Meridian

Meridian Elementary has been a wonderful school experience for my third grader. We have had a positive experience in all area's of his education thus far. The Teacher's and staff have been a real asset for this school. The Principal -Mrs Hester is TOP NOTCH. The PTSO does a TERRIFIC JOB in providing the major purchases the school wants and needs. Job well done Meridian Elementary. Sincerely, Barbara Porter
—Submitted by a parent

I wish front office staffs were nicer and welcoming to kids and parents. Principle seems nice, little stiff at times. I don t feel welcome whenever I am there helping in class. I believe they can be more polite and respectful. After all we are the taxpayers too and public school is our right and they need to stop looking at kids and parents as burden and please someof the staff may want to stop complaining about how hard their job is, many of us don t even have a job at this time.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE the principal and all the staff I know here!!! My daughter has an exceptional Kindergarten teacher who is both caring/positive and teaches my daughter exceptionally well! Would recommend school to all!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the writer parent sept 20 . At first I was happy about the school and the teachers, but as the month s passes, I am less impressed. It seems most teachers and staffs are not happy with their job, most seem unapproachable. They seem to be uptight therefore enforce harsh policies and give Write Ups for some nonsense incidents! The children need positive instruction and teaching, not punishment and write-ups. I believe in counseling and encouragement not harsh penalties, especially these super young kids. Negative reaction by teachers and principle will not help them but positive reinforcement will. How about giving them positive smiley notes for their good act? Not sure if my children will finish out this year at this school. They are not "what I consider excellent or even good school for my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Not very happy with my kid teacher or principle. They have few policies that are not logical for young kiddos.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son in kindergarten and another son in second grade. My second grader is in an IEP program and is receiving excellent attention which is showing in his grades. We are very happy with the teachers & staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school has excellent teachers and challenging academic programs. The ALP program for 4th through 6th is awesome. I couldn't ask for a better teacher. He makes it fun and exciting and the kids excell. The problem is in Jr High, there is no ALP. There are honors classes, but I don't feel my kids are learning as much or as fast as they did in the ALP program. As for parent involvement, I feel there is little parent involvement in classrooms, various meetings, and fundraisers throughout the year.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't believe someone would give the school only three stars and then misspell "strict". Sounds to me like someone should be attending Meridian Elementary to regain an understanding of basic words and how to spell them. Maybe that's the reason that individual cannot spell correctly - there were not enough "STRICK" teachers (as they put it). How sad...
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's second year at Meridian. We have had a great experience with the Teachers and Staff at Meridian. My only complaint is parking. Both lots are very small and do not offer many spaces for parents to park.
—Submitted by a parent

the school is ok but it has some strick teachers in it.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Meridian since our son enrolled in their first kindergarten class in 2000. We've been 100% impressed with this school and all its faculty. The principal is very effective and also very progressive. Whenever problems are identified, she intervenes, quickly and effectively. The teachers have all been excellent in communicating with us about class activities and any challenges our child is facing in the classroom. The PTSO does an awesome job and we have never had an unpleasant encounter with any staff member -- they're always extremely hepful. I think the staff at Meridian does an exceptional job and I'm glad our child attends school there.
—Submitted by a parent

5 For all areas. I've found the entire staff to be kind, caring and friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't know how many people know this but......public education is underfunded!!!!! If you want schools to change, vote or e-mail congressmen and senate officials! There are 20-25 students in every class. I hate to tell you that your child isn't going to get their undivided attention! I know that little Sally and Timmy are the best children ever! But you have to take care of some things at home. The principal does a darn good job dealing with some of the nutjob parents out there. Every time I've called the school, she calls me back within the next day. The teachers are the sweetest people ever. They give me tips on what to help with the kids and they actually care about the kids. If you want a teacher or principal to focus just on your student send them to a boarding school.
—Submitted by a parent

Coming from a charter school over the past 3 years it has been a delight at Meridian. The staff are so delightful and refreshing after our experience there. The discipline is handled in such a positive manner in comparison. The principal is very hands on...knows the children by name...goes into the classrooms regularly...and even makes the morning announcements herself each day. I have been impressed overall with the staff at Meridian. I have also observed the aides on the playground and how they speak to the children there. Kids can be very disrespectful, but the aides speak to them with respect, unlike some schools. This school also encourages a lot of parental involvement which is so very important. I am so glad that we made the change here when we did.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very dissapointed with Meridian. The school has not handled the all day kindergarten classes very well. My child's teacher has missed quite a few days of school this year due to scheduled seminars to advance her teaching ability. I am seriously rethinking my decision to send my child to public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Moving from Maryland, we were extremely dissatisified with the quality of education at Meridian, from the principal to the teachers. In a nut shell, we agree with the parent who posted 6June07. We have experienced the same problems.
—Submitted by a parent

Of the four teachers we experienced at Meridian, one was wonderful(Ms. Galen), and three were horrendous. The principal is overburdened and cannot keep up with running her school. We have had repeated problems with teachers not preventing bullying and have even had a problem with teachers themselves being out of line with the children.
—Submitted by a parent