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District librarians present new K–12 curriculum and collection plan, urge consistent resources across schools
Summary
District library staff described a standards‑based K–12 library curriculum, steps to refresh collections and teacher collaboration, and named paraprofessionals assigned to each building; presenters said students requested more graphic novels, books about Asian culture and nonfiction topics and the team is ordering material based on survey data.
District library staff presented an overview of the elementary and district library program, curriculum goals and staffing.
Amy Kendrick and Betsy Weidrich summarized their spring inventory and needs analysis for elementary collections, describing a data‑driven approach that used circulation statistics, copyright dates, teacher surveys and student preference surveys. Kendrick said third‑ through fifth‑grade students asked for more materials on Asian culture, graphic novels, video‑game topics, birds, Puerto Rico and anime; staff said they will use that feedback to build targeted purchase lists.
The librarians said they are aligning a new K–12 library curriculum with the American Association of School Librarians and Pennsylvania school library standards. The curriculum is organized around three progressive units — appreciation of literature, library literacy (how to find books and resources) and research skills — and is designed to introduce foundational research and digital literacy beginning in kindergarten and build those skills through high school.
Kendrick and Weidrich also described partnerships with classroom teachers, support for databases and professional development to help teachers use library resources in the classroom. They asked the board to support consistent staffing and collection funding across buildings. Presenters named building paraprofessionals who support the program: Catherine Bowen (Valley View), Lynn Martin (Yorkshire), Debbie Richard (Indian Rock), Lisa Brie (East York), Joni Damien (middle school) and Linda Slacker (high school).
Board members praised the presentation and highlighted graphic novels and early research skills as important to literacy and student success; administrators said the program’s emphasis on both space and professional staffing aligns with district instructional goals.
