PARKWOOD HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY Home and School News  Feb 24th 2014  With the updates and additions to the playground complete, the Home and School at Parkwood is excited to share Phase One of its new project, to begin from the proceeds of this year’s Easter Basket Auction being held in April. The Home and School will be taking on the challenging – yet exciting – task of converting Parkwood’s library space to a new and modern Learning Commons.  This space has received minimal attention over the past 31 years; it is time for some much-needed TLC (tender, loving care)! A learning commons is an educational space, similar to a library and classroom that shares space for information technology, collaboration, reading or study.   It is, essentially, a hub of learning in the school – and extension of the classroom – a place to experiment, practice, celebrate, learn, work and play (Keechlin, Rosenfeld and Loerttscher). While there have been some technological updates to the library over the years, with the addition of a Smartboard and computer stations, there remains much to be done to bring it to a more modern, practical and useable space – a true 21st century learning space. Furnishings and physical organization are particularly important to the character of a learning commons, as spaces are often designed to be rearranged by users according to their needs. It should provide students with an inviting, warm and stimulating environment physical space that will nurture a love of reading and help develop the goal of lifelong learning.  Unfortunately, the school’s current library setting houses outdated shelving, making accessibility to books a challenge.  Tables, of the same age, do little to invite and encourage students to work collaboratively or to read in a rich, kid-friendly setting.  Wall coverings tell of the school days of yester-years. Reading is an integral skill for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment. As a lifelong learning skill, how well a child can read and understand the written word in all formats determines accomplishment in school and in life.  Children need access to a variety of high interest reading materials. Sadly, a large portion of our current book collection is outdated and worn.  It is the goal of the Home and School to support the vision and mission of Parkwood Heights Elementary by raising funds to begin Phase One of the Learning Commons Project which will involve the renewal of the physical space. The first step in achieving this goal is to have a committee set up to make this year’s Easter Basket Auction the best one yet.  Should you be interested in helping with this committee a brief brainstorming session will be held on Tuesday, February 25th at 6:00 in the school library.  All are welcome to attend this meeting and new ideas are always needed.  Thank You Jodie Lavigne, Easter Basket Auction Coordinator