Vancouver librarians report heavy device circulation and programming; district recognizes two schools and 249 AP scholars

Teacher librarians told the board that libraries are playing a central role in device distribution, curriculum delivery and student enrichment as the school year begins.

Tracy Chen, teacher librarian at Sky View High School, said librarians and library clerks had circulated nearly 11,000 devices to students in middle and high schools during the first weeks of the year and had supported teachers on instructional technology tools such as Canvas and Kami. Librarians also coordinated curriculum materials across grade bands, Chen said, and presented digital‑citizenship lessons in elementary schools during device transitions.

Chen said librarians support district literacy and enrichment programs such as Battle of the Books and pursue grants and partnerships to expand collections. She called the monthly update series “Turning a Joyful Page” and said staff would provide regular reports to the board. "You can't shush all the learning, engagement, and joy that is happening right now in VPS libraries," she said.

In the superintendent’s recognitions, principals Megan Vickery of Ogden Elementary and Matt Kaufman of Jason Lee Middle School were acknowledged after both schools were named “schools on the rise” by the Association of Washington School Principals for inclusive school culture and student engagement. Schmidt also announced that 249 students had earned College Board AP recognitions: 89 AP Scholars, 29 AP Scholars with honors and 95 AP Scholars with distinction. The superintendent said the full list of recognized students would be posted on the district website.

The board asked librarians and communications staff to share photos and further highlights on district channels; no formal action was taken.