Thank you, SV Education Foundation

Dear Editor,
The Scotts Valley Educational Foundation has worked tirelessly over the years to help support Scotts Valley Unified School District schools. Among other things, they have supported counseling, purchased playground equipment, and donated funds to keep our libraries open.
The libraries are open at all four of our sites four days a week to serve all students.  Every year the Scholastic Book Fairs are run through the libraries, bringing in thousands of dollars and materials including SmartBoards and books.
At the elementary sites, classes visit the library on a weekly basis, listen to a story, and check out books. The librarians may allow students the opportunity to come in at lunch for structured activities, or bring in special speakers. They also encourage the Accelerated Reading and Kindness Programs. Mackenzie Keller at Vine Hill Elementary speaks to what a pleasure it is to read to children and to help foster excitement and instill passion about books.  Brook Knoll’s Ady Weinstein adds, “If kids don’t learn basic library skills in K-5, they may never receive this training.”
The librarian at Scotts Valley Middle School helps students with research and helps to facilitate the Accelerated Reading Program. Says Elizabeth Poser, “Our students depend on the accessibility of a wide range of titles in the library. Last year, on average, students and staff checked out between 800-900 titles per month and library laptop computers were utilized by roughly 350-400 students per month.”
“Libraries have become more than just a place to get books,” states the Scotts Valley High School librarian, Melissa Walpole.
“They have transformed into social and media hubs where students can check their YouTube subscriptions or meet friends for lunch. Our librarians work very hard to make the school libraries safe zones that are cool places to hang out. Displays are inspired by current trends and school curriculum in an effort to inspire the students.”  It also serves as the textbook room.
Scotts Valley Unified School District is thankful for the opportunity that the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation has provided to allow the district to maintain its high quality libraries.
Tanya Krause, Superintendent of Schools, Scotts Valley Unified School District