Tina Shealy

TE 875
Policy Formation Project
October 16, 2014
School Mission:
The mission of the Ideal Middle School is to:
-Support a community of life-long learners by providing successful experiences using
standards-based curriculum which actively encourages students participation and critical
thinking while utilizing 21st Century Skills.
-Provide a safe and positive environment where students develop a strong self-esteem,
appropriate social skills, and responsible decision making.
-Create an academic environment that celebrates cultural diversity and individual
differences through mutual respect, direct communication, and common courtesy.
(Hickory)
Library Mission:
The mission of the Ideal Middle School Library Media Center is to ensure that students are
effective users of the library media centers resources and technology. It is the goal of the library
media center to provide students with a variety of materials, up-to-date technology, and a
knowledgeable staff. Using research-based practices, the library media center will inspire a love
of reading, instill information literacy, and encourage students to persist in their academics.
(DeKalb)
Policies:
1) Checkouts and Overdue Books:
Checkouts: Students may check out two books at one time. Students may exchange books
as needed and may keep their books for up two weeks. After two weeks, if the student
needs to renew their books, they must bring them back to the library to be scanned.
Books can be renewed twice before needing to be returned to the library.
Overdue Books: If a student has an overdue book, they may not check out another book
until it is returned to the library. Students will receive an overdue notice via the classroom
teacher when their book is one week overdue. They will receive another notice the

following week. After another week, the third notice will be sent directly home to the
parent/guardian.
Lost Books: If a student has lost a book, they have two choices: 1) replace the lost book
or 2) pay for a replacement (money will be returned if book is found). Other
arrangements may be made for families with financial difficulties. Students will not be
able to check out another book until the lost book situation is resolved. (Schuylerville)
a) Process for adoption: The policy formation will go through appropriate channels
beginning with the building administrator and ending with the members of the
school board. Upon board approval, this policy will be put into action at the
beginning of the next calendar year.
b) Communication with staff: All staff members will be given the opportunity to
discuss the policy as well as share questions and/or concerns. Once this policy is
put into place, staff compliance and support will be expected. After completion, a
copy of the policy will be given to each staff member.
2) Equipment Usage:
Reservations: Staff members must reserve all equipment from the library media center.
The following information must be included on the registration form: 1) period of time
the equipment is needed, 2) teachers name, 3) classroom where equipment will be used,
4) equipment needed, and 5) requested pick-up/delivery time (Morris, 2010, p. 448).
Equipment Trainings: Trainings for new equipment will be available for all staff
members, to include trainings for new staff members on all equipment within the library
media center.
User Agreement: All students and staff must sign a user agreement, stating that all
equipment will remain on school property and be used for academic purposes. Student
agreements must also have a parent/guardian signature.
a) Process for adoption: The policy formation will go through appropriate channels
beginning with the building administrator and ending with the members of the
school board. Upon board approval, this policy will be put into action at the
beginning of the next calendar year.
b) Communication with staff: All staff members will be given the opportunity to
discuss the policy as well as share questions and/or concerns. Once this policy is
put into place, staff compliance and support will be expected. After completion, a
copy of the policy will be given to each staff member.
3) Internet:

Authorization: Only students who have signed an agreement, with parent/guardian

permission, may access the Internet System (IS).
Student Conduct: Inappropriate use of the IS may result in disciplinary action, including
but not limited to suspension or cancellation of access. Prior to these actions, due process
rights may be exercised.
The IS is provided in support of student education and is a privilege. Students are
expected to behave courteously and responsibly. Each user is responsible for their own
actions.
All student data files and electronic usage are subject to control and inspection. The LMS
may access all files to ensure school regulations are being followed and that all students
are complying with these regulations.
Students should expect that all information stored on the IS is not private as it is
considered property of the IS.
Students will:
1. Keep passwords private and not attempt to use others passwords.
2. Only obtain, view, download, send, print, display, or access material that is school
appropriate.
3. Use language that is respectful and courteous.
4. Treat others with respect and dignity while using the IS.
5. Keep all equipment and software as is, not disabling or interfering without approval
from the LMS.
6. Only use authorized software on the IS.
7. Only use the IS for appropriate school use. Any other use must have prior approval
from the LMS.
8. Follow school and district policies at all times while using the IS.
9. Follow copyright laws at all times.
(Salamanca)
a) Process for adoption: The policy formation will go through appropriate channels
beginning with the building administrator and ending with the members of the
school board. Upon board approval, this policy will be put into action at the
beginning of the next calendar year.
b) Communication with staff: All staff members will be given the opportunity to
discuss the policy as well as share questions and/or concerns. Once this policy is
put into place, staff compliance and support will be expected. After completion, a
copy of the policy will be given to each staff member.

References:

Morris, B.J. (2010). Administering the School Library Media Center (5th ed.). Santa Barbara,
CA: Libraries Unlimited. (equipment policy)
DeKalb County Public School System. (n.d.). Plainville School Policies Manual. Retrieved
October 14, 2014, from http://www.dekalbk12.org/plainview/School%20Library%20Policy
%20and%20Procedure%20Manual2.pdf (library mission)
Hickory Elementary School. (2005). Hickory Elementary Mission Statement. Retrieved October
14, 2014, from http://www.hickoryelementary.com/about/mission.html (school mission)
Salamanca City Central School District. (n.d.). Jr./Sr. High School Library Internet Policy.
Retrieved October 15, 2014 from http://www.salamancany.org/page/124 (internet policy)
Schuylerville Elementary School. (n.d.). Elementary School Library. Retrieved October 16, 2014
from
http://www.schuylervilleschools.org/Teacher_DeptPages_ES/ES_Library/ES_LibraryHome.cfm
(checkout/overdue policy)