Environment

Program Standard 4--CLIMATE/ENVIRONMENT

Component A--FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE SPACE

A highly effective teacher librarian creates a flexible and adaptable libary space that meets the needs of the school community.

Component B--APPEALING SPACE

A highly effective teacher librarian creates a library space with decor, furniture and materials that are irresistible, foster curiosity and learning and reflect student needs and interests.

Additional criteria that indicate an appealing space: shelves with ample "breathing room", out-facing books and eye-catching displays, comfortable seating conducive to different types of learning, natural light (when possible, zones for quiet study and collaborative learning.

The RHMS library is an essential place offering a dynamic mix of activities that cater to all interests.  It is equipped with large screen TVs that showcase engaging book trailers, announcements and academic vocabulary. Patrons can engage with puzzles that challenge their minds or hop on exercise bikes for a quick workout while listening to captivating audiobooks. Cozy reading rockers by the fireplace invite students to settle in with a good book and the sticker wall encourages collaboration. Students reading aloud to each other and weekly story time for readers of all abilities has sparked a love of reading. The “Bring a Book, Take a Book” display is a favorite among students and staff. The library collects donations from the community and purchases some titles so that visitors can exchange their own books from home with a “new” book from the display. This is a permanent display that no matter the reading level traded, participants have the opportunity to experience a new, crisp, inviting title to keep as their own.

Exercise Bikes, Puzzles and Games

Component C--SAFE, INCLUSIVE & WELCOMING SPACE

A highly effective teacher librarian collaborates with the school community to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming library environment that meets the needs of all users and reflects student identities, languages and lived experiences.

All patrons attend a library orientation during the first two weeks of each school year. The 6th grade enjoys a slideshow detailing all aspects of the learning space while 7th and 8th grade participate in a review scavenger hunt. Expectations are enforced with a positive flair and the orientation slides are included as reminder on the TVs each month and are posted on the library website. The library’s adjustable schedule facilitates Classroom Teacher and Teacher Librarian collaboration to incorporate subject standards and research, writing and library skills. All 6th and 7th grade Language Arts classes are scheduled bi-weekly for book checkout and 8th grade LA classes use a drop-in system. During the 2023-2024 school year, the RHMS library had the highest circulation statistics for a middle school in the district. The library has become a refuge for students before and after school as well as during lunch periods, averaging 700-1000 individual student visits per month. Additionally, the critical thinking questions posted on the library window each week enables patron voice. The rules of the library are simple and positive; they also align with our school philosophy of The Nighthawk Way--We Respect, We Own It and We Are Kind, which empowers patrons to take ownership of their library experience.

How Can You Be A Good Creature?----Inclusion