Library and Technology

Wingra's strong library and technology program is designed to complement and enrich the classroom thematic units. Students receive regular group instruction on the use of the many library and technology resources, with classrooms often working in-depth on a technology project for two to three weeks at a time. Wingra's librarian and technology teacher, Angie Sparks, is a highly experienced progressive educator who collaborates with classroom teachers to plan theme-based activities that emphasize literature, integrated uses of technology, and research skills.

Formal library sessions are scheduled on a regular basis for all classrooms. These meetings allow Angie the opportunity to highlight books that students might not find on their own. Students are always free to visit the Wingra School Library at any time during the school day.

Print and Non-print Resources Available to Students in the Wingra Library

Students may use the online catalog to find the nearly 7,000 educational items available in the library. These resources, including fiction and non-fiction books, beginning chapter books, books on tape, poetry collections, biographies, reference materials, videos, and CD-ROMs, supplement classroom curricula and engage student interests. The Wingra Library collection is focused on award-winning and multicultural fiction as well as current non-fiction. We have an extensive picture book collection as well as growing young adult literature and graphic novel collections.   Books written and illustrated by Wingra students are a popular collection as well.

Technology Resources Available to Students

Each classroom at Wingra has several computers, and the school has a computer lab. These networked computers, loaded with educational software, allow for file and print sharing and shared Internet access.

As part of their technology projects, students learn to use popular software such as Word, Publisher, and PageMaker (word processing and desktop publishing); Excel and The Cruncher (spreadsheets); PowerPoint, HyperStudio, Super Dooper Music Looper, and Kid Pix Studio Deluxe (multimedia and presentation); Dreamweaver (web page design), and Flash, Quicktime Pro, and Video Factory (animation and movie-making).

Students may borrow word-processing laptops from the library to use during the school day or to take home overnight. Students often choose to do their pre-writing or first-draft writing on the word-processing laptops.

Also available to students who have attended a training session are six digital cameras and four scanners. The cameras may be checked out of the library. Images from these sources can be printed or uploaded into a student's folder for use in other applications. Wingra students also have access to three video cameras for classroom projects and our computer projector for classroom presentations.  Six GPS (Global Positioning System) units are available for geo-caching and other navigational activities.

Our approach to progressive education »

Descriptions by subject »
Teaching in themes »
Independent projects »

How we evaluate student progress »

An introduction to our classes »
Meet our staff »