Tag Archives: state librarian

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Update 2/11/16

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: February 11, 2016
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

We’re Hiring! Position Open at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
State Library Services is excited to announce that the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library is now hiring an Audio Visual Education Specialist. Based in Faribault, this new position will run the library’s volunteer-driven recording program, creating digital audio recordings for library patrons. Applications will be accepted through February 16. To access the job posting and apply online, visit Minnesota’s Online Job Application website and search for job opening ID #2799. For more information, please contact Catherine Durivage (507-384-6860).

Learn More about Supercharged Storytimes
Last fall, 80 Minnesotans participated in Supercharged Storytimes–a dynamic online early learning training program–sharing their experiences, challenges and triumphs in amping up their storytimes. The Supercharged Storytimes curriculum is now available to all through the end of March, and we’d like to invite you to join in the fun.

Please join Jackie Blagsvedt for a 30-minute webinar on February 26, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. when she’ll highlight the best from Minnesota’s Supercharged Storytimes online community. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can join the conversation by phone at 1-888-742-5095, conference code 132 628 9594.

Contact Jackie Blagsvedt (651-582-8805) with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.

Learn How Your Library Can Feed Hungry Kids
Fewer than 15 percent of Minnesota kids who benefit from the free or reduced-price school lunch program have access to summer and afterschool food programs. Limited access to free food programs, particularly during the summer, leaves many children hungry. Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Begin planning your summer 2016 participation by attending an informational webinar on February 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. Jenny Butcher, USDA Summer Food Service Program Coordinator at MDE, will share how you can get involved. There is no need to pre-register. Please join the WebEx meeting online (meeting number 594 625 833) or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (conference code 874 403 3672). Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.

Save the Date: Better Together – Strengthening Adult Learning Communities – Libraries, Adult Education & Workforce Regional Meetings
Mark your calendar and plan to join colleagues from adult education, libraries and workforce development for a full-day learning opportunity. The workshops are designed to increase our collective capacity to work together to improve adult literacy and workforce outcomes for Minnesotans.

At each session, you’ll hear promising practices for collaboration across organizations, learn about free resources that promote digital literacy and workforce skills, and have a chance to work with your local counterparts to develop a collaborative project.

April 29, 2016 – Roseville at Minnesota Department of Education
May 9, 2016 – Mankato at Country Inn and Suites
May 16, 2016 – Grand Rapids at Saw Mill Inn

For more information or to be included on a mailing list for future announcements, please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508).

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library updates: 2/4/16

MDELogoTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: February 4, 2016
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library ServicesWe’re Hiring! Position Open at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
State Library Services is excited to announce that the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library is now hiring an Audio Visual Education Specialist. Based in Faribault, this new position will run the library’s volunteer-driven recording program, creating digital audio recordings for library patrons. Applications will be accepted through February 16. To access the job posting and apply online, visit Minnesota’s Online Job Application website and search for job opening ID #2799. For more information, please contact Catherine Durivage (507-384-6860).Learn How Your Library Can Feed Hungry Kids
Fewer than 15 percent of Minnesota kids who benefit from the free or reduced-price school lunch program have access to summer and afterschool food programs. Limited access to free food programs, particularly during the summer, leaves many children hungry. Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Begin planning your summer 2016 participation by attending an informational webinar on February 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. Jenny Butcher, USDA Summer Food Service Program Coordinator at MDE, will share how you can get involved. There is no need to pre-register. Please join the WebEx meeting online (meeting number 594 625 833) or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (conference code 874 403 3672). Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.Introducing Ebooks Minnesota!
Dozens of librarians contributed valuable input throughout the 2014 Explore eBooks MN project. Taking to heart the primary interests identified by participants in the ebook summit, State Library Services and Minitex partnered to build a statewide ebook collection that complements the resources already available through most Minnesota libraries. Ebooks Minnesota is now available for you to explore at www.ebooksmn.org.With a focus on providing access to quality books from Minnesota’s many independent publishers, Ebooks Minnesota’s opening day collection includes about 3,000 titles from publishers such as ABDO, Lerner Publishing Group, Cherry Lake Publishing, University of Minnesota Press, Milkweed Press, and Coffeehouse Press. These independent presses publish ebooks on a wide variety of topics from sharks to ethnic cooking and in an assortment of genres from graphic novels to literary fiction. There is no limit to the number of titles that can be checked out at any time and readers can keep titles as long as they wish. Access the collection online or download an app for your device via the App Store, Google Play, or Kindle Fire HD. Ebooks Minnesota was made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Please contact Jen Nelson (651-582-8791) with questions or for more information.

In response to the expressed need for more ebook device training, two Minnesota librarians—Stephanie Langer (Kitchigami Regional Library System) and Emily Kissane (MDE, State Library Services)—joined colleagues from North and South Dakota for ILEAD North Dakota. The program, a continuing education program designed to cultivate technology and leadership skills, was part of ILEAD USA (Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply and Discover), an initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Stephanie and Emily worked with their team to develop a website that consolidates help and information about popular ebook platforms. Go to the eContent website. The site will continue to grow with new eContent initiatives in the three states, and with contributions from you. To submit content or for more information about ILEAD North Dakota, please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508).

Supporting Creative Solutions to Service Gaps
In an effort to extend library services to address unique needs, State Library Services is providing Library Services and Technology Act grants to the Rochester Public Library and Leech Lake Tribal College Library. The grants are aligned with interests in innovative library services in transit locations and in serving underserved youth.

Extending Library Services through a Pilot Project
In a partnership with the Rochester International Airport and the Friends of the Rochester Public Library, the Rochester Public Library will install an ebook kiosk and mini library at the airport in a project called “Books on the Fly.” The intent of Books on the Fly is to extend the library’s service capacity by reaching visitors to the area and residents at the regional transportation hub. In addition to providing temporary cards to visitors for the use of library-purchased econtent, the library plans to integrate access to the newly emerging statewide ebook collection, Ebooks Minnesota. The ebook kiosk will be paired with a Friends-supplied mini library that uses a ‘free library’ model to provide reading materials.

Serving Underserved Youth
As a way to help at-risk students build digital literacy skills and explore college opportunities, the Leech Lake Tribal College Library will offer a series of Traveling iPad Workshops for Middle School Students, on the Leech Lake Reservation. At half-day workshops held at community centers on the reservation during summer 2016, students will explore and create digital art using 2-D and 3-D art concepts, music composition, as well as cartoon and stop-motion animation. At the end of the summer, the tribal college will host a project exhibition open to participants, friends, family and community members.

We’re excited to support these efforts to improve access to high-quality library services that address local needs. Please contact Jen Nelson (651-582-8791) with questions or for more information about the projects.

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This service is provided to you at no charge by Minnesota Department of Education 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, Minnesota 55113 – 651.582.8200.
Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Updates from your State Librarian: 1/20

MDELogoTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: January 20, 2016
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Join the Supercharged Storytimes Community
State Library Services is pleased to announce that Supercharged Storytimes is now open to any interested public library staff across Minnesota. Through this dynamic online learning community, you can explore research-based early literacy concepts and specific strategies for reinforcing those concepts for kids, parents, and caregivers with intentionality and enthusiasm.

Upon joining the Supercharged learning community, public library staff members and volunteers in Minnesota have access to:
     • Recorded webinars that provide an overview of the significance of specific early literacy concepts, and strategies for enhancing interactivity in your practice;
     • Online supporting materials, such as videos, articles, tools and tip sheets;
     • Supercharged discussion forums, offering the ability to share ideas and collaborate with other public library colleagues around the state.

There is no cost for public library staff and volunteers in Minnesota to join, and the space will be available through March 31, 2016. To sign up:
     • Go to learn.webjunction.org and click on “Log in” in the upper right-hand corner.
          o Have a WebJunction account? Simply log in with your username and password.
          o New to WebJunction? Follow the instructions to create a new account.
     • After logging in, enroll in Supercharged Central – Minnesota by going to the WebJunction Course Catalog and search courses by entering: Supercharged
     • At the enrollment options page, select the Supercharged Central community for Minnesota, enter the following enrollment key: superchargedMN, and then click on “Enroll me.”
     • After you select “Enroll me,” you will see the Supercharged Storytimes community of practice page. Welcome to the community! The “Getting Started” information at the main page will tell you all you need to know to begin supercharging your practice!

Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions, comments and/or concerns.

Prepare for the 2015 Public Library Report
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2015 Public Library Report Refresher webinar on January 14! Unfortunately, there were “technical difficulties” and the PowerPoint slides for the 2014 key statistics and 2015 report changes were not visible to participants. If you would like a copy of the slides, please email Joe Manion, and he will send them to you. The presentation failed to record as well. You may view the Data Entry in LibPAS webinar which includes most of the information shared by Lindsay Thompson during the webinar.

Libraries are getting ready to complete the Public Library Report for 2015. Library directors and report filers will receive an email from Counting Opinions with their LibPAS username and password this week. Updated instructions and worksheets are now available from the LibPAS documentation page. Individual library worksheets should be available by the end of January. The survey opens early February and closes April 1.

Please feel free to contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640) for help in completing the annual report.

Learn How Your Library Can Be a Summer Food Program Site
Fewer than 15 percent of Minnesota kids who benefit from the free or reduced-price school lunch program have access to summer and afterschool food programs. Limited access to free food programs, particularly during the summer, leaves many children hungry. Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Begin planning your summer 2016 participation by attending an informational webinar on February 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. Jenny Butcher, USDA Summer Food Service Program Coordinator at MDE, will share how you can get involved. There is no need to pre-register. Please join the WebEx meeting online (meeting number 594 625 833) or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (conference code 874 403 3672). Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.

Back by Popular Demand: Storytimes for Grown Ups
Join Joe Manion, Library Development and Services Specialist with State Library Services, and Tim Claussen, Reader and Trainer, as they turn their popular MLA session into a half-day workshop! You’ll learn how to create and deliver an engaging storytime program designed for people living in senior residences (apartments, assisted living, care facilities, etc.).

During the training you will:
     • Learn from the experiences of both national and local storytime programs for adults.
     • Receive suggestions for choosing a theme to provide program cohesion.
     • Share and brainstorm with others about authors and selections that fit your theme.
     • Practice and/or observe “cold” readings and receive feedback and tips on reading selections.
     • Receive guidance about contacting facilities, setting up a storytime space, interacting with residents, handling discussions, and obtaining audience feedback.

Participants are encouraged to complete some simple pre-work, which is optional.
     • To help maximize your training time, come with a possible storytime theme (or two) that would appeal to senior residents in your library’s service area. Themes can be as specific as baseball or food or as general as seasons or holidays.
     • Then–as inspiration strikes–add authors and story/excerpt selections that fit your theme to start fleshing out your storytime program.
     • Bring two copies of one, lengthy paragraph (or similar-sized section) from a selection you have chosen. Depending on time, we will use the examples to practice delivery and stimulate brainstorming.

This free workshop is Thursday, March 3, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Roseville Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave., Roseville. Register early as space is limited. The workshop is sponsored by MELSA and State Library Services. For more information, contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640).

The Return of the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival
We are thrilled that 89 films made by Minnesota kids were submitted to the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival this year! The second annual screening of the best local entries is on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Make your free reservation today. Energetic co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy (90-Second Newbery founder and middle grade author of The Order of Odd-Fish) and Kelly Barnhill (Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy). Please download and print a promotional poster to help spread the word about this popular event. For more details, please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356).

The Libraries Serving Youth Meetup is an annual opportunity for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas. We invite you to join us at MDE on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about diversity in children’s literature from author Cathy Camper and get creative ideas from colleagues. Registration opens February 16, 2016. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and this listserv for more information.

Plan Now to Attend the Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
The Libraries Serving Youth Meetup is an annual opportunity for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas. We invite you to join us at MDE in Roseville on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about diversity in children’s literature from author Cathy Camper and get creative ideas from colleagues. We look forward to connecting with you–and being a catalyst for you to connect with others. Registration opens February 16, 2016. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and this listserv for more information.

Partner with Summer Reads
Summer Reads is an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) program that helps children entering grades K-4 combat the “summer slide” – the loss of learning that occurs over the summer. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as literacy tutors and program facilitators in schools, libraries and community programs to increase the amount of time dedicated to literacy, decrease child to adult ratios and increase reach to struggling readers. VISTAs may provide one-to-one or small group tutoring or lead literacy-focused creative enrichment activities. Apply before February 11 to host a Summer Reads VISTA. Visit the Minnesota Literacy Council Summer Reads VISTA website or contact Meghan Paul-Cook (651-251-9069) for more information.

Submit a Proposal for the Minnesota eLearning Summit
The Minnesota eLearning Summit, coordinated by Minnesota Learning Commons, is a gathering place for educators and innovators in the Midwest who are committed to effective online and blended learning. You are invited to submit a presentation, panel, and/or poster presentation proposal by Friday, March 11, 2016 for the 2016 Minnesota eLearning Summit, July 27-28, 2016 at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. For more information, including submission requirements and topics, visit the Minnesota eLearning Summit website or contact Julie Schmitz (612-624-4754).

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Update from your State Librarian

MDELogoTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: January 11, 2016
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Join Us for Webinars in January
Please note that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide a requested reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.

Tax Resources for Libraries
The 2016 tax season is coming up quickly! To help libraries serve their communities during the tax season, State Library Services and the Minnesota Department of Revenue invite you to attend the Resources for Libraries webinar on Thursday, January 14 from 10-11 a.m.

The webinar will cover:
– Minnesota Department of Revenue updates
– Common Minnesota credits
– Important tax dates
– Identity theft
– Free tax preparation sites
– Helpful resources
– Q&A
Please join the WebEx meeting online and call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using meeting number 594 801 277 / conference code 492 064 9083. The webinar will be recorded. Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8805) with questions or to request the recording link.

2015 Public Library Report Refresher
You’re invited to a webinar about how to submit your library’s 2015 Public Library Report to State Library Services. You’ll learn about data element additions and revisions as well as definition changes for electronic resources. You will also get a refresher about how to input data into the online LibPAS tool.

Joe Manion, State Data Coordinator, and Lindsay Thompson, Counting Opinions Director, will guide you through the process and answer your questions. Library directors, those newly assigned the task of submitting annual report data, and those who collect the data will benefit from the presentation.

The webinar is Thursday, January 14, 2-3 p.m. No registration is necessary; just join the WebEx meeting online or call 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using meeting number 593 230 972 / conference code 289 945 0924. For more information, please contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640).

Building the World’s Best Workforce at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library offers real-life work experience to Faribault-area students. Through Cannon River Educational Center’s Secondary Transition Education Program (STEP) and Faribault High School’s Work Experience Program, students gain employment readiness, social and work skills as they transition from school to the workforce. Read more about the program on MDE’s blog.

Save the Dates for Upcoming Special Events
The Libraries Serving Youth Meetup is an annual opportunity for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas. We invite you to join us at MDE on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about diversity in children’s literature from author Cathy Camper and get creative ideas from colleagues. Registration opens February 16, 2016. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and this listserv for more information.

The second annual screening of the best local 90-Second Newbery Film Festival entries is on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Make your free reservation here. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy (90-Second Newbery founder and middle grade author of The Order of Odd-Fish) and Kelly Barnhill (Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy). Please download and print a promotional poster to help spread the word about this popular event. For more details, please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356).

Learn How to Offer Storytime for Grown Ups
Join Joe Manion, Library Development and Services Specialist with State Library Services, and Tim Claussen, Reader and Trainer, to learn how to create and deliver a storytime program designed for individuals living in senior residences (apartments, assisted living, care facilities, etc.).

During the training you will:
• Learn from the experiences of both national and local storytime programs for adults.
• Receive suggestions for choosing a theme to provide program cohesion.
• Share and brainstorm with others about authors and selections that fit your theme.
• Practice and/or observe “cold” readings and receive feedback and tips on reading selections.
• Receive guidance about contacting facilities, setting up a storytime space, interacting with residents, handling discussions, and obtaining audience feedback.

Participants are encouraged to complete some simple pre-work, which is optional.
• To help maximize your training time, come with a possible storytime theme (or two) that would appeal to senior residents in your library’s service area. Themes can be as specific as baseball or food or as general as seasons or holidays.
• Then–as inspiration strikes–add authors and story/excerpt selections that fit your theme to start fleshing out your storytime program.
• Bring two copies of one, lengthy paragraph (or similar-sized section) from a selection you have chosen. Depending on time, we will use the examples to practice delivery and stimulate brainstorming.

This free workshop is Thursday, March 3, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Roseville Library, 2180 North Hamline Ave., Roseville. Register early as space is limited. The workshop is sponsored by MELSA and State Library Services. For more information, contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640).

Submit a Proposal for the Minnesota eLearning Summit
The Minnesota eLearning Summit, coordinated by Minnesota Learning Commons, is a gathering place for educators and innovators in the Midwest who are committed to effective online and blended learning. You are invited to submit a presentation, panel, and/or poster presentation proposal by Friday, March 11, 2016 for the 2016 Minnesota eLearning Summit, July 27-28, 2016 at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. For more information, including submission requirements and topics, visit the Minnesota eLearning Summit website or contact Julie Schmitz (612-624-4754).

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Update: 12/22/15

MDELogoAttend an Upcoming Tax Resources for Libraries Webinar
The 2016 tax season is coming up quickly! To help libraries serve their communities during the tax season, State Library Services and the Minnesota Department of Revenue invite you to attend the Resources for Libraries webinar on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 10-11 a.m.

The webinar will cover:
– Minnesota Department of Revenue updates
– Common Minnesota credits
– Important tax dates
– Identity theft
– Free tax preparation sites
– Helpful resources
– Q&A

Please join the WebEx meeting online and call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using meeting number 594 801 277. The webinar will be recorded. Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8805) with questions or to request the recording link.

Minnesota Public Library Report Update
Thank you to everyone who completed our data element questionnaire. Your feedback informs State Library Services about what information is useful and not a burden to collect for the annual Public Library Report.

Seventy-one public library directors, survey filers and other stakeholders responded. As a result of that feedback, the 2015 survey will add questions about library boards and summer reading programs. Public use indicators for duration of wireless sessions and number of full text retrievals from databases will not be included this year. Libraries will report branch daily hours by number of hours rather than opening and closing times.

The 2015 survey opens in early February. Instructions and documentation will be updated to include all the changes for this year, including definitions for electronic resources. If you did not have the opportunity to complete the questionnaire or have questions or concerns about the Public Library Report, please contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640).

Calling All Kid Filmmakers!
Know some imaginative kids? The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers make movies that creatively tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in ninety seconds or less. Making the film is a fun, creative and multi-faceted educational exercise. Kids cooperatively write, storyboard, produce, direct, costume, act, frame and edit their films.

Public librarians, school librarians, parents, teachers, and scout leaders are encouraged to work with their kids to make movies. The deadline to submit films for the 2015-2016 film festival is January 10, 2016. Inspiration and more information can be found on the 90-Second Newbery website. The second annual Minnesota screening of the best local entries is on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Make your free reservation here. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy (90-Second Newbery founder and middle grade author of The Order of Odd-Fish) and Kelly Barnhill (Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy). Please download and print a promotional poster to help spread the word about this popular event. For more details, please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356).

Save the Date—Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
The Meetup is an annual opportunity for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas. We invite you to join us at MDE on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about serving diverse audiences from author/librarian Cathy Camper and get creative ideas from colleagues. Registration opens February 16, 2016. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and this listserv for more information.

Upcoming Minnesota Literacy Council AmeriCorps Opportunities
The Minnesota Literacy Council (MLC) is recruiting organizational partners for the Summer Reads VISTA program. If your library offers summer learning for children entering grades K-4 and you’d like to benefit from highly-skilled tutors, check the MLC website for more details. For questions, please contact Meghan Paul-Cook (651-251-9069).

MLC has a second VISTA program, Literacy VISTA, which provides full-time, year-round VISTA members to work behind the scenes on creating, expanding or improving literacy-focused programming for children, youth, adults or families. For more info, visit the website, attend an information session (attendance required prior to applying) and contact Ellen Bergstrom (651-251-9151). Organizations may host both a Literacy VISTA and Summer Reads VISTA.

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season!