Once upon a time, libraries were a place for quiet study and reflection. Now, the media center is a hub of activity for Creekview High School students and staff.
The media center stays busy, with monthly open mic mornings, the weekly Lazy Bear Cafe (Creekview’s coffee shop, run by special-needs students) and daily study hall. Students can visit in the mornings before school, or with a pass during their lunch period.
At the center of it are the school’s media specialists, Nan Lanford and Kimberly Dutton, who is the newest addition to the staff. Dutton is no stranger to the position; this is her first year at Creekview, but her 12th year as a media specialist.
“I love technology and reading, and I think media lets me combine both of those loves,” Dutton said.
Her job requires her to keep the library in check, while also helping students with the school’s newest technology. The media specialists also teach research skills, help students find resources, and keep the students up-to-date on the school’s technology. “Media lets me help students use technology to become better readers and writers,” Dutton said.
Encouraging students to use the media center is Dutton’s main goal. She enjoys designing and decorating the book displays, and hopes the media center will inspire Creekview students to read. Dutton and Landford also sponsor the Tome Student Literacy Society, for students who love to read. The Tome Society is a Georgia-based nonprofit, which serves students in grades 2-12 with digital student competitions, a list of new, clean, fun-to-read children’s and young adult books, book club activities and more. www.tomesociety.org.
“We enjoy planning activities that bring students into the media center to create, collaborate and communicate,” Dutton said.
Before becoming a media specialist, Dutton, who graduated from Troy University in Alabama, worked as an English teacher at West Forsyth, teaching mostly gifted students. She made the move to Creekview when the opportunity presented itself. “I was just ready for a change, and I had heard great things,” Dutton said.
Outside of school, Dutton enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, hiking, listening to podcasts and playing with her dog. She also enjoys getting to know the students at Creekview. Drop by the media center to meet her and check out her latest display.
– Reece Gramling is a junior at Creekview High School. This is her second year on The Clawprint staff. She is excited to share her articles with the community.
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