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

Every year we come from Salina California, and my son is always very happy to return to his school. The principal, Mr Taylor is always kind and friendly to everyone, and the teacher always willing to help in any way they can. Last year I noticed that the school got a policeman. I like that he is a friend with all the kids and seen him kick the ball with them. I feel comfortable that he is at my sons school. Otondo has been a great school for my son and family.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended otondo his entire school life.I have found that overall the teachers really care about thier students. My son has benn in odyssey of the minds for 2 years, and the involvement of the teachers and parents is amazing. He was puut in a special ed reading class in the first grade he is now in the fourth grade and is one of the best readers in his class.I believe that it is because of the teachers he has had in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade.He is in mrs. Weatherbee/grant's class for the teachers and staff I must say thank you for giving my son and I a great school experience.
—Submitted by ALICIA, a parent

I've had three kids at Otondo, from kindergarten through fourth grade. We came from Department of Defense schools overseas, so that's my comparison. In general, Otondo (like most schools in Yuma) just don't measure up to national (and definitely not international!) scholastic standards, the atmosphere and general feeling is unsettled, and oversight of teachers and the attempt to establish consistency in their methods, behaviors and competencies is limited. That said, its generally safe, in a good neighborhood, food (like in most schools) is junk, there are some good teachers, and the philosophy--although not very convincing--is generally positive. Language and cultural diffences and values limit many of the student's abilities or interest in learning, and detract considerably from the overall learning environment and standard. It's a shame that Arizona does not make schools and education a higher priority, but that's just the way it is.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been in the school for 4 years. The first two were much better than the last two. The school is over crowded, but there is a new one being built. We were much happier with Mr. Rodriguz as the principle than their new one. this last school year the new administration didn't do any of the encouraging reading programs as previous years.
—Submitted by a parent

School is way to crowded. What used to be art and music rooms are now classrooms. Teacher turn-over is extreamly high, my daughters 2nd grade teacher left after 3 months and they are currently looking for 15 teacher for next year. There are literally no field-trips to supplement education and good programs such as AR reading and box tops for education are not supported by the school. New principal has not made many notecable changes.
—Submitted by a parent

the the the the the school school is cool.
—Submitted by a former student

Many great teachers have departed this school because of the leadership. The PTA is a nothing more than another avenue for the Principal to get more money from the TAX payers. If the kids were to stay in the class rooms more it would help. Stop trying to get money off the backs of the kids via the photo packages that are not really wanted. Get back to the basic learning skill and methods and stop the fancy things.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found the staff of teachers to be very friendly and willing to work in whatever capacity they need to in order to help the student.
—Submitted by a parent

This school year (02-03) has been a very sucessful year for my daughter in fourth grade. I am pleasantly surprised with the teachers she has come into contact in fourth grade. I commend the teachers in the reading program, especially those who have to teach the children who are in the highest reading classes due to that diversity of the classroom. Thank you to those who teach.