Prairie Wind's Library is a safe learning environment for all learners in every part of our library at any part of our work day. To accomplish this, we expect all students to behave according to the following expectations:
1. Listen to all directions the first time they are given.
2. Enter and exit the library respectfully. Do not slam doors. At the end of class, push your chair in, and wait quietly in the exit line until your teacher leads the class out from the library.
3. Be respectful of all library materials. This includes all materials given to you by the library staff, the chairs you sit in while in the library, and the books you check out.
4. Be respectful to everyone in the library including the library staff, fellow students, and other visitors at all times.
5. Return all books when they are due. You may renew most books in our library at least once!
If you are using computers, the following rules apply:
1. Follow the rules stated in the "computer use policy" tab.
2. Use consideration and courtesy while searching the catalog. Allow someone who is waiting to use the computer when you are finished searching.
In the event of an emergency:
1. DON'T PANIC!
2. LISTEN for instructions.
3. DO what is asked of you without delay.
FIRE DRILLS
All Fire Drill and Tornado Drill Emergency routes are marked in the library on the wall.
Upon the sound of the fire alarm, students will stop what they are doing and immediately line up on the intermediate side of the library. The students will then walk quickly and silently out the doors leading to the playground to the appointed fire drill spot in single file order. Students will not run and will keep their hands and bodies to themselves at all times.
TORNADO DRILLS
Tornado Drill Emergency Routes are posted on the library wall.
Upon the sound of the tornado drill alarm, or whichever notification deemed appropriate by Omaha Public Schools, students will walk quickly and quietly to the Guided Reading Book Room (Mr. Levitt and Mr. Pendell's office) and sit down either against the wall or under a table. The students will listen for further instructions in a calm manner.
ANY OTHER EMERGENCY
Upon the announcement of an emergency NOT listed above, the students will stop what they are doing and await instructions from the library staff or any school staff member currently in the library at the time of such an announcement. They will follow instructions quickly and quietly.
Students at Prairie Wind Elementary School visit the library visit the library once a week. The students check out books twice in a ten day cycle. Checkout periods start at about one week's time and, depending upon the popularity of the book, can be renewed up to two extra times (so up to a 3 week checkout period). Certain books, such as Ripley's Believe it or Not!, City of Ember, our graphic novels, drawing books, cook books, joke books, and any book that has a list of hold requests cannot be renewed due to the overwhelming demand for those books.
Books allowed per checkout by grade:
Kindergarten: 3 books
First Grade: 3 books
Second Grade: 3 books
Third Grade: 4 books
Fourth Grade: 5 books
Fifth Grade: 5 books
Library Rules:
Library rules are explained in the Library Expectations page listed on the Library Links menu on the left column of this page.
Library Fines:
Library fines are only assessed under the following conditions:
1. A lost book
2. Destruction of or vandalization of library property or equipment
3. A book damaged beyond repair
Damage happens to books for a wide variety of reasons. We try to teach Prairie Wind students how to properly care for books and prevent damage. Since we are understanding that it sometimes happens, we try very hard not to make a big deal out of such an occurrance provided that it is an isolated incident and that there is no evidence that the damage done was intentional. If a book IS damaged, PLEASE return the book to us as soon as possible. We MIGHT be able to fix it! If the book is damaged beyond repair, the student will be charged for the replacement of the book. The student will not be charged for a damaged book provided it is repairable.
For a lost book, the student will be asked to first look again in the places he or she frequents. It is amazing how often a book can get misplaced! If the book is still missing, the student will be charged for the replacement of the book. HOWEVER, if, at a later date, the book is to show up (even if it is returned by someone else) and in such a condition that is not damaged beyond repair, the student (or paying party) will be issued a full refund of the money paid for the lost book!
Our library has 20 white eMac desktops. Prairie Wind students are expected to:
1. Follow all directions given by a teacher or member of the library staff. Not following directions (including viewing websites that are not approved by the teacher, the Library Staff, or any school staff member) while using a school computer is grounds for loss of computer privileges.
2. Leave all preferences or desktop appearances alone. The changing of desktop icons, backgrounds, or any other viewing option is not allowed.
3. Leave any document, presentation, or file that is not theirs alone. Any deletion or manipulation of a file that is not their own is grounds for suspension of computer privileges.
Students at Prairie Wind check out books every week. Unless they are checking the book out for a class project (teacher request required), every book that is checked out must be returned at the following check out class period. This is typically one week.
Students may renew their books up to 2 times provided the books are not needed for another purpose (such as a book hold). The following books cannot be renewed due to its popularity: graphic novels, drawing books, joke books, comic books, I Spy/Where's Waldo books, World Record/Ripley's Believe it or Not books, or any book that has a list of people waiting for a chance to check the book out.
There are two rules for renewal:
1. The book must not be among those types listed above.
2. The book must be present in order to renew the book. If you forget it at home, you can't renew it until your bring it to school!
IT'S A "NO, NO, NEVER" RULE TO Eat by a book! Can you name any more "No, No , Never" rules??
No DRINKING by books!
No PENS or PENCILS by books!
No CANDY or FOOD by books!
No MARKERS by books!
No COLORS by books!
NO SCISSORS by books!
These are the NO-NO Never rules you need to learn and use!
(Special Thanks to Mrs. S of Pawnee Elementary for allowing us to use this!)
Use a shelfmarker when making your selections. Remember: Reference books can only be used in the library. They cannot be checked out! If you have any problems with selecting a book, please check with your library staff. Choose books using the 5 fingered rule: Select a page and read it . Find the word (s) with definitions that are unknown to you. Read for more unknown words on another page. If you find more than 5 words the book is too hard for you. GOOD luck! (Any problems see Mrs. Moriarty, Mr. Levitt, or Mrs. Nuzum) Complete work listed on the board or given verbally to you.
CHOOSING BOOKS:
"I PICK Good Fit Books
I look at a book
P urpose
C omprehend
K now all the words"
Boushey, Gail and Joan Moser. The Daily 5 Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Games. Portland, Maine:Stenhouse Publishers, 2006.
Daily FIVE:
"3 Ways to READ a Book
*Read the Pictures
*Read the Words
*Retell the story"
Boushey, Gail and Joan Moser. The daily 5 Fostering Literacy independence in the ElementaryGames. Portland, Maine:Stenhouse Publishers, 2006.