Here are the standards I use while developing my library program:

• TSLAC School Library Program Standards (Texas State Library and Archives Commission)
• ISTE Standards for Students and Educators (International Society for Technology in Education)
• AASL Standards Framework for Learners (American Association of School Librarians)

NJHS students created the themes and selected books for the first displays of the year.

• TSLAC: Strand 1 (Information Literacy), Strand 2 (Inquiry), Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Student 1.1 (Empowered Learner), 1.6 (Creative Communicator); Educator 2.6 (Facilitator)
• AASL: Foundation III (Collaborate), Foundation IV (Curate)

Right before school started, we received a long-awaited book order from the spring due to shipping delays. Many of the titles were directly requested from students, continuations of popular series or authors, or new releases about popular subjects such as UFOs, cooking, or sports.

• TSLAC: Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment)
• ISTE: Student 1.6 (Creative Communicator); Educator 2.1 (Learner), 2.4 (Collaborator), 2.7 (Analyst)
• AASL: Foundation I (Inquire), Foundation II (Include), Foundation III (Curate)

English classes came to the library to learn about innovations from the previous year, guidelines for physical and online checkout, virtual tools and resources, and rules and procedures within the physical space.

• TSLAC: Strand 1 (Information Literacy), Strand 2 (Inquiry), Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 4 (Digital Learning), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Educator 2.2 (Leader), 2.3 (Citizen), 2.5 (Designer), 2.6 (Facilitator)
• AASL: Foundation I (Inquire), Foundation V (Explore), Foundation VI (Engage)

We have many wonderful books by Hispanic authors throughout our Nonfiction and Fiction shelves and online using Destiny Discover, MackinVIA, and HPL platforms, including Fantasy, Science Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Horror, Comics Paradise, and more!

• TSLAC: Strand 2 (Inquiry), Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 4 (Digital Learning), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Student 1.1 (Empowered Learner), 1.2 (Knowledge Constructor) 1.7 (Global Collaborator); Educator 2.2 (Leader), 2.3 (Citizen), 2.5 (Designer), 2.6 (Facilitator)
• AASL: Foundation I (Inquire), Foundation II (Include), Foundation III (Curate), Foundation V (Explore)

We have both physical and virtual Dream Boards where students can write down book requests. While they may not always be granted (too advanced, publisher out of stock, etc.), our students know that their voices are heard and respected and that they make a positive impact on the library program (click on photo to access online form).

• TSLAC: Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Student 1.1 (Empowered Learner), 1.6 (Creative Communicator), Educator 2.2 (Leader)
• AASL: Foundation II (Include), Foundation V (Explore)

After eating their lunch in the cafeteria, kids can come to the library to browse and read books, play games, work on homework, draw or make crafts, or just relax.

• TSLAC: Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment)
• ISTE: Educator 2.1 (Learner), 2.4 (Collaborator), 2.6 (Facilitator)
• AASL: Foundation II (Include), Foundation III (Collaborate)

September was all about creative bookmarks, as students got to choose among six designs and color their bookmark during lunch, then the finished products were laminated and a ribbon attached.

• TSLAC: Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment)
• ISTE: Student 1.3 (Knowledge Constructor), Educator 2.6 (Facilitator)
• AASL: Foundation IV (Curate)

I'm always looking for new ways to improve efficiency and ease of access to our collection so the students can become more independent and confident in finding exactly what they are looking for (especially important for struggling or reluctant readers and English learners). I made short video tours explaining each Nonfiction and Fiction section and embedded the videos onto QR codes which can be accessed on any smart device, including student Chromebooks. Now, if a student isn't sure what the 500 section contains or what Science Fiction means exactly, they can watch a short video and discover something new (click on photo to access virtual tours)!

• TSLAC: Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 4 (Digital Learning), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Student 1.1 (Empowered Learner); Educator 2.1 (Learner), 2.2 (Leader), 2.5 (Designer), 2.6 (Facilitator), 2.7 (Analyst)
• AASL: Foundation I (Inquire), Foundation IV (Explore)

Did you know the POMS Library has a Canvas page? All students received an eVite to join and it will appear on their Dashboard alongside their class pages. It is a fantastic way to post announcements about new arrivals, upcoming events, community resources, and other fun stuff. There is also a link to HISD Digital Resources through Clever.

In addition to checking out physical books, POMS students have access to e-books and audiobooks through Destiny Discover, MackinVIA, and the platforms within the Houston Public Library such as Axis360 and ComicsPlus.

• TSLAC: Strand 2 (Inquiry), Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 4 (Digital Learning)
• ISTE: Student 1.1 (Empowered Learner), 1.3 (Knowledge Constructor); Educator 2.2 (Leader), 2.3 (Citizen), 2.6 (Facilitator), 2.7 Analyst)
• AASL: Foundation V (Explore)

As much as I want my students to feel comfort and confidence in the library, I also want parents, caregivers, and other family members to feel at ease finding library materials and resources at home so they can help their child with homework and leisure reading. I created Family Flyers in English and Spanish to distribute in the main hallway (click on photos to access).

• TSLAC: Strand 2 (Inquiry), Strand 4 (Digital Learning), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Educator 2.4 (Collaborator), 2.5 (Designer), 2.7 (Analyst)
• AASL: Foundation II (Include), Foundation IV (Curate), Foundation VI (Engage)

A goal of mine since last spring has been to create more opportunities for librarians to get together - physically or virtually - to share ideas, get help, give help, work on projects, plan ahead, and just enjoy seeing each other as our campuses are so far apart and we don't get to meet as often as teachers do with their departments. HASL (Houston Association of School Librarians) agreed to sponsor snacks for each meeting and a different librarian hosts at their library one Saturday each month all year long! The first fellowship was on September 24 at Emerson Elementary and I demonstrated the virtual tours for Nonfiction and Fiction sections. We also had librarians making craft bags for teens to use. It was a fantastic Saturday! Pin Oak hosts in October! (Photo credit: Rhonda Miller-Eaglin)

• TSLAC: Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Educator 2.1 (Learner), 2.2 (Leader), 2.4 (Collaborator), 2.5 (Designer)
• AASL: Foundation III (Collaborate), Foundation V (Explore)

First six weeks print circulation: 2,126

First six weeks e-book stats (MackinVIA):

• Total logins: 398
• Total views (students read the book in browser): 233
• Total checkouts: 46
• Total requests: 15

That is amazing and shows how our students LOVE to read! It also reflects the importance of an active library that encourages agency, choice, and voice in its confident, engaged readers! .

• TSLAC: Strand 1 (Information Literacy), Strand 2 (Inquiry), Strand 3 (Reading), Strand 4 (Digital Learning), Strand 5 (Safe and Nurturing Environment), Strand 6 (Leadership)
• ISTE: Student 1.1 (Empowered Learner), 1.3 (Knowledge Conductor), 1.6 (Creative Communicator); Educator 2.1 (Learner), 2.2 (Leader), 2.4 (Collaborator), 2.5 (Designer), 2.6 (Facilitator), 2.7 (Analyst)
• AASL: Foundation I (Inquire), Foundation II (Include), Foundation III (Collaborate), Foundation IV (Curate), Foundation V (Explore), Foundation VI (Engage)

Website: bit.ly/pomsvirtual
Location: 4601 Glenmont Street, Bellaire, TX, USA
Phone: 713-295-6500
Twitter: @pomslibrary