The Gladiator Gazette
September 23, 2026
Fowlerville Community Schools is seeing encouraging academic growth, and the district is continuing to build on that progress by strengthening curriculum, instruction and support for students.
In 2025–26, Fowlerville students improved in 19 of 24 grade and subject results on Michigan’s state assessments. Across grades 3–7 English language arts (ELA) and mathematics, the district reached its highest combined average in 11 years of M-STEP results. Nine of the 10 ELA and math measures in grades 3–7 have improved since 2022–23.
These results reflect several years of focused work, including strengthening curriculum and classroom instruction, expanding professional learning, providing dedicated intervention time and using student data to identify where additional support is needed.
That work continues with an important next step in elementary literacy. Fowlerville currently uses Magnetic Reading and Ready Writing for ELA instruction in grades 3–5. As part of the district’s ongoing curriculum review, Fowlerville identified Magnetic Literacy as the next step because it integrates reading, writing, foundational skills, vocabulary and language into one comprehensive program.
The district began piloting Magnetic Literacy in select classrooms in January 2026, allowing teachers to evaluate the materials and provide feedback before full implementation. Fowlerville expects to implement Magnetic Literacy across grades 3–5 beginning in 2027–28. The Magnetic Literacy curriculum is included on the Michigan Department of Education’s approved list of comprehensive elementary reading curricula.
While state assessments are only one measure of student learning, the recent results provide encouraging evidence of Fowlerville’s progress. The goal is to continue building on that momentum—giving students strong instruction, providing support when they need it and continually improving how we help every student succeed.
As part of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of our students, Fowlerville Community Schools participates in the Smart Snacks in Schools standards as part of the National School Lunch Program for students. Smart Snacks standards establish nutrition requirements for foods and beverages sold to students during the school day outside of the regular school meal programs. These standards are designed to help ensure the food and beverage choices available at school support healthy habits.
Following these guidelines is another way we work to create a school environment where students are safe, healthy and ready to learn. What students eat and drink throughout the day can affect their energy, focus and overall well-being. By providing nutritious choices and limiting access to items that may not support those goals, we can help students be in their best form for learning throughout the school day.
We appreciate the partnership of our families in supporting healthy choices for students. Families interested in learning more about the Smart Snacks standards, including what foods and beverages are covered by the program, can visit the Michigan Department of Education’s Smart Snacks in Schools webpage.
Missing a day of school occasionally may not seem significant, but absences can add up more quickly than many families realize. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year. Importantly, chronic absence includes days missed for any reason, including both excused and unexcused absences.
Why does that matter? Learning builds from one day to the next. When students miss school frequently, they may have to learn new material while also trying to catch up on what they missed. Over time, that can make school more challenging and frustrating.
The goal isn’t perfect attendance. There will always be legitimate reasons for students to stay home. Instead, we encourage families to pay attention to patterns and avoid preventable absences when possible.
If your child has already missed two or more days of school, please reach out to us. Understanding what is causing the absences is the first step towards working together in finding a solution.
Participation is anonymous. You can submit your questions as part of the registration, and they will be answered. This is a free webinar, however, registration is required.
Little Glad Early Childhood Center would like to thank Jim Smyth, the Peterson family and Munsell Farms for donating products to make our building more beautiful. Jim built beautiful wooden benches, the Peterson family donated extra large flower pots and Munsell Farms donated fall mums that are just about to bloom. Our community’s generosity has made our school feel more welcoming.
Little Glad Early Childhood will close on Friday, September 25, at 3:30 PM. There will be no aftercare for our preschoolers or school age children. We appreciate you planning ahead.
Upcoming Little Glad Calendar Reminders:
October 12 - Closed
October 13 - Open, School age children all day- that have signed up for this day
October 16 - NO GSRP class today, professional development for our teachers
Homecoming week is here, and we hope our students, staff and families are enjoying all of the fun and excitement of Spirit Week as we count down to Friday night! Homecoming festivities on Friday, September 25 will begin with the Homecoming Parade at 5:30 PM, followed by the Gladiators taking on the Eastern Quakers at 7:00 PM. We encourage our community to come out, show your purple and gold pride and help us create a great atmosphere for our students!
The celebration continues on Saturday, September 26, with the Fowlerville High School Homecoming Dance from 7:00–10:00 PM at the high school. Homecoming is a special tradition that brings our schools and community together, and we look forward to seeing plenty of Gladiator spirit throughout the week. We hope everyone has a fun, memorable and safe Homecoming weekend. Go Glads! 💜💛
