Mary A Otondo Elementary School

Two of my three children attended this school in the five yrs we have lived in Yuma in both cases I have watch the decline in their grades and overall learning. This is truly sad after seeing the promise both showed while we lived in Mi. Overcrowded classes overwheld teachers and a general disconcerned attitude from the upper admin. has really helped us in our decision to remove our children from these schools in Yuma and return to Mi.
--Submitted by a parent

This school can be a great school if there was stronger leadership. As is at other public schools, there are great teachers at this school and not so great ones. School accomodated our request to choose a teacher, but if you don't have much of a choice, that does not help. I wish teachers work together as a team. Depending on the grade, it seems there is not much collaboration between teachers. One big problem my child's class had is a lack of true instructional time. Unfortunately, my child's teacher was absent a lot more than I exprienced with any other teachers. They could not find a substitute few times and the School decided to split her class and send them to different classes. This happened 3 times for this grade during Fall semester.
--Submitted by a parent

my son transfered to otondo in october frm another elementry school in the district and he has shown great improvement on his behavier as well as his accademics since the transfer. the staff and atmosphere are verry welcomeing and educational.
--Submitted by a parent

Thank goodness for some of the teachers who are both proactive in their approach to teaching and are willing to not only think but teach "outside the box"! Mr. Weatherbee is one of those who does. You can see it in how the scores are as well as how his students act. He teaches them not only how to "pass the test" but also how to "pass in life". We need more Highly Effective teachers like him in our local schools!!!

This is a GREAT school, which unfortunately for the kids and teachers is not adequately supported by the district or state. The teachers do all they can with what they have along with support from the school administration to provide a safe and encouraging learning environment to an average of 30 kids in each room. This school however id SEVERELY LACKING in parental involvement. There is little to no involvement with the PTO, very few parents/families volunteer for things at school, unless it is a FREE field trip. This school could be a 5 star GREAT school if more families just got involved!
--Submitted by a teacher

We are a military family and our children have gone to school all over the world. I think the teachers and staff at Otondo are excellent. Ms Pisano the Asst. Principal cares deeply about the kids and there needs. My son had Mrs Frame in 5th grade and we are so excited that she is moving to Castle Dome so she can continue to challenge her students. We are very happy that we chose a public education for our children. It is a wonderful school filled with great teachers and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one child that attends Otondo Elementary and so far with just being 3 weeks into the new school year my child is doing well. I was disappointed with the homework, or lack of, however, I have my own extra homework packets that we do at home because I really feel that learning doesn't end at 2:40pm. Only time will tell!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children go to this school the ones that seem to get the attention that they deserve are the smart ones. The ESL students seem to be the ones that get what is needed. My oldest son struggle all through school and no one appeared to care or even want to help.
--Submitted by a parent

Otondo has been wonderful for my children. We're going on 4 years now. We have had a few problems, but with open communication between the staff and are family things worked out just fine.Every year there will be some adjusting...that life. Otondo has a lot to offer our children. We are active supporter and don't expect the school to raise our children. We help out as much as we can.
--Submitted by M M, a parent

My daughter just started school in the middle of the school year; I have to say when you look at this school it's stunning you think this is going to be a great school, But looks can be deceiving. I have had the worst experience at this school my daughter has ADD and her teacher is no help! I called the school about making an appointment with principle, and I never received a phone call back. It seems you just have teachers that don't care there just there to get paid. I am sending my daughter to another school because I don't think the school has what it takes to educate my child in the right way some kids need more help then others, and it is sad that the teachers are not willing to spend a little more time with the kids that need it.
--Submitted by Tamara Gutbier, a parent