Media Center

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.

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 clsasroom 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 who achieve this goal are honored at an AR reading party in the media center at the end of each nine weeks.

The criteria for each grade (per nine weeks) is:

In addition to the reading parties every nine weeks, all children receiving at least 50 points during the year are allowed to participate in an end-of-the-year Ice Cream Party and the child will also receive a certificate at Honors Day. Individual teachers also reward students with homework passes, etc.

See "Renaissance Learning" link above for a list of Accelerated Reader books, reading level, and number of points assigned to each book. Click on the "Store" tab at the top of the page and then click on the "Quiz Store" link and type in name of book. Be sure to check with your school librarian to see if the school has purchased a quiz for the particular book that you are interested in.

What is Books 'R Fun ?

About 4-5 times a year the Media Center has a showing of Books 'R Fun materials. This company will set up in our school library the following types of materials for you to preview and purchase:

Items vary at each showing. These items are a great buy and are at great discount prices. For every 10 items purchased, your school library will receive one free item. So each time you purchase items from the Books 'R Fun, you are helping your school library as well as getting a great buy.

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 an 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 !

Media Center Donations

If you are interested in making donations to your school library, please see Becky Harrison. The TJA Library would be interested in the following types of resources for our school library:

How to Contact the Media Center

You may contact your school library about Accelerated Reader and possible books we may have in stock by emailing us at bharrison@tjajags.com Be sure to include in the "subject line" TO MEDIA CENTER.

Thomas Jefferson Academy
2264 Hwy 1 North
Louisville, GA 30434
Phone 478-625-8861
Fax 478-625-9196
E-mail us at: info@tjajags.com