[CASL-L] CASL-L Digest, Vol 11, Issue 230
Ava Biffer
avabiffer at yahoo.com
Wed Sep 17 09:40:58 PDT 2025
This ongoing conversation raises a question: Is this requirement part of a written Board of Education policy?
The recently passed Freedom to Read legislation requires specific policies to be in place. Some specific items are included but the clear intent [Freedom to Read] rests on a detailed policy for each school system that implements the statutory text. If a restriction on reading is in place, but is not included in a formal written Board of Ed policy, that could be problematic. For your school's protection, your admin might want to ask for clarification from the BoE's attorney.
Ava Biffer (she/her)
"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." John Dewey
"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10:06:11 AM EDT, Tess Mawhinney-McCool <tess.mawhinney at gmail.com> wrote:
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. I am not an attorney.
Requiring a permission slip for all 5th graders to access to the YA section/books of the school library would likely be found unconstitutional. In Counts v. Cedarville School District the school Principal required permission slips for students to access Harry Potter. The court ruled that permission slips create a stigmatizing and chilling effect and would violate students' First Amendment rights to read and access information. This was in regard to specific books (Harry Potter), but blanket permission slips are seen as a restriction to access, and thus a violation. When there is a genuine educational reason to restrict free speech (very hard to prove) then a less restrictive means may be okay. Requiring an opt-in is more restrictive. This could lead to a lawsuit.
Given all of this, the less restrictive way to address this concern would be to let parents know (maybe through a newsletter or something sent home through the main office) that the library serves grades 5-8, including a young adult section / books. Let parents know that students have access to the entire collection unless they contact you or fill out an opt out form (however you decide to handle that managerial function). This way one person is not restricting access for an entire grade (most restrictive), but rather a parent/guardian can restrict for their own child (i.e., you can decide for your own child what is appropriate but not for every child).
Let me know if you have any questions.Tess McCool / Law4Librarian SLMS
On Wed, Sep 17, 2025 at 9:06 AM <casl-l-request at mylist.net> wrote:
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Today's Topics:
1. middle school? permissions?parent outreach (Christine Bairos)
2. Re: middle school? permissions?parent outreach (Cathy Andronik)
3. Re: middle school? permissions?parent outreach (Loretta Sullivan)
4. Re: middle school? permissions?parent outreach (Lauren Yansick)
5. Cricuit (Jodie D'Alexander)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org>
To: CASL <casl-l at mylist.net>
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:02:51 -0400
Subject: [CASL-L] middle school? permissions?parent outreach
Hello,I am .2 at our middle school, grades 5-8. We have a young adult section and I was told that we need to get permission from 5th grade parents to let students read from that section. Last year I did this on an individual basis. Advice on if I should send out something to all fifth grade parents. Trying not to rock the boat since we have no policies in place...
Christine BairosShe/Her (What’s This?)
Library Media Specialist
Old Saybrook High School (.8)
(860) 395-3175 x 4230
Old Saybrook Middle School (.2)
(860) 395-3168
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Cathy Andronik <cathyandronik at yahoo.com>
To: CASL <casl-l at mylist.net>, Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org>
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:16:17 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] middle school? permissions?parent outreach
"Told by" whom?
Cathy AndronikRetired, Brien McMahon HS
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 06:03:13 PM EDT, Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org> wrote:
Hello,I am .2 at our middle school, grades 5-8. We have a young adult section and I was told that we need to get permission from 5th grade parents to let students read from that section. Last year I did this on an individual basis. Advice on if I should send out something to all fifth grade parents. Trying not to rock the boat since we have no policies in place...
Christine BairosShe/Her (What’s This?)
Library Media Specialist
Old Saybrook High School (.8)
(860) 395-3175 x 4230
Old Saybrook Middle School (.2)
(860) 395-3168
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Loretta Sullivan <b59lgian at mpspride.org>
To: Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org>
Cc: CASL <casl-l at mylist.net>
Bcc:
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:59:06 -0400
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] middle school? permissions?parent outreach
Hello Christine,
I have grades 5 and 6 with a small YA section. I call parents directly to get permission for a few of the books, depending on content due to the fact that they are 9 and 10 years old. Parents appreciate this. I use my discretion. An example of why a parent did not want their child reading a particular author/series was the fact that they had experienced trauma that the content of the book potentially could have triggered that particular student. The parent was ok with her child taking out other YA books. I do not have a "permission" slip as I feel that it opens up a can of worms. In general, I let the kids know that they can come back to the library to swap out a book if it is something that they are not comfortable with, struggle to read, not interesting enough, etc... Seems to be working for us. I do my best to allow for choice, but recognize that parents should be called for certain content to avoid issues.
Respectfully,
Loretta SullivanLibrary Media Specialist
Bennet AcademyManchester, CT
2025-2026 Chromebook Request Form
Chromebook Expectations Livestream Video
2025-2026 Bennet Chromebook Take Home Permission Form
2025-2026 Poster Request Form
IT Work Order Link
For all other technology assistance (including laptops and iPads), go to the IT Helpdesk or call / text 860-682-0607, Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." -Charles W. Eliot
On Tue, Sep 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org> wrote:
Hello,I am .2 at our middle school, grades 5-8. We have a young adult section and I was told that we need to get permission from 5th grade parents to let students read from that section. Last year I did this on an individual basis. Advice on if I should send out something to all fifth grade parents. Trying not to rock the boat since we have no policies in place...
Christine BairosShe/Her (What’s This?)
Library Media Specialist
Old Saybrook High School (.8)
(860) 395-3175 x 4230
Old Saybrook Middle School (.2)
(860) 395-3168
_______________________________________________
CASL-L mailing list
CASL-L at mylist.net
https://mylist.net/listinfo/casl-l
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lauren Yansick <yansickl at shermanschool.com>
To: Loretta Sullivan <b59lgian at mpspride.org>
Cc: Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org>, CASL <casl-l at mylist.net>
Bcc:
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2025 08:17:41 -0400
Subject: Re: [CASL-L] middle school? permissions?parent outreach
I always do a reverse permission slip for the YA section (only with 5th graders). I send home a paper copy and a digital copy through school messenger, as well as a notice in our weekly newsletter.
I hope this helps!
Lauren
On Wed, Sep 17, 2025 at 7:59 AM Loretta Sullivan via CASL-L <casl-l at mylist.net> wrote:
Hello Christine,
I have grades 5 and 6 with a small YA section. I call parents directly to get permission for a few of the books, depending on content due to the fact that they are 9 and 10 years old. Parents appreciate this. I use my discretion. An example of why a parent did not want their child reading a particular author/series was the fact that they had experienced trauma that the content of the book potentially could have triggered that particular student. The parent was ok with her child taking out other YA books. I do not have a "permission" slip as I feel that it opens up a can of worms. In general, I let the kids know that they can come back to the library to swap out a book if it is something that they are not comfortable with, struggle to read, not interesting enough, etc... Seems to be working for us. I do my best to allow for choice, but recognize that parents should be called for certain content to avoid issues.
Respectfully,
Loretta SullivanLibrary Media Specialist
Bennet AcademyManchester, CT
2025-2026 Chromebook Request Form
Chromebook Expectations Livestream Video
2025-2026 Bennet Chromebook Take Home Permission Form
2025-2026 Poster Request Form
IT Work Order Link
For all other technology assistance (including laptops and iPads), go to the IT Helpdesk or call / text 860-682-0607, Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." -Charles W. Eliot
On Tue, Sep 16, 2025 at 6:03 PM Christine Bairos <cbairos at oldsaybrookschools.org> wrote:
Hello,I am .2 at our middle school, grades 5-8. We have a young adult section and I was told that we need to get permission from 5th grade parents to let students read from that section. Last year I did this on an individual basis. Advice on if I should send out something to all fifth grade parents. Trying not to rock the boat since we have no policies in place...
Christine BairosShe/Her (What’s This?)
Library Media Specialist
Old Saybrook High School (.8)
(860) 395-3175 x 4230
Old Saybrook Middle School (.2)
(860) 395-3168
_______________________________________________
CASL-L mailing list
CASL-L at mylist.net
https://mylist.net/listinfo/casl-l
_______________________________________________
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--
Lauren YansickLibrary Media SpecialistThe Sherman School
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." - Neil Gaiman
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Jodie D'Alexander" <jdalexander at region16ct.org>
To: CASL-L <CASL-L at mylist.net>
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:05:26 -0400
Subject: [CASL-L] Cricuit
Good Morning,
Does anyone use Cricuit Cutting Machine in their library? What would be your advice for someone looking to purchase one? (model, tools, blades, easy press, vinyl, paper, pens, etc.).
What do you use yours for? Do you think it's a good investment? Any resources you'd recommend (YouTube or Instagram accounts to follow, online trainings)?
Thanks for your help,
Mrs. Jodie D’Alexander
Library Media SpecialistAdvisory/Senior Capstone Project co-AdvisorWoodland Student Book Club co-AdvisorWoodland Regional High SchoolConnecticut Association of Schools- 2025 High School of the Year
135 Back Rimmon Road
Beacon Falls, CT 06403
(203) 881-5551 ext. 7241
"The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library." - Albert Einstein
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