The Library curriculum at Hillside School is one that embraces the joy of reading as a lifelong skill. Students are encouraged to check out books each week when they visit the library. They are constantly exposed to works by various authors through book talks, presentations of award-winning books, and highlighted author visits. They also have the opportunity to sign out books on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during their recess periods with a pass from the lunch aides. The objectives for each grade level are below:

Kindergarten

• Listen to stories about diverse characters and topics
• Create student-driven crafts, drawing, and writing activities, in addition to projects in our Makerspace.

First Grade

• Listen to stories about diverse characters and topics
• Create student-driven crafts, drawing, and writing activities, in addition to projects in our Makerspace.
• Learn about the difference between fiction and nonfiction books.
• Study authors and their contributions to books.
• Examine illustrations and recognize the importance of pictures.
• Identify new books to read for their grade level.
• Learn about award-winning books.
• Use electronic databases as a source of information to answer questions.

Second Grade

• Listen to stories about diverse characters and topics
• Create student-driven crafts, drawing, and writing activities, in addition to projects in our Makerspace.
• Learn how fiction and nonfiction books are arranged on the bookshelves.
• Learn how to use the library automation system named Destiny to locate books.
• Explore Caldecott Award Winning books.
• Learn how to use nonfiction texts.
• Learn how to acquire, evaluate, interpret, and apply information for research.
• Learn how to use non-print electronic databases for research.
• Learn how to be good digital citizens.

Third Grade

• Listen to stories about diverse characters and topics
• Create student-driven crafts, drawing, and writing activities, in addition to projects in our Makerspace.
• Learn how to acquire, evaluate, interpret, and apply information for research.
• Learn how to use an index and table of contents.
• Identify search strategies for non-print resources.
• Identify search strategies for print resources.

BIRTHDAY BOOKS

If your child is celebrating a birthday, please consider donating a new book to the Library to commemorate the occasion!

If you choose to participate:

• Each new book will be displayed in the Hillside Library
• A bookplate will be put inside every new book with the name of the donor
• A picture of your child holding the book will be displayed on our Birthday Easel in the Library

 Use our easy-to-navigate Amazon Birthday Book Wish List here: Hillside School Amazon Birthday Book Program

Please be sure to include your child's name and teacher’s name on the gift card under “from" so we know which student donated the book. We will put a bookplate in each donated book with your child's name in it and put it on a special display with our Birthday Books. You can have the book shipped directly to Hillside School or to your home and have your student bring the donation into school.

How often does my child come to the Library?

• Kindergarten and First Grade have library twice a week.  Pre-K, Second, and Third Grade have library once a week.

How many books can my child take out each week from the Library?

• Your child may take out up to two books a week providing they have returned their previously borrowed books.

What happens if my child forgets their book(s)?

• Students who forgot their books will still be permitted to check out one book. They will also receive an overdue notice as a reminder.

Do the children pick their books off of the bookshelves?

• In grades 1-3, yes.  Children are guided to select level-appropriate books. However, we do not wish to stifle their ability to explore new texts, so if your child tells us, “Mommy or Daddy will help me,” we trust that they are enjoying their books at home with you, and will encourage them to ALSO take a level-appropriate book.
• The children in Pre-K and Kindergarten select their library books out of a Browsing Basket. The baskets are filled with titles and subjects that the children are interested in taking out as well as other age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction books.

What happens if my child receives an overdue notice and I know that I put the books in their backpack?

• Please contact Mrs. Caldwell or Mrs. DuBois (Library Assistant) via email, and we will investigate the situation and get back to you with an answer. kcaldwell@allendalek8.com or tdubois@allendalek8.com)

What is a typical Library class like?

• The children enter the library and sit “criss-cross applesauce” style on our “bee,” where they listen to stories. When storytime is complete, they have the opportunity to complete a project or activity related to the lesson of the day.  This can be individually, or in groups. Finally, the students are given time to browse through the books and select one to check out. When check-out has been completed, they return to their classroom.

What do I do if my child loses a library book?

• Please contact Mrs. Caldwell at kcaldwell@allendalek8.com and I will let you know how much you owe. The library cannot accept a cash payment. Checks need to be made out to the ABOE (Allendale Board of Education) or you can purchase a replacement book for the Library.

Who can I speak to if Mrs. Caldwell is not available?

• Please contact Mrs. Traci DuBois (Library Assistant) at tdubois@allendalek8.com

What happens if I’ve paid for a book and I find it later?

• If this happens during the current school year only, please return the book and your money will be refunded.

What is a Birthday book?

• A child may donate a book to the library in honor of his or her birthday. A donation plate is put in the book with the child’s name on it. A picture of your child holding the book is taken and placed on our birthday book display board.

Thank you for your interest in the Hillside Library. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.   

Mrs. Caldwell & Mrs. Du Bois