Laird Elementary School

I am a current teacher at Laird K8 and want to give an update about our school. To address the concerns about middle school, we have changed our model to a traditional middle school where students move to different classes/teachers for different subject areas. This allows teachers to focus on a specific content area and raise the bar for the students. We have also added more elective choices. There is a new principal at the helm and we will continue to strive for student success.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school in my opinion needs to rethink there whole plan for their students, now that its turned k-8 is worse due to lack of disciplinary and guidance. They have no recess for the children in the morning and have no special help for kids with special needs. Not once have I met the principal and at teacher confrences was hurried due to 10 minutes only. Plus bullingness is seen alot at this school ecspecially towards the teachers from students, the students have no respect for the teachers and I've personally seen sub teachers break down and leave due this. My opinion on this school is they're more caring on funds and what's keeping them funded and not the well beings for their students.......
—Submitted by a parent

Kindergarden prepared all the students to read and do math to test out of kindergarden, but there was not time to play. And I disagree that when a child doesn't complete his or her work, that he has to sit out the short recess. Instead, he or she needs to run around. There isn't time to develop social skills when every minute is learning. It gave them great academic skills but it needs to be balanced with the rest of life.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school and I think it is wonderful. My daughter is in kindergarden. I was told by scottsdale school district that she wasnt prepard for school yet but Laird took her in and taught her to read in the first quarter! She is now reading at a first grade level and adding and subtracting. My son is in first grade and is excelling quite nicely. He is reading at a second garde level and doing second grade math. The teachers are wonderful and the principal is ALWAYS accessable to the children and parents. I Love thei school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Laird her whole life and is now in the 5th grade. She has had incredible teachers every year. Her kindergarten teacher taught her to read in less than 3 months. She has been involved in choir and orchestra the past two years which have been wonderful experiences. The school nurse is the best! There is a nice ethnic mix with kids from all over the world due to ASU. This has taught my child to love everyone. I think Laird is and has been an excellent school for my daughter.
—Submitted by Deb Staires, a parent

Very Dissapointed that this school has become a testing environment.It's not about the kids learning it's all about testing scores.The Principal thinks he is running a military academy.I attend Laird and hoped my sons would also, but I have moved my kids to a new school. THE TEACHERS ARE GREAT! and will be missed. Several kids changing schools and teacher turnaround is very high.
—Submitted by Veronica Cruz, a parent

Level of quality of this school is about a ' C '. Alot of effort is not followed through as described. Extremely lacking in parent involvement.Parents do not support the staff or students.
—Submitted by a parent

Several new changes have been made at this school this year.Although,we are not sure if they are the 'Right' combination at this time.Alot of construction is taking place at this campus which will improve the community and the School overtime.With the 'Right' changes and the 'Right Leadership' this School can become very sucessful.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Laird for a few years now.This year we are suprisingly disapointed in a few areas.One being the principal has taken away too much from the kids.Examples include : teatherballs, morning recess, and most of all talking time at lunch time,fourth and firth graders in Choir have to shovle down what food they can in a few mintues so they can attend Choir.What kind of planning is that?We are extremely disapointed in the way this school is changing.At this point we are looking for a new school for our children.Time of a change of Principal or maybe just a Principal letting the kids have some fun back?
—Submitted by a parent

Laird is a diverse school with students reprsenting over 30 nationalities. The teachers are playing catchup etc to get all of their 'leave no chilid behind' requirements met. This is our 3rd year at Laird, and it continues to lose favor in our eyes. There are music programs, both orchestra and singing. We have an afterschool M.E.S.A. that is waning. The teachers are outstanding.. Parent involvment has dropped considerably over the last 2 years - due to change in Principal? Change in focus?
—Submitted by a parent

We are pleased with the way Laird has been improving over the last few years.We recommend Laird to anyone moving into the district.The support staff and teachers are wonderful and always willing to help any way they can.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had good and bad experiences here at Laird. I love the teachers, they make it an enjoyable place for my child to learn. However, I find the administration and the office staff somewhat hard to deal with. They are very strict with pick up times (if you are 5 minutes late because of traffic you will hear about it). Other than the office staff, this school is wonderful. The teachers are always willing to help and answer any questions that I might have. The school nurse is excellent! All in all, this is a good school for children to learn and have fun!
—Submitted by a parent

Being a former student of Laird from the late 1970's I have moved my family into the Laird Neighborhood. I feel this is a safe school and the teachers take the extra step to make certain the students come first as when I was here back in the 1970's. A few of my teachers from the 70's are still teaching at this school.The school staff is always trying to find ways to make school fun and make the students feel they are important. Our children love school and their teachers.We appreciate all they do for our children.