The following characteristics have been selected by the school as having the most significant and positive impact on student achievement. Leadership was a causal force generating success in our elementary academic program. Leadership wears many faces in our school. It is a child modeling the desire to learn, a paraprofessional tutoring in the corner of a room, a teacher teaching and re-teaching to a room full of students with diverse needs and ability. Leadership is found in the words of a custodian or secretary who shares concerns and a lunchroom lady who greets a child with warm regard. It is a principal relentlessly pursuing excellence and ministering to the needs of all people in her congregation. It is reflected in data analysis, student/teacher ratios, text adoption, program revision, parent communication, and staff development efforts.
The Early Childhood-Grade six students who attend Bowler Elementary bring diversity to our school, as we are 48% Native American, 51% White, and 1% other. The Stockbridge Munsee Tribe operates a casino, which is the largest employer in Shawano County. Family occupations range from many facets of the medical facility, casino, to farming, logging, and factory work. The state curriculum is followed and is vigorous, integrating all subject areas. A wide variety of teaching styles helps take the child from where he is at and move him forward. Including our special needs students in the regular classroom is a strong emphasis, whenever possible.
Helping students becme responsible adults is as much a priority at Bowler as the teaching of academics. Our school has received "School of Promise" award in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 for high achievement and growth. We work on positive relationships through weekly elementary guidance lessons, as well as individual and small-group counseling for needy students. "Student of the Month" recognizes students who show growth in citizenship, making both the student and parent proud. We have consistent consequences for poor choices. We offer praise and many incentives for great behavior: weekly drawings, quarterly fun/reward parties, Panther Paw Rewards. Announcements each morning provide a "Thought for the Day" component, always geared to the best choices possible.