WMS Learning Commons Procedures 2020-2021: Home

The Learning Commons' procedures for the 2020-2021 school year provide a safe, welcoming environment for students and staff.  Please be aware of the following operational changes and always reach out with any questions.

Scheduling Checkouts

We can accommodate one class at a time in the Learning Commons. To schedule your class for a visit, go to Room Booking System.  Select West Middle School and the block / time slot you wish to sign up for.  Items that may be checked out are books, iPads (for when students forget theirs and need one for class), tripods, and microphones.  At this point, makerspace items and other shared materials will not be available.  After being returned, books will be quarantined for three days before being re-shelved.  Shakopee Online students may check out books from the Learning Commons by visiting Print Book Pickup / Delivery for Distance Learners.

Technology Support 

Students with technology issues can visit Ms. Hawes in the Learning Commons with a pass. For staff technology issues, please visit the Shakopee Web Help Desk.  

Study Hall Use of the Learning Commons

Study hall students are not allowed to work in the Learning Commons at this point but can visit for book checkout and tech support.  Study hall teachers can visit Room Booking System or call Media Assistant Deb Kealy (Ext. 4359) to check the current status of the Learning Commons.

When a class is not signed up for the Learning Commons, we can accommodate up to 8 total students, or two students at a time from each class for book checkout.  Please just make sure to call Deb Kealy first (Ext. 4359) to ensure there is space in the Learning Commons.

Before and After School

Per building guidelines, students will report directly to their first period class at the beginning of the day.  Students will not be allowed to hang out in the Learning Commons before or after school unless accompanied by a staff member.  For students who wish to check out books before school, teachers can call Deb Kealy (Ext. 4359) to see if there is space in the Learning Commons (8 student capacity unless accompanied by staff member).  

Reader Advisory (Connecting Students with Great Books!)

Deb Kealy and Sandy Reishus love to provide 1:1 help to students for finding a "just right" book that matches their interests or assignment needs.  Students can also request personalized recommendations from Sandy for print books, eBooks, and audiobooks by filling out the Request a Book Recommendation form.

For both IHD and Shakopee Online classes, Sandy can create online reading guides for both print books, ebooks, and audiobooks based on theme, genre, or a specific project. (Example 1, Example 2).

Research Instruction

If your classes are doing research, Sandy can put together a brief mini-lesson that shows how to use the best research tools for the project.  She can also put together research guides that you can link to your Canvas pages (example).