Dear Parents and Guardians,
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of Fairforest Elementary School, I would like to welcome you to the 2011 - 2012 school year. Those of you who are joining us this year will soon come to learn that Fairforest has the very best team of students, parents and staff in the county! Each person on our staff will work hard to make sure your child gets the best education possible.
Fairforest Elementary School serves a culturally diverse student population in grades K5 – 5th. Our school prides itself in that diversity. It is our appreciation of differences that allows students and staff to embrace this school as a safe and caring environment in which all children will grow academically as well as socially.
It is the diversity of our student population that shapes the instructional practices of our school. Many of our teachers utilize an integrated approach where science and social studies are just as important as reading and math. Through an integrated approach our students are able to see the relationships between subjects and are able to understand complex concepts at deeper levels.
At Fairforest we believe in using a combination approach towards reading instruction that is based on a foundation of phonics and complemented with whole language instruction. Students are also aided in moving from learning to read to reading to learn through the use of a scientifically based writing program called Write From the Beginning. As part of the program, students work toward grade level performance goals which start in kindergarten, building skills through fifth grade where students are required to write detailed coherent five paragraph papers.
As students move through Fairforest Elementary, they will be presented with opportunities to interact with content through hands-on approaches, computer assisted instruction and a caring and dedicated faculty.
Our faculty and staff realize that the high levels to which we strive can only be achieved with your help, support and involvement. As supporters of the school you are encouraged to visit us often, volunteer in your child’s classroom, or become involved with the school Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and School Improvement Council (SIC).
This handbook has been written to help you and your child understand our school and its programs as well as the overall operations of the school. It is hoped that careful reading of this handbook will answer most of the questions that you have regarding policies and procedures of the district and our school. Please frequently review this handbook with your child. An understanding of this handbook will make this school year better for both you and your child.
After reading the handbook if you have any questions about our school, please feel free to contact our office at (864) – 439 - 5000. We are pleased that both you and your child will be spending the year with us at Fairforest Elementary. I look forward to working with you throughout this year!
Respectfully,
Stephen Krawczyk
Principal