Learning Commons

Contents:

The H.J.Sabbagh Learning Commons

The H.J.Sabbagh Learning Commons, formerly known as the H.J.Sabbagh Library, is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

What you can find in the LC

  • Books available and targeted to the needs of students and faculty for their project research and for their independent reading.

  • A selection of databases and e-books targeted to the needs of students and faculty for their project research

  • Quiet spaces for individual student research and study

  • Collaborative spaces for student and faculty group project work.

  • Research skills courses targeted to the needs of students of different grade levels.

  • Individual and group guidance for researching individual or group topic

LC Expectations

  • Quiet talking is permitted in the library but we all must be considerate of people who need quiet to study.

  • No food or drinks are allowed in the library. Water is permitted but not next to a computer.

  • No playing video games or watching non-educational videos on the library computers.

  • No games should be played in the library except chess or scrabble at lunchtime and after school.

  • Use the printer modestly.

  • Please do not print 10 and 20-page articles or papers.

  • No lying down on the sofas and chairs. This means feet on the floor.

  • No sitting on tables or desktops.

  • No inappropriate displays of physical affection.

  • No sound on the computers or other devices unless you use earphones.

  • No talking or recording on cell phones or other devices.

  • Please clean up after yourself when you leave: throw water bottles out or take them with you, log off of the computer, throw out papers you don’t want, collect your things and push in the chair.

The Math, Writing and Media Studios can accommodate individual students, small groups, or an entire class. Individual students can walk in at any time with a pass from their teacher, or on their own during lunch, before or after school.

Math Studio: LC 3rd level

Regular drop-in ( class connected activities) - One on one learning ( to meet individual student needs):

  • Small group whole class instruction and activities

  • Students work in small groups with the teacher as the facilitator

  • Creating educational games

  • Hands-on activities

  • Providing students with Online quizzes/ Tests

  • SAT prep classes

  • The ideal place for students to visit in order to learn and exchange ideas on Mathematics.

  • An inquiry approach to learning. Math inquiry- an exploration into things the students are interested in finding out and /or solving.

  • Subscription to a variety of websites which will enhance learning.

  • Hands-on group games available to students

  • Supplies available for better introducing certain topics (3d shapes, boards with grid lines an e.t.c.)

  • Math Game Sessions

  • Young Mathematicians Groups

  • Sharing sessions for teachers

Writing Studio: LC 2nd level

Regular drop-in ( class connected activities) - One on one learning( to meet students' individual needs):

  • Small groups whole class instruction/workshops

  • Students work in small groups with the teacher as the facilitator

  • Hands-on activities

  • Online and face to face mini-lessons in specific editing/ proofreading skills

  • Writing workshops

  • SAT prep classes

  • Support for writing assignments in all disciplines, grades 6-12- collaborative with classroom teachers to guide students through all stages of the writing process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, proofreading.

  • Scrabble: collaboration with Math Studio once a week to engage students and have a tournament on a monthly, semester, or annual basis.

  • Writing Groups

  • Learning Commons

  • Publications- Literary Magazine

  • Book Club for adults

Media Studio: LC 2nd level

● Audio, print, video, media design and production

● Film/Media Festivals Events (sponsored by the entire library team)

● Film Media Club (sponsored by the entire library team)

● Film Nights (sponsored by the entire library team)

● Accommodate interdisciplinary project development

● Guiding the use of the Media Studio across all disciplines

● Media Productions ( class productions, individual projects)

● Studio Courses ( to be developed )

● Production of student and faculty media projects and showcasing work

Lost/ Damaged Books

Replacement costs will be charged for lost or damaged library materials.

Library Computer Use

Library computers are for research/writing purposes only. Playing games and creating inappropriate desktops are not permitted. Students are also asked to wear earphones when listening to sound on a computer. Students should not tamper with hardware or software in any manner.

Personal Laptops

Personal laptops are to be used for research and writing purposes only. Playing games is prohibited. Students are asked to wear earphones when listening to sound on their computers.

Logging Out

Students must remember to log out of the computers before leaving the library.


Internet Access

Use of Stations

The use of the library Internet Stations must be in support of curricular research and be consistent with the educational objectives of ACS Athens.

Research On Stations

Students may use the Internet stations for research assigned by the teachers of the Academy and the Middle School.

Internet Acceptable Use Authorization Form

Students and their parents must sign the Internet Acceptable Use Policy Authorization Form, which is part of the Student-Parent Handbook Agreement form before they are allowed to use the Internet facilities of the school.