While the collection of books is essential for any library, Jill knows that being able to support different kinds of learning is just as critical. For auditory learners, Jill makes sure there’s a strong component for oral reading, along with tactile learning opportunities for sensory learners. She also wants students to be technologically savvy, ensuring they have all the tools needed to succeed. The library serves as a safe space that welcomes all learners. There will always be something for every curious student. Jill isn’t the “shushing- type” librarian, she encourages all students when they get to the library to be lively, curious and active. “We are here to support them. And that if they need a quiet spot for that, we find a quiet spot,” Jill said. “I think that they know that their mode of exploration in our library is always going to be supported.” Working and Winning Together Being lively and active may be uncommon in libraries aside from Parish, but it’s absolutely encouraged in Parish’s Physical Education classes led by Jennifer Beleiff. Not all students come in wanting to be active, oftentimes choosing to be on the sidelines, but Jennifer works to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment where all students can play, regardless of skill level. “Creating a space where every student feels like they belong means building an environment where each individual feels seen, respected and valued for who they are,” Jennifer said. “This means adapting activities so everyone can participate, encouraging peer support and teamwork so students build positive relationships and feel safe trying new things and celebrating individual progress, not just high performance, so every student feels proud of their efforts.”
Whitney promotes teamwork to her students, as having 10 kids all playing an instrument or singing can be chaotic. By working together, they feel more connected. They can create harmony with each other, making something special. “It allows them to connect with each other without talking so they can understand that they're moving their body at the same time to the same song without saying a word,” Whitney said. “They're having the same experience with their ears, their eyes and with their bodies without talking to each other. And that is so powerful.” Whitney toyed with the idea of being a kindergarten teacher as a child. The unique concept of combining music education and therapy as a teacher “was a perfect way for me to work,” she said. There’s no feeling better for Whitney than seeing her students gain confidence and progress through music. “My reward is if they feel rewarded. If I can see it in their faces, that’s so cool,” Whitney said. “You can see at the end of a song in here too, when we hit that final beat and stop, and they're like, ‘Oh, we did it!’ I'm fulfilled.” A World Beyond Books While students may take a liking to music and performing, some students prefer immersing themselves in a good book. Librarian Jill Wood cares deeply about fostering a love for reading. She wants every student that walks in to the Schissler Library to be inquisitive and look through the pages of these books and the endless possibilities reading can bring. “I think that reading motivation has been such a passion of mine because I know that that's what carries them when they leave here,” Jill said. “If they don't have a good relationship with books, they're not going to read even if they know how.” The collection of books in the library is vast. She also keeps up with trends, purchasing graphic novels, books in traditional schools or even books from popular franchises like Pokémon, Minecraft or Dog Man — the latter she dressed up as when promoting the book fair last year. She is intentional with the books she brings into the library, making sure there’s books that pique the interest of all students at each level. “If a child can enter a story and be outside of themselves and their immediate experience, it allows them to imagine what's possible,” Jill said. “It allows them to also imagine what other people are experiencing. It's access to the entire world of human knowledge and experience through a book.”
| 13 SUMMER 2025
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