The staff of DRE recognizes that students today face numerous challenges as they prepare for their future. In order to meet these challenges, the media center, in cooperation with faculty, will work toward equipping students with the necessary informational and technological skills required in the 21st Century. The DRE Media Center will provide opportunities for students to form an appreciation for literature, develop research and critical thinking skills, and use a variety of  instructional technology. By the time they are promoted to middle school, students will be on the path to becoming independent decision-makers and lifelong learners.

POLICIES/PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS:

I. Checking out books

• All students are eligible for checkout unless they have lost or damaged materials, or their parents have requested no borrowing privileges.
• Upon notification by other school libraries, DRE will withhold borrowing privileges of new students until materials are returned to the original school. 

II. Terms of the loan

• Kindergarten and 1st grade are allowed to check out one book at a time, while 2nd - 5th grade students are allowed three. For special requests or situations, consult the school media specialist.
• Kindergarten students are not allowed to take books home unless a parent signs a permission form.
• Books circulate for two weeks. 
• Before withdrawing from DRE, students must return all borrowed materials. Failure to do so will result in the new school librarian being notified.

III. Overdue Books

• Overdue notices are printed approximately every one-two weeks and sent to the students’ homeroom teachers to be distributed. After one month, parents receive notices.
• No fines will be issued.
• Kindergarten and 1st grade students will not be allowed to checkout other books until the overdue material is returned. 2nd - 5th grade students may borrow a maximum of two books at a time until an item is one month overdue. After a month, there is no checkout until the overdues are returned.  
• Students with chronic overdue materials will be referred to the principal for additional action.

VI. Lost or Damaged Books

• Students are responsible for paying the average replacement cost of each book lost or significantly damaged.
• Any student with financial constraints should see the librarian about other means of paying off the debt.
• Damaged books should be brought to the librarian for assessment and repair. These items should not be repaired at home.
• Students who do not replace lost or significantly damaged materials at the end of the year will not be allowed to borrow materials the following year.