Checkout Policy for School Library
Children are allowed to check out one book at a time and are required to bring back that book before checking out a new book. We allow the children to check out the books for two-week time frames. After that time, the child will receive a “late notice” and will have to either re-check out the book or return it to the Library. We encourage the children to take good care of their library books and treat them with care. In the event a book is lost or damaged, we would ask that the child pay a “replacement” fee which is equivalent to the purchase price of the book.
Accelerated Reader Program
Accelerated Reader is a nationally recognized computer-based program that measures reading comprehension levels of students. Accelerated Reader is a supplemental reading program that we offer. This program in no way determines the pass/fail status of your child but rather is geared towards encouraging your child to read more. At Thomas Jefferson Academy, we place emphasis on reading because we believe that while reading students gain knowledge as well as improve their overall skills in vocabulary, spelling, writing, and reading comprehension. The reading level of each book measures the textual difficulty of a book. For example, if a book has a reading level of 4.5 that means that the text can be understood by readers with a mid-fourth-grade reading ability. The point value of a book is based on the number of words a book contains. Students are awarded points according to the percentage of questions they answer correctly. Partial points are awarded for tests that score 60% or above.
At the beginning of each school year, students take a STAR comprehension test on the computer in the media center to determine at what level they are reading. They must then check-out and read books in their zone level (ZPD) and then pass a computerized test to receive the accelerated reader points designated for that book. The higher the level, the more difficult the book, therefore, the more points received. During the school year, as students succeed in one level, they move up to the next zone level depending upon their classroom teacher’s criteria. We administer the STAR test three times a year to students in 1st through 5th grades. Students are tested in August, January, and May and their ZPD is adjusted accordingly.
Students in each class are encouraged to achieve a specific goal — a specific number of points — for each nine weeks. Students are awarded at Honor’s Day for earning at least 20 points (in K5), 50 points, and 100 points. Students with the highest points for the classroom will receive an award. An award is also given to the student who has earned the most points overall for the elementary school.
See “AR Book Finder” link to the left for a list of Accelerated Reader books, reading level, and number of points assigned to each book.
What is the Book Fair?
Thomas Jefferson hosts 2 Scholastic Book Fairs per school year. This is the library’s only means of income and therefore is of great importance. In November and in March of each school year you will be invited to attend this week-long event. At the Book Fair you can purchase adult bestsellers, children bestsellers, toys, pens, calculators, balls, posters, and the list goes on and on. If you have never attended one of our Book Fairs, please be sure to join us Remember this is the library’s main source of income. In addition to financial benefits, we also receive free books for hosting a book fair. Thank you so much for your support of this event!
If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Evans at aevans@tjajags.com.