Melinda Jarvis

I moved with my husband to Grove in 1980 when Neil became a State Farm Insurance Agent.  Our three sons attended Grove Public Schools.  Rusty, the oldest, is married to Nikki 1 and they have a daughter, Kirsten and son, Colin.  Ryan, the youngest is married to Nicki 2 and they have 2 daughters, Lakota and Alexa.  Ben is the middle son, and he is still looking for that special someone. I began my teaching career at Turkey Ford and remained teaching there for 23 wonderful years.  In 2004, I had the opportunity to accept the position of librarian at Grove Middle School.

Teaching has given me the opportunity to inspire and empower students.  Having a part in the development of skills and knowledge gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose.  There is no greater reward than watching a student learn a new concept or skill thus creating an Aha moment for that student.  Teaching also gave me the challenge to grow and learn in order to adapt to the many changes in education.

I graduated from Northeastern State University with a BA in Elementary Education.  After my children were grown, I decided to go back and earn my Masters in Library Media and Information Technology.                        

I have had the fortunate opportunity to teach a variety of grades and subject areas. Much has changed throughout the years in education.  Requirements and curriculum have changed, but the attitude of optimism and love of teaching has survived.

My role as a librarian is diversified.  Helping students find a book that meets their interest and instills the love of reading is the most satisfying.  Teaching students how to find books and reminding them of Dewey is a daily objective. Some of my other main objectives are:  Maintaining a positive teaching and learning climate in the library, purchase, select, and make Reading Counts tests, maintaining and acquiring appropriate resources and equipment for the students and faculty, cooperatively plan with other faculty to ensure information skills are taught, and develop a school library program dedicated to providing access to information.

I also encourage parents to visit the Public Library with their children and obtain a library card for their use.  This is a great opportunity for students to become aware and be exposed to a variety of information and resources available for their use.  Research confirms that Parental involvement makes an impact in the educational success of a child.

The best resource for research available to students is Digital Prairie, an electric library which may be accessed at:

• http://www.odl.state.ok.us/prairie/
• Click on:  EBSCO Host
• User Name:  gms
• Password:  ridgy
• At the bottom is the option:  Student Research Center