WELCOME TO

Ferndale Lower Elementary

Ferndale Lower Elementary 2610 Pinecrest Ferndale, MI 48220 Phone 248-548-1950

Grades K-2

Ferndale Lower and Upper Elementary Schools have received the 2019-2020 Whole Child Award from Michigan ASCD.As a primary school, Ferndale Lower Elementary is designed with the young learner in mind. Teachers use curriculum and learning techniques based on brain-research that enhance visual learning and include music and movement while taking into consideration the individual strengths and needs of each child. Additionally, the program's reputation for excellence is based on a philosophy that fosters independence, promotes self-directed learning, and provides instruction in a project-based environment. Students attending Ferndale Lower Elementary School transition to Ferndale Upper Elementary School for grades 3-5

Bell Schedule

  • 8:28am to 3:28pm (M,T, Th,F)
  • 8:28am to 2:28pm (W)

PDF DocumentStudent Code of Conduct

Documents & Flyers

PDF DocumentWelcome Letter

PDF Document2023/2024 Lower Supply List

PDF DocumentABCs of Lower

PDF Document23/24 Lower School Calendar

Back to School Story

Our Lower Elementary team has made a helpful book for our early learners, to help explain what is going on. Look through this PDF at your next story time!

Google Slide I am going to Kindergarten!

Google Slide Welcome to Kindergarten!

 

 

 

 

School Newsletters

Subscribe to RSS Feed for School Newsletters

Recent News

Subscribe to RSS Feed for Recent News

5s and Ks Dream of 'Snowy Days'

On Thursday, November 30th, Mrs. Carp/Burgess 5th grade class visited Mrs. Tobin's Kindergarten class for more Buddy time. Together they listened to "The Snowy Day" be Ezra Jack Keats then worked with their buddy to create a self-portrait of their own snowy day. They ended with the visit with creating snowflakes that focused on what made them unique.

Full Article

Teachers in Underwear

Lower Special Ed team being "Creepy Pair of Underwear" for Book Character Day!! You can enjoy a read-along of this popular Aaron Williams children's book on YouTube. The kids thought it was silly to see their teachers wearing underwear.

Full Article

First Graders Honor Veterans

The Wize Owls of Ms. Wize's 1st grade class honored veterans this week! We learned all about Veterans Day and wrote letters of thanks to veterans in our own families or in our school family. We invited Sargeant Taylor, a veteran and paraprofessional at Ferndale Lower Elementary, to talk to us about his experience in the Army. We can't wait for all of our veterans to receive their letters! Thank you to all that have served...past and present!

Ms. Duncanson Shares Her Magical Musical Methods

One of FPS music teachers, Mrs. Duncanson, had the honor of presenting at the prestigious American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA) National Music Conference in Albuquerque, NM, last weekend. AOSA, boasting around 4,500 members, stands as one of the larger professional organizations for music educators in the United States.

Mrs. Duncanson's presentation focused on innovative ways to enhance the music classroom experience by incorporating student voice and choice through literature, movement, and instrument playing. Mrs. Duncanson's sharing is not just a reflection of her expertise but also a testament to the commitment FPS has in providing a rich and engaging musical education for our students that goes beyond the notes on a page!

Full Article
  • 16 Nov
    • FLower: Michigan Stage - Play Labs
      Date: Nov 16
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 17 Nov
    • FLower: Michigan Stage - Play Labs
      Date: Nov 17
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 20 Nov
    • FLower: Bowers Farm 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
      FLower: Bowers Farm
      Date: Nov 20
      Time: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Grounds (Exterior Site)
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 27 Nov
    • FLower: YMCA SportPort 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
      FLower: YMCA SportPort
      Date: Nov 27
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Gym/Cafeteria
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 30 Nov
    • FLower: Michigan Stage - Play Labs
      Date: Nov 30
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 1 Dec
    • FLower: Michigan Stage - Play Labs
      Date: Dec 1
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 7 Dec
    • FLower: Michigan Stage - Play Labs
      Date: Dec 7
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar
  • 8 Dec
    • FLower: Michigan Stage - Play Labs
      Date: Dec 8
      Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
      Location: Ferndale Lower El (Roosevelt) - Lower El Classroom 1
      Calendar: Ferndale Lower Elementary Calendar

Ferndale Lower Newsletters

Subscribe to RSS Feed for Ferndale Lower Newsletters

 

  • Award-winning National School of Character
  • Awarded Michigan Expert Super Green School for incorporating sustainability into everyday practices for 5 consecutive years
  • Programs designed specifically for primary students
  • Strong intervention programs to support diverse learning needs
  • Parental involvement support and engagement programs
  • School Family atmosphere for the whole family

This program is designed for students who: 

  • Are eligible to attend kindergarten, having turned five on or before September 1st of the school year; 
  • Are developmentally young; 
  • Will benefit from classroom instruction designed with more frequent movement, reduced length of instructional periods, increased use of manipulative and motor activities, and a focus on social and emotional development;
  • The Ferndale Schools kindergarten curriculum serves as the basis for the First 5s program with instruction provided in all core content areas. Pre-reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are emphasized as are mathematics skills.

Learn more about First Fives!

Our Staff

Lower Elementary Principal: Diana Keefe

Diana Keefe has been principal of Ferndale's Lower Elementary program since 2014. Ms. Keefe is committed to developing relationships and connecting with staff, students, parents, and the surrounding community. A high priority of hers is to forge a strong partnership with the Ferndale early childhood community, including outreach to home childcare providers, private & public preschools, and anyone involved in early childhood. She invites any parents of young children or childcare providers to contact her and set up a visit. If you are interested in meeting with Diana Keefe, please call (248) 586-8800 or email her at Diana.Keefe@ferndaleschools.org.

Administration

Name
Position
Superintendent
Principal
Secretary
Secretary

First Fives

Name
Position
Teacher

Kindergarten

Name
Position
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Giovanna Santangelo
Teacher
Teacher

1st Grade

Name
Position
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Nicole Mikolajewski
Teacher
Teacher
Jennifer Parmenter
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher

2nd Grade

Name
Position
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher

Art

Name
Position
Art Teacher

ESL

Name
Position
ParaProfessional

Language Arts

Name
Position
Reading Intervention Specialist (K-2)
ParaProfessional
Reading Specialist
Language Arts Teacher Assistant
Language Arts Teacher Assistant
Language Arts Teacher Assistant
Language Arts Teacher Assistant
Teaching and Learning Specialist

Music

Name
Position
Music Teacher
Teacher

Physical Education

Name
Position
Teacher
Teacher

Special Education

Name
Position
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Elizabeth O'Halloran
Speech Pathologist
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
ParaProfessional
ParaProfessional
Deborah Holt-Foster
ParaProfessional
ParaProfessional
ParaProfessional
ParaProfessional
ParaProfessional

SACC

Name
Position
SACC Coordinator
Carolann Stan-Scrimger
SACC Assistant
SACC Assistant

Library

Name
Position
Teacher

Student Services

Name
Position
Parent Liaison
Behavior Interventionist
Building Substitute
Instructional Aide