Lowell Elementary School

Address:	401 Maple Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Telephone:	(608) 204-6600
Fax:	(608) 204-0463
Principal:	Lisa Kvistad
Lowell Elementary School Web Site
Handbook \| en español
Online Staff Directory
Attendance Area Map \| HS attendance area: East
School Data Profile
School Supply List

Parent/Teacher Group President:

Becky Oglum, (608) 244-1794, sisters@chorus.net; Jack Trudell, (608) 242-9533

Parent Contact:

Don and Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel 242-7196, dldaniel@wisc.edu; Jonathan Rubin, 240-0539, jemery32@gmail.com; Becky Schachter 212-5392, beckyschachter@yahoo.com; and Lisa Olson 241-9518, lyolson@tds.net

Students — Click Here!

Lowell is a school-based community which embraces its diversity to assure that all learners will master skills, acquire a lifelong passion for learning, think critically and communicate effectively by respecting themselves and others. We provide a challenging and responsive curriculum with high expectations in a safe and engaging learning environment, while using the richness of all available resources through family, school and community partnerships.

Site Characteristics

Location

Lowell School is located on Madison's near east side adjacent to Lake Monona, Olbrich Park, and Olbrich Gardens.

Class Size

The SAGE (Student Achievement Guarantee in Education) grant from the State will keep kindergarten through third grade classes at 15 or fewer students. Average class size in multiage 4/5 classrooms is 25. Total enrollment is approximately 280 students.

Academic Programming

Title I School-wide Program

Lowell has a school-wide Title I program that evolved from extensive assessment and planning. Our Reading Recovery and Title I staff work together to meet the needs of children. Staff members analyze data and hold high expectations for learning.

Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program

The goal of Talented and Gifted (TAG) programming is to make certain K-12 students consistently have learning opportunities that are challenging, systematic and continuous based on learning profile, readiness and student interest.

TAG programming may occur in the classroom, or in other settings. TAG programming is determined by ongoing evaluation and assessment of individual student needs. Each school has TAG resource support for ongoing consultation.

Special Classes

Teachers certified in art, music, physical education and strings work weekly with all students to provide appropriate, continuous and systematic programming.

Scholarships

Donations from businesses, parents and the community provide scholarships for field trips, supplies and other needs.

ESL Program

Lowell is a host school for English as a Second Language (ESL). Students from six surrounding schools make Lowell their home as they learn to master English. We have children with varied backgrounds speaking several different languages, enhancing our diverse climate and enriching all who attend Lowell. Teachers develop an inclusive curriculum to meet diverse student needs.

School Climate

Safety Is Always A Priority

Lowell School has chosen to take a proactive approach to discipline. The new Positive Behavior Plan focuses on "Above the Line" choices and pre-teaching behavioral expectations. We have clear hallway rules and guidelines for the lunchroom and playground. Our goal is always to model appropriate behavior within a caring community of learners.

Safety First

Lowell's playground enhances the safety and fun for its students. Adult supervision is provided before school and during all recesses. School safety patrols learn leadership skills through the direction of our teachers and city crossing guards assist children at busy intersections. Free bus transportation is provided for students who reside 1.5 miles from the school. Nursing assistance is provided on-site.

Support Staff

Our support staff of social workers and psychologists work with children and families to network in the community. They teach social skills, bully prevention and small group friendship skill development.

Community Breakfast

The Community Breakfast Program is fully implemented at Lowell Elementary School. This system was implemented successfully for the first time in 2008-2009 and it is being replicated in various forms in other elementary schools across MMSD for the 2009-2010 school year. We continue to be excited about Community Breakfast as a way to build community each day, begin the day peacefully and build positive relationships between students and school staff. Since we have implemented Community Breakfast our tardy rate has DECREASED and our positive community feeling at Lowell has INCREASED!

All students will take part in the Community Breakfast time, regardless of whether they choose to eat at Lowell or at home. Community Breakfast programming will include the daily pledge, music, poetry, jokes/riddles, appreciations and birthday recognitions. We value this time together as a community - it is more than just eating together!

Partnerships

Family Partnerships

Our School Improvement Plan is focused on collaborative relationships with families. We involve families in our planning process and Title I school-wide activities.

Lowell Home and School Association (LHSA) meetings are held on the second Tuesday each month from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Salvation Army on Darbo Drive.7 p.m. in the auditorium. LHSA provides a link between home, school, the district and community and supports academic programming by planning special events and fundraisers, advocating for our children and teachers, and soliciting volunteers. Lowell has been graciously supported by this organization.

Community Partnerships

Lowell benefits from donations of materials, financial support, and volunteer time from many organizations in the area such as United Way, University of Wisconsin Work Study, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Neighborhood Intervention Project, the Hancock Center for Dance/Movement Therapy, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Families and Schools Together (FAST), Americorps and the Atwood Community Center.

You Are Always Welcome At Lowell Elementary School!

Lowell School welcomes families throughout the year and asks you to stop in or call for a tour. If you would like answers to any question, or need materials such as curriculum standards, handbooks, lunch menus, bus schedules, newsletters, etc., call Lowell at 204-6600.

We encourage you to talk with parents of our students to learn more about our school. Please see the Principal/Parent Contact information on this web site for current names and phone numbers.

Quotes

"The administration offers opportunities for parents to be meaningfully involved. It's a very special place."
-- Lowell Parent

"I have been most impressed with the positive atmosphere at Lowell. My son has not only learned academic skills, but also to respect others and to accept and value people who may be different than him."
-- Lowell Parent

"The staff at Lowell have provided an environment where an enthusiastic attitude toward school and learning has developed. This is a precious gift that will last a lifetime. Thanks to the Lowell staff for hard work, positive role-models and caring!"
-- Lowell Parent

"The support services of staff, teachers and aides all have been very positive. My daughter likes school because of the staff."
-- Lowell Parent

"Kids get extra help when needed; extra challenges when ready."
-- Lowell Parent

Remember, you're "At Home At Lowell Elementary School!"