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June 5, 2015
Tom BurkeBooks and getting kids to read books have been a foundation of Mary Murphy’s now more than 30-year career as educator, the last 25 or so at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Belmont.
“Over the years, I have worn many hats at IHM, but I have always remained the librarian,” Mary told me via email.
During Mary’s first days as keeper of the stacks she noted the some 7,000 volumes were highly organized but underused.
“I focus on getting children into the library and library books into the classroom,” Mary said. “I read to children in grades one through four once a week. Often after I read a story, that book is checked out repeatedly.”
Mary buys about 100 new books a year to keep the library current. Talk about homework: She reads all of the primary books and upper grade fiction so to be able “to chat with the students about them.”
CliffsNotes beware: “I summarize all of the books, including upper grade non-fiction and create a binder for the children,” Mary said.
The influx of technology has taken its toll on reading among students, Mary said, noting the pastime is no longer looked at by youngsters as a leisure activity.
“I find that very sad,” Mary said noting that prescribed summer reading is about all students in upper grades get to. Younger primary grade students use the library a great deal, however, Mary said, and are excited about books.
Mary continues on the heels of the less-likely reader, however, even adding technology to her own toolbox in the effort.
“When I started working, none of the students owned a computer,” Mary said admitting that when the school’s first five computers arrived she had not the faintest idea how to operate one.
Charged by the principal with creating a program to teach students about computer use, Mary began with IHM’s junior high students first teaching them how to type.
She then expanded the computer program to younger students.
Mary also served as eighth grade language teacher. “I began each class by reading for about five minutes. By the end of the year the students had listened to three books. I discovered that the more students read, the better they wrote.”
Mary then began helping children struggling with reading in the primary grades. “I discovered new approaches that helped bright, learning-different students conquer reading.”
People ask Mary why she is still at IHM after 25 years: “The children still make me laugh and bring me joy,” she tells them.
PENCILS DOWN: St. Thomas More School eighth grader, Lara Isabel Bautista, has been honored by Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth for her exceptional academic performance on the renowned SAT, perhaps the best known of college admissions qualifying tests SAT. Lara will attend Crystal Springs Uplands High School on the Peninsula in the fall. Lara’s parents are Mitos and Ronald Bautista.
CLOSER THAN EVER: Congrats to the Handicapables on their new website, www.Handicapables.com. Information about this wonderful 50-year-old ministry is now at your fingertips.
HATS OFF: Student officers at San Francisco’s School of the Epiphany were behind a fundraiser for earthquake victims in Nepal. Students at the school donated $1,538.45 to the cause. Thanks to Brian Joost for the good news.
Email items and electronic pictures – jpegs at no less than 300 dpi to burket@sfarchdiocese.org or mail to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109. Include a follow-up phone number. Street is toll-free. My phone number is (415) 614-5634.