Empowering Our Learners: Edina's Middle School and High School Media Programs

Our Secondary Media Centers are vibrant hubs of discovery, rich in literacy experiences and grounded in Edina's core values of integrity, compassion, courage, commitment, appreciation, and responsibility. These spaces are intentionally designed to welcome every student, instill a lifelong love of reading, and cultivate the information literacy skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Whether through finding the next great read, exploring new authors and perspectives, or developing critical research skills, our Media Centers foster an environment where every student is known, supported, and able to grow as a reader and lifelong learner.

Building on the strong foundation established in elementary school, our Secondary Media Specialists partner with teachers to sharpen students' digital literacy, critical thinking, and technical skills. This purposeful, district-wide program prioritizes equity and excellence for each and every student, ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences regardless of which building a student attends.

An Enriched, Supported Learning Experience

The goal of our secondary media program is to build upon the skills students developed in elementary school, helping them grow as independent readers and confident lifelong learners. At the secondary level, students deepen their abilities in research, technology navigation, information literacy, and digital citizenship — skills that prepare them for the academic rigor of high school, post-secondary education, and beyond. Our Media Specialists bring both expertise and genuine care to this work, ensuring that every interaction in the Media Center supports students' academic and personal growth.

What Students Experience at Middle School and High School

Students engage with our Media Centers in two meaningful ways: independently and alongside their classes. On their own, students visit to check out books, research topics of personal interest, seek technology support, and take advantage of Flex offerings at the middle school level or independent student prep time at the high school. When visiting with classes, students participate in research and library skills lessons and explore our curated collections together.

This open, welcoming model ensures that the Media Center remains a consistent and accessible resource throughout the school day, a place where students feel comfortable seeking support, pursuing curiosity, and developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Highlights of Middle School and High School Media Center Programming

At the middle school level, students participate in library skills lessons integrated into 6th-grade reading. Both South View and Valley View Middle Schools offer student-produced news programming — SVTV and VVTV — giving students hands-on experience with media creation and communication. Valley View also hosts Library Council, Authors Talk, the 20 in 20 Community Guest Speakers series, and the Book Bazaar, while South View engages students through book themed Belonging Flex opportunities, hosting speakers during Career Exploratory Day, teaching students about different reading platforms, helping students be responsible digital citizens, and research for History Day.

At Edina High School, our programming extends into college and career readiness. The Breakfast Book Club builds community around a shared love of reading. History Day challenges students to engage in authentic historical research. The Media Specialist collaborates with ELA and Social Studies teachers to deliver research lessons that sharpen students' ability to locate, evaluate, and ethically use information. Additionally, the Media Center provides Advanced Placement and college entrance exam preparation and testing support — reflecting our commitment to real-world learning and access to opportunity for every student.

Together, these programs reflect Edina's emerging direction: ensuring every student has consistent adult relationships, coordinated academic support, and the tools they need to succeed.

Always Staffed, Always Accessible

Our Media Centers are open and staffed every school day by a team of Media Specialists, Media Assistants, and Technology Assistants. Together, they ensure students have daily access to books, technology, and expert support.

• Bob Diehl, Media Specialist, South View
• Angie Endo, Media Specialist, Valley View
• Sara Swenson, Media Specialist, Edina High School
• Bruce Coles, Technology Support Specialist, Edina High School
• Maggie Matz, Technology Assistant, South View
• Jesus Romero, Technology Assistant, Valley View
• Olivia Latimer, Media Assistant, Edina High School
• Steph Pagac, Media Assistant, South View and Valley View
• Stephanie Schroeder, Media Assistant, Edina High School

Check out our post about the program at the elementary level.