Fairlane Elementary

Fairlane Elementary, home to Kindergarten and the first grade, serves as a starting point for both parents and students in the world of education. The school has initatied different events and ways to create strong foundations in their students and ways to help parents as well.

Fairlane added a new, different way to encourage students to read this year. The school, along with Central Elementary and Lafayette Elementary, started a “Reading Block” which a period of an hour and a half set aside everyday for students to read individually or for teachers to read to their students. Principal Linda Smith said that some teachers have done similiar things in the past, but that this is the first year the entire school was taking part in it.

Fairlane also tries to build strong reading habits in their students with the event “Bingo for Books” held during the winter. Every child that participates in the event receives a book. Fairlane also has celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday for the past several years with the event “Read Across America.”

Fairlane also continuously tries to keep up with current technology in order to benefit their students. For example, the school upgrades and replaces their oldest computers when funds become available for them to do so.

Smith explained that some teachers have also written grants for “SMART boards” which are touch-sensitive whiteboards which connect to a computer or a digital projector. The “SMART boards” enable students and teachers to interact with the computer by controling computer application from the display or by writing in digital ink on the whiteboard. The school currenly has three “SMART boards.”

The school also has special events throughout the year to help encourage strong communication between the parents and the teachers. One example of this is the “Boo Hoo Breakfast” which is held the first day of school year for parents of Kindergarden students. The breakfast is used to answer any questions and concerns that parents may have. Fairlane also has “Parent's Night” where they discusses various ways they can improve their child's performance, such as working with them at home.

Kindergarten teacher Janet Dickens explained that the communication between parents and teachers is a vital part of what goes into helping students improve.

"When kids know their parents care they try harder. They don't want to disappoint their parents...they apply themselves more," Dickens said.

Dickens also encouraged parents to be willing to contact the teacher if they have any questions or concerns and to praise their children for the good work they do.

"We need to show our kids that we're proud of them," Dickens added.

Principal Smith had high praise for the faculty and staff who work at Fairlane and their commitment to the job.

“I don't think people realize how hard teachers work. They think it's an eight to three job but it's not. They are always thinking about teaching even they aren't teaching. It's a demanding job because of the ages of the students...the teachers have to teach them to be responsible for themselves,” Principal Smith said.

“The tutors work well with the children who need some extra help. We have three full-time tutors in Kindergarden and two in the first grade...I think it's made a difference,” she continued. Smith added that the teacher assistants also help out by working with students who need help as well.

School nurse, Kristie Woodard, expressed that the most rewarding part of the job was “knowing that you've made a difference with the kids who need to see you.”

Dickens echoed this as well. “With younger children, you have unconditional love. It doesn't matter if you look bad, if you feel bad, they still come up to you with hugs and ‘I love you's.”

Several very experienced faculty and staff currently work at Fairlane as well.

Margaret Dotson has worked at Fairlane longer than any other present employee, working at the school for 40 years.

Of current teachers, Janice Carter, 1st grade teacher, has been at Fairlane longest, in her 29th year at the school and her 35th year working in the schools.

Fairlane was established in 1955 and was initally home to the first grade. through the fourth grade.