PENDER COUNTY, N.C. - In recognition of School Library Month throughout April, and specifically on School Librarian Day on April 4th, Pender County Schools joins in celebrating the vital contributions of school libraries and librarians in fostering literacy, promoting a love for reading, and empowering students with essential skills for information access and evaluation.
This celebration is underscored by a proclamation from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, emphasizing the critical role of school libraries in nurturing learning environments that encourage empathy, understanding, and inclusivity among students. The proclamation highlights the importance of certified professional school librarians, whose diverse skills support administrators, teachers, and students in navigating a vast array of teaching technologies and information resources.
In Pender County Schools, media coordinators and librarians go above and beyond their regular duties, demonstrating their commitment to education and student success. Elementary and middle school media coordinators also take on the responsibility of coaching Battle of the Book teams annually for local and regional competitions, further enriching students' engagement with literature.
Moreover, all media coordinators play a pivotal role in managing the check-in and check-out processes of Chromebooks, with a total value exceeding $3.9 million, and oversee school fixed asset inventories valued at over $238 million. They also provide leadership in each school's Media and Technology Advisory Committee (MTAC), overseeing the selection of all instructional supplementary materials in addition to media center resources.
One of the primary responsibilities of these dedicated professionals is curating and managing school libraries, which collectively house over 220,000 titles valued at over $2 million. Studies have consistently shown that the presence of school librarians correlates with improved reading scores among students. Librarians are instrumental in teaching information literacy skills and collaborate closely with teachers to integrate library resources seamlessly into the curriculum, enriching the learning experience for students across the district.
As we celebrate School Library Month and School Librarian Day, Pender County Schools extends its heartfelt appreciation to all media coordinators and librarians for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to education and lifelong learning.
Ways to Show Appreciation:
To express gratitude to our media coordinators, we encourage students to visit the school library during April's School Library Month. Stop by to check out books, engage in discussions about reading, and share your favorite books with your media coordinator. Your support and engagement help us celebrate the importance of school libraries and the dedicated professionals who make them thrive.
Upcoming Literary Events:
In addition to the celebration of School Library Month and School Librarian Day, Pender County Schools is excited to announce special literary events at Surf City Middle and Topsail Middle. On April 4th, students from both schools will have the opportunity to meet Scott Reintgen, the acclaimed author of "Nyxia," as part of an engaging author visit program. This event promises to inspire young readers and ignite their passion for literature.
Currently, C. F. Pope Elementary is hosting its book fair, providing students with an opportunity to discover new literary treasures. Following this, Rocky Point Elementary will hold its own book fair from April 15th to April 19th, offering another avenue for students to explore captivating stories. Lastly, mark your calendars for Surf City Elementary's anticipated book fair, scheduled from April 22nd to April 26th. These events promise students an enriching experience, immersing them in a diverse selection of books and enhancing their reading journeys.
These events not only enhance the celebration of School Library Month but also serve as platforms for fostering a culture of literacy and lifelong learning within Pender County Schools.