Peterson Elementary School

Peterson Elementary knows each student is unique and special. Peterson provides outstanding instruction assisted by a strong differentiated instructional program, science and math integration, researched based phonetic reading program, and physical education, music and art integrated into the regular classrooms. Peterson offers interrelated education, alternative instruction in reading and math, computer network literacy and a strong and cohesive staff dedicated to children. Peterson offers an effective character education program emphasizing self-discipline, respect, caring, honesty and responsibility. Peterson is proud of its achievement scores on all of the major assessments. The staff works hard to keep that achievement and motivation high.

Peterson’s teachers and staff successfully incorporate the district’s curricular standards into everyday instruction and measure progress with testing. Peterson also boasts it is home to the 2000 Kansas P.E. Teacher of the Year.

Peterson pride is also shown through strong parental support. An active and supportive Booster Club and site council help staff and students increase student achievement.

• Peterson met the 2007 Standard of Excellence in Mathematics and Reading in Third Grade
• Peterson met the 2006 Standard of Excellence in Mathematics in Third Grade
• Peterson met the 2005 Standard of Excellence in Mathematics
• Peterson met the 2004 State Standard of Excellence in Writing

Peterson is a fully accredited school by the State of Kansas. Our student scores have consistently shown an upward trend in the past, allowing us the distinct honor of having some of the top scores in the school district. We plan to continue to hold this distinct honor.

Exit west Kellogg at Tyler. Go north on Tyler to Central. Go west on Central about five blocks to Peterson, which is on the north side. See Maps for all USD 259 locations.

Peterson Elementary will be a community of learners where we will monitor and strive for individual academic excellence, respect and responsibility.

1. K-5 students will improve in knowledge, application and communication in the areas of fractions, decimals, estimation, data analysis and money using real world situations.
2. K-5 students will demonstrate growth in the use of writing to increase communication skills.
3. K-1 students will improve in letter name and sound fluency.
4. 2^nd Grade students will improve in nonsense word fluency.
5. Grades 3-5 students will improve in fluency, comprehension and making inferences.

Each school has a site council, which is a group of parents, community members, business representatives, teachers and other school staff. Site councils identify, consider and discuss educational problems and issues at the school. Councils provide advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district and school site performance goals and objectives. Councils may also recommend methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives.

Meetings are held four times a year, typically the second Monday in:
     September, November, February and April
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Peterson Library
Chairperson: Maybrit Cramer

• A High-Powered Research Based Reading Curriculum which emphasizes phonemic awareness and phonics program is taught.
• Intervention Grant money is used to support students who need additional assistance in the areas of reading and math.
• Our Volunteer Program has several tutors who assist identified students.
• A technology network fully supports learning in all areas whether it is in our computer lab or in the classroom.
• Daily Language and Math enrichment activities are used to supplement our goals.
• A strong Physical Education program that promotes healthy children and in turn, stimulates learning.
• A strong arts program (music and art) that promotes growth and development in all other areas of our curriculum.

Kindergarten

All-Day Kindergarten

• We have an ongoing program of community service projects that have helped with hurricane relief, Angel Tree, provided funds for a child to have surgery and many other important projects.
• Our Fifth Grade Choir performs across the city at many important events and at our music programs.
• Our students are involved with a yearly sculpture project that has provided our school with many wonderful sculptures on our campus.
• Peterson has an excellent student orchestra!
• Peterson fifth-graders participate in our local DARE program.
• Peterson is a great school that has many more exciting student activities!

It all started in the year 1875 when Daniel Peterson donated some of his farmland for a school. It is believed the very first school was a shed-type building which was probably used until 1898 when a new building was erected and named in honor of Daniel Peterson. This white frame structure was used until 1931 when the school moved into what today is affectionately called "Little Red." This red brick, one-room school with a basement is still in use. The present building was erected in 1952. Additions were made in 1955, 1958, 1959, 1976 and 1987. The last addition included 11 classrooms, a P.E. office, an enlargement of the gym and a new office.

Peterson School was originally District 69 and was known as the Prairie Rose School. The name was changed to Peterson at a later date. Mary (Mollie) Benton, who was the first teacher, began teaching December 13, 1875, and taught three months for $75. During the early years the school term was three or four months, and the going salary for teachers was $25 per month. At the annual meeting on August 9, 1883, the decision was made to have seven months of school: a four-month term to begin the first Monday in October and a three-month term to begin the first Monday in March.

By 1952, the community was growing by leaps and bounds. It was not unusual for a class to begin the school year with 45 students and then double in size by the time the second semester rolled around. Sometimes classes attended school in shifts. To handle the growing population, three more schools were constructed: Benton, Kensler and McCollom. Mr. W.B. Lewis was superintendent of the four schools which then made up District 69.

In 1960, the patrons of the school district voted to be annexed to Wichita School District No. 1 which later became Unified School District No. 259. At the beginning of the 1988-89 year, sixth-grade students were incorporated into the middle school program. Enrollment peaked at 660 in 1992-93 and has declined since to an average of 550 students.

In April 2000, the voters of the Wichita School District approved a $284.5 million bond issue. The projects began in the fall of 2000 and were completed over the next five years. The plan built 19 multipurpose rooms, upgraded science labs, replaced portable classrooms with permanent construction, improved handicap accessibility to all buildings, rebuilt five existing elementary schools, added a new elementary and middle school, expanded seven other elementary schools and provided nine new libraries as well as the expansion of nine others. Building infrastructure in 82 buildings was also upgraded, including the replacement of antiquated plumbing, updates and expansion of electrical systems, replacement of inefficient or broken windows and doors, upgrades of heating and cooling systems, and asbestos abatement when required.

The district authorized Spangenberg Phillips Architecture and Rainbow Construction Co., Inc. to complete the Peterson Bond project. With this, the school received a new addition including a library and five classrooms. Renovations were also made to the library and student support area, and the kitchen was expanded.