EXPLORE: Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experiences and reflection.
Opportunities
CCPS offers opportunities for our students to build a growth mindset and develop that growth mindset through experiences and reflection. At all three levels in our district, students participate in book clubs in which students self-select their book to read. Through this process, we are developing a growth mindset in our readers. They are reflecting on their reading as it was chosen BY THEM and not by the teacher. They are seeing experiences through the eyes of characters that mirror their own experiences or allow them to step into the shoes of another.
Stakeholders
We consider our school libraries to be what some would refer to as the "heart of the building." Yes, that old cliche. But it's true. The school library is a place where the school community can come together to learn, explore, play, create, and just hang out. Our school libraries involve the whole school community and we consider the students to be our most valuable stakeholders. After all, they are the reason we exist.
Environments
Our school library environments are open, inclusive, and amazing. Students can study, research, play cards or board games, and spend time with each other. They can grab a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa in our high schools. In our middle and high schools, they can come in to charge devices, or sit on a comfy couch. Our elementary schools are more structured, but our school libraries are still the most wonderful places to explore and engage with a great book! We encourage you to visit all of our school libraries and see the welcoming environment for yourselves! (When it's safe to do so, of course!)
Image: Exploring "old" ways of having fun. These students are spending one hour lunch having a blast learning about that old fashioned pastime of making shrinky dinks.
Image: Exploring doesn't have to take place in the library. Here, Dr. Sanchez poses with a student as they explore Mt. Vernon.
Image: Dr. Sanchez explores Colonial Williamsburg as part of a professional development opportunity. Always learning!
Image: Even if you can't explore in person, you can visit via virtual field trips.
Image: Exploring coding with Girls Who Code in Elementary
Image: Exploring coding with Girls Who Code at the Maryland Coding Festival
Image: PHS AP Literature Library Book Discussion
Image: Exploring how robots work in the library.
Image: These two are exploring some of the cool new free time titles in their library.