Mission Statement

The mission of the Alvarado, Kitayama, and Pioneer Elementary Media Centers is to provide all students with access to the library media center which, supports standards-based curriculum by providing instruction in library media curricula including 21st Century Literacy skills to ensure students become lifelong learners and productive citizens in our community and society.

Monday, January 28, 2013

I'll miss you!

Yes, it's true.  With the coming of the Race to the Top Grant funding, all our schools will now be staffed, and open full time.  This means there are going to be big changes.  Although it was a hard decision, I am moving to Cesar Chavez Middle School starting on February 12th.

I have had a wonderful time teaching fifth grade and media at Alvarado Elementary for the last 6 years.  I will miss all of your wonderful smiles, and great discussions on the fun reads we've had together.

Who knows?  Maybe we'll meet again!
Mrs. Valine

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Changes Coming?

On Tuesday, January 8th the New Haven News published in part, "Students in the New Haven Unified School District will have only to visit their school’s library to start seeing the benefits of the District’s successful pursuit of a $29.4 million Race to the Top-District grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Among the many reductions forced upon the District by continuing state budget cuts, staffing was reduced or eliminated at the start of the school year in libraries and media centers at all New Haven schools. While some schools were able to provide various levels of service by using site funds, or because they were the beneficiaries of donations, all schools now will have services restored, as the District receives the initial influx of RTTT-D funds due during the next four-and-a-half years."

When will library services be restored, or what will library services look like with the push to digital media and the common core, has yet to be told. I look forward to the exciting changes the RTTT grant will provide us to move to 21st Century teaching and learning.