Rebel Readers!

Hello! I'm Camille Ryckman, the Digital Teacher Librarian at Columbine High School, and I'm thrilled to be starting my third year in this amazing library. Every day, I see our outstanding teachers, staff, and students make this place special. Whether students are curling up with a good book, getting some study time in, or just finding a comfortable spot to unwind during lunch or their off period, the library has become a vibrant hub of our school community.

My long-term goal is for everyone to see themselves as a library user--whether that is checking out a book, using resources, or just having a warm and welcoming place to recharge. Libraries are for all.

Whether you're new to Jeffco Schools or a returning family, we want you to know about all the resources available to your student in our library. Our mission is to provide a welcoming, supportive space where every student can thrive.

1:1 Chromebook issued by the District

We're your first stop for Chromebook assistance! Whether your device:

• Won't turn on
• Has a broken screen
• Had an unfortunate encounter with liquid ...we're here to help!

Chromebook Loaner Program

Need a temporary device? Not lost or broken just forgotten? We've got you covered:

• Students get 3 no-questions-asked loaner days per school year
• Devices must be returned by end of day
• After 3 loans, we request keys, phone, or wallet as collateral
• Look out for the bright yellow "LOANER" sticker!

Note: While most students only need occasional loaners, extended borrowing does impact availability for others. If you spot a loaner Chromebook at home, please encourage your student to return it to the library.

Your student has access to:

• Flexible study spaces for both individual and group work
• An extensive book collection
• Board games and puzzles for break times
• Printing services
• In-library school supplies including:
  • Glue sticks
  • Colored pencils
  • Note cards
  • Paper
  • And much more!

Most importantly, we're here to help! If your student needs anything for their schoolwork, please encourage them to ask. Our goal is to support every student's academic success by providing the resources they need.

Digital Teacher Librarians wear many hats, each essential to creating a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for their future. Here is what it means for your student:

The Digital Expert

I help students:

• Navigate our ever-evolving digital world confidently

• Develop critical thinking skills for evaluating online information

• Use technology tools effectively and responsibly

• Build digital citizenship skills for their future

The Teacher

In this role, I:

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to enhance learning

• Guide students in research and information literacy

• Design learning experiences that integrate technology meaningfully

• Support students in becoming independent, lifelong learners

The Librarian

As your librarian, I:

• Create an inclusive, welcoming space for all students

• Curate and catalog resources to support both classroom teaching and student interests

• Build and maintain collections that reflect our community and our world

• Foster a love of reading and discovery

• Connect students with books and resources that spark their interests

• Ensure easy access to materials through thoughtful organization and cataloging

Together, these elements create a library program that supports your student's growth, curiosity, and success in today's digital world.

Since I started here2 years ago, my focus has been on building a strong and meaningful foundation for the Columbine library. To guide this work, I’ve used the Colorado State Library Services Standards for schools, which provide a clear framework for developing an effective library that grows alongside our school community. These standards are laid out in the “Highly Effective Schools through Libraries” guide, published by the state.

The five key standards that shape a successful library program are:

1. Planning

2. Management

3. Environment

4. Teaching

5. Leadership

With Principal Scott Christy’s support, I outlined specific goals for the library’s Planning and Management areas. Over the year, I documented my progress and applied for recognition, resulting in being awarded both the Planning and Management Badges for our school.

Last year, I focused on the Environment standard. Working with our woodworking class and Mrs. Cassinas, we installed shelving created by students to warm the space, the library also has a new mural that is visually stunning and helps add a little color to a space that was plain and boring. I’ve also rearranged seating and furniture to create spaces that support various student needs—whether it’s learning, studying, meeting with others, attending classes, or simply relaxing.

This year, I submitted my work in Leadership. Drawing from my K-12 experience and time working as the District Library Services Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) I have experience to draw upon that help me be a leader in the library realm. I received my recognition mid-September.

This progression has been the perfect way to set up a strong library foundation and to allow time to focus on the most important role of a Digital Teacher Librarian and that is teaching. I have teamed with our AP Seminar teachers this year to help bring in expertise on research, research skills and media literacy. This has given me an amazing oppertunity to work with Mr. Jeff Garkow, Ms. Ashten Roberts and Mrs. Larissa Welsh. I have learned so much from them as thoughtful and insightful teachers who have a real passion for teaching. I also have taken away valuable lessons around how they construct students learning and relate to them individually in order to set them up for future success. I will submit my work over this year to earn the Teaching Credential.

Once we have earned all five credentials, our school will be reconginzed by the state as A Highly Effective School Through libraries - an honor that has only been awarded to a handful of high schools. This is truly a testament tohow much our Administration values a school library that supports students.