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Welcome to the Raider Media Center “Labrary”...

A warm welcome is extended to all students, staff, and visitors!


The Media Center is open from 7:00 am to 2:25 pm Monday through Thursday and 7:00 am to 1:35 pm on Friday. Our Media Center has a diverse collection of fiction and nonfiction books and eBooks as well as DVDs and videos.  Our "Labrary"  has 2 computer labs, each containing 30 computers, as well as 2 individual computers and 3 computers connected to 3D printers.  These 65 computers provide access to the internet, card catalogs, and online subscription databases and allow students to print.


Check out our new Student Flex Lounge!  It has comfortable seating as well as a quiet area with desks for students to work.

Raider Media Center Vision

The High School East Media Center seeks to create a 21st-Century environment that promotes learning for all students by teaching information literacy skills, providing equitable access to information, and encouraging lifelong learning.  The Media Center strives to be a hub of collaborative learning that produces creative students who value reading for pleasure, utilize critical thinking skills, and have respect for themselves and others.

Raider Media Center Mission

The mission of the school library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.  The Media Specialist empowers students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information.

"Developing Visions for Learning." Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library                         

                Media Programs, American Association of School Librarians, 2009, p. 8. 

...the Learning Hub of TRHS East!

Media Center
Media Webpage 2

Subscription Databases & eBooks (Login Required)

Britannica School

EBSCOhost

Infobase Databases - Facts On File, Bloom's Literature, Ferguson's Career

Follett eBooks

VIDEO - Britannica School for Students Tutorial

VIDEO - Central Student by ProQuest Basic Search Tutorial

VIDEO - EBSCOhost Basic Searching Tutorial

VIDEO - Using the EBSCOhost Result List Tutorial

VIDEO - Infobase Database Tutorials

Google Slides Presentation - HSE Databases

Media Center Information and Resources

  • Before and after school, no passes needed
  • From class or study hall, get a pass from the teacher
  • From lunch, get a pass from the teacher in the cafeteria
  • Upon arriving, sign in and drop pass in box
  • Study hall and lunch students must remain the entire period
  • Diverse collection of fiction and nonfiction books and eBooks 
  • DVDs and videos
  • 65 computers attached to printers
  • Online Subscription Databases
  • Student ID card is their library card
  • 3 books maximum checkout
  • Fiction and Nonfiction books -
    • 3-week checkout; 1-time renewal; 5 cent per school day overdue fine
  • Reference books -
    • Overnight checkout; 1-time renewal; 25 cent per school day overdue fine
  • Students will be charged for lost books at their replacement cost; damaged books will be charged on an individual basis
  • Overdue and fine notices are given to homeroom teacher weekly
  • 65 computers providing access to the internet, card catalogs, and online subscription databases
  • District policy states "Computer usage is for school-related educational purposes only.  The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused.  Failure to comply with the guidelines for acceptable use will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension of computer privileges."  See Toms River Regional Schools Student Acceptable Use Policy for complete information
  • No food or drinks at computers
  • No excessive printing please - Copy and Paste needed information 
CAREER
  • NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development - Provides information on worker protections, labor market information, and career services, including job search, resume, and interviewing assistance
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook - Information on most jobs in the US, including what workers do, the work environment, qualifications, pay, and occupational outlook
  • O'Net Online - Occupational database that includes information on skills, abilities, and interests for many jobs to help with career exploration and vocational counseling

CITATION

REFERENCE

  • Awesome Library - Contains thousands of carefully reviewed resources for students
  • Bibliomania - Free online literature featuring classic texts, study guides, author biographies, and book summaries
  • Dictionary - Meanings and definitions of words
  • Homework Spot - Information portal in which resources are organized by grade level and subject.  The site also features a reference center, current events, and much more
  • Library Spot - A library resource center bringing library and reference sites together in one user-friendly spot
  • RefDesk - "Fact Checker for the Internet", this website arranges and reviews credible web-based resources
  • Thesaurus - Synonyms and antonyms of words

RESEARCH

  • Google Scholar - Search engine that provides an easy way to search for scholarly literature from one convenient place
  • ScienceDirect - Peer-reviewed research information that includes journals, articles, ebooks, and digital archives
  • Sweet Search - Search engine created specifically for students

TEST PREP

  • College Board - Organization that helps students transition to college and includes the SAT, Accuplacer, and AP testing
  • Peterson's - Provides test prep for the ACT, AP, and SAT
  • Princeton Review - Provides test prep for the ACT, AP, and SAT

Toms River Regional Schools is not responsible for content on external sites or servers.

  • Britannica School - Presents encyclopedia articles, multimedia, and primary sources.  Browse by subject, media type, or weekly rotating content.
  • Central Student by Proquest & Coronavirus Research Database - ProQuest Central Student provides access to 13 databases in science, technology, education, social sciences, humanities, and news.  Also provides access to Coronavirus Research database and Publicly Available Content database.  Includes videos. 
  • EBSCOhost - Provides reference resources from over 20 databases.  Includes citation assistance and the ability to save searches and results.
  • Infobase Databases - Facts On File, Bloom's Literature & Ferguson's Career - Users have access to 11 databases including 6 Facts On File History databases, Curriculum Resource Center, Health Reference Center, Issues & Controversies, Science Online, and World Geography & Culture; Bloom's Literature Online; Ferguson's Career Guidance Center.
  • Follett eBooks - Search the collection of Follett fiction and nonfiction eBooks through Destiny Discover.

User Names and Passwords may be obtained from your teacher or the Media Specialist

The Media Center hosts National Honor Society peer tutoring Tuesday and Thursday from 1:40 until 2:25.  Students can get help in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  No appointment is necessary!

Need a little help with your college entrance essays?  Having difficulty with that research paper?  Want another set of eyes to proof-read your assignments?  The Writing Center provides peer tutors to help with all types of writing assignments.  The Writing Center will be open every Tuesday and Thursday after school in room S29.  They even offer a virtual option!  Stop by S29 for more information.

Please see the Media Specialist for any Chromebook issues or repairs.

As stated in the Student Device Handbook, Chromebooks will be distributed during selected dates in coordination with the individual school buildings. Each student will receive an AC charger with their Chromebook. Before a Chromebook will be issued to the student, parents and students must read, understand, and accept the following online forms:

  • Review of Toms River Regional Schools Board Policies
  • Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computers and Resources 
  • Use of Technology Policy
  • Student Use of School District Provided Technology Devices Policy
  • Anti-Big Brother Act Compliance Notice
  • Pay or waive the optional Insurance Plan fee of $30.00 (see section on “Repairing or Replacing Your Device” for details)
  • Repairing or Replacing Your Device - Warranty/Protection Plan -  All district Chromebooks come with a one-year factory warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship as part of the purchase price of the equipment. This limited warranty covers normal use, mechanical breakdown or faulty construction. This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse or accidents.  
  • Pay all other fees and monies owed (Activities, Food Service, etc.)
  • District-loaned devices are intended for home use and for educational purposes only. Usage is monitored, and all activity is logged. The use of a Chromebook is a privilege that can be revoked due to failure to adhere to the Toms River Regional Schools rules and regulations for Chromebook use.  

Raider Reading Recommendations by Staff

The Leader in Me: How Schools Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time - According to Mr. Thomas, "The book is about establishing the mindset that student success is a product of a collaborative school culture - one that values stakeholder input. The focus is on teaching students to be leaders within their school community. Student voice is important in creating a leadership culture. When students are taught effective habits and how to achieve goals, they are more likely to be college and career ready."  The publisher writes, "Learn how to use Stephen R. Covey's proven 7 Habits to create a leadership program for kids of all ages so they can be more effective, more goal oriented, and more successful."

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom  - This nonfiction self-help best seller was first published in 1997 by don Miguel Ruiz.  The Four Agreements are: Be Impeccable With Your Word,  Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best.  

Perfectly Imperfect: The Art and Soul of Yoga Practice - According to author Baron Baptiste "This book will shine new light on your journey, ignite your practice with new power, inspire new possibilities for growth, and infuse your life with the grace and confidence you seek."

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry - Best-selling author and acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says this book "will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines."

Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space - Author Libby Jackson shares 50 true stories of some of the greatest achievements in space exploration, performed by these inspiring women. 


"I absolutely love The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and read it almost every year, as well as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy (J.R.R. Tolkien).  Lewis and Tolkien were close friends, and wrote about adventures that required wisdom, courage and honor."

"I also love some of the books written by Mitch Albom - my personal favorite is Tuesdays with Morrie, a true story.  He also wrote For One More Dayand The Five People You Meet in Heaven, which are fiction, but address the fact that when our lives intersect with the lives of others, we are both changed."

"The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom is a true story about the courage and forgiveness of a Christian family that hid Jews during WWII, and were caught by the Nazi's."

"I also enjoyed The Help, and The Secret Life of Bees - both are novels that address characters who were treated unfairly, but found hope and love in unexpected relationships."

How to Win Friends & Influence People - First published in 1936, this self-help bestseller by writer, lecturer and developer of courses in self-improvement Dale Carnegie "will teach you 6 ways to make people like you, 12 ways to win people to your way of thinking, and 9 ways to change people without arousing resentment."

The Greatest Salesman in the World - Bestselling author Og Mandino says "You can change your life with the priceless wisdom of ten ancient scrolls handed down for thousands of years."

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Author Robert M. Pirsig's biography is "A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, it is a penetrating examination of how we live and how to live better."  This philosophical text is a modern day Moby Dick.

The House in the Cerulean Sea - Ms. Calhoun says "With the current state of the world and the pandemic causing so much heartache this book was a pleasant escape that brought me delight and comfort.  It's a wonderful touching story with some magical/fantasy aspects (a la Harry Potter) and explores how we deal with difference, prejudice, and complacency.  It's like a warm cup of coffee for the soul."

According to Ms. Pagano, "One of my favorite books is Every Day by David Levithan.  I recommend it to boys or girls because it really speaks to anyone.  The characters are so diverse in the novel and any reader would be able to identify with at least one or even several of the characters.  The chapters are full of action and information and the plot moves along quickly.  The main character is interesting and the reader can connect with the protagonist and feel empathy for them/.  There is plenty of conflict to keep the story engaging and the main conflict runs throughout the whole story so it keeps a person wanting to read to see what happens.  It has a great, heartfelt and satisfying ending.  The cool part is that there is a book that is written exactly the same except from a different character's point of view called Another DayThere is also a sequel called Someday that I heard is excellent as well!  This book would be enjoyable for teens or adults, and the film is pretty well done too, although not as great as the book!  5 Star read for sure!!"

"One of my all time favorite books is The Great Alone  by Kristin Hannah. Kristin Hannah is an incredible author who changes her style so often even though she is such a popular mainstream author. The setting of The Great Alone is Alaska and the descriptions of this beautiful and diverse landscape are breathtaking. The characters are fully human and they will pull you into their story at the onset. I could not put it down. The plot twists will keep you riveted. I think this is a story that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It is a realistic fiction, with a bit of adventure, sprinkled with romance, and even a bit of mystery. It will make you ponder the meaning of family, the struggle with mental health that so many suffer, and how fragile yet resilient a human can be. By far one of my favorite books of 2018 and made its way to my all time list. Needless to say, a 5 star read for sure!"

What are you waiting for? Find your perfect book!

Ocean County Library eBooks & Digital Materials...

Listed below are just some of the digital materials that are offered for FREE by the Ocean County Library.  All you need is an Ocean County Library Card and you'll have access to these digital and downloadable resources. 

Ocean County Library Card Application

For help and support with these digital materials, visit the Ocean County Library help page.



                Toms River Regional Schools is not responsible for content on external sites or servers.

...Access with an Ocean County Library card! Get yours!

Hoopla

Hoopla is a digital media service provider partnered with the Ocean County Library.  Ebooks and downloadable Audiobooks are just some of the resources available to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or smart phone.  Download the Hoopla app to your device.                                                                  https://www.hoopladigital.com

Overdrive

Anyone with an Ocean County library card can access a wide selection of popular digital eBooks and eAudiobooks through your browser, Libby app, or Overdrive app.                                                                                https://ocl.overdrive.com

Kanopy

Kanopy video streaming service provides four checkouts per month for Ocean County Library resident cardholders. Each checkout provides unlimited access to a title for up to 3 days.                                      https://oceancounty.kanopy.com

Contact Information

Toms River High School East Media Center

1225 Raider Way

Toms River, NJ 08753

732-505-5665   Ext. 210070


Media Specialist

Diane Harz

dharz@trschools.com


                     Empowering students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information, one student at a time.

The Media Center staff is committed to supporting our students, staff, and families by utilizing recommended cleaning and safety protocols.