GRANT REPORT - MAMMOTH MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY
When walking into the Mammoth Middle School library, students enter an enchanting surrounding, drawing them into the world of reading with vibrant displays and themed decorations. The decor changes with the season and acknowledges significant societal events. There is even a former chair lift nestled in among the bookshelves and reading tables. Mammoth Middle school has an excellent library and reading program. Librarian Cindy Sprague is hands-on overseeing an accelerated reader program that challenges students to read each week with incentives for how many pages are read, reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary expansion. Cindy strives to provide students with the most recent releases, popular series, non-fiction titles and bilingual selections to support all student growth. With a $5000 grant from MMCF, Cindy has been able to provide additional novels, shelves to expand the library selections, offer extra incentives and activities, and professional development novels to support teacher growth. This is what Cindy has to say.
What did you get from the grant and how did it serve your student population?
The generous grant of $5,000.00 received by the Mammoth Middle School (MMS) Library has profoundly impacted our student population by enabling us to procure essential resources that enhance their educational experience and cultivate a vibrant and inviting reading environment. With this grant, we were able to purchase a diverse selection of books that cater to the diverse interests and reading levels of our students. This acquisition has ex[anded our library’s collection, offering a broader range of choices that resonate with our student body. These books serve as a valuable resource for fostering a love for reading and learning.
In addition to books, the grant allowed us to acquire a new shelf, which has improved our library’s organization and created a more welcoming and accessible space for our students. Furthermore, a portion of the grant funds was used to procure a selection of games. These games serve a dual purpose: they offer recreational opportunities that promote social interaction and bonding among students and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
How did this grant improve the lives of students in regards to having new literature available?
This grant has significantly enhanced the quality of students’ lives by substantially enriching the literary resources available to them. At MMS, our reading program plays a pivotal role in determining each student’s academic progress, as it is directly tied to their grades. Within this program, every student is assigned a specific reading level and a corresponding point target to attain. However, before the grant, we faced a notable challenge – the scarcity of books catering to each student’s interests and reading proficiency. The infusion of additional resources through this grant has addressed this issue head-on. By expanding our collection of books, we have created a diverse and comprehensive library that caters to each student’s unique preferences and abilities. This ensures that they have a broader selection of books to choose from and increases the likelihood of them finding literature that resonates with their interests and reading level. Consequently, the grant has played a pivotal role in facilitating students’ progress toward their reading goals. With a wider array of books at their disposal, students are better equipped to meet or even exceed their point targets.
Were the students more able to engage in their studies and recreational reading?
Absolutely, the increased availability of books has notably enhanced students' engagement in both their studies and recreational reading. For instance, over the past year, we've noticed a surge in interest among boys and girls in soccer-themed books. This heightened interest is directly attributable to our expanded collection, which now includes a range of soccer-related literature. These books captivate students' attention and serve as a powerful educational tool. They impart valuable lessons not only about soccer but also about life skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, and interpersonal relationships.
How did this grant improve the lives of the students and their educational experience?
This grant has had a transformative impact on the lives of our students, significantly enhancing their educational experience in several key ways. First and foremost, the grant allowed us to expand our library's collection with a wide variety of books. Our expanded selection equips students with the tools they need to achieve the reading goals set for them. Furthermore, the presence of this diverse collection creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in our library. This environment fosters a genuine love for reading among our students, making their educational journey not only more effective but also enjoyable.
It instills in them a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new worlds and interests through literature.
Is there anything that you would like to convey to the donors of MMCF that we can include in this article?
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the MMCF donors for their exceptional generosity and their genuine care for our community. Your support extends far beyond financial assistance; it is a testament to your belief in the potential of each student and your commitment to our shared mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals who can achieve their life goals. Mammoth is more than just a location; it's a close-knit village where we collectively contribute to the growth and development of our young learners. As someone who has personally witnessed the growth of my two sons in this community, I can attest to the relationship between education and outdoor recreation, especially skiing. These experiences shape well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also physically active and socially adept. Your support for our library is particularly meaningful to me because it directly contributes to the development of our students' minds and hearts. It fosters a love for reading, knowledge, and personal growth that will resonate throughout their lives. Once again, thank you, MMCF donors, for your incredible support. Your investment in our community's future is immeasurable, and we are profoundly grateful for the positive impact you are making on the lives of our students.
