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Ridge Hill Elementary School

The Promise, Pride and Power of Learning

Library Media Center

Library Media

Ridge Hill's media center is an innovative, exciting, and welcoming environment that promotes 21st century learning. Our space is often where elementary students have their first experience integrating technology into learning in meaningful ways. Our library curriculum has a strong focus on digital citizenship, the responsible use of digital platforms and devices, and computational thinking. Our aim is to create a memorable educational experience while being sure to promote the values of tolerance, respect, and the celebration of diversity. 

Jere Ulmer

Library Media Specialist Email: julmer@hamden.org Phone: (203) 407- 2035 x830

Library Media Resources

USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS

Student Volunteer Opportunities

Are you very organized and looking for a way to put your talents to use? Come see Mrs. Ulmer and ask how you can help!

Rules for Book Checkout

Students visit the library every week for scheduled classes and book exchange. Books are due two weeks from the checkout date. 

  • Students in grades K-1 may borrow one book.
  • Students in grade 2 may borrow two books.
  • Students in grade 3-6 may borrow up to three books at a time.

Open library is every day from arrival until 8:55 A.M. 

Overdue notices are sent home once a month.

Free Tutoring!

Please see the attached flyer to learn about a free tutoring program offered by New Haven Reads

Frequently Asked Questions

  • To access our online resources such as Pebble Go, Pebble Go Next and World Book Online you need our school's username and password. Please contact our school librarian if you need this information.

  • Every child has a Google Account established for them by the district with their unique username and password. G Suites Accounts for Education allows students access to online tools that provide workspace for the creation of documents, spreadsheets and encourage collaboration and creativity. 

  • Students, and their parents, must sign a district "Acceptable Use Policy" (AUP).  The AUP describes what is expected from each student in terms of behaviors related to technology use. The broad categories of behaviors are divided into four behavioral areas:

    • Respect and protect the privacy of others
    • Respect and protect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources
    • Practice good digital citizenship
    • Use technologies appropriately.

    HPS Acceptable Use Policy HPS Elementary Student AUP Agreement

  • Yes, you can access QwertyTown from any keyboarded device with internet access by signing into the Clever Portal with your username and password.

    QwertyTown is a web-based keyboarding platform that teaches typing and online communication skills. Students are introduced to this platform and are encouraged to use it at home to build essential keyboarding skills.  

    Contact the school's library teacher if you need a reminder about your account information.

  • Yes, we are always looking for volunteers! Some examples of volunteer responsibilities are shelving books, covering books, helping students locate titles, etc. Please contact Mrs. Ulmer to discuss further.  

  • Clever is an online portal that give students a single login to access several different online accounts the district provides for you. To access, follow this link to Clever and provide your login name and password.

  • Student accounts are created by Hamden Public Schools and are unique to each student. This information is sent home with students at the beginning of the year. If you need help, please contact the school librarian.

Links for Safe Searching

A citation is how you write the sources of information you use to create your project or report in your bibliography. It also gives the information necessary to find that source again, including:

  • author
  • the title of the work
  • the name and location of the publisher
  • the date your copy was published

Here are some great citation generator platforms

EasyBib

Use of online images are subject to copyright violations. Here are some resources for images you can freely use.

There are so many amazing websites for students to explore that open doors to so much. Here are some excellent ones to explore.

Computer coding is now part of the library curriculum in some grade levels. Here are some fantastic websites you can explore.

Looking for a more kid-friendly search engine? Try one of these.

Looking for a new book to read? Explore these linked websites to find fantastic suggestions! 

  • What Should I Read Next website
  • ALSC Notable Books for Children 
  • Nutmeg Book Award is Connecticut's own children's book choice award. Each year they have ten nominees for several grade clusters that students love.
  • New York Times Children's Picture Books Best Sellers
  • The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children by the Association for Library Service to Children.
  • The Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to children's American literature. 
  • The Coretta Scott King Award(s) are selected annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of children and young adult books that convey an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
  • The Pura Belpre Award is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of children's literature.
  • Guys Read This website's purpose is to motivate boys to read by connecting them with materials they will want to read, in ways they like to read! It is maintained by author Jon Scieszka.

Visit the Hamden Public Library homepage.You can access a wide variety of eBooks and online audio books that can be accessed from their website for free.