MASA Feature “Our goal is to make sure every struggling train is back on the track and moving forward before we send them on their way. It’s part of our mission and core values.” www.gomasa.org 29 program in our schools and town. The iPad service center is another example of a student-empowered solution. When our local township needed help with funding and manpower for community projects, the library wrote grants and secured volunteers. When a resident came to us about a family in our community whose house was being condemned, we spearheaded our own home makeover campaign. A few years ago, at freshmen orientation, a graduating senior addressed a tour group of anxious incoming ninth graders. They were unsure of whether or not they would be able to manage the rigors of high school. The tour guide simply stated, “When you get to high school, if you need anything, a pencil, help with homework, your locker opened, tutoring, anything at all, just go to the library and someone will be there to help you.” She said that’s what got her through high school. Many years ago, libraries were the cultural and educational center of communities. Today that is still true. A student recently came to the library and said, “I’m driving the struggling train.” Our goal is to make sure every struggling train is back on the track and moving forward before we send them on their way. It’s part of our mission and core values. Most importantly, we empower students to be catalysts for change. We call upon them to take on adult roles and responsi-bilities, to embed themselves in solutions in the 21st century and beyond. Watch a video about Swan Valley’s media center program on the MASA Vimeo channel at https://vimeo. com/gomasa. Kay Wejrowski is the Library Media Specialist at Swan Valley High School in Saginaw, Michigan. Wejrowski has been named the Saginaw County Teacher of the Year, was one of three finalists for the 2014 Michigan Teacher of the Year, and was honored by MACUL this spring with the Frank Miracola Educational Excellence Award. Contact her at 989.921.2445 or kwejrow@swanvalley.k12.mi.us.
MASA Leader - Sprin 2016
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