Hello!
My name is Mrs. Kaytlynn McPherson and I am the Learning Commons Facilitator here at Prairie Waters. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Alberta University of the Arts and am currently completing the Library Technician Diploma from SAIT.
A few of my favourite things include books; especially the Harry Potter Series, cats; I have a two year old torbie named Freya, and art; when I'm not in the Learning Commons or reading, I'm usually drawing.
I have a passion for reading and literacy and love that I have the opportunity to pass that on to the students at PWE. If you have any questions about our Learning Commons or how to access our resources, you can refer to the links below or contact me at:
Kaytlynn McPherson (she/her)
(403) 285-6969 ext. 1129
kmcpherson@rockyview.ab.ca
Online Resources
Click here to access your child's library account.
- Username: student's first name, middle initial if they have one, and last name. No spaces. Ex. janeksmith
- Password: student's PowerSchool number. Ex. 840123456
Click here to access Destiny Discover eBooks. Here you can find audiobooks and e-books through Destiny Discover (formerly known as Follett).
Click here to access Sora. Here you can find even more audiobooks and e-books, through Sora. Sora also alllows you to access digital resources through the Chestermere Public Library, using your public library card.
FAQ
Traditional school libraries are seen as quiet places full of printed books, people reading and librarians ‘shushing’. A Learning Commons takes school libraries into the 21st century. Yes, we still have printed text, and there are still people reading, and there is still a librarian, however the Learning Commons has so much more! There is a hum of activity with students talking, learning, searching for information on a variety of devices, focusing on content creation and synthesizing of information. The Learning Commons becomes the hub and the heart of the school; a place for teachers and teacher-librarians to collaborate to build inquiry learning and critical thinking skills in students; a place for technology integration and experimentation; a place that is ‘owned’ by students and staff alike.
by Kelly Reierson and Lissa Davies
Digital Resources
- Bibliovation provides access to your library account online. You can sign in under My account [log in] with these credentials:
- Username: first name, middle inital, last name. Example: Pete (first name) The (middle name) Cat (last name) = petetcat
- Password: Powerschool number. Example: 84012345
- Once you are logged in you can view your dashboard (your account information), search for titles in the search bar and place holds on items you are interested in. If you have any questions about this, please ask Mrs. McPherson.
- Online Reference Centre provides quality digital learning and teaching resources correlated to Alberta Education's K-Grade 12 programs.
- Username: LA53
- Password: 4487
- Wonderopolis - a wonder a day will keep kids' eyes open to discovery.
- Destiny Discover provides access to our digital resources, including audiobooks and e-books.
Book Care
One of the concepts we emphasize in the library is respect for property. You can encourage your child to take care of his or her library books by:
- Keeping library books in a safe spot in your home - please help designate one
- Washing his or her hands before reading or handling books
- Keeping food and drink away from library books
- Turn pages with care
- Keep pets away from books
- Keep books away from younger brothers and sisters who might scribble in, or tear books
- Carry your library books in your book bag. Keep your books dry.
Lost or Damaged Book Policy
Students are responsible for the books they check out from Prairie Waters Elementary School. If a book is lost, or damaged the student will be responsible for paying the full replacement cost of the book. While we do not charge fines for late books, we do charge if a book is irreparably damaged or lost. To make a payment, send cash in a sealed enveloped or make a cheque payable to PRAIRIE WATERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
Lost books - If a lost book is found after the replacement cost has been paid, the student will be reimbursed the cost of the book after it has been returned to the library if it is in good condition and can be returned to circulation.
Damaged books - A book is considered damaged if it is returned to the library in a condition that requires extensive repair or is unable to be repaired and cannot be returned to circulation. Examples of damaged books include but are not limited to, water damage, mold, writing on the inside of the book, torn and or missing pages, and/or damaged to the outside of the book. Ms. Fowler, the library technician will determine if the book can be repaired or not. If not, or if the repair work is extensive, the full replacement cost of the book will be charged to the student.
Overdue notices - Overdue notices and bills for lost books will be sent home periodically with your child. Please check backpacks and agendas for overdue notices.
Mon-Thur
8:15am - 4:15 pm
Closed from 11:50 - 12:30
- Three (3) week loan period
- Overnight loan period for reference books, magazines, DVDs and video tapes
All books, novels and textbooks are distributed from and returned to the learning commons.
All textbooks are signed out on a semester by semester basis.
An Acceptable Use Agreement must be signed before using any computer in the school.