Students are working to transform the library into a cozier environment, one that feels more like home. By decorating book and study nooks and incorporating student artwork, students are making the library more inviting and welcoming.

Students are crafting in order to raise money for local charities. During the month of September, they used discarded dictionaries, cardboard scraps, and spray paint to create beautiful fall wreaths for teachers' classroom doors. They also made rubber band bracelets to sell. October's charity of choice was Elkton Area United Services.

Fifth period library assistants are in the process of creating and piloting a peer tutoring program. Students who are struggling with their classes are welcome to come to the study center in the library on select dates to receive academic help and moral support.

In addition to beautifying the library, students want to capitalize on opportunities to get students involved and to raise awareness about issues they face. Through special events, they hope to unify the East Rock community. The month of October will be dedicated to activities that feature bullying prevention.

A select group of students is trying out different technology toys to determine ways teachers can enhance instruction. They are currently working on a STEAM grant; if awarded, these students plan to provide professional development opportunities to teachers to show them how to utilize the technology for classroom instruction. Examples include: KEVA planks, Spheros, Breakout boxes, 3D pens, VR headsets, and robots.

Of course we want to promote reading. This group of student promoters are working hard to create book lists that will interest their peers, to display books in a visually compelling way, and to raise awareness about teen reading. So far, they held a weeklong trivia during Banned Books Week. They are now working on a display in the library to celebrate and showcase teachers' favorite books.

Provide the space for collaborative teaching

Research Project Design

Assist in designing meaningful inquiry projects

Curation of Research Pathways

Curate high quality databases, websites, books & other info resources

Research Skills Instruction

Instruct students on database, website, & print source location, selection, evaluation & citations

Facilitate lessons & discussions on digital citizenship topics (social media use, digital footprint, digital privacy, online plagiarism, etc)

Instruction on News, Media, & Information Literacy Skills

(keyword searching, website & source evaluation, fact-checking, copyright & online image use, detecting bias, propaganda, etc)

Share & instruct on latest tech tools for digital presentation of student learning

Reading Appreciation

Connect students with high interest & engaging reading materials

Book List Curation

Curate & share diverse, inclusive, high interest

reading resources

Exploration

Book talks