Policies

A variety of materials are available for student use. Any student coming to the media center during school hours must have a signed hall pass from a teacher (not a substitute), a counselor or an administrator. The hall pass must include the time she/he departed and the date. Students must sign in upon arrival in the media center and sign out before leaving. All students must return to class before the end of the period with pass signed by a media specialist, which includes their time of departure.
Student Information:

Food and drinks are not allowed in the media center.
Book bags are not allowed in the main media center area. They should be left in the designated area as students enter the facility.
Each student must use a photo ID to check out materials. Accepted ID's include: school ID, driver's license or permit, YMCA card, military ID, sate ID card, or a signed ID verification note from a teacher.
Material printed off the Internet must be school related.
Students are allowed to check out a reasonable number of items (maximum of four) for up to three weeks. Items may be renewed up to two times if necessary.
Students having more than ten absences per term may be limited to checking out one item.
When several classes are researching similar topics, it may become necessary to limit the number of items checked out by individuals. These materials will be put on reserve and will be available for use only in the media center for a specified time period.
Students may not check out audiovisual materials and equipment, including videos. Students may arrange with a media specialist to view a video in the media center if absent or if necessary for a project.
Students are not to loan media center materials checked out in their name to other students. Nor should students expect others to return materials for them. The individual checking out the material will be held responsible for any items not returned to the media center.

Overdues and Fines
It is very important for students to honor the borrowing privileges at East Coweta and take responsibility for returning materials on time. Please respond to all overdue notices received by returning the item or talking with a media specialist about the item. The following rules for overdues and fines apply:

	Fines of $.10 per day per item will be incurred for overdue material.
	Students with outstanding fines or overdue materials are not allowed to check out materials.
	Report cards will be held at the end of grading periods for students having overdue books and/or fines.

Student Internet Use
Students may access the Internet in the media center if they have a signed Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) on file. Any misuse of the Internet will result in a discipline referral and the privilege of computer use will be revoked school wide. Surfing is not allowed. Students are to use the Internet for class assignments only. Computer usage is monitored.

Copies/Duplication of Material

	We will photo copy material according to copyright guidelines, for school projects only.
	Photocopies and computer copies for school assignments may be made for $.10 per page upon request
	There is no allowance for personal copies.

Student Use Before School/After School
Students may use the media center before school or after school. Students must spend the time reading, researching or studying. Those who are not quiet will be asked to leave.

Student Use During Lunch
Students must have a hall pass to come to the media center during lunch. First lunch students should ask their second block teacher for a media center pass and all other students should ask their third block teacher for a pass. Students reporting to the media center during lunch are to remain until the bell rings signaling the end of their lunch period.

Bringing Classes to the Center
If your lesson plans include use of the media center, sign up at least one week in advance and meet with a media specialist to complete the form, “ECHS Media/Technology Planning Guide”. (See teacher resources) This will enable us to meet your objectives so that your class will best utilize the media center’s facilities. The sign-up calendar has each block separated into two 45 minute time periods to allow as many people as possible to utilize the media center.

	Access to the media center is limited to one class at a time.
	Your use of the media center should be an introduction to or an extension of material covered in class. It should be detailed in your lesson plans and coincide with curriculum.
	In order to reduce theft, we are asking that your students leave all bookbags in your classroom before coming to the center. Return to class five minutes before the end of the period.
	The discipline of your class while in the center is your responsibility. For effective student productivity, we suggest no more than three students to a table.
	Lesson plans for substitute teachers should indicate that they are not to issue passes to the media center.

Individual/Small Group/Passes

	For effective individual student use, please research the topic yourself before assigning it.
	Each student coming from your class must have an individual pass.
	Please do not send more than four students at any one time.
	If applicable, indicate how long a student may stay in the media center.
	Require that the student return to class before the bell. Check pass for one of our signatures and time student left the media center. Do not let a student back in class without the pass you issued.
	If you are absent on the day signed up, your substitute may *not* bring your class to the center.

Equipment

	Overhead projectors, VCRs and televisions are checked out for use over the entire school year. Filmstrip projectors, record players, tape players and CD players are available for short-term checkout.
	For camcorders and digital cameras, please check ahead to determine availability.

Teacher’s Reading Room / Work Room
The teacher’s' reading room is located in the front of the Media Center. Numerous professional books, periodicals, telephone and work areas are available for your use. A scantron machine, Ellison Die-cutter and the laminator are also located in this room.