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Academics At Lowell, the staff emphasizes learning at all levels. When it comes to educating students, individual needs are recognized and the Lowell staff does their best to ensure that these needs are met. Teachers promote student-centered learning in all classrooms by use of constructive communication skills and structured thinking activities. Some of the newest technology is in place (SMARTBoards, access to online databases, online student community) in order to instruct each and every student with the best possible tools available. For students with special needs, Lowell provides regular and special education programs. The Lowell curriculum is based on the MPS District Learning Targets, which are aligned to Wisconsin State Standards. Please click on the image below to download the Learning Targets brochures.
![]() Reading At Lowell, reading is a top priority and reading-readiness is encouraged in every student. Reading levels among students are continually improving. SRA Direct Instruction is used as the core reading program for students in K4 – Grade 2. This approach supports students’ literacy achievement in phonemic awareness, reading and decoding phonics, vocabulary, reading fluency and reading comprehension. Students identified as being at-risk are able to work with a teacher or tutor for an additional 20 minutes three times a week in order to improve their skills and understanding. Students in Grades 3-5 use a guided reading program called The Harcourt Trophies Series, which includes age-appropriate stories focused on a common theme. At-risk students in these grades receive additional reading instruction using SRA Corrective Reading and/or additional interventions that enhance reading fluency and comprehension. By assessing and monitoring students regularly, the Lowell staff is able to track progress and address student needs.
Language Arts All grade levels at Lowell are taught Language Arts using the Six Traits Writing program. This emphasizes six stages of writing: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing and reflecting. Using this method, students practice writing narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive essays. Teachers keep writing portfolios for each child and bring them to staff meetings for discussion, assessment and intervention when necessary.
Mathematics The Mathematics program at Lowell is supported by a Responsive Education for All Children (REACh) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The REACh framework focuses on collaborative problem solving and supports math observations and tutoring. At Lowell, teachers provide feedback to assist students and explain math processes verbally and on paper so students can understand the proper steps towards successful problem solving. Students are given math assessments to track their progress. These assessments are analyzed during Camp Lowell meetings, ensuring that students continue strengthening their skills. Lowell uses the Houghton Mifflin Expressions program as part of the general curriculum. Emphasis is on instructional math practices and routines. Tutoring is available.
Science Lowell’s Science program incorporates hands-on experiments at all grade levels. This approach allows students to better grasp the challenging concepts taught by the Lowell staff. The Lowell teachers are constantly looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate science lessons into other curricular areas, such as Writing and Math. Field trips are encouraged and teachers take students into the community as a means of integrating what is learned in the classroom with real-life situations.
Social Studies Lowell students are encouraged to stay up-to-date with current events, ask questions and discuss social issues. By building their awareness of what is going on locally, nationally and even globally, students are equipped with the knowledge needed to bring about positive social change. By taking enriching field trips to historical places and culturally diverse locations, Lowell students develop an appreciation for the world around them.
Health and Physical Education Students receive Health and Physical Education instruction twice a week. At Lowell, healthy nutrition and exercise are very important. The staff realizes that healthy decisions at a young age lead to healthy decisions in the future.
Art Lowell teachers incorporate art lessons into classroom instruction. Students are able to express themselves through artwork and art education enhances lessons learned in other curricula areas. Student work is displayed throughout the hallways and classrooms at Lowell, allowing children to take pride in their creations.
Music Each week, a Traveling Strings teacher visits Lowell students and provides violin lessons. All students participate in a field trip to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, where connections are made between music education and the Lowell curriculum.
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