher Grant -- $100 to purchase STEM materials (one Ozobot, one straw and connector building set) for Sterling Grade School, fall 2018.

• SCKLS Matching Technology Grant - $2,500 for chromebooks (written by Sherilyn McPherson), fall 2018.

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant - $260 for registration for Kansas Library Conference, fall 2018.

• Moxley Foundation Grant: $600 for Tumblebooks subscription for SGS, 2018.

• "Your School Redesign and My Library" digital citizenship presentation stipend from SCKLS: $500, spring 2018.

• Dillons/Kroger corporate donation towards WAW ice cream sundae reward party: $25, spring 2018.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $300 for CD/DVD duplicator for SHS Library, spring 2018

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $300 for Cubelets robot kit for SGS Library, spring 2018

• SCKLS STEAM Makerspace Grant -- Received a Makerspace STEAM kit valued at $400. Includes an Osmo, two 3D pens, books, and other hands-on materials, fall 2017.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 to purchase hands-on STEM and problem-solving materials for SGS, 2018 (year 2 of 3-year cycle).

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $600 for a one-year subscription to TumbleBooks (online animated ebooks) for Sterling Grade School, fall 2017.

• SCKLS Matching Technology Grant -- $1,088 for portable PA system and microphone with speaker (written by Sherilyn McPherson), 2017.

• SCCF (South Central Community Foundation) Teacher Grant -- $100 to purchase two Ozobots for Sterling Grade School, fall 2017

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant - $200 for registration for Kansas Library Conference, 2017.

• SCKLS Ebook Grant -- $3,000 to purchase ebooks and digital audiobooks for our district, spring 2017.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $250 to purchase STEM materials for SGS, spring 2017.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 to purchase hands-on STEM and problem-solving materials for SGS, 2017 (year 1 of 3-year cycle).

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $200 to purchase high-interest books for SHS, SJH students, fall 2016.

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $185 for registration for Kansas Library Conference 2016.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $500 for books, games, and prizes for Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library activities

• SCKLS Ebook Grant -- $3,000 for ebooks for our district FollettShelf 2015.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $500 to purchase high-interest books for SHS, SJH students 2015.

• SCCF (South Central Community Foundation) Teacher Grant -- $100 to purchase student-requested books for Silent Sustained Reading 2015.

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $150 for registration for Kansas Library Conference 2015.

• SCCF (South Central Community Foundation) Teacher Grant -- $100 to purchase student-requested books for Silent Sustained Reading 2014.

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $600 to purchase high-interest books for SHS, SJH students 2014.

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $450 for registration for Summer Institute for School Librarians, Common Core in the Library workshop, and Destiny library software training 2015.

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $450 for prizes for the SHS/SJH Divergent Challenge

• SCKLS Ebook Grant -- $1,400 for ebooks for Sterling Grade School (science books for 6th grade, unlimited access)

• SCKLS Matching Technology Grant -- $2,084 for computer, printer & toner, ergonomic chairs (written & administered by Sherilyn McPherson)

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $160 for registration for Kansas Library Conference 2013

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $300 to purchase high-interest books for SHS, SJH silent reading

• SCKLS Ebook Grant -- $1,400 for ebooks for Sterling Grade School (FollettShelf beginning collection, focusing on nonfiction)

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $160 for registration for Kansas Library Conference 2012

• Midwest Energy Community Fund Grant -- $1,000 to purchase ebooks for Sterling Grade School

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $200 to purchase books for SGS on recycling, environmentalism and conservation

• SCKLS General Technology Grant -- $274 to match the cost of a 47" flatscreen HDTV for Sterling Grade School Library

• SCKLS Ebook Reimbursement Grant -- $1,314 for ebooks for Sterling High School/Jr. High (FollettShelf beginning collection)

• SCKLS Continuing Education Grant -- $710 for 3 class/conference registrations

• SCKLS Matching Automation Grant -- $3,002 to purchase Destiny library management software

• Midwest Energy Grant -- $300 for Early Readers for the SGS Library

• Interlibrary Loan Development Program (ILDP) Grant for SGS -- $2600 to purchase books and titles for Kansas Virtual Library -- Books with Boy Appeal for Grades K-6

• SCKLS Programming Grant -- $200 for Jr. High Mystery Dinner

• Midwest Energy Grant -- $400 for Jr. High Book Chat Program

• Interlibrary Loan Development Program (ILDP) Grant for SGS -- $2275 to purchase books -- American Hero Biographies

• Interlibrary Loan Development Program (ILDP) Grant for SHS -- $2235 to purchase books, videos and DVDs on American Sign Language and Deafness

• Midwest Energy Grant -- $250 for Sterling Grade School Library Renovation Project

• SCKLS Matching Book Discussion Grant -- $115 for  copies of Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli 2005

• SCKLS Matching Technology Grant -- $889 for data projector and CD/DVD duplicator

• Generation Y Grant -- $15,000 -- awarded by Kansas State Dept. of Education (co-written with Tricia Schechter)

• Interlibrary Loan Development Program (ILDP) Grant for Graphic Novels -- $825 -- awarded by Kansas Library Network Board

• South Central Kansas Library System (SCKLS) Continuing Education Grant -- numerous awards

• Kansas Association of Middle Level Educators (KAMLE) Mini-Grant -- $325 for Exploring the Challenge of Careers project

State / regional organizations and committees:

• Kansas Association of School Librarians (KASL) (2000-present)

• Kansas Library Association (KLA) (2018-present)

• Beginning Teacher Mentor Program (KSDE and Smoky Hills Educational Service Center) (2020-2021)

• LSTA (Library Services & Technology Act) Focus Group - evaluating services of the State Library of Kansas (2021)

• Fort Hays State University Advisory Committee for library media program (2021-2022)

• KASL Advocacy / Promotions Committee (2017- 2019)

• KASL Technology Committee (2013-2014)

• KASL District III Director (2012-2013)

• KASL District III Assistant Director (2011-2012)

• KASL Council (2011- 2013, 2017-2018)

• KASL District Workshop Study Committee, ad hoc, appointed by KASL President (2006-2007)

• KASL Projects Committee (2002-2007)

• SCKLS Annual Competitive Automation Grant Review Committee -- School Library Representative (2004)

• William Allen White Children's Book Award Selection Committee (2003)

• KLA Nominating Committee (2021)

A Teacher Librarian is:

• a TEACHER of information literacy, research, digital citizenship, and technology skills

• an instructional partner who collaborates with other teachers to integrate technology and literature in classroom lessons

• an information specialist who develops a base of digital and print resources to support the school’s curriculum and promote a life-long love of reading

• a program manager who creates an inviting atmosphere, manages funds, and provides dynamic library programming.
                                                                                                        -Martha Littles

Updated 9/17/2023