WCS's+Library+Story

Wissahickon Charter School is an environmentally themed school located in the Germantown/Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, and is part of the Philadelphia School Disctrict. It opened in 2002, and currently serves a population of about 400 students in grades k-8. Our school is built around three essential elements: While those three themes say a lot about our school, they don't tell the whole story. From events such as Wissahickon in the WIssahickon to Wissahickon Reads, to traditions such as All School Meetings (what what), to our beautiful eco-friendly school (we have solar panels, a "river" running down the middle of the hall, two gardens-- one helps manage storm water!), to a commuity centered around the tenets of the Responsive Classroom philosophy-- WCS is truly a special place.
 * About WCS**
 * An environmental focus recognizing the importance of active learning that allows students and teachers to experience the curriculum
 * Recognition of service learning projects as a key element in students' academic success
 * An emphasis on family involvement at all levels of the school organization, with special emphasis on parents as partners in the learning experiences of their children

When WCS first opened, there was a large space in the plans labeled "library", but the understanding was that it would be created in the school's future. In the meantime, the space was used for music classes and was a general purpose room.
 * About our Library**

But that wasn't good enough. Our students deserved a library. With very little money and a lot of community support (including a book drive), we opened the doors to our library in February of our second year. Our library had a lot of heart, but not very many books. You can click below to see a tour of our library during this time:
 * //Click Above: How our library looked on Day 1, with a few books, an automation system and a part-time librarian. No tables or chairs, though!//**

During the next two years, our library continued to grow. I was still only there part-time as a librarian (the other half of the week I was the reading specialist), but somehow it all seemed to work. As our collection and student population grew, so did our need for a full-time librarian. WCS made the decision to hire me full time as the librarian. With a full-time librarian on board, we really took off!

After being denied two times for the Increasing Literacry Through School Libraries Federal Grant, we were finally approved on our third try! We won $77,000 toward extended hours, technology, and a greatly expanded print and resource collection (among other things). Information about the grant can be found here: [|www.ed.gov]

Now, with over 12,000 volumes, a mobile laptop lab, many databases, a great periodical collection, co-taught library classes (the classroom teacher and librarian plan units and co-teach lessons), membership in ACCESS PA, a "Read and Relax Club" and "Anime Club", a library assistant, and much, much, more-- WCS's library is ready to enter a new era of services and resources. We'd love to hear comments, questions, and suggestions-- please email or comment when you can!

Girmonice, Nathaniel, and Family Philadelphia Tree Tenders Kristy Hruska William Penn Charter School Rozelle Higgins WPP- Wissahickon Parent Partnership The Farmer Family Ms. Kathy's Advisory Group The Neyman Family
 * 2007-2008 DONORS and VOLUNTEERS

Coming Soon: NEW pictures of our library!**