2. About the WCES Media Center
Constructed in 1999
Title I School
10 Consecutive Years Meeting A.Y.P.
90 Staff Members
850 Students
Pre-K through Fifth Grade
PACE and Jump Start Programs
One Full Time Media Specialist
One Full Time Media Clerk
3. Original Media Center Floor Plan
The WCES MC is considered the “heart” of WCES. It is centrally located at the front of
the school. Information literacy is taught on a daily basis through the use of student
specials. Faculty and students have access to it’s technological and literary resources.
4. Pros and Cons
Positive Attributes Negative Attributes
Large area with areas Front entrance access is
dedicated to specific blocked to students and
functions faculty due to doors being
Allows for 2-3 classes to locked
utilize MC simultaneously Minimal traffic flow options
All areas are easily supervised “Flexible” Schedule is actually
due to high visibility fixed due to specials rotations
Media Clerk also has M. Ed. Some shelf and floor spaces
and is a retired MS are not being used at all
5. Environmental Elements
Color themes are non-existent
Teacher Resource room is under utilized due to
location
Laminator room is dedicated to a sole laminating
machine, limiting the multi-purpose potential of
valuable square footage
Check In and Check Out stations are self serve
Lighting is strictly florescent, non conducive to high
population density of autistic and special needs
students
6. Furnishings
Monochromatic “wood” and gray color schemes on all
furnishings
No soft seating
No work or study space available for student use or teacher
collaboration
Computers are centrally located and may be occupied by a
specials class
Markers are hard to locate and read
Character silhouettes hanging from ceiling and tree
silhouettes can be viewed as “scary” by younger students
7. Technology
Teacher work room is equipped with two copiers, often
malfunctioning
A/V Room is located in another area of the building
Ample laptops are available for student use in the MC
Each teacher is provided with an iPad for class
Three projection screens or Smart Boards are available
for lessons in the MC
8. Access
Students are prohibited from using the two doors at
the front entrance of the MC. The back double doors
are the only unlocked entrance and exit points
accessible to students and faculty.
The teacher work room is often inaccessible because
the MC is locked after student hours
Laminator is only available two days per week
Students have to walk around computers and media
carts to enter the MC
16. Revised Media Center Floor Plan
The new WCES MC offers a more inviting environment. Furnishings provide a variety
of purposes such as individual support groups, small groups, and collaboration areas.
Side rooms have been restructured to support a study hall, machine room, teacher
resource room and a class/faculty meeting room.
17. Modifications and Changes
Student Influences Staff Influences
“A quiet place to think when I “What, we have a Title I Resource Room.
read.” ~ Study Hall Where’s that?” ~Relocation and new design
for Title I and teacher resource room
“I just want to get comfy.” ~
“It just feels crowded. You can’t even just
Soft, portable seating walk in the door and take your class where
“It looks boring and kind of you want. You have to go around everything
scary in there.” ~ Colorful else first!” ~ Traffic flows cleared at front
plants, furniture, seating, shelvi and rear entrances
ng, and rugs “I’d love to take my whole class in there.
But, they just can’t stay focused with all of
“You know, we aren’t always
the distractions.” ~ Addition of Quiet
playing when we talk. Class/Meeting Room
Sometimes we are actually
“I mean just because she goes home at
working on our stuff.”~ Group 4:30, doesn’t mean I get to.” ~ Longer access
collaboration areas hours for faculty needs
18. Improved Environmental Elements
Modern, colorful book shelves and seating
Soft and welcoming collaboration areas
Machine room with extended access hours
Addition of study hall, quiet class rooms, and
collaborations areas
Reference, biography, and computer work stations
relocated to the “quieter” nonfiction side
Literacy activities area with dedicated Smart Screen
Walls repainted and decorated with student artwork. Each
wall is dedicated to a certain grade level that is
“commissioned” for the month.
19. Improved Furnishings
Brightly colored book shelves in the fiction area
Soft seating that may be relocated by students
Addition of conference style tables and office desks
Computers are still centrally located for class
work, however additional computers can now be
accessed for individual work in other areas of the
media center
Graphics added to Dewey decimal system for easier
understanding
20. Technology
Teacher work room is cleared of machines to make
room for collaboration and resource materials
A/V Room remains located in another area of the
building
Additional laptops are purchased for student use
“How To” classes are held on Web 2.0 technologies on
a quarterly basis
Vending machines are added to the machine room
21. Access
Students and teachers may now enter from front or
rear with no obstacles in the traffic flow
Access hours for teacher resource and work rooms are
extended
Laminator is accessible on a daily basis in the machine
room
22. Perfecting Media Center Policies
Current Policies in Need of Updating or Revisions and Possible Solutions
The classroom teacher will maintain responsibility for the
entire class during visits to the media center and will
participate in delivery of instruction to meet the purpose of the
visit as needed (p. 15) Administration needs to enforce this
district policy so that the MS will be able to operate on a truly
flexible schedule.
Due to the complicated nature of technology hardware and
software, it is strongly suggested that the media specialist
contact the Technology Department prior to placing any such
purchases (p. 44). Media Specialist should be allowed to
purchase certain types of technology hardware and software with
prior approval from administration. However, it is still
advisable to contact the Technology Department so as not to
duplicate or interfere with efforts in place.
23. Additions to Policies
Several additions that are specific to the Media Center may
be necessary to accomplish a more complete
P & P Manual.
Mission and Vision Statement
Goals and Objectives
Help and Other Resources
Suggested Hours of Operation for Students and Faculty
Suggested Compensation of Overtime for School Functions
Personnel required are at least one full time MS and one
full time Media Clerk