Voice, Choice & Climate--Priorities for the new PGLIBRARY!

It's been an amazing start to our journey in the BRAND NEW Pine Grove Library!  With a gorgeous, sparkling, fresh space, we are lucky to have an impressive backdrop to our program.

The space itself is eyecatching, "very college-like" according to our students, and the best complement yet--it has good "juju"!  Personally, I am beyond grateful to be at the helm. Professionally, I am inspired and the wheels are turning so fast I can't keep up.   

As I work with students to plan each and every "what next" I am reminded daily of these lessons:

• student voice matters and without it, the space is just a space  Students are at the forefront of how we've set up the space, signage, program planning, and student staffing.  This was always what we were about and the new space won't change that.

• Sometimes (ok maybe always) you have to reinvent yourself and your program  We've moved to 1:1 computer access, multiple large group spaces throughout the building, new staffing configurations (tech integrators and content literacy specialists), and shifts in how teachers deliver instruction.    I must transform how I deliver resources, market spaces and our facility, empower student leaders, and align with district and community initiatives.

• LET IT GO...with SO much to do to set up the space, get all things back up and running, manage facility updates, and establish our niche (niches!), it is necessary to shift priorities to match what REALLY matters for kids, for learning, and for sustainability.  The to-do lists will always be there but these kids won't.   

Right now my priorities are:  

STUDENT VOICE, STUDENT CHOICE, and CLIMATE.   With those areas safely in place, we are on the road to making sustainable connections that impact the minds of our kids.