Cultivating a Community of Readers at Kingston High School

This April, the North Kitsap School District celebrates National School Library Month by highlighting the remarkable Library Media Specialists who enrich our schools.

Cultivating a Community of Readers at Kingston High School

Laura Upton has been a valuable North Kitsap School District member for more than ten years, demonstrating her wealth of experience, dedication, and community spirit. She spent eight years serving as a Library Media Specialist and has now embarked on her first year at Kingston High School Library with a clear goal: to establish a welcoming, secure, inclusive, and representative atmosphere that caters to the needs of every student.

A Heart for Kingston

Ms. Upton has lived in Kingston for 21 years. She has closely observed her children's educational journeys through the local schools, strengthening her commitment to the community. For Upton, her work is not just a profession but a calling to serve the families of Kingston. She aims to create an environment where children can grow into caring, engaged, and contributing members of society.

Empowering Students Through Resources

Ms. Upton is grateful for the opportunity to work with the community and Library Media Specialist team and is committed to ensuring access to academic resources for all students. Her objectives include:

• Inclusivity and Representation: Ms. Upton is committed to curating a library collection and programming that reflects the student body's diverse experiences and identities. She ensures every student can see themselves in the stories and resources available.

• A Safe Haven for Learning: Ms. Upton recognizes the library as the heart of the school and strives to maintain an academically enriching and emotionally supportive environment. Her goal is to create a haven for learning where students can find solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

• Community Engagement: Upton's deep roots in Kingston motivate her to enhance connections between the school and the broader community. She facilitates programs and initiatives encouraging parental and local involvement and fostering a love for reading and learning.

Looking to the Future

As Laura Upton continues to build upon the foundation of the Kingston High School Library, her vision for a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive learning center comes closer to fruition. Her dedication showcases the profound impact that our passionate educators can have on our students and community.