The Weekly Update

The South Dakota State Library, a division of the SD Department of Education, has awarded 13 school libraries the 21st Century School Library Award for 2022. This annual award recognizes school libraries as Effective, Enhanced, or Exemplary based on performance in three areas: place (which refers to both the physical and online learning environment), programming, and the professional.

Applicants conduct a self-assessment and provide evidence of their ability to meet South Dakota's guidelines for school libraries. Award status is valid for a three-year period.

See the awardees below!

Aberdeen Central High School Library, Aberdeen

Librarian - Mikayla Arechigo

Administrator - Dr. Jason Uttermark

Adventure Elementary School Library, Harrisburg

Librarian - Elizabeth Wells

Administrator - Angela Nelson

Creekside Elementary School Library, Spearfish

Librarian - Sheleen Bauer

Administrator - Dan Olson

George McGovern Middle School Library, Sioux Falls

Librarian - Sherri Wolles

Administrator - Timothy Koehler

Georgia Morse Middle School Library, Pierre

Librarian - Renae Lehman

Administrators - Kyley Cumbow and Brandon Lowery

Harrisburg High School Library, Harrisburg

Librarian - Eve Langerock

Administrator - Ryan Rollinger

Jefferson High School Library, Sioux Falls

Librarian - Emelia Gulck

Administrator - Daniel Conrad

John Harris Elementary School Library, Sioux Falls

Librarian - Stefanie Hage

Administrator - Kersten Dobberpuhl

Lowell Elementary School Library, Sioux Falls

Librarian - Erin Radway

Administrator - Diane Kennedy

Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School Library, Sioux Falls

Librarian - Jenni Egstad

Administrators - Tracy Vik, Jana Greenfield

South Park Elementary School Library, Belle Fourche

Librarian - Karen Schlekeway

Administrator - Dr. Julie Hatling

EFFECTIVE

Dakota Valley School High School Library, Dakota Valley

Librarian - Erin Nilges

Administrator - Nichole Herzog

Dakota Valley Upper Elementary/Middle School Library, Dakota Valley

Librarian - Erin Nilges

Administrators - Nichole Herzog, Erik Sommervold, Tonia Warzecha

The application window for the 2023-26 21st Century School Library Award will be March 1 - May 1, 2023. Along with the application, evidence is submitted for three categories: the place, the program, and the professional.

It is the mission of the school library to:

• provide all learners a 21st century collaborative program for learning and teaching.
• provide a place for both a physical and a virtual learning environment.
• provide access to a highly qualified professional for leadership in creating, promoting, and sustaining the program and place.

You can preview a current version of the 21st Century School Library Assessment HERE for a detailed overview of all three criteria.

As you work through your school year, be sure to start collecting evidence for your application! Evidence can be in the form of:

• Pictures
• Emails
• Lesson Plans
• Certificates
• Videos
• And so much more!

Please let Scottie know if you have any questions: scottie.bruch@state.sd.us.

The Weekly Update is a correspondence from the South Dakota State Library focusing on current topics in school libraries, best practices, resources, professional development, and more.

Email: scottie.bruch@state.sd.us
Website: library.sd.gov/LIB/SLC
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Phone: 605-295-3152

SDSL does not endorse any service or product listed or linked to in this newsletter.