Hill Library Media Center
October Updates
Library 101
Learn more about the library by visiting the links below.
Friday Fun!
How-To Videos
Just Right Books!
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
The Library Media Center celebrated Fall with a pumpkin decorating contest. Fourth and fifth grade students were invited to decorate a pumpkin to represent their favorite book character, then the students voted for their favorite during library media class. Students had a hard time choosing!
Grand Prize Winner-- Helen N.-- Wilbur from Charlotte's Web
Honorable Mention
Ruby S.--Hedwig from Harry Potter
Melanie W. - Clifford
Samantha S - Kristy from The Babysitter;s Club
Caitlin M. -
Digital Citizenship
Navigating privacy, safety, and other digital dilemmas are a real challenge for today's student. Throughout the school year, students will be participating in discussions about digital citizenship during library media class.
We believe that technology provides us with incredible opportunities for students to learn, connect, create, and collaborate in ways never before imagined and we want our students to be strong digital citizens.
Below are a few resources you can use at home.
Family Tip Sheets
eLibrary Card
The Troy School District is partnering with the Troy Public Library to provide students with eLibrary cards! This e-card initiative will provide important resources for students that can be used in conjunction with school assignments and coursework.
What is an eLibrary Card?
An eLibrary card provides access to all of the electronic resources available through Troy Public Library. This includes eBooks, authoritative information for all levels of student research, global studies, worldwide news and much more!
(Please see the end of this letter for a "featured resources" list put together by our Media Specialists, as well as a link to all databases available within this program)
How is this eLibrary card different from their normal Troy Public Library Card?
• It uses the TPL library code (212739) plus student's school student ID number as their login to the eLibrary system
• It only provides access to the library's electronic content, it cannot be used to check out materials at the library
• It does not have to be renewed as long as they are a student in the Troy School District
Why do you need parent approval to give an eLibrary card to my child?
The District takes student privacy very seriously and wants to ensure parents agree to use of their child's student ID as their eLibrary card login. Local libraries have seen great success with other school districts with use of the student ID as their login since students easily remember it.
• This program uses the school student ID number as their login
• The District has a privacy agreement in place with the library to ensure the safety of our students’ data which allows it to only be used for login to this system
• The library has much more content available than our school library and uses different filtering system
• Since this is a District partnership, the District's Acceptable Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct apply to the use of these resources, just like they do with any resource provided by Troy School District
How do I give permission to allow use of my student’s ID to participate in this program?
Parents need to login to Home Access Center (HAC) and give their permission. Instructions are attached here: eCard Permission Instructions.pdf Student accounts should be activated within 1-2 weeks of permission being provided in HAC.
What if I want my child to gain access to this great content but do not want to allow use of their student ID?
Parents can go directly to the library and sign their child up for a normal library card instead of using this program.
Please note that eLibrary content is inaccessible using a regular library card if:
• Fines are due
• Books are overdue until they are returned
• The card is expired until it’s renewed
This is a unique opportunity to partner with the Troy Public Library in order to bring students the very best and most current academic resources possible. Furthermore, it helps facilitate the development of lifelong learners within the Troy Community.
Therefore, we request that each parent thoughtfully consider allowing their child(ren) to participate in this important initiative. This initiative is available for all K-12 students within Troy Schools.
Sincerely,
Troy School District
Featured resources for K-8
Brainfuse Live homework help in math, science, English, and social studies available for students in 3rd through 12th grades. Tutors are available 7 days a week from 2-11pm
Novelist K-8 Plus Get help finding your next book to read based on books you’ve read or topics you’re interested in. Includes reviews from 1996-present, book discussion guides, and book talks. For K–8 readers.
PebbleGo Each database features expertly-leveled text and navigation specifically designed for your beginning researchers. Enriched with spoken-word audio, text highlighting and audio/video media, PebbleGo builds a foundation of research skills for every learner.
Featured resources for 9-12
LearningExpress Library Practice tests and tutorial course preparation for academic or licensing tests. Provides immediate scoring and complete answer explanations.
Literature Resource Center Biographical information, overviews, literary criticism and reviews on nearly 130,000 writers in all disciplines, from all time periods around the world.
Mango Languages Online language learning tool with over 60 different language courses and 15 different ESL programs.
Opposing Viewpoints A social issues database with pro con essays. Perfect for students who need to write persuasive papers.
Health and Wellness Resource Center Information related to diseases, medicine and healthy life choices.
Detroit News Local newspaper articles from 1999 to present.
Wall Street Journal Offers full text coverage of national and international finance from 1982 to present.
For a full list of databases available through TPL go to http://troypl.org/eresources