Students are allowed to check out one book at a time at the beginning of the year. After a couple of weeks, they are allowed to check out two books at a time (unless they owe a book from the previous year). Starting in January, students may check out three books at at time.
Generally, we encourage students to check out two different kinds of books. They are not allowed to check out two books from the same popular series or topic, because we want to make sure many students can check out those popular books.
Books are checked out for two weeks at a time, although students may certainly turn their books in early or renew them if they are still reading a book.
Students may check out books when they come with their class to Media Enhancement. They may also ask their teacher for a Media Pass at any time to return and check out books.
Over 650 students use the media collection at MIS. When a book is lost or damaged, it is unavailable for other students to use. To help us purchase replacement books, we charge fines for lost or unusable books.
If a book is only slightly damaged but still usable, we do not charge a damage fine the first time. If the student brings in a second damaged book, we charge a small fine to help pay for repairs.
If a book is lost or damaged beyond any use, we charge a fine based on the cost of the book and its age. We waive about 10% of the cost per year old down to a minimum of $3. For example, if a book is three years old, we would waive about 30% of the cost. Payments may be made with cash or a check written to MIS.
If a student pays for a lost book, and the book is later found, we refund the payment. We can only do this if the book is returned within the same school year.
The selection of materials for the MIS Media Center collection is guided by MGSD School Board Policy 3200, Part B: Selection of Supplementary Materials.
"The objectives for the selection of supplementary materials are as follows:
a. to provide a wide range of materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the individual needs and varied interests, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, learning styles and developmental levels of the students served;
b. to provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards;
c. to provide a background of information that will enable students to comprehend their role as citizens in society and to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives;
d. to provide resources representing various points of view on controversial issues so that students as young citizens may develop, under guidance, the skills of critical thinking and critical analysis;
e. to provide resources representative of the many religious, ethnic and cultural groups in our nation and the contributions of these groups to our American heritage; and
f. to place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of material of the highest quality in order to ensure a comprehensive collection appropriate for all users."
Updated 5/24/24 K. Thoennes