Jack Harmon Elementary School

We've given this school a shot for almost 3 years. It's gotten so bad that we wont even finish the year. The principal is a micromanager with no children skills, the counselor is a buzzword spinning UOP graduate, and the teachers are so overwhelmed that I don't blame them for giving up and acting like spoiled teenage babysitters. The cafeteria food is an unhealthy, disgusting joke; art/PE/music are essentially nonexistent. If your child ever does anything wrong, you can guarantee that she will be BULLIED and called out for her entire time at the school, not only by fellow students at the teachers urging, but also by the teachers and staff themselves. Harmon's idea of education is to keep kids in their seats and hand out worksheet after worksheet or timed tests of rote memorization--sad, considering how absolutely DISMAL their test results are. Heaven forbid you have a child who is not a mindless drone. There is very little hands on that isn't a repetition of the activities the kids have done for years. The PTSO is a nice enough group of ladies, if clique-y, but they're putting lipstick on a pig, an abusive, unfriendly pig who is detrimental to the proper education of any child.
—Submitted by a parent

I am excited to have 6th grade at the school this year. All four of our kids will be attending this year. I love the neighborhood feel! Just a few of the things that Harmon does well... Online grades, online behavior reports, AR (Accelerated Reader). individualized teaching/planning based on my children's needs, friendly teachers, fabulous band program. Totally happy there!
—Submitted by a parent

We are looking forward to another great year at Harmon. Instruction here is based on the needs of the students. I love the enrichment program they offer for math and reading. All kids are taught lessons first in their home room based on state standards. The teachers then evaluate DAILY how the kids are grasping the required information. Those that need to review meet together to be retaught and practice. Those that have it meet together are are given more challenging material. It takes a lot of work on the part of the teachers and I appreciate the work they are doing. I don't appreciate negative reviews by people who spent 1 week at the school 5 years ago. I don't know why they would feel the need to come on 5 years later and trash the schools rating. I have 3 kids at the school and we love it!
—Submitted by a parent

As far as this school is concerned they are very awesome in their special needs classes as I have one that is severely special needs. They are always taking care of my daughter as it was their own! I can't say about the other regular kids because the only one that goes there is special needs but if you have a special needs child in the Queen Creek area. This is the school for you! They have made so many changes to the school and I have never had a problem coming to the school at any time. The special ed teachers are the best that you can find in the area unlike other schools who just throw them in a room and leave them there all day not learning much of anything. I am excited to see what other things they have in store and I know that if you pick this school for your special needs child ( it depends on their needs) I know that I haven't been disappointed. We have a very kind principal that watches out for them as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to the school when it first opened and stayed there for a week. The school, in its first year was very awful. The academics were very low, I can't say anything about what it's like now because I haven't seen it in so long but I am shocked about things I've heard.

My children also love the school and we will be keeping them at Harmon. We too wish Mr. Lineberry well in his new venture. Miss Meehan has proven to be a true asset and compliment to the school. I have to commend the staff for a FANTASTIC job this year. I love the teachers and their dedication to ALL students. No matter who fills Mr. Lineberry's shoes next year we will also support them and the staff. I would agree that more parents should participate in PTSO, they are a blessing to the school and really help out whenever need. I have seen Mrs. Bishop there almost every day this year in addition to many more parents, thanks!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school. Although there are some changes that will be taking place, I know it will be okay for my children. Mr. Lineberry is going ahead to Florence district for a better opportunity, good for him. We wish him the very best and thank him for his help in turning this school around. He has built some very strong teachers and a wonderful new Dean this year. Who knows who will replace him next year, but I plan on keeping my children at Harmon and trust the Dean will help with the transition and Mr. Lineberry will leave his school only to the best!!! The continued hard work of the staff will help keep this school moving in the right direction. Parent support should be more in PTSO, they make a difference and need the extra help. we will continue to support the Dean and hopefully Ms.brey
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE THE NEW DEAN!SHE IS ALWAYS SO FRIENDLY WITH EVERYONE. Mr. Lineberry does a great job having strong admin. helping him. My kids love the school and are saddened that Mr. L will not be there next year. Can't wait to see what changes happen. It can only continue to improve
—Submitted by a parent

There are some changes coming up but we know it will be fine. We trust Mr. Lineberry in his choices. Hopefully Florence will make him happy. We hope to keep Miss Mehan and get ms. Brey. They would work well together for the success of everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids love the school and I've been pleased with the teachers. They work hard, provide tutoring after school for kids who need it and I always feel informed as to my kids' progress.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former teacher, I have to say that I love having my kids go here and this is a place I would enjoy working. The staff is dedicated to helping kids succeed. Although the focus is on teaching kids the basics, they strive to educate in health, character and community service - creating well rounded students who will also be successful academically.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been really pleased with Harmon. This is our 4th year there. The school continues to get better each year. The principal has high expectations for the staff and students. Teachers teach according to student needs, doing whole class and individual instruction, challenging students who are at the top and reteaching kids who need the extra help. It takes an incredible amount of effort and planning to meet the needs of individual students, and I feel like teachers here are willing to do just that. I am someone who volunteers there a lot and have a pretty good feel for what's taking place at the school. Both my girls are doing very well at the school and I'm excited to have my son start there next year!
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, I think the Principal and Dean should be very proud of themselves! They have transformed the school into a truly positive amazing place to learn! The students are thriving and the faculty and staff have their whole heart into the kids! It is an awesome place to be! The Special Ed students at Harmon received higher than the standard scores! The principal is striving to improve education not only for his school but for schools all over the country, as well as the health and well being for all children!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My boy is at this school and loves it. We turned down charter schools to attend Jack Harmon. This school has teachers and leadership that really care for the children and community and make decisions that reflect that. Public schooling is what you put into it, and Jack Harmon reflects the good people who have worked to make it that way.
—Submitted by a parent

I happen to know that the previous review was nothing more than sour grapes on the part of the parent posting it - based on that fact that PTSO members would not be bullied and the principle tried to mediate rather than choose sides . Mr. Lineberry is a man with exemplary character. He is honest, forthright, and holds high expectations for himself, his staff and his students. He is nationally recognized for his involvement in the fight against childhood obesity. He has fostered enthusiasm for student fitnss through the HopSports program and, as a result, Harmon experienced a significant increase in test scores. Massive budget cuts have required staff to do more with less, and they have done so admirably. The school is get an A+ in my gradebook!!

this school has a principal & dean that do not practice buildind character,they are fence sitters,not wanting to get involved in theptso because a finger might be pointed toward them so they let people tear down the caracter and do nothing to stop them.the PTSC & principle and dean should be very proud of themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children have attended since 2006. School has improved significantly since then. Teachers have all been very caring and supportive. Mr. Lineberry is an excellent leader. I volunteer often at the school and always feel welcome. The environment is warm and welcoming and the kids seem to be happy.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new in Queen Creek and had been told somewhat negative things about this school. Being late in the year I had no choice but to send my child there.....and it's been great! I have no idea what could have happened in the past, but as for now my child comes home happy and is learning new things everyday!
—Submitted by a parent

My son goes to this school and will go next year. We have had nothing but a great experience here. We love this school and reading all the older posts I have only known the new principal and he is great. I am glad that they found him before my son started going.
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked to read some of the reviews about Harmon. I have two children who are thriving in this school. The first year for my oldest was rough and my husband and myself were not pleased.However there were two principals in one year and no communication.Mr. Lineberry has turned the school around in a very short amount of time.On the overall I think the school is great and all schools have problems. With a free education system we can only be blessed that we have a principal and staff who care about our children to try there hardest and work to the best of there ability.
—Submitted by a parent