Library
Grant Middle School Library
Welcome to our school’s learning and inquiry hub! Here, you can discover new books, explore research databases, find technology guides, and apply to our amazing library clubs. Please contact our library media specialist, Mrs. Elizabeth Jovinelly, via email at ejovinelly@scsd.us or phone at 315-435-6000 ext. 4696 with any questions regarding our school library, its programs, or its technologies.
Clubs & Groups
What is BOB?
Battle of the Books (BOB) is a regional competition in which students work in teams to read and study a set of 8 novels over the course of the school year. They will then participate in tournaments to demonstrate their knowledge of the books, first at the building level, followed by finalists moving on to the district, then regional, and finally superregional levels.
How Can I Join?
Sign up by completing the BOB interest form. Our first meeting will take place in early November. Check back here soon to find the season schedule for meetings, practices, and battles. In the meantime, feel free to start reading! Check out the list of books for this season below. Each title is available to read on the Sora app as an ebook and/or audiobook.
What is Book Buddies?
Book Buddies is an extremely popular library reading program that brings middle school students and preschoolers together through books. Our students build confidence by reading aloud and developing meaningful relationships with the younger students (“Littles”), while also providing a glimpse into the rewarding careers of teachers and librarians.
How Can I Apply?
Fill out the Book Buddies application to apply for one of the 20 Book Buddy positions available. Students will be considered based on submitted applications, teacher recommendations, and class schedules. Students must also sign the Book Buddies contract and permission slip with their parent/guardian to be eligible. If selected, you will receive an invitation to our first meeting in late October.
What is iStaff?
iStaff is a library volunteer program that provides students with opportunities to learn valuable leadership and library media skills. Students may volunteer during their lunch period or select days after dismissal from 2-2:40pm with parent/guardian permission. Some tasks iStaff members may asssist with include shelving and scanning books, preparing crafts and library displays, taking photos of events, and much more.
How Can I Apply?
Fill out the iStaff application to apply for one of the 12 iStaff positions. In addition to the application, students must also sign the iStaff contract and permission slip with their parent/guardian. Students will be considered based on submitted applications and teacher recommendations. If selected, you will receive an invitation to our first meeting in early October.
What Is Library Lunch Group?
Library Lunch Group is an opportunity for students to spend time in the library during their lunch to either read, craft, color, build, or simply enjoy the space. Unlike a traditional lunch group with a specific list of students, the Library Lunch Group is open to any GMS student during their assigned lunch period. Check in the cafeteria for the library sign to determine if the library is open or closed for lunch. Food and drinks are not allowed in the library, so students should eat their lunch in the cafeteria first before coming inside the library. Students sign into the library by scanning their student ID and may then choose a library station to hangout for the period.
What Is a Library Reflection Sheet?
All students must follow the GMS Library Rules and the SCSD Code of Conduct while in the library. If a student receives a warning and continues to violate library rules and expectations, they will be asked to complete a reflection sheet and will be removed from the library lunch group for the remainder of the period. Students may return on a future day after submitting the completed reflection sheet to the school librarian.
The GMS Library Reflection Sheet provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their actions, apologize for their behavior, and identify ways to make better choices moving forward. By completing the reflection sheet, students demonstrate their commitment to following library expectations and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone.
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What is BOB? Battle of the Books (BOB) is a regional competition in which students work in teams to read and study a set of 8 novels over the course of the school year. They will then participate in tournaments to demonstrate their knowledge of the books, first at the building level, followed by finalists moving on to the district, then regional, and finally superregional levels.
How Can I Join?
Sign up by completing the BOB interest form. Our first meeting will take place in early November. Check back here soon to find the season schedule for meetings, practices, and battles. In the meantime, feel free to start reading! Check out the list of books for this season below. Each title is available to read on the Sora app as an ebook and/or audiobook.
-
What is Book Buddies?Book Buddies is an extremely popular library reading program that brings middle school students and preschoolers together through books. Our students build confidence by reading aloud and developing meaningful relationships with the younger students (“Littles”), while also providing a glimpse into the rewarding careers of teachers and librarians.
How Can I Apply?
Fill out the Book Buddies application to apply for one of the 20 Book Buddy positions available. Students will be considered based on submitted applications, teacher recommendations, and class schedules. Students must also sign the Book Buddies contract and permission slip with their parent/guardian to be eligible. If selected, you will receive an invitation to our first meeting in late October.
-
What is iStaff?iStaff is a library volunteer program that provides students with opportunities to learn valuable leadership and library media skills. Students may volunteer during their lunch period or select days after dismissal from 2-2:40pm with parent/guardian permission. Some tasks iStaff members may asssist with include shelving and scanning books, preparing crafts and library displays, taking photos of events, and much more.
How Can I Apply?
Fill out the iStaff application to apply for one of the 12 iStaff positions. In addition to the application, students must also sign the iStaff contract and permission slip with their parent/guardian. Students will be considered based on submitted applications and teacher recommendations. If selected, you will receive an invitation to our first meeting in early October.
-
What Is Library Lunch Group?
Library Lunch Group is an opportunity for students to spend time in the library during their lunch to either read, craft, color, build, or simply enjoy the space. Unlike a traditional lunch group with a specific list of students, the Library Lunch Group is open to any GMS student during their assigned lunch period. Check in the cafeteria for the library sign to determine if the library is open or closed for lunch. Food and drinks are not allowed in the library, so students should eat their lunch in the cafeteria first before coming inside the library. Students sign into the library by scanning their student ID and may then choose a library station to hangout for the period.
What Is a Library Reflection Sheet?
All students must follow the GMS Library Rules and the SCSD Code of Conduct while in the library. If a student receives a warning and continues to violate library rules and expectations, they will be asked to complete a reflection sheet and will be removed from the library lunch group for the remainder of the period. Students may return on a future day after submitting the completed reflection sheet to the school librarian.
The GMS Library Reflection Sheet provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their actions, apologize for their behavior, and identify ways to make better choices moving forward. By completing the reflection sheet, students demonstrate their commitment to following library expectations and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone.
Mission
The Syracuse City School District Libraries foster a culture of inquiry, learning and literacy that supports the needs of our diverse community to cultivate innovative thinkers and empathetic communicators who are effective, responsible, and independent users of information and emerging
technologies.
