Library
At Sandy Spring Friends School, we love inquiry-based learning. We call our library and educational technology specialists Inquiry Guides ("IG Team" or just "IG" for short), and you can find them in the library! IG guides our community of learners in becoming caring and intentional users of ideas and information.
Inquiry Guides (IG)
Since IG provides resources, guidance, and tools for the effective use of information in its many forms, we are directly involved with inquiry-based learning at SSFS. We teach classes at every grade level in the Lower School, with a curriculum focused on making, information literacy, and technology. In the Middle School, we teach classes in the Arts rotation. In the Upper School (and at all levels), we collaborate with faculty in their classrooms.
Some of the services that IG provides include:
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Educational Technology, including rostering, administering, purchasing and developing technology, and integrating technology into classrooms
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Preparing students for life-long learning, informed decision-making, a love of reading, and the use of information technologies
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Collaborating with faculty on scaffolding the use of technology in the classroom
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Managing Library space, including the PK-12 Library Collection
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Coordinating events such as author visits, reading challenges, book fairs, etc.
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Aligning the Inquiry Curriculum across divisions
Meet the IG Team
Access our Library Catalog & Resources!
Visit our virtual library to find a book, read a book, hold a book, or hear a book.
Sara Oestreich
Director of Inquiry Guides
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Johanna Cowie
Inquiry Guide
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Aldona Joseph
Inquiry Guide
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KT Schroeder
Inquiry Guide
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Kristen Olson
Inquiry Guide
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Takea Simms
Library Assistant
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Explore the Library
Searching for an inviting space for independent research, group work, and special events? Look no further than The Caroline Hallowell Worth Memorial Library. Situated in Yarnall Hall, it’s used by all three divisions and features:
Physical Resources
- Large general space that hosts a newly “genrefied” fiction collection
- Browsable nonfiction area that can double as a gathering space
- Story room that hosts weekly Lower School classes
- Two quiet study rooms with tables and whiteboards for students and staff to use when a little solitude is needed
- Nearly 16,000 cataloged items that students and staff can check out for learning and pleasure, including thousands of eBooks and audiobooks
Programming
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Annual author visits
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Divisional reading challenges
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Collaboration with Office of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging (OIEJB)-led heritage months
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Spring/Fall Book Fairs
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All- School Read (every other year)
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Summer Book Chain (every other year)
Educational Technology
SSFS uses technology to connect, create, and enhance teaching and learning. Our school has access to cutting-edge tools and platforms that help to create a dynamic and engaging educational environment.
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Canvas, our learning management system, is a powerful platform that connects students, teachers, and parents, providing seamless access to course materials, assignments, and grades.
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Seesaw, gives our Lower School families a glimpse into their student’s learning through teacher and student-created content.
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Gale In Context for Educators Unlimited provides comprehensive student and teacher resources as well as instructional tools including supplements to curriculum, trusted digital content, and teaching tools—all in one place.
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Newsela provides current news articles at various reading levels.