CHECK OUT POLICY
The Magowan and Ridgway School Libraries have a large collection of books, magazines and videos for student and teacher use that is updated every year. Children may not check out videos, and books may be borrowed for one to two weeks. Books may be renewed up to three times, unless the book in question is on the "reserve" list.Students in grades K-2 visit the library weekly for literature appreciation, library skills, and book borrowing. Children in grades 3 and 4 have library class scheduled every other marking period. Grades K-2 may borrow one book a week, students in grades 3 and 4 may check out two books.At Ridgway Middle School, 5th and 6th graders visit the library weekly for book check-out, skills and literature appreciation. Ms. Palmieri may also visit the classrooms to present a lesson on research or literature.Grades 7 and 8 may use the last period(study hall) to borrow materials. Visits as a class at this grade level is at the teacher's descretion. All books should be returned EACH WEEK in a timely manner or no further books may be checked out. Students may recieve an OVERDUE NOTICE when materials have not been returned.

LIBRARY CURRICULUM
Kindergarten classes choose a book from a pre-selected group available for browsing. Children in this age group also hear a story each week, and may participate in simple activities such as finger plays and easy crafts.
First Graders use a "place saver" to locate books in their own special section of the library. Students learn about book care, and also how to recognize award-wining picture books by the symbol or sticker on the cover.
Second Grade Students spend the first half of the school year learning about Folk Tales, and how folklore is an intriguing part our heritage as Americans. Later, this age group learns the various parts of a book and how fiction and non-fiction is arranged on the library shelf.
Third Grade begins a busy year of library skills. Students are introduced to the Dewey Decimal System and the electronic card catalog. Fun songs, "scavenger hunts" and games help third-graders discover that the school library is a place that makes research and literature truly enjoyable! In addition, students are encouraged to join the monthly Bookworm Club. The Club reads and reviews an assigned book each month...then meets in the library after school for book discussion and activities. See our activity page on this website for more details!
Fourth Graders will combine all skills learned for a truly exciting year. Each month, a special library period is set aside for learning a new skill, such as almanac use, internet research, and exploring other research tools such as the encyclopedia. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the library's Drama Club and 4th Grade Bookworm Club.

RIDGWAY STUDENTS can take advantage of our mini lab that is adjacent to the media center. Here, students can access the internet, use an online encyclopedia, or do word processing. Both schools subscribe to the Winnebego Spectrum System, a catalog database that holds info on all materials in the library collection!

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LIBRARY VOLUNTEER? Parent helpers are always needed to shelve books and assist the librarian with check-out and check-in. Our system is computerized, and very easy to learn. See Ms. Palmieri for more information...and thanks in advance!

THIS MONTH IN THE LIBRARY
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
LIBRARY LINKS