Students at Prairie Wind check out books every week. Unless they are checking the book out for a class project (such as a book report) or renewing the book*, every book that is checked out must be returned at the following check out class period. This is typically one week.
*Students may renew their books up to 2 times provided the books are not needed for another purpose (such as a book hold or for some curricular or extracurricular purpose like a club). There are a few books, such as Guiness Book of World Records, Dork Diaries, Ever After High, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, that are rarely allowed to be renewed due to a long list of students who wish for a chance to check the books out. We do not try to discourage anyone from reading any appropriate books for their reading level and/or interest, but we do believe that every student deserves a chance at the book or books of their choice.
There are two rules for renewal:
1. The book must not be among those types listed above.
2. The book must be present in order to renew the book. If you forget it at home, you can't renew it until your bring it to school!
Self-Checkout
Students in the fourth and fifth grades have the opportunity to participate in self-checkout. This means they can access their own account and scan their own books to enable checkout. This is a privilege, not a right! The Library Staff, Classroom Teacher, Parents of the Student, and School Administration have the right to restrict or even prohibit the use of self-checkout if the situation warrants it!
Damaged and Lost Book Policy
Damage happens to books for a wide variety of reasons. We try to teach Prairie Wind students how to properly care for books and prevent damage. Since we are understanding that damage or lost books sometimes happens, we try very hard not to make a big deal out of such an occurrence provided that it is an isolated incident and that there is no evidence that the damage done was intentional. If a book IS damaged, PLEASE return the book to us as soon as possible. We MIGHT be able to fix it! If the book is damaged beyond repair, the student will be charged for the replacement of the book. The student will not be charged for a damaged book provided it is repairable.
For a lost book, the student will be asked to first look again in the places he or she frequents. It is amazing how often a book can get misplaced! If the book is still missing, the student will be charged for the replacement of the book. HOWEVER, if, at a later date, the book is to show up (even if it is returned by someone else) and in such a condition that is not damaged beyond repair, the student (or paying party) will be issued a full refund of the money paid for the lost book!
The price for book replacement varies upon a wide variety of factors. Please see the Library Staff if you have any questions or concerns regarding the cost of a lost or destroyed book.
Prairie Wind's Library is a safe learning environment for all learners in every part of our library at any part of our work day. To accomplish this, we expect all students to behave according to the following expectations:
1. Listen to all directions the first time they are given.
2. Enter and exit the library respectfully. Do not slam doors. At the end of class, push your chair in, and wait quietly in the exit line until your teacher leads the class out from the library.
3. Be respectful of all library materials. This includes all materials given to you by the library staff, the chairs you sit in while in the library, and the books you check out. Use of shelf markers are mandatory!
4. Be respectful to everyone in the library including the library staff, fellow students, and other visitors at all times.
5. Return all books when they are due. You may renew most books in our library at least once!
If you are using computers, the following rules apply:
1. Follow the rules stated in the "computer use policy.".
2. Use consideration and courtesy while searching the catalog. The computer catalog is not a browsing device, due to time considerations.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency:
1. DON'T PANIC!
2. LISTEN for instructions.
3. DO what is asked of you without delay.
FIRE DRILLS
All Fire Drill and Disaster Drill Emergency routes are marked in the library on the wall.
Upon the sound of the fire alarm, students will stop what they are doing and immediately line up on the intermediate side of the library. The students will then walk quickly and silently out the doors leading to the playground to the appointed fire drill spot in single file order. Students will not run and will keep their hands and bodies to themselves at all times.
DISASTER DRILLS
Disaster Drill Emergency Routes are posted on the library wall.
Upon the sound of the disaster drill alarm, or whichever notification deemed appropriate by Omaha Public Schools, students will walk quickly and quietly to the Guided Reading Book Room (Mrs. Newman's office) and sit down either against the wall or on the floor. The students will sit quietly and listen for further instructions in a calm manner.
LOCKDOWN DRILL
Upon the announcement that a LOCKDOWN has been put into effect, the students will stop EVERYTHING they are doing and move quickly and quietly to the COMPUTER LAB. Students will sit against the wall or in an aisle AWAY from any door or window. They will sit quietly and in a calm manner awaiting further instructions.
ANY OTHER EMERGENCY
Upon the announcement of an emergency NOT listed above, the students will stop what they are doing and await instructions from the library staff or any school staff member currently in the library at the time of such an announcement. They will follow instructions quickly and quietly.
Prairie Wind's Library is equipped with a variety of electronic resources including 8 eMacs, 1 iMac, 3 PCs, and 30 Macbook Pros. This does not include the iMacs located in the Computer Lab and the laptop carts!
Students who wish to utilize any of these computers must follow these rules:
1. Follow all directions given by a teacher or member of the library staff. Not following directions (including viewing websites that are not approved by the teacher, the Library Staff, or any school staff member) while using a school computer is grounds for loss of computer privileges.
2. Leave all preferences or desktop appearances alone. The changing of desktop icons, backgrounds, or any other viewing option is not allowed.
3. Leave any document, presentation, or file that is not theirs alone. Any deletion or manipulation of a file that is not their own is grounds for suspension of computer privileges.
4. Private Information is STRICTLY PRIVATE. No student will share their password or any other secure information with any other student for any reason.
Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status, or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).
Las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha no discriminan basados en la raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, estado civil, orientación sexual, discapacidad , edad, información genética, estado de ciudadanía, o estado económico, en sus programas, actividades y empleo, y provee acceso equitativo a los “Boy Scouts” y a otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para atender estas inquietudes referentes a las pólizas de no discriminación: El Superintendente de las Escuelas, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).