'Fridays in the Library' at Nicollet provide meaningful enrichment, extension activities for students

"Fridays in the Library" is something new that Nicollet Middle School media specialist Nancy Meyer is implementing at the school this year.

Teachers can sign up for a time during the day to team teach, use the makerspace or change up their space for a special project or quiet reading.

Math teacher Rick Geddes enjoys taking advantage of Fridays in the Library. Geddes collaborates with and relies on the expertise of Meyer to support what he's doing in the classroom and provide some extension activities for students. Plus, she usually has all the supplies and materials to make learning come alive. Typically, his classes visit the media center at least twice a month.

"Activities are hands-on, engaging and fun but also connect to what students are learning in the class," said Geddes. "For the paper roller coaster project, students have to collaborate and engage in problem-solving. They also have to take the time to be precise because each group must construct their project within a budget. So, they're using money management skills, too."

Meyer has devoted countless hours to making the media center at Nicollet not only a welcoming, inclusive space for students and staff but a place where students can foster exploration and nurture their creativity. Whether students want to participate in coding and engineering activities or access resources for a class project or check out the latest manga, the media center is meeting the diverse needs of students.

"Nicollet is very fortunate to have Nancy," said Geddes. "She has created a space for all students and is a fantastic partner for teachers. She has made it possible for us to provide

What students think about dropping into the library

"Doing worksheets during the week can be tiring for your brain, and this is hands-on which makes it more enjoyable. We're also learning how to work together!" - Sophie Ragborg 

"It's something different and fun. You don't even realize that you're actually doing math and that makes it fun." - Cecilia Lange

"I enjoy this time because we get to work together and put our ideas together on this fun project." - Adalynn Voravang  

"​It's fun and engaging, making learning fun!" - Jack Christman

"We get to do a lot of fun projects like coding and building. It's nice to get off our Chromebooks and take a break with hands-on learning." - Hamza Kedir

"Drop-in Fridays in the media center helps us use our brains in a different way. Learning is connected to what we're doing in the classroom, but we're having fun while doing it!" - Miles Malundo