Library
The Heatherwood library serves all students in grades PK-5. Students come to the library to check out books, get help with research and projects, work independently or in small groups, receive support with technology and digital resources, and of course read. In addition, each class comes to the library at least once a week for lessons co-taught by the classroom teacher and the teacher librarian. These lessons integrate technology, information literacy, digital citizenship, computer science, Design Thinking, and Project Based Learning with curricular content standards. Collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity are key skills fostered through instruction. Library materials are selected to meet the research and curriculum needs of students and teachers, as well as the personal interests of students. A school wide book fair is held in the library twice a year during conferences. The librarian schedules special visits from guest teaching experts, local firefighters, and published authors throughout the school year.
Welcoming students to get connected, feel inspired, and ignite curiosity
Values
Diversity, Inquiry, Collaboration, Respect, Growth
Mission
The mission of the Heatherwood Library is to develop a culture of respect, collaboration, and inquiry while empowering students to be effective consumers and producers of information, lifelong readers and learners, responsible digital citizens, and positively contributing members of society.
Vision
The Heatherwood Library aims to…
- Collaborate with teachers to devise and deliver meaningful instruction that facilitates student led inquiry and integrates 21st century learner skills, Colorado academic standards, and information & digital literacy skills.
- Build trusting, supportive, and long lasting relationships with students
- Make the library a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning center that enables flexible use of space for a wide variety of educational purposes
- Promote a collaborative environment allowing for open exchange of ideas, multiple perspectives, and equal access to information
- Maintain a diverse, current collection that meets the academic needs and interests of students & staff and encourages love of reading
- Utilize technology as a tool to transform learning and assessment
- Serve as a resource for students and staff by providing library services, curricular materials, instructional design support, technology assistance, and co-teaching opportunities
- Foster perseverance, creativity and problem solving through authentic learning experiences
- Partner with teachers, parents and the community to expand learning and favorably impact student achievement
Library Lending Policies
- Meadow Den (grades K-2) students can check out 2 books at a time, for a 2 week lending period.
- Mountain Den (grades 3-5) students can check out 4 books at a time, for a 2 week lending period.
- All students can renew books that are not on a reserved waiting list if they want to continue reading their books beyond the 2 week lending period.
- All students can search for and reserve books using the library catalog (access through the Single Sign on Portal) or by asking Mrs. Volkmar.
- The library catalog system sends out automated weekly emails to remind families of books they have checked out and overdue books. These are meant to serve as helpful reminders to bring your books back on time.
- If a book is returned damaged or is lost, the fine is $5 to help cover the cost of replacement. Fines can be paid by cash or check made out to Heatherwood Elementary and delivered to Mrs. Volkmar in the library.