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Smith Fifth and Sixth grades enjoyed field trips to the Schuster Center last month. 

The Fifth grade took in the Young People's Concert Pure Imagination on Oct. 25th. They learned how music, opera, and dance come together to tell a story and evoke memories, emotion, and more. They explored drama and comedy with Mozart’s Don Giovanni and took a musical trip down the flowing Moldau River with conductor Neal Gittleman. 

The Smith Sixth grade enjoyed a performance of the DCDC "Remember the Time" which highlighted the spellbinding artistry of DCDC through three enduring works. Tommie-Waheed Evans' Home/An Untitled Portrait wraps the Victoria Theatre in brilliant light, text and snapshots of "home" in all of its complicated glory. Stafford C. Berry Jr. transports viewers to a twilight time where a rain-soaked block party recalls the great migration. Sets and Chasers  by Kevin Ward celebrates Duke Ellington's groundbreaking radio broadcasts of the swinging '40s.

Smith Library media specialist Elaine Fultz was honored to join the School Library Journal’s Heavy Metal Award Committee in January. Among 16 professionals from across the country who volunteered, Fultz dedicated her time to reading and evaluating 16 book titles. Her role involved engaging in discussions with fellow committee members to select the final winner for a Mock Newbery Award.

Mock Newbery committees are modeled after the American Library Association’s official Newbery Committee, which annually recognizes the most distinguished American children’s book published in the previous year. The goal is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the criteria used in book awards and foster a love for quality literature.

Fultz, no stranger to the award or the process, demonstrated her passion for literature when she previously served on the official Newbery Committee in 2016. "I feel as if it’s an obligation and part of my job,” Fultz said. “It’s my passion.” Throughout the rigorous selection process, Fultz actively sought books that stood out for their uniqueness, had a strong appeal to kids, and offered new perspectives to educate children on important issues.

Many of the titles reviewed would be familiar to Oakwood students as they were part of our Lumberjack Booklist. The Mock Newbery was officially awarded to "The Lost Year" by Katherine Marsh, with the honor title going to "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day. Notably, the Official 2024 Newbery winner is "The Eyes and the Impossible" by Dave Eggers.

In reflecting on her experience, Fultz emphasized the significance of the committee's work in shaping literary recognition and fostering a love for reading among young audiences. “It’s not just about picking a winner,” Fultz said. “It’s about highlighting books that can make a lasting impact on young minds.”