Program

Libraries and Technology

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Norwood School is fortunate to have two large libraries, one in the Lower School and one in the Middle School, that are well stocked with a diverse selection of books and online resources to serve the community. Filled with natural light and comfortable areas to read or complete homework, the libraries are a welcoming environment for all to gather. The rich and varied collections in each library fills the needs, abilities, and interests of each student by supplying resources for both recreational reading and research purposes. The use of online resources is an important part of the curriculum and supports students working on research projects. The librarians, who offer guidance to students individually and in class, work consistently and diligently to encourage a love of literature with the goal of creating lifelong readers; ensure that students acquire information literacy, including age-appropriate research, library, and critical-thinking skills; stimulate intellectual curiosity, open minds, and a sense of wonder about the diversity of the world.

Our libraries are much more than quiet places where students passively obtain information. Rather, the Norwood libraries are hubs of activity in which students are accessing resources – both print and digital – that advance learning and innovation. Our librarians serve as media specialists who support the integration of information literacy, technology skills, and educational technology to enhance learning and innovation across the curriculum. Working closely with the technology department and the director of curriculum and instruction, the library media specialists collaborate with teachers in all grade levels and subject areas to connect students with the best resources (print, digital, and emerging media) while developing strong research and information literacy skills. In addition, they guide students in developing solid computational thinking skills by offering exciting learning opportunities such as the Coding Workshop, an elective for seventh and eighth graders.

Norwood seeks to empower students to be ethical, independent, and innovative users of technology throughout their lives, and the School is committed to the use of educational technology as a means of extending and enriching teaching and learning. A priority in Norwood’s technology program is teaching students how to find, decode, evaluate, and organize the vast amount of information available through what has become a global electronic library.

Library Media Specialists & Ed Tech Team

List of 5 members.

Kelly Dickinson

Media Resource Specialist and Advisor

Randolph College - B.A.
University of Pittsburgh - MLIS
Jose Melendez

Systems Administrator
Juan Ramirez

Director of Technology

University of Maryland University College - B.S. & MSIA
Arya Shafie

Computer Help Desk Technician
Liz Gray

Lower School Librarian

Eckerd College - B.A.
University of South Florida - M.A.

Norwood’s Technology Resources

All Norwood classrooms are equipped with a standard set of technology resources including a ceiling mounted, networked, wireless projector; screen; DVD/VCR player, and sound system. All Norwood teachers have tablet computers. Teachers and students with tablets are able to wirelessly and seamlessly connect to the projectors to display notes and work. Notes written on the tablets can then be emailed or posted by teachers on the School’s learning management system, which teachers, students, and parents use to communicate, share information, and collaborate.

List of 2 items.

Lower School, Grades PK-4

Lower school students have access to desktop computers in the Lower School Computer Lab, as well as two tablet carts, each with 22 wireless tablets, available for use by third and fourth grade students, and a tablet cart for use by second grade students. The Lower School also has 20 iPads for use by teachers and students to explore creative applications for learning.
Middle School, Grades 5-8

Norwood started its one-to-one laptop, and now tablet, program in 1998. All Norwood middle school students have their own tablet for use at home and at school throughout the school year. Students receive a tablet in fifth grade and are taught how to be responsible for the equipment and how to use it for academic purposes. Middle school students also have access to high-powered desktop computers, iPads, color printer, scanners, and a plotter in the Multimedia Center.

Philosophy of the Norwood Libraries

Serve all constituents of the Norwood community: students, faculty, and families.
Create pleasure readers who will become lifelong readers.
Foster intellectual curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world.
Develop age-appropriate organizational, research, and library skills, including competence with online resources.
Support the core curriculum of each grade.
Provide for the needs, interests, and ability of each child and family.
Develop each child's respect for self and the dignity and worth of others through multicultural literature.

Located in Bethesda, MD, Norwood School develops students in grades PK-8 into confident lifelong learners who have the academic, character, and leadership skills to succeed in high school and beyond. Recognizing that children are multi-faceted, Norwood provides many opportunities for safe risk-taking, exploration, discovery, and growth in a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive school community.