Click here to upload file | |
File Size: | 29 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Sandy Hook Elementary School Library Media Center Site Visit
Newtown is the fifth largest town in Connecticut with 60.38 square miles or 38,644 acres. It is located in Fairfield Country in the southwest portion of the state and about sixty miles from New York City. The town seal “may include the rooster weathervane located atop The Meeting House but for many, the symbol of Newtown is the 110 foot flagpole (10 foot is underground) in the middle of Main Street” (“Welcome to the Town of Newtown”). Established in 1711, Newtown has five distinct neighborhoods (Newtown borough, Sandy Hook, Hawleyville, Botsford and Dodgingtown) with approximately 33,770 residents. According to the Strategic School Profile located on the Department of Education’s website, the average per capita income for families in 2000 was $37,786. About 8.2% of adults did not have a high school diploma while 1.0% of adults were not fluent in English. In the Sandy Hook neighborhood alone 48.8% “of the working population is employed in executive, management, and professional occupations” (“About Sandy Hook / Rocky Glen”). It is considered a wealthy neighborhood, making “it among the 15% highest income neighborhoods in America” (“About Sandy Hook / Rocky Glen”).
The School District
The town has seven public schools: four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school in addition to three private schools: one Montessori school, one catholic school and one Waldorf school. About 20%-25% of the population is made up of school aged students (5,550-6,940) with about 34% (1,890-2,360) at the elementary school level which in Newtown is defined as PK-4 (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). Only 8.0% of the students are considered minority with 1.7% of the district’s students living in homes where English is not the primary language (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). The graduate rate of the class of 2009 was 95.6%, higher than the state’s average of 91.3% (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). About 90.1% of graduates pursue higher education compared to the state’s 84.5% while 5.6% reported to have employment (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”).
The School District
The town has seven public schools: four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school in addition to three private schools: one Montessori school, one catholic school and one Waldorf school. About 20%-25% of the population is made up of school aged students (5,550-6,940) with about 34% (1,890-2,360) at the elementary school level which in Newtown is defined as PK-4 (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). Only 8.0% of the students are considered minority with 1.7% of the district’s students living in homes where English is not the primary language (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). The graduate rate of the class of 2009 was 95.6%, higher than the state’s average of 91.3% (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). About 90.1% of graduates pursue higher education compared to the state’s 84.5% while 5.6% reported to have employment (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”).
Sandy Hook Elementary School
Sandy Hook Elementary School (SHS) was originally built in 1956 and has not undergone renovations. Last year it contained the grades K-4 with a total of around 521 students. Just this year two out of the three preschool classrooms moved to SHS thus upping the school’s enrollment. SHS has always been the largest elementary school in the district although its enrollment numbers are starting to drop along with the other elementary schools. There are 25 classrooms in the school: 2 Preschool, 2 Kindergarten, 5 First Grade, 5 Second Grade, 6 Third Grade and 5 Fourth Grade. There are 6 special area teachers as well as 17 specialty and support staff. The school’s ethnic breakdown is as follows (not including Preschool numbers): White 89.4%, Black 1.9%, Hispanic 3.8%, and Asian/Pacific Islander 4.8% (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). Around 3.5% of the students are eligible to participate in the free lunch program and 0.5% in the reduced-price lunch program (USA.com). The average class size for Kindergarten is 16.7 (district-16.2, state- 18.5) while second grade has a 21.5 average size (district-19.8, state-19.7) (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”).
The school itself is square shaped with classes along the outside and inside of the square. It remains a true neighborhood school, located on Dickinson Drive just off the heart of the Sandy Hook section of Newtown. SHS is surrounded by the fire department on one side of the building and a daycare / senior citizen center on the other as well as residential homes. One of the two town parks is also minutes away.
Test Scores
According to the Connecticut Mastery Test results, SHS has met all the standards for the past six years on its Third and Fourth Grade Mathematics, Reading and Writing tests.
Sandy Hook Elementary School (SHS) was originally built in 1956 and has not undergone renovations. Last year it contained the grades K-4 with a total of around 521 students. Just this year two out of the three preschool classrooms moved to SHS thus upping the school’s enrollment. SHS has always been the largest elementary school in the district although its enrollment numbers are starting to drop along with the other elementary schools. There are 25 classrooms in the school: 2 Preschool, 2 Kindergarten, 5 First Grade, 5 Second Grade, 6 Third Grade and 5 Fourth Grade. There are 6 special area teachers as well as 17 specialty and support staff. The school’s ethnic breakdown is as follows (not including Preschool numbers): White 89.4%, Black 1.9%, Hispanic 3.8%, and Asian/Pacific Islander 4.8% (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). Around 3.5% of the students are eligible to participate in the free lunch program and 0.5% in the reduced-price lunch program (USA.com). The average class size for Kindergarten is 16.7 (district-16.2, state- 18.5) while second grade has a 21.5 average size (district-19.8, state-19.7) (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”).
The school itself is square shaped with classes along the outside and inside of the square. It remains a true neighborhood school, located on Dickinson Drive just off the heart of the Sandy Hook section of Newtown. SHS is surrounded by the fire department on one side of the building and a daycare / senior citizen center on the other as well as residential homes. One of the two town parks is also minutes away.
Test Scores
According to the Connecticut Mastery Test results, SHS has met all the standards for the past six years on its Third and Fourth Grade Mathematics, Reading and Writing tests.
Library Media Center
SHS’s library media center is located on the inside of the square behind the office. While centrally located in the school, it does not have easy access from the main entrance as individuals would need to walk half the length of the school to get to the library. The library is open all day and is run by one full time library media specialist, one part time library media specialist, two part time library assistants and multiple volunteers. Since SHS has always been the largest school in the district it has the most classes and has thus proved the need for a part-time LMS who comes in on Thursdays. Teachers are welcome to schedule time to come into the library during its free time however only the fourth grade teachers take advantage of this during the second half of the school year for a research assignment.
There is a computer lab attached to the library in the back with 24 computers for student use, 2 teacher computers and 1 printer. (A separate computer lab is also present in the school.) In addition there is a mobile lab top cart that teachers can check out for their class for research purposes. Students return their materials to the library in bins in their classroom on the morning of their library day although students can come in any morning to return or check out materials, just not during scheduled classes. Every class is allowed only a certain number of books to check out for pleasure but is allowed an unlimited number for research purposes.
SHS’s library media center is located on the inside of the square behind the office. While centrally located in the school, it does not have easy access from the main entrance as individuals would need to walk half the length of the school to get to the library. The library is open all day and is run by one full time library media specialist, one part time library media specialist, two part time library assistants and multiple volunteers. Since SHS has always been the largest school in the district it has the most classes and has thus proved the need for a part-time LMS who comes in on Thursdays. Teachers are welcome to schedule time to come into the library during its free time however only the fourth grade teachers take advantage of this during the second half of the school year for a research assignment.
There is a computer lab attached to the library in the back with 24 computers for student use, 2 teacher computers and 1 printer. (A separate computer lab is also present in the school.) In addition there is a mobile lab top cart that teachers can check out for their class for research purposes. Students return their materials to the library in bins in their classroom on the morning of their library day although students can come in any morning to return or check out materials, just not during scheduled classes. Every class is allowed only a certain number of books to check out for pleasure but is allowed an unlimited number for research purposes.
Four computers are scattered throughout the front of the library for student use to locate materials. In the front of the library there is a Nutmeg carousal and posters around the library advertising various awards such as Newberry, Caldecott and Coretta Scott King. Teachers do not stay for library lessons however collaborations occur throughout the year. Classes come to the library once a week for a 40 minute class although kindergarteners only have a 30 minute class since they are on a half day schedule.
Observations
The Library Media Center at Sandy Hook Elementary School is a continuous bustle of activity. During my time observing I was able to see a Kindergarten, First, Second and Third grade class in action. Each class began with a welcome message telling the students exactly what to expect for their time in the library. The classes then had a different lesson that followed before being allowed to search and check out materials and then dismissed. Teachers did not venture beyond the entrance when dropping off their classes.
The Library Media Center at Sandy Hook Elementary School is a continuous bustle of activity. During my time observing I was able to see a Kindergarten, First, Second and Third grade class in action. Each class began with a welcome message telling the students exactly what to expect for their time in the library. The classes then had a different lesson that followed before being allowed to search and check out materials and then dismissed. Teachers did not venture beyond the entrance when dropping off their classes.
Students were actively engaged throughout each lesson and seemed to genuinely enjoy being in the library. The most excited students got, and loudest, is when they were able to check out books. Each student had a specific topic in mind and either sought out their books independently, with friends, on the computer or by asking the library media specialist (Mrs. Yvonne Cech) or other staff. One student even asked me for assistance which I tried to do although unsuccessfully (as it was my first time in the library). The library media specialist was extremely knowledgeable about her collection and hurriedly attempted to help every student that asked her a question before time ran out.
The circulation desk is located right near the entrance of the library and is kept very neat. The library schedule and volunteer schedule is located behind the desk on a cork board. While not easily located to somewhere who did not know where to look, the library staff was very friendly and open to answering any questions. Each of the large work tables in the library has a bin full of pencils, crayons, colored pencils, scissors and glue for student use. Prior to student arrival, the library media specialist placed out student name tags based upon her already configured seating plan and put her introduction letter to the students on her smart board. Students were instructed to enter into the library, grab a cushion from a bin if they would like one, and sit on the rug in the middle of the library in front of the desks and white board. That is where students would read their introduction letter to determine their schedule for their library class time. The only down time that I witnessed during the day was the 20 minutes that the library media specialist had to grab a quick lunch and answer a few of my questions. Even during that time several students ventured into the library to search for materials.
A great thing that I observed was the constant coming and goings of library volunteers. One new volunteer even came in and was trained by one of the library assistants and then evaluated to the library media specialist to determine if they would have what it takes. The library relies heavily on volunteers. They are well-trained, expected to be there for their designated time and provide assistance by doing clerical duties, assisting students in locating books and checking out materials and shelving. It is clear that the library would not run as effectively or efficiently without the large number of volunteers. I noticed that every student left the library happy even if they could not find the book they were searching for. A library worker instructed the student on how to put themselves on a wait list for the piece of material and the next steps in the process.
The library collection appeared to be in a state of transition. According to Mrs. Cech, the collection has been weeded down from 21,000 pieces of material to 19,672 to make room for the upwards of $12,000 worth of material that has been ordered. The books in the Fiction area are being shifted over by either putting certain series together elsewhere (despite different authors) or pulling larger series (such as Harry Potter) out of the shelves and on top of the stacks with a special display. The librarians have worked hard to organize popular topics together based on what they have noticed students searching for. For example, fairies was a topic that a lot of students were interested in so rather than searching all the shelves for books on fairies the librarians chose to create a separate space for that particular category. Spines are also labeled with stickers for various categories (such as scary or holiday) to make students more independent searchers. The collection itself looked a bit worn but items were organized in an easily understood fashion and students were able to access what it was they were looking for.
Reactions
Even though I work in the building I had never ventured into the library as all of my time is spent elsewhere. I found the library to be a very welcoming and inviting place. The few times since my observation that I have ventured in there has always been a staff member with a smile to ask me how they can help me. Unfortunately I have not always found the library media specialist to be available. In fact, she seems quite overextended. With teaching 23 classes throughout the week, participating in meetings, managing staff and managing the library in general, she has quite a lot on her plate. Luckily the school hired a part-time library media specialist to assist in teaching several classes although I am not clear on logistically how the two can run classes simultaneously.
Perhaps the most obvious drawback that I found was that while SHS houses the most students, the library itself seems to be quite cramped. Often times, as I observed, I found myself being in the way of students searching for books or staff members shelving books. The space just appeared to be too small. With the computer area taking up a large portion of the library as well as desk space, there is just not enough space for materials. Many bins are located on top of the shelves near the windows with lower level books for students to browse through. I also found it to not be convenient that the library media specialist’s desk is located on the other side of the library as the circulation desk and library assistant’s desks. I did not think that the library was configured correctly although I admit that the library is limited in what they can do with the space that they have.
As a student I would enjoy visiting the library as there are signs displayed with what labels are on the books and many individuals around, as well as computers, to aid me in my searches. All of the computers have Internet access and have high to moderate power/speed. There are plenty of volumes in the library with a ratio of 29.1:1 and print periodical subscriptions 13:1 (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). In addition, each student has access to icon.org. There is an abundance of materials, both new and old, to choose from.
Despite the space limitations, the library is definitely one that I could see myself love working in. With an influx of volunteers coming and going, it seems to run like a well oiled machine. While I do believe that the current library media specialist is not only extremely educated, organized and great at her job, I believe that the lack of teacher involvement makes the media center not as valued as it could be. Although I do wonder if observing at the beginning of the school year may have not allowed me to see as much as involvement as there may be later on in the year as students become more familiar with the setting. The library media specialist informed me about many great programs that the library has done in the past and will continue this upcoming year making me wish that I had the time to spend more of my time in the library media center throughout the year.
The circulation desk is located right near the entrance of the library and is kept very neat. The library schedule and volunteer schedule is located behind the desk on a cork board. While not easily located to somewhere who did not know where to look, the library staff was very friendly and open to answering any questions. Each of the large work tables in the library has a bin full of pencils, crayons, colored pencils, scissors and glue for student use. Prior to student arrival, the library media specialist placed out student name tags based upon her already configured seating plan and put her introduction letter to the students on her smart board. Students were instructed to enter into the library, grab a cushion from a bin if they would like one, and sit on the rug in the middle of the library in front of the desks and white board. That is where students would read their introduction letter to determine their schedule for their library class time. The only down time that I witnessed during the day was the 20 minutes that the library media specialist had to grab a quick lunch and answer a few of my questions. Even during that time several students ventured into the library to search for materials.
A great thing that I observed was the constant coming and goings of library volunteers. One new volunteer even came in and was trained by one of the library assistants and then evaluated to the library media specialist to determine if they would have what it takes. The library relies heavily on volunteers. They are well-trained, expected to be there for their designated time and provide assistance by doing clerical duties, assisting students in locating books and checking out materials and shelving. It is clear that the library would not run as effectively or efficiently without the large number of volunteers. I noticed that every student left the library happy even if they could not find the book they were searching for. A library worker instructed the student on how to put themselves on a wait list for the piece of material and the next steps in the process.
The library collection appeared to be in a state of transition. According to Mrs. Cech, the collection has been weeded down from 21,000 pieces of material to 19,672 to make room for the upwards of $12,000 worth of material that has been ordered. The books in the Fiction area are being shifted over by either putting certain series together elsewhere (despite different authors) or pulling larger series (such as Harry Potter) out of the shelves and on top of the stacks with a special display. The librarians have worked hard to organize popular topics together based on what they have noticed students searching for. For example, fairies was a topic that a lot of students were interested in so rather than searching all the shelves for books on fairies the librarians chose to create a separate space for that particular category. Spines are also labeled with stickers for various categories (such as scary or holiday) to make students more independent searchers. The collection itself looked a bit worn but items were organized in an easily understood fashion and students were able to access what it was they were looking for.
Reactions
Even though I work in the building I had never ventured into the library as all of my time is spent elsewhere. I found the library to be a very welcoming and inviting place. The few times since my observation that I have ventured in there has always been a staff member with a smile to ask me how they can help me. Unfortunately I have not always found the library media specialist to be available. In fact, she seems quite overextended. With teaching 23 classes throughout the week, participating in meetings, managing staff and managing the library in general, she has quite a lot on her plate. Luckily the school hired a part-time library media specialist to assist in teaching several classes although I am not clear on logistically how the two can run classes simultaneously.
Perhaps the most obvious drawback that I found was that while SHS houses the most students, the library itself seems to be quite cramped. Often times, as I observed, I found myself being in the way of students searching for books or staff members shelving books. The space just appeared to be too small. With the computer area taking up a large portion of the library as well as desk space, there is just not enough space for materials. Many bins are located on top of the shelves near the windows with lower level books for students to browse through. I also found it to not be convenient that the library media specialist’s desk is located on the other side of the library as the circulation desk and library assistant’s desks. I did not think that the library was configured correctly although I admit that the library is limited in what they can do with the space that they have.
As a student I would enjoy visiting the library as there are signs displayed with what labels are on the books and many individuals around, as well as computers, to aid me in my searches. All of the computers have Internet access and have high to moderate power/speed. There are plenty of volumes in the library with a ratio of 29.1:1 and print periodical subscriptions 13:1 (“Strategic School Profile 2009-10”). In addition, each student has access to icon.org. There is an abundance of materials, both new and old, to choose from.
Despite the space limitations, the library is definitely one that I could see myself love working in. With an influx of volunteers coming and going, it seems to run like a well oiled machine. While I do believe that the current library media specialist is not only extremely educated, organized and great at her job, I believe that the lack of teacher involvement makes the media center not as valued as it could be. Although I do wonder if observing at the beginning of the school year may have not allowed me to see as much as involvement as there may be later on in the year as students become more familiar with the setting. The library media specialist informed me about many great programs that the library has done in the past and will continue this upcoming year making me wish that I had the time to spend more of my time in the library media center throughout the year.
Work Cited
“11-05-10 Demographic Subcommittee.” The Official Site of Newtown, CT. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. < http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_FFHMasterCommMin/2010%20Minutes/S02D6BA2F>.
“About Sandy Hook / Rocky Glen.” Neighborhood Scout. Web. 30 Sept. 2012. <http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ct/newtown/sandy-hook/#desc>.
Cech, Yvonne. “Sandy Hook School’s Library Media Center. Personal Interview by Erin D’Elia. 21 Sept. 2012.
“Strategic School Profile 2009-10.” Newtown Public School District. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. < http://www.newtown.k12.ct.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=AZ_YS0P-ofk%3d&tabid=3295&mid=4633>.
USA.com. “Sandy Hook Elementary School.” USA.COM. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.usa.com/public-school/sandy-hook-elementary-school-sandy-hook-ct-090291000617.html?nv=hawleyville-ct-public-schools>.
“Welcome to the Town of Newtown!” The Official Site of Newtown, CT. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_WebDocs/about>.
“About Sandy Hook / Rocky Glen.” Neighborhood Scout. Web. 30 Sept. 2012. <http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ct/newtown/sandy-hook/#desc>.
Cech, Yvonne. “Sandy Hook School’s Library Media Center. Personal Interview by Erin D’Elia. 21 Sept. 2012.
“Strategic School Profile 2009-10.” Newtown Public School District. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. < http://www.newtown.k12.ct.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=AZ_YS0P-ofk%3d&tabid=3295&mid=4633>.
USA.com. “Sandy Hook Elementary School.” USA.COM. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.usa.com/public-school/sandy-hook-elementary-school-sandy-hook-ct-090291000617.html?nv=hawleyville-ct-public-schools>.
“Welcome to the Town of Newtown!” The Official Site of Newtown, CT. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_WebDocs/about>.