Library
Our library has close to 20,000 titles in its collection, including both fiction and nonfiction, for grades PreK - 8. Supplementing the non-fiction section are numerous reference sources, including both print and online encyclopedias, as well as Catholic resource materials such as Catholic encyclopedias, Catechism resources, and Saint books. In addition, the library houses videos and DVDs for teachers.
Students in grades PreK - 5 come to the library each week during class time. Sixth-grade students have regular access to the library during Study Skills classes. Seventh and eighth-grade students are welcome to come on their own time, either before or after school. All students are permitted to visit the library during lunch or before and after school with their parents, in order to check out books, take Reading Counts quizzes, or conduct research. The library collection is cataloged through Library World. Students are encouraged to access the online catalog when searching for specific titles or subjects.
ProQuest
ProQuest is an online database of reputable journal, magazine, and newspaper articles that are ideal for students who are gathering research for a paper or project. Within ProQuest, Primary Search and Middle Search Plus are specifically appropriate for students in elementary and middle school, respectively. Students may access ProQuest from home; log-in information can be found on ParentsWeb -> Resource Documents.
Reading Counts
Scholastic Reading Counts is a reading program designed to boost a student's love of reading along with their comprehension. Our school offers the program in grades 2nd - 8th to supplement the classroom literacy program. After reading a book, the student takes a 10-question quiz to assess their comprehension of the story. The student receives immediate feedback, and can also rate the book. Teachers can chart the student's progress and adjust his or her readings accordingly. We believe that this program helps to continually enhance the overall reading program. Students may check to see if books have Reading Counts quizzes online.
Summer Reading
A Summer Reading List will be distributed at the end of each school year to provide continuity in students' literacy development. Students are encouraged to visit their public library and to continue reading during the summer months.
Lectio Reading Program
Lectio Book Awards is an optional reading challenge, offered by multiple schools across the Diocese of Austin. These 20 books are selected annually by trusted librarians for their excellence in quality and student interest. Students in grades 4-8 are invited to participate in the program. The program ends during the mid-spring semester the final due date will be announced when school begins. The following prizes are awarded:
5 books – Vote for your favorite Lectio book
10 books – Certificate
15 books – Pizza Party and Book Giveaways
20 books – Medal
Guidelines for Participation
All Lectio books can be found in the Holy Family library, at your public library, or at your local bookstore. All students in grades 4-8 are required to pass a Reading Counts quiz for each book read with a 70% or higher. If there is no Reading Counts quiz, or a student makes below a 70%, a report for that Lectio book must be written and turned in for the book to count towards the student’s final number of completed Lectio books. Summer Reading/Book projects on Lectio may be submitted for credit at the discretion of the Librarian.
If Lectio books are read, but have no documentation for in the form of a quiz (those passing at 70% or above), a report (no Reading Counts quiz or those quizzes that failed below a 70%), or a project (summer or during school), will not be counted in the student’s total book count, and may result in the student not reaching their anticipated goal. Please review the list of Lectio Award Books.
Review a list of the Lectio Award Book List.