Allow me to introduce myself.   I am Felicia Cook, your school Literacy Specialist, a.k.a. Librarian.  This will be my first year serving as a librarian, but I have over 25 years in the field of education.  I have both elementary and middle school experience working with children of promise, and a plethora of experience at the collegiate level.  I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. Reading is one way I connect to the world around me. Here are three things I want to make sure each of you know about me, my new role in the library, and my personal mission as Librarian: 

I am a strong literacy advocate!

I will seek opportunities to grow a dynamic community of readers at Botello by equipping students, classrooms and the school library with cultural and classical children’s books that promote lifelong literacy for reading enjoyment, engagement and empowerment.  If “reading is the foundation upon which all knowledge is built,” we must make sure all children can read at or above grade level so that they may access opportunities to be successful.

I am a collaborator!   

I will work with teachers to provide high-quality, effective literacy instruction, that extend classroom lessons and enhance the learning for all students and contents.  I encourage teachers to think of library time as an extension of their classrooms.  The library should be seen as an essential resource for students and staff to access a variety of information and materials. By working together, we can ensure our library continues to offer the instruction, programs and services that Botello

I am on a Mission!

My mission is to transform library-time into a literary learning experience that students and teachers look forward to each week.  I want to create an environment that fosters a life-long love for reading and provides an inviting space where students can express creativity and explore innovation.  My goal is to elevate student thinking with active learning and academic discourse. My desire is for the library to become a literacy learning laboratory for the lessons taught in your classrooms.