Vision and Mission Statement
The Westlawn Middle School Library is a welcoming and inclusive space that empowers students in grades 6–8 to become curious, confident, and compassionate learners. By fostering a love of reading, inspiring critical thinking, and nurturing strong research and literacy skills, the library supports students as they explore ideas, discover new interests, and grow into thoughtful, informed members of their school community. Through collaboration with teachers, the library enriches learning experiences and encourages lifelong curiosity and learning.
Georgia Tidwell is proud to serve as the Library Media Specialist at Westlawn Middle School. She grew up in Fayette, Alabama, and attended Bevill State Community College. She earned her B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from the University of North Alabama and her M.Ed. in Library Media from the University of West Alabama.
Ms. Tidwell has been teaching since 1994 and has worked with students from Pre-K through 12th grade. She is passionate about helping students succeed and enjoys collaborating with teachers to support student growth. She is dedicated to motivating students to read widely and to learn something new every day.
Outside of work, Ms. Tidwell enjoys spending time with her family, watching superhero movies and sports, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to new places. She loves to laugh and embraces Voltaire’s philosophy: “I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health.”
Star students are invited to participate all month long! To get started, be sure to check your Schoology Exploring Star Readers Course for the link and full details.
Read as many books as you can
đź“ť Complete the required book report form
đź“… Submit your entries by March 31
The more you read, the more chances you have of winning fabulous prizes!
Let’s make this our best reading month yet, Falcon Stars! Happy Reading!
January has been a lively and engaging month in the Westlawn Middle School Library! As the new year kicked off, our library continued to serve as a dynamic learning hub where students explored new books, strengthened critical thinking skills, and collaborated across content areas. From academic enrichment to moments of creativity and connection, the library remained a space where Falcons could learn, grow, and thrive.
One of the biggest highlights this month was the addition of new titles to our collection, with a strong emphasis on graphic novels and manga—a format that continues to spark excitement and increase student engagement. Students have eagerly explored popular series and new releases, helping to sustain momentum in independent reading and choice-based literacy.
Classroom collaborations were also front and center in January. Teachers and students put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test through breakout box challenges, creating a fun and interactive way to apply critical thinking. In Social Studies, the library supported instruction as Ms. Tidwell partnered with Mr. Gosa’s classes for a lesson on The Ides of March, reinforcing research skills and historical understanding.
Sixth graders sharpened their listening and media literacy skills through lessons connected to contemporary music and cultural relevance, while other classes enjoyed structured brain breaks in the Falcon Brain Break Area—continuing to use this space as a tool for focus, collaboration, and social-emotional learning.
January also spotlighted Ms. Tidwell Reading, featuring A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya. This heartfelt novel opened the door for meaningful conversations about grief, family, and self-discovery, offering students both literary depth and emotional connection.
Looking ahead, students were reminded to gear up for the February Reading Challenge, where they’ll have opportunities to reflect on their reading, earn points, and compete for prizes—keeping enthusiasm for reading strong as we move deeper into the semester.
As we continue into 2026, the Westlawn Library remains committed to supporting instruction, fostering a love of reading, and providing a welcoming space where all Falcons feel encouraged to explore, learn, and succeed.
Read as many books as you can
