Family FYI ~ Library Media Center

Libraries Inspire!

     Research shows school libraries support student learning & higher academic achievement when staffed by qualified library teachers who also inspire & engage students with information literacy, technology integration, and literature appreciation.

School Libraries Matter cited by the American Library Association.

     The Helen Street School Library Media Center is a place where curiosity and problem solving are encouraged.  
 
    Centrally located as the "hub" in the school, it is the focal point for dreaming, stretching and discovery through pleasure reading, wondering, exploring, information seeking, knowledge building, and critical thinking.
 
     At Helen Street School, the Library Media Center is an important part of your student’s education.

LibraryPowerpoint.pptx

The Mission~
The Helen Street School Library Media Center's mission is to foster students' love of reading; provide access to quality materials; opportunities to integrate technology, and ensure development of information literacy skills necessary to become critical and ethical users of ideas and information.

The Academics~

Our library media center is a lively learning center that houses a wide range and amount of books, graphic novels, magazines and technology equipment for student and staff use.

Each student has access to iPads /Tablets, Chromebooks, two Computer Labs, and Laptops.  Each classroom has Digital Whiteboards or Digital Display Boards as standard instructional technology equipment.

Library classes occur weekly for all classes. Students receive lessons tied to HPS Library Curriculum centered around information literacy, technology and literature appreciation.

The District's Library Media Curriculum aligns itself with the Common Core and ALA Standards emphasizing literature appreciation, digital citizenship, critical thinking skills, research methods, technology integration, digital literacy and information literacy.

Book Loans~
> Each student can borrow up to 2
   books in addition to resources
   assigned by the classroom
   teacher.  
> Books are due 1 week later, but
   can be extended or when the class
   assignment is finished.
> There are no fines for late books,
    but Notices of Unreturned Books
    are sent home monthly and
    inserted in Report Envelopes. 
> OPEN LIBRARY- Daily.  Students
   are welcome to visit the library
   media center to return books
   and/or select new books for
   borrowing.

Acceptable Use Policy~
On registration, parents/guardians receive and sign an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), which describes the expectations for their child's technology and student account use. Students review the expectations in a student version of the AUP in Library Media class each school year.

Volunteer Opportunities~
Parents/Guardians are always welcome to volunteer in our school library. Best help includes~ Shelving books, Sorting books, Prepping teacher requests, Labeling and helping students during Open Library.

Morning drop-off times or Afternoon pick-up times are likely times, and 10-20 minutes can be very helpful. 

If no openings exist at Helen Street School, we will refer you to another Hamden Public School. 

Please contact Mr. Patrick, Library Media Specialist, to discuss needs, training and days/hours available.