SKYWAY THE LEARNING COMMONS
BACKGROUND Learning Commons Overview
The Learning Commons on the Skyway Campus is located on the upstairs level of the Conservatory building and includes places for quiet study, research, collaboration, and creative informal learning. To maintain a safe and welcoming environment all students and visitors are required to comply with our policies and all VCS student guidelines discussed in the junior high and high school student handbooks.
Students using The Learning Commons may work collaboratively or alone at study tables in the main upstairs study area. The Silent Study Room provides silent individual study only. The Collaboration Room (“Collab Room”) may be reserved by students through our website for focused work on group projects. A Maker Area offers opportunities for informal learning, collaboration, and creativity through tabletop activities and lunchtime maker classes offered throughout the school year. In The Learning Commons, only water in closed containers is permitted.
LEARNING COMMONS HOURS & AVAILABILITY
JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Students on campus before 8am go to an Early Bird Study Hall.
JH students may use The Learning Commons before and after school, during the second half of the JH lunch period, and during morning and afternoon breaks. During class, students must bring a pass from their teacher.
High School Students
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm
HS students may use The Learning Commons before and after school, during the entire HS lunch period, and during the morning break and passing period. During class, students must bring a pass from their teacher.
PLEASE NOTE: Our schedule may change on Minimum Days. Occasionally some of the LC spaces may be closed due to other scheduled activities.
THE LIBRARY STAFF
Mrs. Linda Brogden, Head Librarian, lbrogden@vcs.net
Mrs. Yolanda Williams, Library Supervisor, ywilliams@vcs.net
Mrs. Michelle Yee, Library Technician, myee@vcs.net
Mrs. Kim Voyles, Library Technician, kvoyles@vcs.net
Mr. Bobby Williams, Library Technician, bwilliams@vcs.net
Location: Upper Level of the Conservatory Building
Contact: (408) 513-2426
RESOURCES
Online Catalog
Our Library collection contains more than 45,000 print and digital books and media for academic study, research, and pleasure reading. Because we serve both junior high and high school students, the fiction collections are maintained separately. Along with many contemporary fiction titles and the classics, our collections also feature Christian fiction and foreign language fiction. To search the online catalog, direct your browser to destiny.vcs.net. Ebooks can be accessed away from school Wi-Fi by using information on our home page and the off-campus credentials found on the Research tab of The Learning Commons website on learn.vcs.net.
Databases
The Library subscribes to more than 45 databases for research and general exploration that are always available on and off campus. Links are found on subtabs under the Research tab of The Learning Commons website on learn.vcs.net Our staff is available to help students having difficulty finding relevant content for their work. Off campus access credentials are listed on the Research tab.
Periodicals
We subscribe to nearly 20 digital magazines of curricular and general interest which are accessible through the Flipster app. Students will find access instructions on our homepage. The Library also provides digital access to our local newspaper, The Mercury News.
Audiobooks
Novels are available on physical media or digitally for students who have accommodations on file with their counselor. Please contact the Library for details.
College Test Prep Study Guides / College Prep Books
To help high school students prepare for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams, the Library circulates official test preparation guides. We also maintain a growing collection of books to help prepare students and parents for the college experience.
PREF Resources for Parents
The Library provides a collection of helpful and informative books for parents of VCS students. These books include titles suggested by our teachers, counselors, and administrators. Parents are encouraged to visit to browse the collection or may contact us for details.
Book Suggestions
Eager to meet the reading needs and interests of our students and parents, we are always interested in book suggestions. Students can suggest a book through the link found in the left column of The Learning Commons home page. Suggested titles that meet the VCS Selection Policy will be considered for our collection.
Computers
We offer PC laptops and Chromebooks for Skyway students to check out and use while they are in The Learning Commons. Students can see any staff member to borrow one and will be required to leave their cell phone at time of checkout. Five Mac desktop computers are also available for use in the Silent Study Room.
Printing and Copying
When students cannot print at home, black on white printing is available using our Print Stations (quick printing without edits), the Library’s PC laptops and Chromebooks, and the desktop Macs (when available). Photocopies (black on white only) can also be made on our printer. Printing and photocopying cost 10 cents for single-sided and 20 cents for double-sided, payable with either a prepaid Library Print/Copy card or cash.
LIBRARY SERVICES
General Assistance
The Learning Commons staff considers it a privilege to serve the VCS students on our campus and we are eager to assist them. Whether finding a good book to read for an assignment or pleasure, locating research materials, discovering the right articles in our databases, or momentarily sharing in our maker area builds, we are here to support our Warriors.
We are ready to serve VCS families with their information needs as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions.
Document and Citation Formatting
Students should always consult the resources provided by their teacher for document and citation format required in their course or for a particular assignment. Teachers at VCJH, VCHS, and Skyway Library staff reference Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) website using either the MLA, APA, or Chicago (CMOS). Using the left column menus students can navigate to the information and examples they need. Mrs. Brogden is available to help with correct citation formatting, regardless of citation style.
Textbook Support
For questions and help with the purchase, use, or troubleshooting of VCHS textbooks, please email textbooks@vcs.net for timely assistance. Textbook assistance for junior high students is provided through the junior high office. A print copy of each junior high and high school textbook is available for in-library use only.
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
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