Fox and Mule Go To The Library

Fox and Mule went to the library. Only one of them had a good day. Can you tell why only one of them had a good day?

Fox dressed for success. He wore his school uniform. He followed the school dress code and looked like he was ready to work. People treated him as if he were ready to work.

Mule didn’t care about the dress code. He wore whatever he wanted. He did not take people seriously, so people did not take him seriously.

Fox decided to listen and learn.

Mule decided that he would do the talking.

Fox decided to be in charge of his own feelings.

Mule let people push his buttons. People had a good time pushing his buttons. Mule was miserable!

Fox had it all together. He went to the lavatory before entering the library, and brought his pen, his notebook, and his signed Acceptable Use Policy with him so he could use the computer.

Mule didn’t think ahead. He forgot to take care of his body. He also forgot his pen, his notebook, and his Acceptable Use Policy. Instead, he brought a lot of stuff he wasn’t going to need. He brought his cell phone, his iPod, his CD player, some food, some gum, and a great big soda.

Fox liked to be in a neat, clean space. He kept his table clean, put his trash in the can, and pushed in his chair when he got up.

Mule didn’t think he deserved nice surroundings. He left smudges on the table, threw trash on the floor, and left his chair out for someone to trip over.

Fox was slick. He knew how to get people to do things for him. He was courteous and kind.

Mule thought that people respected bullies. People were afraid of Mule, but they made fun of him behind his back.

Fox followed directions. He knew that the teacher helped people to work smart instead of working hard.

Mule thought that the teacher was like him. He thought the teacher did not know anything. He was happy to do just anything, even though he was just wasting his time.

Fox knew the importance of budgeting his time. He knew that he could get things done if he followed directions and kept on working.

Mule did not budget his time. He kept putting things off and was very sad when his work was not done. He blamed everyone else.

SO---Who was happy? Why?

Who was unhappy? Why?

What can you do to be happy in the library?

When you are not happy in the library, who gets hurt?

For discussion:

1. Why does the school have a dress code?

2. List some techniques for being in control of your feelings.

3. How does what your bring or not bring to the library show others your purpose for visiting the library?

4. What does a messy work space say about you?

5. How does budgeting your time help you?

Addendum for Upper Grades

What are the implied messages in this presentation?

What does the fox symbolize?

What does the mule symbolize?

How do we see you?

Let’s look at the rubric.

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Each student must sign and follow the BCPSS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). You and your parents agree that you will conduct yourself properly on a school computer. Without this signed agreement, you cannot use our computers.

Basically, the Acceptable Use Policy keeps you focused on your work, and keeps the computers in good condition for the next person.

You do not have the right to use a city computer. It is a privilege that can be taken away if you do not follow the Acceptable Use policy.

You may not… Introduce a virus into the system Change the way the computer screen

appears Change the way the computer works Watch a movie Listen to music Install new software

You may not… Play games. The computers are strictly for school

work. Read advertisements Shop online Enter chat rooms Use e-mail to harass or threaten someone Damage or vandalize the equipment Eat, drink, or chew around computers

You may not… Access pornography Access sites promoting illegal activities Gamble Access sites which promote hate or

prejudice

If you do…you may no longer use our computers. Baltimore City says

so. The Acceptable Use Policy states that whoever catches you doing something that you should not be doing, you may be barred from ever using Baltimore City

computers again, and the decision of that person is final. This is an important workplace lesson.

When you violate the Acceptable Use Policy in the real-world workplace, you will be fired from the job.

HOURS 7:45-3:15 every day Once the school day begins, your teacher

must email me if you wish to come without a teacher. Paper passes are no longer used.

When you arrive in the library, the librarian will look for the email and sign you in.

Please notify the librarian when you leave.

Borrowing Books You are already registered to borrow books. The loan period is one month. Books must be checked out by the librarian. Books must be returned to the librarian. When a book becomes overdue, a notice is sent

to your house. When you fail to return an overdue book, report

cards and other privileges are held back.