The goal of the Hueytown Elementary Media Center is to ensure that students are given the skills and resources needed to compete as 21st century learners.  The appropriate use of the Media Center resources is a vital tool in the development of student learning.  Hueytown Elementary students have the opportunity to access many various resources in the Media Center.  These resources include books, periodicals, videos, computer software, Alabama Virtual Library, Kid's College, web-based resources, and the Accelerated Reader Program.  All students are encouraged to participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program.

     Students are encouraged to check out books throughout the week.    Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade check out one book and grades 2nd through 5th may check out two books.  Students are allowed to keep each book they check out for two weeks and books may be renewed for one additional week if needed.  We have daily open check out times where students are allowed to come and exchange their books.  We average around 200 students per day during open check out!  Books kept longer than two weeks without being renewed are charged a fine of 5 cents per school day.  If a book is lost or damaged, the student will be responsible for the replacement cost.

     Students are also involved in the use of online journaling and web logs (commonly referred to as 'blogs') as a part of their introduction into 21st century learning.  These activities are an extension of the Media Center and are directly correlated with the technology classes being taught at HES.  Online journaling and blogging are excellent tools to encourage collaboration, enhance writing skills, share information, foster discussion, report research, and provide feedback related to classroom topics.  All social networking activities will be actively monitored by the administering teacher to ensure student safety and appropriate usage.  Students will be coached to use responsible behavior when posting work or comments.  All work must be submitted for teacher approval before posting will be allowed.  Student work and pictures may be used during these activities.  However, only first names of students will be attached to any posted materials.  The goal of this effort is to create an environment in which students, teachers, and parents are able to develop an online learning community in order to fully reach the potential of every Hueytown Elementary School student.