Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
PBIS is a joint effort between Milwaukee Public Schools Office of Family Services and the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association to effectively reduce classroom disruptions and student suspensions through a school-wide systematic tiered-intervention approach. Data shows that schools that implement PBIS with fidelity see decreases in disruptions and suspensions and increases in student achievement.
Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
Fernwood also has a strong partnership with the Junior Achievement of Wisconsin program, which inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. The mission of this program is to ensure that every child in the state has an opportunity to obtain an understanding of the free enterprise system.
Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.
For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. We are part of the Milwaukee County Council.
Girl Scouts
In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. Our troop is part of the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Southeast.
Student Achievement
Fernwood’s staff, parents, and volunteers are committed to offering an authentic Montessori education while still assuring that students are able to meet or exceed District goals. Although MPS District and State Assessments are not aligned with our curriculum, our students have traditionally exceeded the proficiency goals of the District.
The Montessori Curriculum provides developmentally appropriate lessons to prepare children for success in all areas of the curriculum. On the 2000-2001 Wisconsin State Third Grade Reading Test, 100% of our third graders demonstrated proficiency in reading. In the 2000-2001 school year our 8TH grade students exceeded both district and state proficiency levels in reading, language arts and mathematics as measured on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination.
Arts Activities
Children begin to explore artistic concepts at age three with Sensorial Materials that allow them to explore colors, shapes, textures and patterns. Through their work in Practical Life they develop fine motor skills and the hand/eye coordination needed to execute their artistic ideas in a variety of media. Beginning at k5, the students are guided in their exploration of the visual arts by an art specialist as well as by their Montessori Director or Directress.
Music is another important area that the children begin to explore at age three. Sensorial materials teach concentration and attention to sounds and rhythms. Songs and rhymes are taught along with work on matching sounds and tones using bells.
Work with bells and tone bars continues in the elementary classes along with singing. We are very proud of our lower elementary chorus and our bell choir, which regularly performs “the Star Spangled Banner” and other tunes for school and community performances. Upper elementary students have the opportunity to perform with our Swing Choir at various venues around Milwaukee. Each spring the upper elementary students
Physical Education and Sports
Montessori education supports the development of the entire child. Some of the earliest lessons in the Children’s House involve awareness of the body and control of movement, which are key to gross motor development. Children learn to move carefully through the classroom, carrying materials and avoiding disturbing the children who are working around them. When weather permits, classes go outdoors for exercise and to explore the neighborhood.
Beginning at K5, students leave the classroom once a week for organized physical education. They follow the Physical Education curriculum set by the Milwaukee Public Schools, except that our classes include mixed ages and grade levels. Physical education continues through 8th grade.
In addition to the MPS Physical Education Curriculum, we offer opportunities for Upper Elementary and Adolescent Students to participate in team sports after school. Our students participate in intramural teams for Boys and Girl’s Basketball, Volleyball, and Softball.