COMMUNITY USEThe library is a flexible-use space:
The 1SE (1 Second Everyday) video below is a compilation of moments from the 2015-16 school year. While not maintained for 2016-17, this project gives a quick glimpse into life - one second at a time - in the West Hills Library.
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When thinking about use, statistics are only one factor. Still, the door counter statistics do show how many people walk though the West Hills Library doors throughout the year.
Lunch is by far the busiest time of the day in the library. The time lapse video below shows students leaving the library at the end of lunch.
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LIBRARY STAFF TEAMTeacher Librarian
2016-17 has been Suzanne Sannwald's third year as Teacher Librarian at West Hills, and she loves her job more and more each year. Read about her educational journey as a Teacher Librarian on the Program page. Technology Specialist West Hills is very fortunate to have Jovan Bessette as Technology Specialist. In this role, Mr. Bessette is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of technology on campus. In addition, he provides valuable mentorship to many students. Student Aides and Volunteers There are a number of students who help make the library program run smoothly. This includes credit-earning student aides, as well as ones who choose to volunteer. Each student contributes in a unique way based on their skills, interests, and abilities. Their diverse talents combined make a positive impact everyday. Adult Aides In order to make the library accessible to students more hours each week, there are several adult aides who take turns providing supervision and assistance in the library during Period 7, which is a busy time in the library since there are many students who are not in a scheduled class then. We depend upon and appreciate the kind dedication of these extra staff ambassadors. Campus Supervision Similar to the adult aides above, our Campus Supervisor team is also responsible for making the library accessible to students more hours each week. Keeping the library open after Period 7, our Campus Supervisors - generally Coach Q - offer students a safe and welcoming place to study after school, and we appreciate them for making this option available for our Wolf Pack families. |
GLAM (GALLERIES, LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES, & MUSEUMS)
When people think about libraries, they may perhaps only picture the stereotypical images of bookcases and shushing librarians. However, modern libraries libraries serve a variety of functions.
The GLAM movement highlights the intersection and collaborative potential of Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums. At West Hills, we are fortunate to have an outstanding Fine Arts department that generously shares student artwork to be showcased across our campus, including in the library. Having student artwork in the library adds richness and vibrancy to the space - we love to share their artistic stories! |
2016-17 is the second year that the West Hills Library has provided display space for Louise Nevelson inspired assemblages, some of which are featured in the video below. The quotes included are by Nevelson.
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During the 2015-16 school year, Mr. Goodman's 3D Art Design students collaboratively created a wire sculpture that is now installed in the library on the wall space above the sign-in kiosks. First, each student created one small shape, which was then combined to create a small group "square." The group squares were then quilted together to create the single large piece.
When the art piece was installed, it took the place of a gigantic "NO FOOD" sign. Now, students are welcomed by art created through teamwork, which aptly represents how the library functions as a community space made up of unique individuals coming together.
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A second collaborative wire sculpture - this time assembled into a cylindrical shape was created by Mr. Goodman's students and installed in the library during the 2016-17 school year.
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BEST BUDDIESOne of the most popular clubs on campus is the Best Buddies student organization, and this past year, the club has met in the library every Tuesday at lunch. It has been a wonderful opportunity to get to see more of our Wolf Pack Individualized Instruction team of students, teachers, instructional aides, and peer mentors.
Beyond club meetings, some Best Buddies students also provide valuable volunteer service in the library. While students gain practical work experience, they make the library a more welcoming environment. We are grateful for all of our West Hills Best Buddies! |
CONGRATS, CLASS OF 2017!
Senior Star Service AwardsInspired by Valhalla High Teacher Librarian Stephanie Macceca (see "Senior Star Reader Awards" in the Literacy section), the West Hills Library staff introduces inaugural Star Service Awards for three of our graduating seniors (in alphabetical order by last name):
We recognize these three seniors for providing above-and-beyond service on a consistent basis. Of course, they are not alone. Without the help of all of our dedicated and talented student aides and volunteers, the library program would not function nearly as well as it does. Even if you are not formally named here, please know that we are grateful for the service of every single individual who helps us - you are all appreciated! |
Ms. Sannwald recently collected video clips for a colleague's project, and upon re-watching them, she recognized a lot of seniors who are about to graduate and so she nostalgically stitched them together along with fun photos of seniors as they've come through the library to purchase their Chromebooks.
The best thing about working in a school setting is definitely the students. While the students say complimentary things about the library in the clips, the video is really shared to highlight our wonderful students. Congratulations, Wolf Pack Class of 2017! We are so proud of you! |
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