Harvest School

I attended Harvest Elementary School from Pre-K through fifth grade. I have now graduated high school. When I attended Harvest, it was an amazing school. I was always involved in some learning experience, and the teachers were always there to help in any way possible, and to challenge us. I had the same principal as is there now, and many of the same teachers. Looking back, I am proud to say that I attended this school, for it prepared me exceptionally for middle school. I would not have wanted to go anywhere else.

I have three kids attending this school and am so glad the year is coming to an end! There is so much micr-managing going on at this school that it is obvious the principle does not believe the teachers can handle their jobs nor does it seem that there is any faith in the childrens ability to achieve greatness. The expectations are low and the challenges are far and few between. I want nothing more than to enroll in a different school next year!
--Submitted by a parent

all my kids went there,great teachers,and overall school!
--Submitted by a parent

I worried about my child attending Harvest because of the talks about the principal. I have not directly had to deal with her but I feel there is a little tension between the teachers and the principal. I have not encountered a teacher I did not like. They are exceptional and are the ones that work with your children and do a wonderful job. And on another note, I have never seen parent participation so LOW in a school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased at the education my son has been giving over the past 4 years he has been attending this school. I have not any better teachers than the ones at Harvest Elementary. The ones that I speek of are not there anymore, but when my son and I see them out they always speak to us wherever we might be.I also have not had the pleasure of my third grade sons teacher to come to his baseball game on his day off.That truly ment alot to us,and we will never forget that special moment. Again I say keep up the good work,and keep doing what you do best. Thank-you, Mr. Kennedy, and Mrs. Waring. You have really impacted our life.
--Submitted by a parent

There is a very palpable, negative atmosphere at this school. The principal is condescending, and talks down to parents. Parents are not welcome in the classroom -- not because of the teachers, by the way. We've been there two years, and both of my child's teachers said we were welcome to drop in anytime. Unfortunately, you can't get past the front desk, so, in reality, you aren't welcome anytime. Believe me, if I could quit work, I would home school my child. And, we aren't novice parents -- this is our youngest child's school, we have kids in college, and we've lived all over the US as a military family. This is among the worst schools we've ever encountered.
--Submitted by a parent

Harvest has a huge turnover in teachers and staff members. I know each one has there own reason/excuse for leaving. As a parent, this is very alarming to me as why new staff and teachers can not stay for more than 1-2 years in a row. Music/Art classes are held for only 30 min./week and are always the first thing to be cut/skipped in order to have school assemby, fundaisers ect. There are too many children in PE at one time. P.E. class seems to be more organized than in previous years. The overall feeling of the school is one of keeping up appearances and not higher education.
--Submitted by a parent

I wish my curiousity hadn't led me to check this site again. It was discouraging to read the posts about the problems at Harvest with the Principal from two years ago and realize that the same problems still exist. Teachers work in fear of their jobs, reliable volunteers and competant staff are driven away by the constant harrassment. PTA has been the best in five years.
--Submitted by K. Brown, a parent

I would like to say I am pleased with Harvest School! I have two children who attend. I work full time and haven't gotten to help out much. I want to Thank all the parents, grandparents and other family memebers who have taken the time to work with our kids! Thank you to those who go on the field trips with the classes to keep it fun and safe. We use the after school care program, and yes a few years ago the program wasn't the best and there were problems. This year seems to be alot better. Once again thanks to all the people who take the time to make it better. I am pleased with how the program is shaping up. Harvest is a great school with great teachers! Thank You for all that you have done! Keep up the Good Work!
--Submitted by a parent

My children just started Harvest Elementary. The administration and faculty identified and addressed the special needs of my child within the first two weeks of school. This is a battle I fought with Madison Elementary for over a year to recognize the nature of my child's educational needs. No one teacher can be given credit as all teachers and the principal were interested and compassionate concerning his needs. Without any posturing from me, the principal called me within two days, introduced herself and asked if she could proceed with testing for my child. After turning me over to the special education coordinator, she then called back in a few days to see if everything was proceeding to my satisfaction. I am immensely grateful to the principal and faculty for taking action that Madison City failed/neglected to accomplish in years. I wish more administrators and faculty were of this caliber.
--Submitted by a parent