Library Initiatives for the 2024-25 School Year
![Library]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1726255555/themeadowsschoolorg/ausd09n5wcbyn5nyar1e/lib.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726255555/themeadowsschoolorg/ausd09n5wcbyn5nyar1e/lib.jpg","width":500}])
Library Initiatives for the 2024-25 School Year
Libraries are community hubs, connecting people to information and each other. For nine years, I've had the privilege of overseeing the Beginning & Lower School library, and this year, I'm honored to extend my presence to the Middle & Upper School Library as well.
At TMS, our goal is to create spaces where students feel welcome and inspired. Over the past five weeks, I've witnessed the impact of a vibrant library setting on our school community. On late-start Wednesdays, students begin gathering in the Middle & Upper School Library at 7 a.m. to engage in club activities, collaborate on schoolwork, and support one another through challenges. Mrs. Bugni welcomes students to the writing center daily, while Mrs. Smilow and Mr. Bell actively build and strengthen relationships with students, fostering a positive atmosphere.
Middle School students now use the library for scheduled study halls, familiarizing themselves with resources they'll increasingly rely on as they approach freshman year. To promote reading among Middle Schoolers, we've added a Library Annex next to Mrs. Conrad's room, ensuring all-day access to books and supporting the weekly Free Independent Reading time in English classes.
In Lower School, we've introduced a new program to track independent reading. Students earn virtual badges for their accomplishments throughout the year. We encourage nightly reading and logging of minutes to help achieve our community-wide goal of 250,000 minutes. Upon reaching this goal, participating students will enjoy a special surprise. Additionally, third through fifth graders have the opportunity to earn an end-of-year field trip to The Writer’s Block.
In the coming weeks, we will finalize our integration of Libkey Nomad, a platform for guiding students to reliable research resources. We will be the first K-12 institution to use this tool originally designed for colleges and universities, and now adapted to support us.
At TMS, our goal is to create spaces where students feel welcome and inspired. Over the past five weeks, I've witnessed the impact of a vibrant library setting on our school community. On late-start Wednesdays, students begin gathering in the Middle & Upper School Library at 7 a.m. to engage in club activities, collaborate on schoolwork, and support one another through challenges. Mrs. Bugni welcomes students to the writing center daily, while Mrs. Smilow and Mr. Bell actively build and strengthen relationships with students, fostering a positive atmosphere.
Middle School students now use the library for scheduled study halls, familiarizing themselves with resources they'll increasingly rely on as they approach freshman year. To promote reading among Middle Schoolers, we've added a Library Annex next to Mrs. Conrad's room, ensuring all-day access to books and supporting the weekly Free Independent Reading time in English classes.
In Lower School, we've introduced a new program to track independent reading. Students earn virtual badges for their accomplishments throughout the year. We encourage nightly reading and logging of minutes to help achieve our community-wide goal of 250,000 minutes. Upon reaching this goal, participating students will enjoy a special surprise. Additionally, third through fifth graders have the opportunity to earn an end-of-year field trip to The Writer’s Block.
In the coming weeks, we will finalize our integration of Libkey Nomad, a platform for guiding students to reliable research resources. We will be the first K-12 institution to use this tool originally designed for colleges and universities, and now adapted to support us.
Our newly designed library website now combines the library catalog and resources in one place for easier access. We encourage everyone to explore and bookmark the new site!
These initiatives aim to inspire students, promote reading, and enhance resource accessibility across all grade levels. I'm excited about the progress we've made and look forward to everything else this school year will bring!
Courtney Friedman '01
Dean of Libraries
These initiatives aim to inspire students, promote reading, and enhance resource accessibility across all grade levels. I'm excited about the progress we've made and look forward to everything else this school year will bring!
Courtney Friedman '01
Dean of Libraries
- Beginning School
- Library
- Lower School
- Middle School
- Upper School