The mission of Nutley Public Schools’ Library Media Department is to create and sustain an innovative, challenging, and inviting learning environment that will empower students as active learners and productive citizens.  In this environment, students can read for knowledge acquisition and enjoyment, as well as learn and utilize information literacy, technology tools/resources, and 21st-century skills for educational, personal, and recreational purposes.

Our Library Media Specialists recognize the importance for students to acquire 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration.  These skills are embedded in the curriculum as students engage in interdisciplinary literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities that are hands-on, meaningful, and authentic to real-life contexts beyond the library.    

Staff Contact Information

Library Media Specialists:

Mrs. Christina Stendardi, John H. Walker Middle School

Mrs. Danielle Festa, Lincoln School

Mrs. Erin Battaglia, Radcliffe School and Nutley High School

Mrs. Janine Sarno, Spring Garden School

Mrs. Susan Bresnan, Washington School

Ms. Johanna Hungler, Yantacaw School

Basic information about Nutley Public Schools Library Media Program:

1.  Each Nutley school has a library media center (NHS is currently being renovated).  

2.  There are 6 library media specialists on staff; they are educated, certified, and experienced.  The department is led by Dr. Shoja, the Coordinator of Integrated Instructional Technology.

3.  Nutley elementary school students visit the library media center for 1-2 class sessions per week, with a dedicated library media specialist, as part of their regularly scheduled education program.  

4.  Nutley secondary school students use the library media center to research and check out books, for tech support, and for special class sessions, study periods, and other events.  However, they do not attend regularly scheduled library media classes.   
 

Overall Library Media Topics/Skills

Information Literacy and Research – Gathering and using information; Accessing, analyzing, evaluating, and creating media (print and digital) - books, magazines, banners, newspapers, graphics, posters, etc.  Using online catalogs/databases; Using reference materials; Using basic online search functions: Locating print materials using the Dewey Decimal system.

Digital Citizenship, Cyber Safety, and Security – Staying safe online using social media; Protecting identity/passwords; Understanding vulnerabilities (such as phishing attacks, cyber extortion, etc.).  Computer ethics and legal guidelines in gathering and using information; Responsibility and etiquette; Plagiarism, copyright, fair use, and citations.

Computer Science and Coding Language Fluency – Computer programming for kids; Coding; Circuits; How computers work; Computational thinking and programming concepts that develop skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity with the design of games, art, and digital stories. 

Keyboarding (Typing) and Computer Basics – Operate a desktop device, a touchscreen device, a mouse, and a keyboard; Learn layout and functions; Game-based typing practice to learn finger placement on keys, and to improve speed and accuracy.

Design Thinking and Makerspace Activities – Collaborative workspace for inquiry and exploring STEM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Design Thinking.

Literature Appreciation and Holidays – “Good fit” books; Reading for pleasure and information; Understanding the characteristics of a book and elements of literature; Reading and discussing stories; Multicultural books and thematic lessons based on holidays, cultural heritage, seasons, and events.

Technology Tools and Co-curricular Activities – Log in and introduction to instructional, curriculum support software, websites, and databases.  Collaboration with classroom teachers to extend/support classroom learning experiences using these tools.