My PLN to the rescue

For the last three weeks, my library has been trying to win a contest through Follett learning company.  Last week, I decided to tap into the powers of my PLN and see if I could get some more votes.  I had no idea how much impact that could have on what I was doing.  My PLN has totally come to the rescue.  Though I don't suspect we will win, my PLN has helped us move from the last page of the rankings to the top of the third page.   I couldn't have done it without them.

I never realized how many people I can impact with just a quick message.  I posted a comment on the Indiana Learning Connections site, which is the state of Indiana's list-serv.  It took off.  I gained over 500 votes in one day.  For a small school of my size, that is huge.  I continued to use social media sites to add more votes.  I posted something on twitter, Facebook and google +.  Then, it all started rolling.  I had retweets, personal messages and comments.  It was amazing.

My point is this, a PLN can be a lifesaver for anything you do.  If you are a hesitant teacher and haven't started establishing a PLN, do it.  Join the millions of other educators who have interests similar to yours, you will not be disappointed.

HELP a small school out.

Hamilton Schools, one of the smallest in the state, is the only school in Indiana that is enrolled in the Follett Challenge, a grant that can award our library up to $60K for materials, tech, renovation, etc.   

Our school district has only 400 kids and some of the districts we are competing against have thousands.  It is hard for us to be able to accomplish a lot while being so small, so, I am not one to typically ask, but, if we could get some of our other Hoosier Schools and others around the nation to help us, we could perhaps earn the votes we need to boost up to the top.   Spread the word...we need to renovate our library to be handicapped accessible and safer for our kids.  We have no funds to do it alone.

If you could take a few minutes, copy and paste this link http://follettchallenge.com/video.cfm?id=288#.UyxCVqKsjLv or click here Our Follett Challenge Link and click vote by email, you will receive a pin in just a few seconds, put it in the box, submit, and voila, we have a vote.  We need to get about 5000 more votes to stand a chance.  YOU CAN VOTE DAILY! Any help is appreciated!