Fairfield Independent School District is running full force into the new school year. There are several changes and updates in the district this year, and teachers are geared up and excited about what’s in store.
Fairfield Elementary
Fairfield Elementary caters to children from Early Childhood to Second Grade.
Principal Sheila Ransom and Vice Principal Betsy Wright are both new to their positions at the school and welcome two new teachers, Megan Winters – 1st Grade and Lauren McKay – 2nd Grade.
“All new employees are very excited about their new assignments/roles in Fairfield ISD,” says Principal Ransom. “The second grade teachers have been working diligently throughout the summer to ensure students’ success. This year second grade will be departmentalized to better meet the needs of each child.”
According to Principal Ransom, teaming/departmentalization offers opportunities for teachers to extensively plan for content specific instruction, differentiate work to broaden and deepen students’ subject specific skills and knowledge, and increase focused attention to content specific professional development to meet the needs of diverse learners. Second graders will have two content teachers, one for Reading/Language Arts, the other for Math/Science/Social Studies.
Teaching Teams are Dawn Anders & Lauren McKay, Donna Jones & Mikki Riffenburg, Angie Hoard & Cindy Newman, and Shelly Lyles & Wendy Zachry.
Fairfield Elementary has formed a discipline committee to review and possibly revise the color system. The proposed change will allow students to retain good standing by demonstration of appropriate behaviors after correction, as well as allow students who are already well behaved to earn the highest level of recognition on the color chart.
A select number of teachers are participating in ‘The Leader in Me’ book study, which focuses on student and teacher leadership. Those teachers will lead a committee as they explore implementation of morning meetings, which will bring the whole staff and student body together in one place each morning to recognize and celebrate the success of students and staff to start the day with excitement and fun!
There will be a daily pledge, each to themselves and to the school. They will make concerted efforts to focus on character development, student-led problem solving, and conflict resolution. This will be a time that students will not want to miss!
Morning meeting will begin at 7:45 a.m. All students should arrive on time for this event each day!
The Pre-K department attended the workshop ‘Designing Effective Learning Centers’ this Summer and they are excited about making learning more interactive and hands-on during table time and center activities. This arrangement will also support opportunities for purposeful and systematic intervention with students who are struggling.
The kindergarten Department is passionate about implementing a new Reading curriculum which will teach critical thinking skills and incite a love of literature and reading.
The First Grade department is eager to make learning fun with interactive, hands-on activities for the students.
“My goal is to create an environment which ignites passion for teaching and learning!” says Principal Ransom. “The teachers have made preparations this summer to ensure your child has fun and successful year, and they have planned for how to meet the needs of all students!”
Fairfield Intermediate
Fairfield Intermediate caters to children from Third Grade through Fifth Grade.
Principal for the campus is Shetonia Scires and Vice Principal is Andrea Roller.
Principal Scires is a Fairfield native beginning her 10th year at Fairfield ISD; and she is very excited to begin her new role as FIS principal.
In addition, there are two new math teachers, Mr. Mitchell Pate and Mrs. Brittany McDowell; and one new reading teacher, Miss Sara Collins, all in Fifth Grade.
In Third Grade, Mrs. Brittany Sanders will be teaching reading. Mrs. Hughes was the Fifth Grade reading teacher for the past two years, and she will be teaching Fourth Grade writing this year.
Principal Scires says that one thing that will be different this year is that ‘Fun Fridays’ in PE will be replaced with Eagle Clubs. Each 9 Weeks, students will sight up to participate in a special interest club that will be offered during that quarter. Details will be given once school begins.
“My goals and plans for the upcoming year include fostering an environment where teachers enjoy coming to work each day and are passionate about teaching and doing what’s best for all students,” says Principal Scires. “The atmosphere will be set so students will be exited to come to school every day ready to be active participants in their learning. As leaders on campus, the assistant principal and I will be supportive of all staff and students by providing resources to enhance the classroom learning environment as well as being a visible presence in the school.”
Fairfield Junior High
Fairfield Junior High serves children from Sixth through Eighth Grades.
Principal for the campus is Bryan Gawryszewski and Vice Principal is Joe Owens.
New this year is a change in Eagle Edge tutorial time. Previously it was following 7th Period, but it has been moved to between 6th and 7th Periods.
“Our goal this year is to continue to provide a safe, welcoming place for our students to come to school and try to provide the highest quality instruction we can on a daily basis,” says Mr. Gawryszewski.
“We are grateful for the support we get from the community and our parents,” he continues. “We work hard to provide the quality of education that our community and parents expect and our students deserve. Fairfield ISD is a special place and we will continue to strive for excellence each and every day.”
He finishes by saying, “If there is ever anything that our staff or students can do to help out in the community, please feel free to contact us and let us know, as we would be glad to try to help. We are looking forward to another tremendous school year and as always, we thank you for your support.”
Fairfield High School
Fairfield High School caters to students from Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade.
Mr. Von Wade serves as Principal for the campus and Vice Principal is Keith Whitaker.
New this year is the addition of a new athletic conditioning facility and a commercial kitchen for the Culinary Arts classes.
According to Principal Wade, FHS goals are to graduate all seniors, win the district academic championship, and to be highly competitive and successful in extra-curricular activities.
“Besides providing a sound educational foundation, FHS expects our students to be productive citizens, exhibit a strong work ethic, encompass the values that have made America great, and be accepting of all people regardless of our differences,” says Principal Wade.
No matter what grade you students will be entering this school year, know their best interests are at heart with the staff at Fairfield ISD.
Have a great year!
