HOUGHTON - The librarian for Houghton's middle and high schools showed the board some of the technological updates and other changes she's made since coming to the district in September.
Deb Oyler said students have been issued library cards, and are able to download audiobooks and e-books. Oyler said she would like to buy more audiobooks and e-readers.
Another focus is helping students target their searches in the age of Google. Oyler coordinates with teachers to find what research assignments are coming.
"I'll create a page so their sources are just a click away," she said. "It saves time for the student going to Google, getting 3 million hits and looking for five."
She's also worked to deepen students' use of the Internet, using access to databases of magazine articles, journals and multimedia, with options such as e-mailing or using a vocabulary tool to define unfamiliar words.
"It's a whole different world of research out there," Oyler said.
Students are having their horizons broadened in other ways. Oyler has been posting the "word of the day" outside the library, and has put a focus on classic literature with the "classics closet." Donated books that duplicate the library's stock are placed in the "read and return" shelf, which requires no checkout and has no due date (and consequently, no late fees).
Another recent innovation is the "book cafe," where Oyler and students meet at lunch time to discuss a book.
Oyler said she also wants students to not just consume, but also produce content.
One way to do that is through "book trailers," in which students use the editing programs to create movie-like previews of books.
"It's a way to really use media to talk to students," she said.
Oyler said she is enjoying her job.
"I think being a librarian is one of the best jobs in the world," she said.
In other action, the board:
changed graduation requirements starting with the class of 2015. Students will then have to acquire 48 credits to graduate, instead of 46. Middle School Principal Jim Luoma said all students already leave middle school with two credits from physical education and health, while some have as many as eight.
extended three-year contracts for administration and administrative staff by a year through 2013. Raises will be the same as agreed to in the most recent contract with teachers. For privately contracted administrators, a recommendation will be made to their employer.
accepted the district's vision statement: "The Houghton-Portage Township School District's vision is to be one of the top five school districts in the state of Michigan for student performance."
recognized music students from the district and state solo and ensemble competition.
heard from Tracie Clanaugh and Erin Carter from Great Explorations. About 1,000 children participate in the after-school program in 10 districts. In Houghton, the GE program gets about 80 to 90 children per day.
heard from Superintendent Bill Polkinghorne about an upcoming visit by North Central Accreditation.
"It's a big deal, and it really is worth it to go through this process," he said.
discussed the superintendent search. Starting Feb. 24, board members will be able to go online and view applications for the position.
There will be a March 1 meeting to discuss applicants.
