The Media Center operates on an open/flexible schedule.
Students may visit the Media Center from 9:00am - 2:45pm. Kindergarten students are allowed to check out
one book, first and second grade students may check out two books,
third through fifth grade students may check out two books, or
one book and one magazine. The check out period for materials is
14 days.
The Parent Resource Library is located in the Media Center and
parents are welcome to check out materials.
Mrs. Teresa McGrew, Media Specialist
Mrs. Jackie Housego, Media Extroidinaire
407-877-8888 ext. 427
Visit Mrs. McGrews Website at http://teachers.ocps.net/mcgrewt
Welcome to the Lake Whitney Elementary Media Center
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lake Whitney Elementary Media Center is to
implement, enrich and support the educational program of the school.
The Library Media Center will provide a wide range of resources
and services on all levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal,
and the presentation of different points of view.
The vision of the Lake Whitney Media Center is to create a foundation
for life-long learning by providing an active, technology-rich
learning environment with an array of information resources and
a focus on the learning process.
Media Check Out Policy
A flexible access library media program will be available to
all Lake Whitney Elementary students. The goal of the school library
media program is to satisfy a student’s natural curiosity
for information, to provide opportunities for frequent learning
and reading experiences, and to develop the habit of using library
resources for recreation and lifelong learning. (Flexible Access
Library Media Programs by Jan Buchanan)
Students in grades K and 1 will visit the library as a class
on a weekly basis.
Students in grades 2 through 5 may visit the library in small
groups, individuals, or as a class providing the teacher schedules
time with the media personnel to accommodate small group and class
needs.
Students will be allowed to check out no more than 2 books with
the exception of Kindergarten and first grades which will only
be allowed to check out 1 book and may borrow these books on a
weekly basis. Fifth grade students are allowed to check out 3
books. Students in second through fifth grades may borrow books
for 2 weeks. Students are expected to return books on time and
in good condition in order to check out other books and materials
from the library media center. Students will be charged full price
for any lost or damaged books or materials beyond repair.
All students must have a Permission for Media Center Usage contract
and an internet usage permission slip on file before using the
Library Media Center.
The Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award
The Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (SSYRA) Program is a statewide
reading motivation program for students in grades 3-8. The program,
cosponsored by the School Library Media Services Office of the
Department of Education and the Florida Association for Media
in Education (FAME), began in 1983. The purpose of the SSYRA Program
is to encourage students to read independently for personal satisfaction,
based on interest rather than reading level. Sunshine State books
are selected based on their wide appeal, literary value, varied
genres, curriculum connections, and/or multicultural representation.
Students are encouraged to read books that are above, on, and
below their tested reading level in order to improve their reading
fluency.
The Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Program is coordinated
by library media specialists in schools participating in the program.
School library media specialists complete a participation form
for a school to participate in the program. Individual teachers
work with their library media specialist in implementing the school's
program.
The students must read 3 SSYRA books to vote for their favorite
book in the spring. The student who reads 10 or more will be able
to participate in an ice cream party at the end of the year. The
students reading all 15 of the award books will receive a gift
certificate to purchase a new book.
For more information go to www.myssyra.org
Morning Book Clubs
Children in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades are encouraged to participate
in book discussions before school begins throughout the year.
The students should have read the designated book before the book
club meets. They should have also taken an AR quiz prior to meeting
with the group. The students will participate in a discussion
and an activity centered on the book that was read.
Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computerized reading program that
measures the comprehension skills of students. Students read Accelerated
Reader books, take tests on the books read, and receive points
based on the number of correct answers. Accelerated Reader motivates
students to read.
Students in grades 2-5 take part in the program since the program
requires independent readers who can take the comprehension tests
on their own.
The program begins in the Media Center where students can select
books displaying the AR sticker on the spine. After reading the
book, the students can then go to the computer in the Media Center,
Tech Lab, or classroom to take a test. Students can also read
books from the public library or book stores. A list of AR books
may be found by going to the following website; https://hosted15.renlearn.com/707537/HomeConnect/Login.aspx
The tests are multiple choice questions based on information
from the story. The tests vary in length based on the level of
difficulty of the book. Students earn points for correct answers.
This program is designed for students to read and test on books
that are on their reading level. In order for students to progress
with their reading development, they must score an 80% or better
on each quiz.
Accelerated Reader helps students focus on understanding and
thinking critically about the stories they read. It improves comprehension,
reading strategies and self esteem.
For more information go to www.renlearn.com.
For the 2008-2009 school year the children participating in the
Accelerated Reader Program will have an opportunity to participate
in a number of activities that will celebrate their reading accomplishments.
Volunteers
There are many opportunities for parents and adult family members
to volunteer in the LWE Media Center.
Scholastic Book Fair – Volunteers are needed to assist
students in selecting and purchasing books, setting up the displays
and books as well as packing up the books and merchandise, and
decorating the Media Center in the book fair theme.
Fall book Fair – Oct. 27-31 (Preview days will be Oct.
21 – 23)
Spring Book Fair – April 13 – 17
End of the Year – May 18 – 21
Check the Additions Bulletin Board for more information.
Accelerated Reader – Volunteers are needed to assist with
the celebration parties throughout the year. Donations of food
and craft materials would be greatly appreciated.
Shelving Books – Any help in shelving books is greatly
appreciated! The Dewey Decimal system is used when shelving.
Book Processing – There are many steps in getting new books
ready to be placed on the shelves. Volunteers may assist with
stamping the books with LWE name, putting book jackets on the
covers, placing a genre sticker and an AR sticker on the spine
of the book.
Parent Resources
Did you know that there is a special section just for parents
in our Media Center? We have books on homework help, social development,
as well as “manipulatives” to help with math and reading.
So, please come in and check it out!
Websites
http://destiny.ocps.net - Lake Whitney’s library catalog
system. You may look to see what books and materials are available
in our library. The home page has many more links to websites
that may be helpful while doing homework and research projects.
http://ren.learn.com - Renaissance Learning website; You may
look for AR quizzes that Renaissance Learning has available.
http://www.ocls.lib.fl.us – Orange County Library System;
you will find links for homework help and Accelerated Reader.
http://school.eb.com – Encyclopedia Britannica; this is
an online encyclopedia for all schools for OCPS students. Home
access requires a username and password. User name: ocps Password:
orange
http://school.nettrekker.com – Net Trekker is a search
engine that organizes previewed websites organized by elementary
and secondary levels and subjects. Use ocps1 for the user name
and password
http://teachingbooks.net/student/ - Teaching Books is an online
author programs resource. Students may access from home using
the password orange.
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