Welcome to the Burks Learning Commons! Our Learning Commons is a place where students, staff, and parents may rearrange the ‘lounge’ to accommodate a reading book club,  meet at the tables for impromptu planning sessions or secure a quiet place to work. Effective learning commons are alive with the voices of students, staff, and parents working together, creating connections, gaining new information, and applying knowledge.

Learning Commons Facebook page is HERE.

Burks Learning Commons Mission:

The mission of Burks Learning Commons is to ensure that students and staff are effective evaluators, users, and communicators of ideas and information, enabling them to be literate, life-long learners.

Burks Learning Commons website

Learning Commons Staff:

Tonya Hinkebein – Media Resource Specialist

Tracy Payne – Media Resource Assistant

When can I visit the learning commons?

The learning commons is open Monday-Friday from 7:45am – 3:15pm. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to visit anytime after signing in at the office. **Students must be accompanied by an adult after 3:00pm.

The Burks Learning Commons operates on a flexible schedule which means students can come to the learning commons whenever they want or need (with teacher’s permission). Teachers may schedule lessons on information literacy skills or content lessons. Small groups are also welcome!

Teachers should consult our Staff Info page and Burks Calendar to view events and select times to visit with their class.

How many books can I check out?

Kindergarten students = one book, when you show SOAR and learn your ID number you may check out 2 books

• 1st grade students = one book to start off. When your show us SOAR and learn your ID number you may check out two books. Spring semester you may add a book

• 2nd grade students  = two books 1st semester, three books 2nd semester

• 3rd grade students   = three books

• 4th grade students   = four books

• 5th grade students   = four books

• Parents = five items for two weeks

Teachers = unlimited number of items for one month

If there is a special assignment in class, students may be allowed to check out extra items 

When are library books due?

The computer marks all items overdue that have been checked out for two weeks or longer. Fines are not charged for overdue items. However, when you are done with a book please return the book so others can check it out.

You are more than welcome to keep a book longer than two weeks, just be sure to renew the book so you won’t have an overdue item on your record. 

What happens if an item from the library is lost or damaged?

Lost books and damaged books must be paid for in order to clear student records and allow them to check out another book. We accept cash or checks (made out to Burks). 

What reading programs does the Burks Learning Commons have?

Special reading encouragement programs are offered throughout the year for all students. Visit the Burks Learning Commons website for more information on the 2×2 Program, Bluebonnet Book Club, Lunch Club, and more! 

I am a parent, how can I help?

We are always looking for volunteers! Please contact Mrs. Hinkebein if you are interested in being volunteer.