Battlefield Primary School Media Center Facility Plan Cynthia Wagner ITEC 7132 Administration of the Instructional Media Program Fall 2008 Instructors: Mrs. Lynn Sears Dr. Judi Repman

School Mission Statement We CARE at Battlefield Primary School Challenging environments where All children and staff Reach their full potential because of high Expectations

Just the Basics Battlefield Primary School (BPS) opened in August 2001 to meet the needs of a growing community. There are 492 students in pre-k through 2nd grade currently enrolled. BPS employs 50 teachers (including 2 administrators) and 33 support personnel. BPS has one media specialist and a half-time media center parapro (3.5 hours per day).

Just the Basics Two lottery pre-k classrooms One special education pre-k classroom Eight kindergarten classes Eight first grade classrooms Eight second grade classrooms Total of 27 homerooms

Media Center Mission Statement The mission of the BPS Media Center is to foster a love of reading and learning in an environment that is rich in literature and information resources.

Media Center Policies Students with overdue materials may not check out additional items. Students may renew their books by bringing them to the media center. Parents may check out books on their child's school library card.

Media Center Policies Pre-k and kindergarten students may check out one book for one week. First and second graders may check out two books for one week. All students may check out book and audio sets which will count as one book choice.

Media Center Policies Student magazines are to remain in the media center. Teachers are allowed unlimited check-outs with no specified due dates, although they are encouraged to return in a timely manner. Teachers will be asked to return materials if they are requested by other classes.

Materials Available Books--Easy, Fiction, and Nonfiction Books and audio tapes or CD sets Encyclopedias and other reference materials Educational software Educational videos and DVDs

Facility Usage Flexible scheduling – however all classes are scheduled for orientation sessions Opens 30 minutes before school and closes 30 minutes after school Sign-up calendar available for class instruction and/or usage Faculty meetings and celebratory showers Parent workshops held at night Outside group usage require the administrator’s approval

Media Center Systems The BPS Media Center uses Surpass Self Check, a Windows based system that allows students to scan their books as they come to visit the library. Accounts are cleared immediately and the student may then check out another book. To check out, they first scan their library card and and then scan their book(s). The system will beep if a problem is encountered, alerting the media specialist or parapro that the student requires assistance. Safari is the Windows based patron catalog used. It may currently be accessed only in the media center. Reading Counts is a software program that helps students find books on their Lexile reading level, tests comprehension levels with quizzes for specific books, and tracks the students’ progress. Students’ reading grades may include this assessment. Students may access this program in their classroom or the school media center.

Circulation & Space The BPS library has almost 6000 cataloged items. Over 32,000 books and other items were checked out by students, teachers, staff, and parents in the 2007-2008 school year. The total area of the media center is almost 4000 square feet.

Current Media Center Floor Plan

View from the School Entrance The Media Center is located in the middle of the school near the main entrance. There are windows on the two hall walls. The cafeteria can be seen at the far end of the hall.

Hallway This view looks down the main hallway from near the Media Center entrance to the front door of the school. Framed student Earth Day shirt designs from past years line the wall at student height right under the media center windows.

Welcome to our Media Center

The Circulation Desk Students check their books out on this end of the circulation desk. Insert shows Surpass check out system. Students check in their own books by scanning them at this station when they enter the media center. Then, they deposit the books in the book return at the far left.

Circulation Desk A view from the media specialist’s office doorway. The media para uses the computer facing the chair.

The Circulation Desk Students drop their books into the bin at the far end of the desk as they check their books in by scanning the bar code.

Behind the Circulation Desk Books on carts waiting to be re-shelved and a work table and supply cubby are just outside of the media specialist’s office.

The Media Specialist’s Office

View from the MS Office Windows are nice, but are too high to monitor students when seated at the desk. There is however, a clear view of the circulation desk through the doorway.

Inside the Media Center Pictures were taken looking at the circulation desk straight ahead. The media specialist’s office is located on the far right.

Student Work Area Seven round and four square tables, all sized for primary school students, with four student size chairs at each table. There are also three stools near the bookshelves that are just like the stools used for the mini-lab.

Mini Computer Lab Two views – total of ten computers. The story pond can be seen in the left corner of the media center.

The Story “Pond” prevent accidentally falling The chains were added to prevent accidentally falling into the pond after a visitor was injured the very first week the school was opened. The projection screen in the corner is often used for faculty meetings or classes. The shelves on the left side of the pond hold reading “kits” that are color coded by reading level and contain several copies of the same book. These are checked out by teachers only for classroom use. The shelves on the right side are ready to hold more kits as they are acquired.

Around the Media Center Stuffed animals and books on top of book shelves Soft cloth wall hangings on two walls Books are displayed near the book return bin and stuffed animals line the circulation desk display shelves, There are two display stands such as this one

Display Shelf This shelf just inside the main doorway is used for seasonal displays.

Easy / Fiction Easy books are arranged underneath the long rows of windows. There are two double sided shelves for fiction books.

Audio Book Sets / Magazines Books with audio tapes are kept together in hanging bags on the left. Student magazines are displayed on the right.

Professional Resources Professional magazines, daily newspapers, and other items for adults are stored on the shelf under the media specialist’s office window.

Teacher Resource Center Professional books for teacher check out are shelved in this area.

Parent Resource Center This shelf contains helpful pamphlets that parents may keep and a few books that they may check out. The storage area is behind the closed door.

Production Room The morning announcements are broadcast live from this room. The phone system, the closed circuit TV system, and the alarm system are also housed here.

Workroom A laminating machine, bulletin board paper, paper cutter, & a kitchen area are all in this room which also has a shelf for movies.

Conference Room There is a meeting room located in the media center with comfortable chairs for adults.

Storage Area There is a large “catch-all” storage room approximately 12 x 30 feet.

Storage Area Many of the items in the storage room belong to others such as the occupational therapist and the curriculum coach.

Storage Area The storage area holds extra carts and media center equipment It also houses games that teachers can check out by signing the clipboard. These games are not part of the media center collection.

Relaxation Room One end of the large storage room has been set up as a relaxation room with a massage chair, water bar, fan, and small lamp. When the school opened, this was located in an unused hall office for teachers to use to ward off headaches, etc. in an effort to cut down on teacher absences. It was relegated to the media center storage area when the original space was converted to a “second chance” room for students who misbehave.

The Survey Teachers were sent an electronic survey link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=eU5FsNYJIs6WYGupdybpzQ_3d_3d Since the survey can be taken only once, teachers were asked to print the survey out before taking it. Some teachers made copies to distribute to students, while others read the survey to students and asked for a show of hands.

Student Survey Results 84% of students visit the Media Center once a week or more. On their last visit to the media center – 65% of students checked out a book 3% returned an item only 20% conducted research 10% participated in a class activity 1% took a Reading Counts quiz 1% needed a quiet place to read or study 72% of students browse for their books 90% of students wished the Media Center had more books 75% of students listed the Story Pond as their favorite thing about the Media Center

Student Survey Results The following areas were rated “good” or “great” by the majority: Ease of check in / check out - 100% Check out policies - 70% Audio-visual materials - 60% Assortment of print materials - 60% Lighting conditions - 85% Comfortable temperature - 90% Items of “extremely important” or “important” to a majority: Comfortable reading area(s) - 90% Quiet study area - 60% Areas for large group lessons - 85% Separate story time area - 80% Enough computer stations for a class - 85%

Faculty Survey Results 57% visit the Media Center once a week or more. On their last visit to the media center – 65% checked out a book or other item 15% returned an item only 5% participated in (or conducted) a class activity 15% went to plan a class visit or speak to the media specialist 45% usually ask the media specialist or para for help finding books 35% usually look up books on the computer catalog 80% wish the Media Center had more books 60% would like more computers in the media center 45% would like more teacher resources 50% would like a Smartboard in the Media Center

Faculty Survey Results A majority rated these items “good” or “great”: Ease of check in / check out - 100% Check out policies - 100% Assortment of print materials - 75% Teacher resources - 55% Lighting conditions - 90% Comfortable temperature - 75% A majority rated these items “extremely important” or “important” : Comfortable reading area(s) - 95% Quiet study area - 95% Areas for large group lessons - 100% Separate story time area - 85% Colorful wall murals or decorations - 85% Comfortable adult seating -100% Enough computer stations for a class - 85% Separate adult computer stations - 75%

New Media Center Floor Plan 24 computer stations 22 computers 2 printer/scanner combos

New Layout Notes Media Specialist’s office will be moved to the conference room. Walls for original office (non-load bearing) will be removed to make room for new computer area large enough for an entire class. New computers and a Smartboard will be added along with a small corner table for a teacher’s laptop and a comfortable stool for the teacher.

New Layout Notes Existing book shelves will be re-arranged throughout the media center except for those located under the windows. The existing circulation desk will be relocated. The Easy Book section will be relocated near the circulation desk and will provide a low wall for one side of the Story Pond.

New Layout Notes Non-fiction books will now line the shelves under the hall windows. Fiction books will remain in their current location. Audio books and magazines will be near their current location, but will be rearranged with magazines on one side of the shelf near the new reading area.

New Layout Notes The conference room will become the media specialist’s office as there are several other conference rooms or offices that may be used for meetings. All items not belonging to the media center will be moved from the storage area to other locations throughout the school. The media center will offer space to items, such as curriculum kits and will catalog these for inventory and for teacher check out.

New Layout Notes A large portion of the storage area closest to the door will be designated as the teacher resource room. All professional books and magazines will be located here. Leveled reading kits will be moved to this area also. The “relaxation” chair will also be placed here. The remainder of the room will be used for media center storage.

New Layout Notes Computers currently in the media center will be given to classrooms or sent to surplus. Small table from school storage area will be moved to new computer area so the teachers and media specialist may use their laptops for Smartboard presentations.

New Layout Notes The existing television set was moved from its original location (on the wall near the storage room) to the corner wall near the work area. The existing pull down screen was moved to the work area. A new pull down screen (already owned by the school, but never installed) is being added on the back wall of the new computer area.

New Layout Notes County maintenance will drop needed power poles for student computer stations, install Smartboard, projector, and screen, and move TV and existing screen. County maintenance will re-hang the door to the storage area so that it opens in. This will allow the door to remain open so that the room will be inviting. There is already a power outlet in the floor for the OPAC station. The school is not charged for maintenance work that “enhances the learning environment.”

New Technology Hitachi Smartboard and Projector Bundle http://www.electronicwhiteboardswarehouse.com Teachers would like a Smartboard added to the Media Center as all first and second grade classes already have these. This will be placed on the wall near the production room. Total Cost = $3295

New Technology Dell Inspiron 1525 15” Laptops - $499 each 1 GB Memory / 120 GB Hard Drive CD / DVD Drives Video / Sound / Wireless Network Cards http://www.dell.com/ 23 new laptop computers for students – one for new OPAC station. 2 new laptop computers “reserved” for adults, but that may be used by students if needed. Laptops take up less desk space and students are already using laptops in many of our classrooms. School already has Wi-Fi network. Total cost = $12,475

New Technology Purchase two HP Officejet J6480 color all-in-one wireless printer/scanner/copiers for the new computer area. Printer cost for Georgia Schools $170 each. Ink cartridges (estimated replacements for current school year) - $280 Total cost - $620 www.government.hp.com

Computer Desks 27 study carrels for computers to be used as follows: 24 for student computer area (2 will hold new printer /scanners) 2 for adult stations 1 for new OPAC station Adjustable height “Oak” melamine laminate / frames have black powder coated finish 5 starters (have panels on each side) $427 each 22 add-on sections @ $385 each Total cost = $10,605 www.highsmith.com

New Chairs Upholstered American Series Straight Back Library Chair $199 each (Color = Academy Blue) https://www.schooloutfitters.com/ Our oldest students are only eight years old, so having furniture sized for them is important. The Media Center is often used for adult functions, such as faculty meetings, baby and wedding showers, and parent workshops. Child size upholstered chairs will be much more comfortable for adults than the current wooden chairs. 64 chairs – 14” seat height for computer stations and tables (2 extra). 2 chairs – 18” seat height for adult computer stations. Total = $13, 134

Computer Area Instructor’s chair for new computer area 1551 Swivel Stool (21" - 32" Adjustable Height) - blue. Total cost = $104.99 www.schooloutfitters.com

Story Pond Additions http://bigcozybooks.com/ Six Benches and one corner piece, shaped like books with fairy tale titles, will be placed around the Story Pond area. These will provide additional seating and will also serve as a visual barrier on one side to prevent falls into the pond. Approximate Cost $3000

Story Pond Additions The art class at LFO High School next door will design and paint six “Once upon a time” theme murals on the two walls that border the Story Pond. The murals will be their own original designs, but their inspiration will be window “views” such as this one and will incorporate the fairy tales named on the new bench seating. http://www.muralsyourway.com

New Student Reading Area www.schooloutfitters.com Two sets of reading “nooks” will be added. Each set consists of 5 chairs with storage areas for books allowing for several configurations should the need arise to re-arrange at a later time. Total cost = $1,180

New Student Reading Area A new area rug in primary colors will be placed under the new reading “nooks.” Anti-microbial treated to help prevent the spread of bacteria and allergens. Existing animal pillows will also be placed in this area. Total cost = $329.99 Latitude Area Rug - Rectangle (7' 8" x 10' 9") www.schooloutfitters.com

New Parent Resource Area Additional parent resources, particularly books that parents can borrow will be purchased and invitingly displayed here. Five height-adjustable shelves Angled slatwall back panel Shelf is 72” tall and has an open storage space at the bottom. Single faced starter $719 Single faced adder $589 Slatwall back panel insert $459 Asst. shelves & bins for slatwall $125 New parent resources $600 Total Cost = $2492 http://www.shopbrodart.com/shop/cb/product.aspx?pgid=153

More Books A large majority of students and faculty felt the media center needed more books. A close look at the shelves in the pictures shows many sections that are empty. $10,000 should be spent for new print materials this year, with $1000 of this money earmarked for new teacher resources. A committee will survey teachers and students again for recommendations. At an average cost of $18 for student books, approximately 500 new books could be purchased.