Fowler Elementary School

Email: kkaderlik@fesd.org

An Overview

Fowler Elementary School is located on the southwest corner of 67^th Avenue and Van Buren.  It originally opened its doors in November 1895, with 46 students in attendance.  Since this time, many changes have taken place both to Fowler School and the District.  With continual growth in the area, configuration of Fowler School has evolved from a K-8 school, to a 4-8, then to a 3-5, and finally, to a Kindergarten through fifth grade school in 2002.  

To provide our students with a quality education, the following programs and strategies are used in all classrooms through out the day.  All lessons are in alignment with the State and National Academic Standards of Education.

Reading

The 90-minute reading program used throughout the entire school is Success For All.  In grades K-1, the program emphasizes development of language skills focusing on phonemic awareness, auditory discrimination and sound blending.  In 2-5 grades, the emphasis is on comprehension, cooperative learning, writing and critical thinking.

Language Arts

The language arts program focuses on the core skills of writing, speaking, vocabulary development and spelling.  The Six-Traits of Writing method is used to teach students effective writing skills in many different writing genres - narrative, expository, story telling, etc.

Mathematics

A 90-minute time block is scheduled each day for comprehensive math instruction. The math program used in grades K-5 is Saxon Math with Excel Math used as a supplementary material.  Emphasis is placed on hands-on inquiry-based instruction, computation, operations and systematic review.

Science

Once again emphasis is placed on hands-on inquiry-based instruction.  Lessons are designed to focus on utilizing the scientific method to challenge each student's problem solving techniques and critical thinking skills. 

Social Studies 

In K-3 grades the main course of study is community and the student's surroundings.  States and capitals are explored in the 4^th grade with its main emphasis on Arizona History.  The 5^th grade studies United States History with focus on the Civil War.

Physical Education

The physical education program delivers a curriculum that focuses on healthy living.  Movement, fine and gross motor coordination, exercise, team sports and individual sports, etc. are some areas covered during the year.  Primary students receive PE instruction 30 minutes every eight days. Intermediate students receive 90 minutes of instruction throughout an eight day cycle.

Music

A general music program is part of the curriculum for students in grades K-5.  Depending on the particular grade level being addressed, students study rhythm, composition, instruments, composers, etc.  Students in primary grades receive 30 minutes of music instruction and intermediate grades receive 90 minutes of music every eight days.

Visual Art

The visual arts program is also a part of the curriculum for all students in grades K-5.  Lessons in art consist of the study of color, perspective, textures and mediums, special projects, etc.  Primary students receive art instruction for 30 minutes and intermediate grades receive 90 minutes per eight day cycle.

Technology/Library

Computer education in is based on the philosophy that the computer is a tool to enhance a student's ability to learn.  Students learn to work with word processing, Power-point presentations, desktop publishing, databases, Internet usage as well as keyboarding skills.  Library time is spent on Study Skills instruction, learning to use the library appropriately and finding and reading books.  Primary students receive Technology/Library instruction 30 minutes every eight days. Intermediate students receive 90 minutes of instruction throughout an eight day cycle.

Fowler School provides many additional programs and opportunities to increase student academic standings, such as; Full-day Kindergarten, SFA Tutoring during the school day, Superintendent's Math Achievement Club for third grade students, Before school and lunch time reading in library, H.O.T.S. Club ((Higher Order Thinking Skills) after-school program, Advanced placement classes, Summer school and Intersession classes, F.A.R. (Fowler Accelerated Reading) Program, Art Fair, Science Fair, etc.

The school also has programs that address chemical abuse prevention and programs to improve self-esteem and citizenship. They include: D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), Girls and Boys Town Social Skills Program, Fire-PAL, Tobacco Resistance Program, Peer Mediation, etc.

On the Fowler campus, many incentive programs are used to promote the success of all children on a daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.  Each student has the opportunity to be honored for meeting high academic standards, displaying excellent citizenship, perfect attendance and showing improvement in various areas of learning and behaviors.

Organizations and clubs are also an integral part of building positive self-esteem contributing to the success of children.  Extra curricular programs, such as; Choir, Band, Drama, Noon Jogging Club, Student Council, Peer Mediator, Student Assistants are available to students who wish to participate.  Additional programs, activities and special events are also provided at every grade level to involve parents in their child's education.

Our outreach program includes the business community in partnership with Fowler School.  These businesses provide assistance and funding for a variety of projects and programs.  Their contributions make a significant difference in the implementation of special programs that support education.

Health services and wellness programs are provided at Fowler School.  A registered nurse provides first aid to students, as well as immunization, hearing, and vision screenings.

One of the most important factors in every school's success is its staff.  Because we are very serious about the education of all students, Fowler School employs and maintains highly motivated, dedicated professionals who possess the skill and knowledge to help each child reach his/her full potential.  Within the school, we take pride in offering a positive, safe, nurturing environment that is highly conducive to learning for all students.

Link to District website