The Most Advanced Technology From K-12

Fraser Public Schools is redefining education today by making students better learners through technology. In an era where children are raised on electronics, Fraser has seized the concept of using cutting-edge technology to engage students’ interests. The district has committed millions of dollars to this idea by installing interactive Promethean Boards into every classroom – district-wide.

Promethean technology lets teachers and students interact with information in a revolutionary way that captures their imagination and keeps their attention. Essentially a huge, interactive computer screen, Promethean Boards bring together images and text in a multi-media format and allows real-time participation between students and the teacher. Each student has a remote pad that allows him or her to answer questions presented on the “big screen” and, in effect, lets the teacher know immediately who understands the lesson and who may be having some trouble. The benefit to both the students and the teachers is astounding – no child is inadvertently left behind, and the teacher can speed up the pace of their lessons to fit the pace of the students learning.

Fraser is one of only three school districts in the state that have Promethean Boards installed K-12.

"The advantage our kids have with this leading-edge technology is tremendous," said Fraser Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Rick Repicky. "Promethean Boards have made a considerable impact on how our students learn and retain information. At the same time, it energizes every classroom."

Top of the MEAP and Making Beautiful Music Too

Technology is just one of the reasons Fraser has some of the best standardized test scores in Macomb County, and is consistently ranked as one of the top three districts in the county for its K-8 MEAP scores.

Fraser takes a proactive approach to educating the "whole child," and a critical mix of arts, humanities, athletics and career technology are strongly emphasized to give students a well-rounded education to compete in a global society.

With an award-winning fine arts program, Fraser High School has a well-deserved reputation as an incubator of talent, and has won recognition from New York to California.

In 2009, the school's show choir, The Fraser Singers, won a coveted spot to perform at Carnegie Hall, in New York City, as part of the National Youth Choir Festival – only six schools from the entire country received this honor. In addition, The Fraser Singers will perform in the U.S. Capitol Building this spring.

In 2009, the marching band traveled to Myrtle Beach and performed publically at "Broadway at the Beach," outside the Imax movie theatre. "Broadway at the Beach" is a major tourist attraction which features a park and open-air shopping just a couple of miles off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

As well, several of Fraser High School’s bands and choirs won top honors at competitions held in San Diego, California, in spring 2008. The school’s jazz and symphony bands took home gold medals as did its show choir and chamber choir.

Do the Math...

Of course, arts and athletics are critical components of education, but scholastic performance is the primary focus. Math and science are highly emphasized throughout the district, from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Fraser Schools has been recognized by the state for its award-winning Algebra 1 program - with an emphasis on making sure "at-risk" kids do not fall through the cracks. Currently, our Algebra 1 Support Class passes nearly 90 percent of its 120 at-risk students.

"We are determined to give our students the math and science skills necessary to excel in today's competitive global economy," Repicky said. "Because students in the United States are competing with their Chinese and Indian peers, our kids must have every advantage possible to give them a leg up on the competition."

Early education at Fraser Schools is part of the district's plan to ensure students are instilled with a love of learning at an early age. The district's respected pre-Kindergarten program fosters a warm, nurturing environment that makes kids excited to attend school throughout their academic careers.

The primary and secondary education at Fraser has become a model for districts around the region because Fraser hires the top educators in the field so students learn from some of the best teachers in the state. Fraser has adopted two distinct approaches for teachers to work together toward the best outcome for their students: First, a 'student review' process, where a panel of teachers review the individual progress of their students, and devise a plan to help each student reach his or her potential; and second, a K through 12 coordinated learning process, where teachers in each discipline work together to ensure a coordinated flow of learning from kindergarten through graduation. Fraser teachers are highly proactive in their approach to education, and Fraser students reap the benefits.

The district's graduation rate (90%) is the envy of its neighbors despite Fraser having one of the highest credit requirements among Macomb schools. More than 93% of Fraser High School graduates go on to enroll in college.

Calling All Students

Fraser is a “School of Choice” district and is currently enrolling students for the 2010-2011 school year. All students who are residents of Macomb County are eligible for enrollment. Because of its relatively small size, outstanding curriculum and extensive use of cutting-edge technology, Fraser has become a destination district for Macomb County residents looking for an alternative to their assigned school district.

In fact, parents from neighboring communities like Sterling Heights, Roseville, Mt. Clemens and Warren have all made the commitment to drive their kids to Fraser because of the excellent credentials the school presents.

"What I like about the Fraser School District is the class sizes. Everybody knows everybody, and it’s easy to talk to people if you have a question," said Melissa H., a mother of two Fraser students. "I live in Sterling Heights, and it’s a 15 minute drive to the school district. I don’t mind the drive because it’s definitely worth it."

Parents Heidi and Jeff C., who have two children enrolled at Fraser schools said the intimate class size and extensive use of cutting-edge technology were among the draws that attracted them to the district.

"We originally were in a bigger school district, and had a lot of concerns about the students not getting enough personal attention," they said. "So when looking for a high school for our oldest son, we needed to find a school that we felt was 'like home;' that we felt we could have him grow up in, and learn through that process – and graduate and move on to college. Ultimately, a school district is only as good as the students it graduates. Fraser Schools believes strongly in the need to mold young minds and give students the tools necessary to become productive, hard-working adults."

"One of the things we appreciated about Fraser Public Schools is that they help these young adults grow up to be responsible adults," said Janet and Jim H., parents of two Fraser students. "Accountability is important to the teachers there, and it’s carried through to the students – that is one of the life skills they are learning and we appreciate that as parents."