Dear Dr. Oswald and Collingswood Board of Education members:
I am signing this petition to express my support for libraries and librarians at Collingswood elementary schools. Elementary libraries staffed by professional librarians are vital to address the complex socio-emotional needs of students and prepare them to be lifelong readers and critical thinkers. I ask that you prioritize school libraries by doing the following:
- At present. Commit to the preservation of the existing school libraries at Garfield, Newbie, Sharp and Zane North elementary schools. These spaces must be saved as classroom collections are no substitute for libraries where students can select works that pique their interests and engage with texts in a learner directed way.
- In the short term. Redress the lack of library access at Tatem Elementary through the creation of a catalogued, curated library on a cart and the scheduling of walking trips to the Collingswood Public Library. It would be productive to have a more meaningful and routine connection between the public schools and the public library.
- In the long term. Budget for two shared services elementary librarians for the five elementary schools. The specialized skill set of professional librarians will best serve our elementary school populations which include neurodiverse students as well as students of diverse gender identities, cultural/ linguistic backgrounds and economic needs, and can connect them all with materials that support them as learners and individuals.
Thank you for taking action on this important matter. I support the Collingswood school district and would welcome any further information on this issue via the contact information below.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 25, 2019
Reached 100 supporters
March 22, 2019
100 Comments
School libraries are still vital to a school building. Classroom libraries sometimes are not always adequate for diverse population and your are at the mercy of the classroom teacher's budget. By 6th Grade, there is a drop-off in independent reading don't make it earlier because there is no reading materials.
Losing the librarian is like losing the heart of the school. He/she is there not only to guide readers but also as a valuable resource to the staff, parents, and administration. Valuing the librarian position shows how much you value the education of your students.
Students need school librarians more than ever! School librarians teach digital citizenship, help with students social-emotional growth through the love of literature, and support the entire school community which consists of students, teachers, and parents. It would be a travesty for you to eliminate your school libraries.
My son & I both attended Tatem Elementary and both loved going to the library there. Our love of reading began in that library. Please don't deny future students that same opportunity.
I understand the need for space in a crowded building, but sacrificing the library seems harsh. Maybe there could have been another answer, like a library trailer on the property?
A school without a library? How is that even a consideration? Isn’t reading one of the fundamental blocks of education?
A school’s just not a school without a library and a librarian.
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Dear Dr. Oswald and Collingswood Board of Education members:
I am signing this petition to express my support for libraries and librarians at Collingswood elementary schools. Elementary libraries staffed by professional librarians are vital to address the complex socio-emotional needs of students and prepare them to be lifelong readers and critical thinkers. I ask that you prioritize school libraries by doing the following:
- At present. Commit to the preservation of the existing school libraries at Garfield, Newbie, Sharp and Zane North elementary schools. These spaces must be saved as classroom collections are no substitute for libraries where students can select works that pique their interests and engage with texts in a learner directed way.
- In the short term. Redress the lack of library access at Tatem Elementary through the creation of a catalogued, curated library on a cart and the scheduling of walking trips to the Collingswood Public Library. It would be productive to have a more meaningful and routine connection between the public schools and the public library.
- In the long term. Budget for two shared services elementary librarians for the five elementary schools. The specialized skill set of professional librarians will best serve our elementary school populations which include neurodiverse students as well as students of diverse gender identities, cultural/ linguistic backgrounds and economic needs, and can connect them all with materials that support them as learners and individuals.
Thank you for taking action on this important matter. I support the Collingswood school district and would welcome any further information on this issue via the contact information below.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
March 25, 2019
Reached 100 supporters
March 22, 2019
100 Comments
I have a kindergartener at Tatem and another to join in 2020. I often take my children to the library, as my schedule allows it, but many can’t. I know my library experiences as a child helped foster my love of reading and want that accessibility for every child.
School libraries are still vital to a school building. Classroom libraries sometimes are not always adequate for diverse population and your are at the mercy of the classroom teacher's budget. By 6th Grade, there is a drop-off in independent reading don't make it earlier because there is no reading materials.
Losing the librarian is like losing the heart of the school. He/she is there not only to guide readers but also as a valuable resource to the staff, parents, and administration. Valuing the librarian position shows how much you value the education of your students.
Students need school librarians more than ever! School librarians teach digital citizenship, help with students social-emotional growth through the love of literature, and support the entire school community which consists of students, teachers, and parents. It would be a travesty for you to eliminate your school libraries.
My son & I both attended Tatem Elementary and both loved going to the library there. Our love of reading began in that library. Please don't deny future students that same opportunity.
I understand the need for space in a crowded building, but sacrificing the library seems harsh. Maybe there could have been another answer, like a library trailer on the property?
A school without a library? How is that even a consideration? Isn’t reading one of the fundamental blocks of education?
A school’s just not a school without a library and a librarian.
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I have a kindergartener at Tatem and another to join in 2020. I often take my children to the library, as my schedule allows it, but many can’t. I know my library experiences as a child helped foster my love of reading and want that accessibility for every child.