Julie Rodgers – Written Report of the School -- EDMD 7926 – Summer 2018

Vestavia Hills High School

 Type of school:
o High school, serving grades 9-12
o Teach in subject groups (rather than teams)
o Faculty—151
o Administrators—6
o Counselors—5
o Librarians—2; Library Aides—0
o Other Aides—14 (All Special Education)
o Students—Approximately 2,050
o Total students receiving free/reduced school lunch aid: 8%
 Overview of the Learning Community/School (students, teachers, educational level of
parents/guardians, economic level of the school community, etc.):
o Vestavia Hills is a city in both the Jefferson and Shelby counties in Alabama, and is is a
well-known suburb of Birmingham.
o It is a professional community, which is divided up into 2 geographical groups: 31
Corridor and Liberty Park.
o Each geographical group has its own elementary and middle schools, which merge to
form one high school.
o According to the 2010 census, its population is approximately 34,000, making it the 5 th
largest city in Jefferson County.
o According to Niche, the median home value is $346, 600, with 74% of the houses being
owned rather than rented.
o While there is a cross-section of socio-economic backgrounds, the vast majority of
residents have at least a bachelor’s degree (37%) and others hold even higher degrees
(31%). Only 12% of the population holds a high school degree or less.
o Additionally, many residents work at UAB as doctors, researchers, professors, etc.
Therefore, the median household income is approximately $93.0178.
o Only 4% of the population of Vestavia is reported as being below the poverty line.
o The school population breakdown is as follows:
 Caucasian—81.3%
 African-American—7.6%
 Asian—4.8%
 Hispanic—4%
 Multiracial—2.1%
 Native-American—0.1%
 Pacific Islander—0.1%
 Overview of the Availability of Outside Resources:
o The Vestavia School System is closely associated with Samford University and UAB, both
of whom donate money to the schools and whose faculty often live in the area, send
their kids to the schools, and volunteer when possible.
o There are many family-owned and unique stores and eateries in Vestavia, especially on
the 31 Corridor, which is often referred to as “Vestavia Proper.”
Julie Rodgers – Written Report of the School -- EDMD 7926 – Summer 2018

o Vestavia is also in close proximity to the Summit, Galleria, and Brookwood Malls, which
also help out the schools and are known to donate money and resources.
o Vestavia also has Wald Park, which contains soccer fields, baseball fields, a pool, and a
community center. It also boasts many community rec leagues in various sports for
those residents who wish to be involved in a sport.
o Finally, Vestavia’s public library, The Library in the Forest has many planned activities
and a homework help center. They also collaborate with the local school libraries when
they are needed.
 Overview of School Facilities:
o The original school high school building was built in 1971, and it has been renovated and
added to many times.
o 1991--the addition of C-Hall and the library.
o 1997—math/science wing and competition gym added.
o 2002—History hall added
o 2005—new science wing added and library renovated and additional space added above
new science wing, nearly doubling the library space and adding a computer lab and
restrooms.
 School Mission Statement:
o “Learning Without Limits”
o VHCS and Students will:
 Explore a variety of pathways to achieve personal aspirations
 Provide an array of opportunities to discover and share unique gifts
 Create dynamic academic environments to encourage others to ask questions
and take risks
 Develop a culture of inclusivity and respect to foster the growth of personal
values
 Customize global learning environments to facilitate learning without
constraints
 Cultivate reciprocal community relationships to lead positive change
o In order to pursue knowledge and ignite curiosity.
 School Library Mission Statement:
o In support of Vestavia Hills City Schools’ commitment to produce “leaders in learning for
tomorrow’s world,” the mission of the Vestavia Hills City Schools library media center is
 To ensure learners will be able to independently inquire, think critically , and to
gain, create, and share knowledge;
 To provide real and virtual access to appropriate, high-quality resources and
services during and outside the school day’
 To participate in curriculum development and design of learning activities;
 To facilitate professional development for the learning community; and
 To promote a love for reading.
o *From the Vestavia Hills Strategic Plan 2012-2015
Julie Rodgers – Written Report of the School -- EDMD 7926 – Summer 2018

 Scope of the library media services:

o The Vestavia Hills City Schools programs subscribe to the following concepts:
 The library media center (LMC) is a place where individuals and groups of
students use information to extend classroom studies and to further personal
interests.
 Students have open, flexible access to library media resources and services.
 Library media resources are available to support the curriculum, encourage
research, engage students in pleasure reading, and address individual needs and
interests.
 Resources are organized by a recognized method and are available in an
automated format.
 21st Century skills are integrated with all subjects and developed in a curriculum
context to provide a foundation for life-long learning.
 Library media services are implemented according to a written plan based on
data analysis, needs assessment, and annual evaluation, consistent with the
goals of the school and school system.
 A comprehensive program is provided that includes skills instruction,
information access, program management, and media center management.
 Learners are taught to seek diverse perspectives, gather and use information
ethically, and make use of social tools, i.e. personal space, responsible and
safely.
 Description of the Library Media facilities:
o The library media center is quite large in order to accommodate the 26,776 individual
student visits that occurred during the 20017-2018 school year.
o Classroom Area (used to teach lessons to whole class groups): 6 tables with 24 chairs
o Computer tables (for individual student use): 16 computers
o Reading/seating/hang out area: 14 chairs with low coffee tables spread out around the
library
o Collaboration space for students: 23 tables with 84 chairs
o Computer lab (for whole class visits): 30 Mac computers
o Restrooms, 3 storage rooms, 1 office space with workroom
o The library routinely holds up to 150 students during study halls, lunch times, before
school, and after school.
o Hours: 7:45-3:45 Monday-Thursday; 7:45-3:00 Friday

 Roles and Responsibilities of the library media specialist:

o A library media specialist has a unique role in the school setting. Responsibilities of the
library media specialist include:
 Collaborating with teachers to plan and implement instructional units
integrating these classroom curriculum with the resources of the library media
center.
 Providing instruction and resources to reach diverse student needs
 Providing access to available appropriate resources such as digital and print
materials.
Julie Rodgers – Written Report of the School -- EDMD 7926 – Summer 2018

 Implementing the use of technology, both in library media program

management and instruction
 Ensuring students have access to the library media center at the point of need
for class-related research, personal inquiry, and independent reading
 Collaborating with teachers to create projects which integrate 21st Century
learning standards, and technology skills into the school curriculum.
 Providing a welcoming and respectful climate in the LMC.
 Developing and implementing reading initiatives to motivate and engage each
student in independent reading.
 Providing professional development for teachers and administrators to
demonstrate how technology and information skills can be used to support the
curriculum and instruction
 Developing a scheduling policy which provides an open and flexible access for all
students and teachers
 Establishing, mainlining, and updating an automated catalogs and organizing the
collection using a system such as the Dewey Decimal System
 Developing a policies and procedures manual, approved by the local board of
education for the LMC
 Documenting, reporting, and maintaining records of use of LMC resources
 Working with technology personnel to maintain technological resources in the
LMC
 Staying current on the latest technologies and their use for teaching and
learning
 Managing library staff and volunteers
 Establishing budget priorities based on assessment of needs, status o library
collection, technology needed, library plan for improvement, input for the
library media advisory committee, and industry trends.
 Ensuring that allocated library enhancement funding is spent each year
according to Alabama Department of Education procedures and policies
 Maintaining a budget and expenditure records
 Developing a vision, a mission, and goals for the LMS Program with input from
administrators, teachers, students, parents, and all other stakeholders
 Attending local, state, or national professional development workshops and
meetings
 Communicating regularly with staff, students, and parents about library
resources and programs in various forms (e.g., staff meetings, newsletters,
student newspaper, displays, web page)
 Developing an ongoing advocacy program for the LMC
 Arranging the LMC for variety of uses by large groups, small groups, and
individuals
 Promoting use of the LMC to teachers, students, and parents to ensure that the
library is a vital and active center of learning for the entire school
Julie Rodgers – Written Report of the School -- EDMD 7926 – Summer 2018

https://www.niche.com/k12/vestavia-hills-high-school-vestavia-hills-al/students/

https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/vestavia-hills-jefferson-al/#schools

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestavia_Hills,_Alabama

https://www.al.com/local/vestaviahills/

http://vhal.org/