Introduction

Jones Magnet Academy Media Center --

“A place to become lost in Media.”

The Jones Magnet Academy Media Center is centrally located in Columbus, Georgia’s urban community.  It plays host to a generally middle-class, balanced ethnic population zone, as well as approximately 700 students, 60 faculty members, and 20 staff members, in grades 6 – 8.  A part of the Muscogee County School District this public magnet for grades 6-8, has an environment that nurtures the explorers, cultivates the creators, and inspires the dreamers.  Students are able to enjoy the atmosphere, which was designed to entice every age group.  Students want to visit, sit down, enjoy the space, read and explore while they are there, then return over and over again.

The JMA Media Center is conveniently located on the first floor and has separate entrance and exit areas – both to the interior of the school and exterior (public entrance).  It is physically surrounded by light.  The east exterior walls have large windows facing the enclosed concrete picnic tables adjacent to the cafeteria.  This allows students use of the MC during free and scheduled times.  The west exterior wall also has windows that allow students to see into the MC from the hallways of the school building, itself.  The south wall is lit by spotlights and fluorescent tubing.  Lastly, the north exterior wall, with the largest windows, faces the street and welcomes the community with its red, white, and black striped awning and welcome mat.  Everyone may see into the world that has been created.

The interior has a themed décor: The main attraction is The Malt Shop.  It includes, on the south wall, a simulated Malt Shop which is located in the reference and research section of the facility.  Biographies and Autobiographies have been located near The Malt Shop to be easily located for research.  The Malt Shop countertop/bar has been equipped with 20 fold-down monitors and keyboards to provide both convenience and work space.  Serials are located in the Jukebox, an area which has a digital Jukebox sound system where students may use headphones to listen to and download music to their I-pods for a fee.  Fiction is in the Record Store!

In addition to The Malt Shop’s computer stations, there is another table area and another sitting area.  This area is located near the Reception / Checkout area, which is near the interior entrance doors.   This space is equipped with a Smart Board and projector for whole class/faculty instruction/meetings.  Behind the Checkout area is the office space for the Media Specialist, the Broadcast Center, work room, and storage areas. 

The facility is beautiful and allows the Media Specialist to serve the needs of the patrons it serves and meet the goals of the Media Center as well.

Teacher Websites © 2009 SchoolWorld