From left, FEB principal Debbie Queen, Bella Summerford, Gray Bennich and Kohl Key stand outside by the banner displaying the new theme for the 2015-2016 school year. | Randy Garrison

Burleson builds on theme for school year

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

F.E. Burleson began the new school year with a little different twist. There are several changes that have taken place within the walls of the school over the past few months. Debbie Queen has taken over as principal after being a long time music teacher. Several new teachers have been added as well. Also the school will be celebrating 100 years in 2016. The faculty is also continually in search of new ideas to add to the education programs at FEB.

The faculty, staff and leadership at FEB have termed this school year “ Under Construction” with the school action of “Building for the Future.”

To kickoff the school year the entire school was brought outside for a photo with everyone wearing construction hats to emphasize the theme for 2015 -2016. Each student from Pre-K to 4th grade was involved and even posed with a front –end loader in their photo for effect.

One of the new ideas under construction for this year will be a partnership with the Hartselle High School Robotics and Computer Science Club. FEB 4th grade teacher Suzanne Mozley, in her sixth year at FEB, is leading this effort with fourth graders.

The HHS students plan to come over and work with the 4th graders on computer programs and will compete with their work in the spring. They plan to team up after the Christmas holidays and program a robot to maneuver an obstacle course. The goal is to take a group of elementary students to the robotics competition at the University of Alabama in April 2016

Another new change at FEB is referred to as “looping” The teacher will keep the same class for two years instead of the usual one year. Three teachers have stayed with the class of students they taught last year and moved up in grade level.

Beth Balch stayed with her kindergarten class and

is now teaching them in first grade. Sarah Bragwell moved with her last year’s second graders to third grade, and Mozley moved with her third graders up to fourth grade.

Queen said a parent survey was done and the parents loved the idea. The teacher already knew the level each of her students had reached as well as knowing the students, and could progress faster in the next grade level.

FEB also welcomed a new music teacher, Stephanie Sumners, and she will be bringing back the Burleson choir to third and fourth grades. FEB has not had a choir since 2001 when it was known as “The Burleson Beat.”

The FEB PTO is focusing its efforts this year on three areas; reading, fitness and the arts, and will be sponsoring three events or legs of the triathlon.

Queen mentioned all of FEB is excited to start the new school year rebuilding and looking to the future. FEB has a long tradition serving as a strong foundation for new growth for the future.