Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students
and parents.
- When is the Middle School Library open?
- How many books are students allowed to borrow?
- Are there fines for overdue book?
- When can students come to the library and what are they allowed to do there?
- Does the library take donated books?
- What is the Accelerated Reader program and how does it work at the Dallas Middle School?
- What is the loan period on the books in the Middle School library?
When is the Middle School Library open?
The library is open every school day from 7:45 until dismissal
time.
How many books are students allowed to borrow?
Students may have 2 AR books signed out in their name. Students
may have additional non-AR books.
Are there fines for overdue book?
Yes. A fine of $.10 per school day per book is charged if the
book is not renewed or returned on time. If the student is absent
the day that the book was due, the fine for that day will be
forgiven. Students are not allowed to take out additional books
until their fine is paid. If, at the end of the marking period,
fines have not been paid, the student's report card will be held back.
When can students come to the library and what are they allowed to do there?
Students may visit the library in the morning before homeroom
period or during a study hall, with the permission of the study
hall monitor. Usually, 4 students per study hall are allowed to
come to the library, but there may be some restriction on that
number if there is a class in the library doing research with
their teacher, or if there are a number of students working on
the Compass program. Students are always welcome to just drop
off a book that needs to be returned in the return box
in the library or the school's main lobby.
Students come to the library to return and check out books and to
take AR tests. They are also permitted to use the computers for
school reports and research. Some students like to come to the
library to read quietly or to study for a test. Students should remember
to get a pass from their teacher. We do not allow students to bring in
software from home, to randomly surf the Internet, or to play games .
Does the library take donated books?
The library appreciates the donation of books in good condition,
especially if they are books on the AR list. Please be aware that
I will only accept books which I feel are appropriate for a
middle school library - no "adult" titles, please. If the book is
not on our AR list, and I choose to keep the book, I will usually
buy an AR quiz for that title. This process may take some time
as I must send in a minimum order for 20 tests. Please call me
if there are any questions in this regard.
What is the Accelerated Reader program and how does it work at the Dallas Middle School?
The Accelerated Reader program is a nationally-used program that uses
computerized tests to evaluate the student's comprehension of what has
been read. Here at the Middle School, we do not have the Internet-based
version of Accelerated Reader, so that not all AR tests are available to
the students.Students should check the lists of availalbe tests before
reading a book for AR points. These lists are available online at
the Middle School library site, in the school library, at the Back
Mountain Memorial Library, and at Barnes and Noble by the Wyoming Valley
Mall.
Reading teachers will require their students to either read and test
for a predetermined number of AR points, or read 2 AR books per marking
period and pass the AR tests.
Our AR books are marked with a spine label to indicate that the test is
avaiable. However, students must check our lists for the reading
level and number of AR points for each book.
What is the loan period on the books in the Middle School library?
Books from the regular fiction and nonfiction collection will be
due in three (3) weeks. Reference books can be borrowed for one
(1) week. Books may be renewed for an additional 3 weeks unless
another student has a reserve on that book. Exceptions might be
made if the book is lengthy.