Dear Editor,
Re: “Spendthrift school criticized,” Letters, Jan. 22.
It was with great interest that I read the letter by Roy Adams. As the teacher-librarian at McMath, I feel compelled to address some of the incorrect information presented there.
Mr. Adams is concerned that the school is “wasting money on useless or personal purchases.” I am happy to assert that library funds are used only to buy print resources and technology for student use. The “significant amount of money” that Mr. Adams claims was spent in the library is in fact negligible; the signs were created on a school printer and the alarm is a tiny battery-operated device attached to a doorframe.
It is true that the alarm was set off a handful of times in the first few weeks — sometimes in error, at other times as a typical teenage prank — but this adjustment period was to be expected and was certainly short-lived.
Mr. Adams also worries that the change in traffic flow “blocks off access to the library,” but again, this is incorrect. This change has revitalized and energized the library. Sadly, in past years our library was being used as a hallway, not a place of learning.
By closing one set of doors, the library reclaimed its space and students now come to the library not through the library. In fact, this year has seen the library grow into a vibrant, busy place where students come to refine research skills; learn how to use databases and cite sources; access technology; learn about Internet safety and social etiquette; listen to author presentations and relax with a good book.
The library is always buzzing with classes learning new skills and seniors working during their study blocks. It is absolutely teeming with students at lunchtime, many of whom have simply come in to read and discuss the books they enjoy.
The McMath library has seen an unprecedented increase of 150 per cent in class bookings and 200 per cent in book circulations this year, all due to our decision regarding the doors and the resulting reclaimed space.
Rather than dealing with student concerns through a public forum, both the administration and I would have preferred to privately discuss this rationale with Roy Adams, both to address his concerns and clarify some of his misconceptions.
Unfortunately, however, there is no “Roy Adams” registered at McMath Secondary School.
Rebeca Rubio, BA, BEd
English Teacher
Editor’s note: The Richmond News does not publish anonymous letters and regrets that the person who wrote the earlier letter appears to have used a pseudonym.
