Clinics
Media Center
Fall Book Fair (it's online!!!) Junior Library Guild Fair
October 19 – 30, 2020
Buy a book for yourself, a friend, parent or sibling. Think ahead for birthdays or other gift-giving opportunities.
All purchases earn money for our school library to purchase books.
6th graders and new enrollees Chromebook MANDATORY video & paperwork:
Link to Chromebook Video and Paperwork: 20-21 Chromebook 1-1 Video for Parents & Students
Please watch the 30 min video with your child. Print out and return the completed paper work as soon as possible.
Students & Families: Check out the Google Classroom for activities, games, and FREE virtual author/illustrator book festivals. (uf4agoo)
Access to Books beyond our library:
Link to list of some options for free eBooks
VCMS Book fines have been put on hold/stopped as of 3/12/20.
Public Library Infomation:
Lake County Libraries: My Lake Library - link to information
Sumter County Libraries: Sumter County Library Information
Marion County Libraries: Marion County Libraries Information
PI time
Scroll down to the PI Opportunities section to view options for PI through the library.
AR
AR testing will continue. Students are expected to maintain integrity in their testing. Do not cheat.
Website Upgade: AR has a new look and functions.
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All Passwords will be case sensitive
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All passwords were converted to lower case.
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Special characters allowed are limited to ONLY the following: ! # $ % - _ = + < > *
- Locked accounts will be automatically unlocked after 5 min.
Testing Times: Monday - Friday, 8am - 3pm
At-Home learners: Students may access the VCMS AR website from the tvcs.org bookmarks on a student account OR click the link to test on any device (phone, tablet, computer): link to AR testing for VCMS
Points required: your child can see their points due when they log into their account.
AR Book Check
Curious if your book has an AR test? Want to know the level and points? Go to www.arbookfind.com to find out. You can search by title or author.
No AR test? You may also request a test be created for your book. On arbookfind.com, choose >teacher (instead of student) when you open the website. Then click on Suggest Quizzes at the top right-hand corner. Fill out the information and a test will be made. Make multiple requests with different emails to get quicker results.
AR HomeConnect
Do you want to check your child's AR information from home?
Go to AR HomeConnect. You will use your child's log-in information for this site. Email claire.brooks@tvcs.org if you need your log in information.
Library Hours: |
Join the library's Google Classroom:uf4agoo |
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Mon - Thurs 7:15 am - 3:45 pm Fridays 7:15 am - 3:30 pm
Students need a pass but may visit the library at any point during open hours. |
Check your Destiny (library) account: Open Destiny and click Log In (top right) User name: same one as Skyward (initial and district ID number) Password: buffalo (same for all students) Click My Info to see books currently checked out to you |
AXIS 360 - eBook selection
Axis 360 - Link to Sumter County Library's eBooks
VCS students may access Sumter County's library system.
User name: same one as Skyward (initial and district ID number)
Password: buffalo (same for all students)
Password Reset
Parents: email debbie.paxton@tvcs.org or Patrick.Murphy@tvcs.org if you need your Skyward password reset.
Students: Skyward passwords will not expire at this time. If you cannot access Skyward, please make sure you are using tvcs.org bookmarks to access it. Do not Google search for Skyward.
If you still have trouble please email Mrs. Brooks or Mr. Murphy.
FYI- you have 2 main passwords (1) Google/Chrome and (2) Windows/Skyward. They will be updated separately.
Chromebook Care
VCMS Chromebook Care Information
Damaged?
It is important to fix broken keyboards and screens as soon as possible.
- put any broken pieces in a baggie and tape it to the damaged CB lid.
- take out your wireless mouse dongle before dropping off your CB.
Chromebook repairs can be expensive. Be mindful that you have a responsibility to maintain the device issued to you.
Tips: (a) get a protective sleeve. This will help protect it from bumps and dirt. (b) Keep it in a dirt-free and padded area in your backpack. (c) Be gentle on the keyboard. Pounding knocks off keys. Purchase a keyboard cover. (d) Do not touch another person's Chromebook. You will pay for any subsequent damages and will receive disciplinary consequences. (e) Do not try to fix issues by yourself. If a key pops off, bring the key and Chromebook to us. Do not lose the key. (f) Do not bring your charger to school. You may come by the library if you want us to attach a name label. An additional charger may be purchased from us for $25 or $49 depending on the model (ex: for a second household).
Connection Issues?
1. restart your computer
2. clear your browsing history/cache Clear Cache
3. take off moving backgrounds, enlarged mouse, halos around the pointer, etc. Return settings to the original ones.
4. check that your keyboard is US and not INTL. Sometimes it gets switched.
5. Plug your computer in. Sometimes this refreshes it.
Won’t turn on? Don’t see a light?
- Hold down the power key and the refresh key and count to 6.
- Hold down the power key and the brightness key (big sun) for 6 seconds.
- Close the lid, open the lid, give a second or two. Hit the power button if needed.
The 2020-2021 Sunshine State book list (SSYRA)
Click on the following link to access the list and book descriptions: SSYRA 2020-21
Make a copy of this spreadsheet to keep track of which books you've read and AR tested on: SSYRA tracking (File > Make a Copy)
We want every student to make a goal to read 3 or more of these books this school year.
How are the Sunshine State books chosen? A panel of middle school librarians across the state of Florida read hundreds of books. They chose a variety of books that will appeal to the middle school students. Some books are long, some are short. There is always a variety of topics in hopes that there is at least one book to reach every 6th - 8th child's interest.
Field Trip: Read and pass the AR tests on all 15 books to qualify for the movie & lunch field trip in April.
Election Day: April 2021 (TBD) - read 3 or more of the SSYRA books to participate in the Mock Election to vote for your favorite book. This is an opportunity for students to be able to use the real voting machines that will be brought in by the Sumter Co. Elections folks.
2020 VCMS and students across Florida Students' Choice Award:
Greeting from Witness Protection! by Jake Burt
Search the Library for books
Need to find something to read or a book to use for research? Use the small search bar in the icon below to perform an automatic search of the MS library.
Log in to Destiny. Check your account status, put books on hold, recommend books, etc.
User name: same one as Skyward (initial and district ID number)
Password: buffalo (same for all students)
DESTINY (card catalog)
Reading is a joy, a privilege and the right of every student. As you select the library books you will read, please understand that every book is not the best choice for every student. If a book is unappealing or offensive to you in any way, please return it and select another. You know which reading materials best serve you and your own standards, reading levels, and beliefs.
Get your own Sumter County Library card
Lake County and Marion County also allow neighboring county citizens to get library cards.
Stop by any library (with a parent) and they can give you a library account. It only takes 5 min!!!
Applications available in the Media Center. Parent signature required. Don't limit your access to knowledge - join the library!!
AR Due Dates for 2020-21
100% Point Goal and Comprehension Grade: must be completed by the following dates each nine weeks: Oct. 8th, Dec 18th, March 10th, May 7th
How many points do you need? View the VCMS Handbook (tvcs.org > forms) for point designations or ask your Language Arts or Reading teacher.
Student may only take tests in their Language Arts class, Reading class, or in the library. Testing outside of these locations will result in a referral.
Rewards for Reading
Rewards for Reading Document (link)
Media Center Wish List
We accept gently used books appropriate for middle school students, ESPECIALLY SSYRA books (see link for list below), hard cover books, or newly released titles. PI hours will be given.
Plastic storage containers (small and medium sizes) with lids, chess and/or checkers sets, markers, arts and crafts supplies.
Decorations Needed! If you have any that you are getting rid of, please consider donating them to the library. We like to decorate for the seasons and holidays. Thank you.
Contact Information
Media Specialist: Claire Brooks
claire.brooks@tvcs.org
352-259-0044
Media Assistant: Sandy Berger
sandy.berger@tvcs.org
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AR Book Check
Curious if your book has an AR test? Want to know the level and points? Go to www.arbookfind.com to find out. You can search by title or author.
No AR test? No problem! You may also request a test be created for your book. On arbookfind.com, choose >teacher (instead of student) when you open the website. Then click on Suggest Quizzes at the top right-hand corner. Fill out the information and a test will be made. Make multiple requests with different emails to get quicker results.
AR HomeConnect
Do you want to check your child's AR information from home?
Go to AR HomeConnect. You will use your child's log-in information for this site. Email me if you need your log in information.
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PI Opportunities
1) Mindset Videos: PI Informational Time
Growth Mindset videos from the Florida Department of Education address how the research of Dr. Carol Dweck who states that the way students think impacts their attitudes toward learning and how they perform in the classroom.
Each video lesson and accompanying survey will earn parents 30 minutes of informational time. While both parents may review the three videos and five articles, credit will be awarded to only one parent for a maximum of 4.0 hours per household.
To take advantage of this opportunity for earning informational hours, access these resources at: Mindset Videos and Resources for PI Time
2) New Opportunity to Earn PI Time at VCS in both English and Spanish
Online Digital Citizenship and Safety course
To take advantage of this opportunity for earning informational hours, access these resources at https://goo.gl/3nKLXS
3) Parent Involvement Reading: The list of books is in the PDF below or click this link: Parenting Books with AR tests List
AR testing for PI will end on Friday, May 28th, 2021 at 3:20 PM.
You must have a student enrolled at the middle school to check out and test on the chosen books. Parents will be awarded two PI hours for each book read with a passing score on the accompanying AR test. Both qualifying parents may test on the same book to earn a total of four hours.
After reading the book of your choice, you will need to take an AR test on that book using your child's AR account. A score of 60% or higher is considered passing and once achieved, 2 hours of informational involvement time will be added to your parent involvement account. Once you have taken the test you MUST email claire.brooks@tvcs.org to have your PI time submitted.
You may NOT test on a book more than one time.
Limited copies of these titles will be available in our school’s library, but you may get copies from any public library or bookstore.
4) Service Hours –
Are you a shopper instead of a reader? Students often request books that are "the next in the series," and we award PI service hours if parents are interested in purchasing books. We also accept book donations based upon the needs in our collection, and service hours are awarded based on the books' retail value and condition.
5) Wish List items:
Lego sets, chess and/or checkers sets, markers, arts and crafts supplies, robotics supplies or kits. Decorations Needed! We like to decorate for the seasons and holidays. Thank you.
MEDIA CENTER POLICIES
We have established the following policies to encourage students to uphold our core value of stewardship as they use media center resources:
- Two books may be checked out for two weeks and renewed for another two-week period.
- Late books and overdue fines greater than $1.00 will restrict signing out additional items.
- The replacement cost will be charged for lost or damaged books.
- Late books will be charged $.05 per day after a five day grace period.
- 3 Student computers are provided solely for academic printing purposes from 7:15 AM- 3:45 PM.
- Students are asked to be respectful of others and use the media center as a place for reading, studying, and conducting research in a quiet atmosphere.
- Students need a pre-signed pass from staff to come to the media center before, during, and after school. Teachers in before-care, the lunchroom, and guides in after-care will have passes.
EBOOK SOURCES
ManyBooks.net – popular titles, recommendations, and recent reviews of more than 29,000 eBooks available for Kindles, Nooks, iPads, and most other eReaders. Best of all they’re FREE!
Project Gutenberg - over 42,000 free eBooks available for readers to download or read online
DIGITAL INFORMATION SOURCES - Sources you can trust. No FAKE NEWS here.
Infotrac – magazines, newspapers and reference resources with reliable, accurate information (username: fl_sumtermedia and password: student)
Academy of Achievement - biographies about leaders and visionaries who have helped to shape our world
American Rhetoric - database of 5000+ full text, audio, and video versions of public speeches, sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, debates, interviews & recorded media events
Biography Base - collection of 5485 biographies
Infotopia – a search engine with trusted websites.
World Factbook – information on the history, culture, government, economy and geography of 267 countries.
Florida Electronic Library – (Login with the 14 digit # on your public library card)
State of Florida iTunes U – resources on Florida culture and history.
Florida Center for Instructional Technology - digital resources, such as maps, clip art and photos.
Biodiversity Heritage Library - over 150,000 high resolution images of botanical and animal illustrations which are free to download.
CITATION RESOURCES
Science Fair Extravaganza - Citing Sources, Choosing Reliable Sources
Owl Purdue – MLA and APA formatting style guide
EasyBib - bibliography and citation generator
Citation Machine – a guide for creating MLA and APA formatting
LIBRARIES
Sumter County Library Services
Marion County Public Library System
Media Center Acrobat(.PDF) Documents
Parenting books with AR tests (PI time) - earn 2 hours of Informational hoursSumter Co. Public Library Card Application - Sumter Co. Public Library Card Application
Media Center Links
AR website for testing -InfoTrac Database-password and user available in media - Great Online Research Database
Just Read Families - Just Read Family Information
Juvenile Series and Sequels - Lists of hundreds of series. Easy searches!
Kids Reads! - Great descriptions of series books.
Scholastic - A varied resource for parent and student use
Sunshine State Books - Sunshine State Book Lists
Works Cited Format - Works Cited Format
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