Henry P Fieler Elementary School

These ratings are so old and outdated. I have a 4th grader and a 2st grader at this school. I have been involved with the school since my son starting attending. The teachers, principal, an ALL of the support staff here are very caring and dedicated. I think that the education that my children are receiving here is outstanding since they are both solid A & B students. I have to say that I am disappointed in the lack of parental involvement. I am only one of a few who actually attend meetings and volunteer to help. If more parents would be involved, this school would be unstoppable!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a third grade teacher at Fieler. Our curriculum is driven by state standards, and we try to help every child be successful. Our Geography Project is taken from the Social Studies standard 3.3.1. Students must make a map of North America, identifying countries, two major rivers, the Great Lakes, two mountain ranges, the United States, Indiana, and Merrillville. Students may use clay or paper, and points are given for including all of the above on the map. Perfection is not necessary, but reasonable effort is important. We do not give points for participation, or for maps of other countries. Both parents and students have been enthusiastic about this project. We feel this project allows students to be creative and that it also provides a good opportunity for hands-on learning.
--Submitted by Verna Ruiz, a teacher

My child attended Fieler last year and he is now at Merrillville Intermediate School. I found the staff to be caring and the curriculum well-rounded. I felt parental involvement could have been better; PTO meetings were very poorly attended.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in third grade at Fieler. She is learning so many things this year, and I like that I am always informed about her progress. I also appreciate the extra help she receives if there is something she doesn't understand. Construction on the new building is hard to put up with sometimes, because everything looks messy, but I believe that the teachers are trying to make learning fun for the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

There is one particular assignment which stays strong in my mind for the 3rd graders this past year. The map of the united states. The grading for that assignment was beyond belief. Yes, instructions were given and the children worked very hard and long on that project and I just feel that if a 3rd grader handed in that project all should have been rewarded with a very good grade for handing it in. Instead perfection was expected and if it wasn't given you received a failing grade. I feel that wasn't fair at all to a 3rd grader. To hold your entire grade on one project. I hope in the future that a child can be given the satisfaction that he/she worked hard on a project and handed it in on time to suffice for a passing grade on their project, never mind that they didn't have exact measurements.
--Submitted by a parent

My child's grades plummeted from A-B level and easy homework, to D-F level and confusing homework that takes her 4-5 hours each night to complete
--Submitted by a parent