Fernwood Elementary School

THE "NEW" FERNWOOD ELEMENTARY!

Fernwood Elementary School Full School Day Parent Survey

What will the Full School Day look like at Fernwood Elementary?

The additional 90 minutes per day at Fernwood School will benefit students by providing the opportunity to:

Spend more time on core academic subjects including math, science, social studies.

Work on literacy skills and provide reading intervention for struggling students.

Broaden enrichment opportunities including physical education, art, music and library.

Give students an adequate mid-day lunch and recess period so that they can recharge.

Provide students with individualized interventions to help improve skills in core subjects as well behavioral interventions and supplemental work for gifted students.

At Fernwood Elementary School we acknowledge each student as a unique individual with specific needs, talents, and concerns. We believe that each child should be perceived and responded to in accordance with his/her intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs. We seek to assist the student in achieving his/her goals, coping with specific concerns, and developing a positive and healthy self-concept. We feel that the best way this can be attained is by having a comprehensive program that makes available to the student opportunities in the areas of academics, technology and student activities.

Based on the “Expect More – Achieve More” philosophy, we have experienced significant improvement over the course of time. Specifically:

For the 5th consecutive school year, we have met the rigorous standards of AYP in Reading and in Math.
Because of our academic achievements for the 2009-10 school year, CPS selected Fernwood to participate in the “School Choice” program which allows students from low performing schools to apply for admission to our school.
The Illinois State Board of Education has given us the honor of being recognized as a Spotlight School. A distinction only share by 299 other schools in state of Illinois.

We believe it is the Expect More – Achieve More model that has afforded us the many accolades we have earned. This model is based on the following seven principles:

A curriculum grounded in rigorous academic standards
Instructional methods that prepare all students to achieve high standards
Organized relationships for learning
Acquisition of an elementary school staff of teachers who are expert in teaching adolescents
A safe and healthy school environment
Collaborative decision-making involving all school staff members
Involvement of parents and community who support student learning

We are confident, at Fernwood Elementary School, that this restructuring will prepare our students academically, socially, and emotionally to move forward to meet their next challenge - high school.

In the area of academics, all students receive instruction in Language Arts/Literature, Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education and Science. Advanced students are placed in split level classrooms and remediation and resource is provided for students who need extra help. All students are encouraged to take part in extra curricular activities and after school programs.
In the area of technology, Fernwood Elementary School students are fortunate to have access to a one of the best computer labs in the cluster. In addition to a full lab, every classroom has a student workstation equipped with one or more computers. Primary and intermediate classes also have a listening center and leap pads as part of their student workstations.

In the area of co-curricular activities, Fernwood Elementary School offers its students programs in vocal music, as well as membership in various clubs. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to participate in six team sports: cross-country, girls and boys basketball, softball, flag football, and track. Through these activities, students are able to explore and develop their unique talents, interests and abilities.

The changes made through this restructuring of Fernwood Elementary School have fostered positive effects in every area. Yet in still, although Fernwood Elementary has made great strides in past years, administration and staff continue to monitor the programs and curriculum, always looking for ways to improve and help students to be successful!

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