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Library Media Service Award
for Administrators - 2007

Mark Hatch 

At its annual meeting on Saturday, November 10, the Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL) announced that Mark Hatch, principal of Messalonskee Middle School had been recognized as the Administrator of the Year.  Mr. Hatch was nominated by Elizabeth McMahon, Library Media Specialist at the middle school and Mary Glennon, Literacy Specialist.

In their letters of nomination, both remarked on Mr. Hatch's focus on literacy and the positive contribution that the library media center makes towards this school goal.  A literacy audit of the students led to the writing of a CSR grant that focuses on improving the literacy skills of the students at Messalonskee Middle School.  Under his leadership, the school has instituted a Sustained Silent Reading progam a Reading Is FAME program and used grant money to provide a literacy coach for the school and supplement classroom materials and the library collection.  Mr. Hatch, in partnership with the literacy coach and library media specialist, instituted a Community Read program that is currently in its third year.  All members of the Messalonskee Middle School community, including the superintendent and school board members, are encouraged to read one particular book that is chosen for the community read.  Mr. Hatch has led booktalks, hosted author visits and planned for speakers and activities connected to the theme of the books chosen. 

Mr. Hatch has been a strong advocate of the library media center program by advocating for the increase of the budget to purchase books and audio visual materials that will further encourage reading, the use of the library media center and integrating library skills into many areas of the curriculum.  He has encouraged the library media specialist to become a leader in the school community.

In recognition of this award, Mr. Hatch was presented with a plaque naming him the Administrator of the Year.  In addition, a donation of $500 in his honor was made to the library media program at Messalonskee Middle School.

 

 

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