SCHEDULING & COLLABORATION

In order to meet the teaching and learning needs of our school community, our media center uses a flexible schedule.  Teachers may schedule class visits to the media center to check out materials for self-selected reading, research activities, special events, and media/technology integration projects.  Mrs. Epps enjoys collaborating with teachers to plan, co-teach, and assess instructional activities.  Teachers are encouraged to schedule collaborative planning and teaching sessions in advance.  Please let the media staff know if you have a scheduled time but will not be able to come. The library media center is open from 7:45-4:00 on days when the media assistant is on campus and 8:15-4:00 on other days of the week. 

Teachers are encouraged to request media center materials to use in their classrooms or in the computer labs.  The media center also welcomes classes who wish to integrate the media center laptop cart into instruction during a media center visit.  Be sure to schedule the facilities, resources, and personnel needed for each instructional activity in advance. Due to high demand for media center access and serving two schools, classes are not usually booked into the media center or media center lab more than 1-2 days in a week maximum. Priority will be given to groups needing to use both print and non-print materials for research/inquiry-based lessons. We are happy to pull and reserve print materials for you to take to your classroom if you would like. Please give us at least 2-3 days’ notice to pull resources. Advance notice gives us adequate time to select resources that match your instructional goals. Scheduling and resources requests may be made in person, through email or by completing the Media Request Form on the MC website.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS, SEATING CHARTS, & HALL PASSES 

Students are expected to have excellent conduct while participating in media center instructional activities and events.  Seating charts are helpful in maintaining a productive climate during whole class visits. Teachers are encouraged to schedule time and collaborate with us in the media center. We are eager to support your instruction and to help your students develop effective information literacy and research skills in all areas. 

Teachers may send 1-2 students to check out materials/work in the media center on a hall pass throughout the day under normal circumstances. Students must have a signed class pass and sign in/out at the circulation desk. They must have a clear assignment and know their expected return time. Teachers may call ahead to check availability or make advanced arrangements for small groups of students who need to use the media center or to bring a whole class to check out a novel. The media center may not be available for small groups at the last minute. Computer use should be school-related. Students should come to the media center before school or between classes to receive a lunch pass from the media center staff if they would like to work, read, study, or complete school assignments in the media center during lunch.

Substitute teachers are sometimes uncomfortable being responsible for monitoring student use of lab equipment. Substitute teachers may bring classes to the media center or computer lab only if the regular teacher has made arrangements with Mrs. Epps in advance.

We really need everyone’s help in order to keep our library and lab resources up and running smoothly. We are fortunate to have great technology and media resources. Please help us with upkeep so our resources last as long as possible by following school and library rules when your classes are in the media center or lab.

 Students should not:

-Have open food, candy, or drinks in the media center unless for an approved event.

Use personal electronic devices, cell phones, and earbuds/headsets. (School headsets must be checked out as a set by a teacher and should only be used for educational activities that require sound.) 

All teachers must:

-Monitor students throughout the visit and report damage or misuse immediately. 

-Be sure students throw away trash and refrain from writing on furniture or equipment. 

-Leave lab and media center tables and chairs tidy and ready for the next group. 

By using a seating chart and checking behind each group, you should be able to identify students who don’t follow these expectations. 

 Printing: Students should request permission from their teacher or the media staff before printing in the media center. Students should proofread their work, take notes, and minimize printing as much as possible. High school print jobs should be directed to the media center’s printer #3. Students should follow copyright guidelines and use appropriate citations to give credit in their academic work. 

 LAMINATOR  

• The laminator needs to be used while media staff is on campus to assist with mechanical issues. It is typically located in the media center conference room and is available for middle and high school staff member use from 7:00 am until 3:45 pm. Please plan to use the laminator during these hours while media staff is present. As a safety precaution, do not enter the media center and plug it up after hours. Do not move it to a new location without .

• If you have never used the laminator, a media staff member needs to show you how to operate it. There are important precautionary steps to take to keep it operational (especially with the laminator film clamps).  The laminator clamps help  provide weight to the film as it goes through the rollers. They must be in place while the laminator is used and put back into position when you are finished.  Please do not attempt to replace the rolls if the film runs out unless you have been trained by a media assistant.  

• Students are not allowed to use the laminator due to safety concerns.

The laminator must not  be left powered on for extended  periods of time. If you would like to use the laminator, please call ahead to the Media Center Circulation Desk (78640) and a media staff member will preheat it for you. Please call rather than email. It takes about 15-20 minutes to preheat to the proper temperature. Please come to use the laminator promptly after it has preheated  and let us know when you have finished. The machine heats to nearly 400 degrees. It damages the equipment and emits fumes when left on for extended periods of time.  Be sure to power off and unplug the laminator when you are finished. Make certain the clamps are reattached to the laminate film roll “tail” in the back of the laminator properly. Leave a 6-8” tail with the clamps so the film doesn’t loop back into the machine  Please do not remove the scissors that are attached to the machine.

VIDEOS 

Videos and DVDs must be integrated into direct teaching and lesson plans. It is helpful to check equipment and channels prior to your intended time of use.  Outside video/DVDs and rated video/DVDs must be used according the district video policy. Outside videos must have administrative approval, as well as parent opt-in approval for any PG/PG-13 rated video or unrated video containing PG/PG-13 content. Please see Mrs. Epps or Mrs. Webster if you need more information or approval forms (also on our website).