Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School

This is the second year my child has attended and it just gets better. Free violin lessons for all first graders and it looks like the school will have the funds to include second graders next year. (Each grade already has a music class). Roosevelt is not cliquey in the slightest. I have so many friends because I participate whenever I can. I also meet people while we're waiting for our kids after school. As far as older teachers not being up to snuff, that's just not been my experience. Their extensive training and experience leads them to catch minor learning problems immediately so they are quickly and easily correctable. Parents should keep in mind that a lot of the new teaching theories that have been promoted have not been rigorously studied. My experience is that teachers get reputations for being "popular" and yet some students who were placed with "the best" teachers floundered. When moved to the not as "popular" teacher, they excelled. You have to make your own judgments and decisions and not rely on other people's opinions. I wish I had space to go into all the reasons why I believe this school to be better than any nearby private & charter schools.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers are really hit and miss at this school. There are some older teachers that due to seniority can not be replaced, and really should be. On the other hand there are some young brilliant teachers that really care about the kids and there self esteem, not to mention are trained how to teach kids effectively in these trying times. There is a real mixture of parents too, some are really "cl-icky"!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Roosevelt now and I also attended this school as a child. I have to say it definitely has changed since the 80's but what school hasn't. The major difference is the amount of children now attending. The staff is excellent. The new principal is awesome and very caring. The teachers are wonderful. Like at all schools there are some mean kids. But overall it's a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Roosevelt is an excellent elementary school. The teachers go above and beyond to help all students become successful and lifelong learners. They offer so many enriching programs to challenge students and many supportive programs to help struggling students. All of the campus support from the yard supervisors to the office staff are professional, helpful, and genuinely care about the students. I have a 1st grader and a 4th grader there and I am so pleased with their progress.
—Submitted by a parent

We are getting so ready to move our child out of here. She had a wonderful first grade teacher, a mediocre second grade teacher and though the third grade teacher is a very good teacher the principal is taking the school in a very disturbing direction. Only the basic and below basic students are catered to. Proficient and Advanced left to fend for themselves. I predict the district is going to have to take action to get this school achieving again.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids flourished here this past year, completing kindergarten and loving it. They stayed engaged and active all-year long, doing homework almost every night, and staying after school to play with classmates. Both are reading and ready for 1st grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School staff is dedicated to enrich the lives of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

It is amazing to hear such wonderful feedback, however I have not yet felt the same. I try to be proactive and help in my childs education. And everything has been swept right under the carpet. Not so distinguished
—Submitted by a parent

My step son graduated from Roosevelt about 7 years ago and his little brother has been attending for 2 years now. We loved the school then and we still do now. His first year was wonderful and we had no problems...his second year I started to see a little more clearly. His teacher was still good but not as great and I realized the school was very picky about who could be in it. It is very hard to be able to help in your child's class and his teacher did not communicate with the parents. It almost felt like you were trying to join a 'click' of parents. But they have lots of activities after school compared to the other elementary schools. I do think it is the best one in Burbank.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved to the neighborhood because it was very near a school and we wanted to have kids someday. I don't know how the stars aligned to put me so near the perfect school for us. Teachers are accessible and supportive and differentiate to address specific students' needs. Betsy Quinn is an energetic and supportive principal. Office staff is top notch and the school is an amazing environment overall. When I've had the need to contact teachers or the principal about concerns over the years I've gotten quick, beneficial feedback. Problems are solved, not swept under the carpet. I'm extremely happy with this school. The after school Science program is especially compelling.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson lives with me and I must say that Roosevelt reminds me of the quality of schooling my daughters received when they were young. The teachers have been great. They are caring and supportive of both the child and parent. Activities to raise school pride have been successful. My grandson is proud to be a student at Roosevelt and I could not ask for a better school for him.
—Submitted by Karene Stapleton, a parent

I currently have two children at Roosevelt and it is absolutely a wonderful school. Principal Betsy Quinn is great and works so much with the teachers and parents to help all of our children. The parents here at Roosevelt are so involved with the school and the children. It is so wonderful to see how much involvement there is with the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. We feel lucky to be here. We had no idea when we moved to the neighborhood that we'd have such a fantastic public school. My son is getting an excellent education. Great teachers, great parent involvement. A real community feel. The new principal is very interested in more arts education.
—Submitted by a parent

Since the new principal arrived last year, this is a wonderfully open environment for education. The extra curricular activities are overwhelming and a very homey, small school atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been extremely happy with this school. My children are currently in 3rd and 1st grade and have attended since kinergarten. The teachers not only follow district curriculum, but take the time to specifically address students' educational needs (i.e., to assist in advancement of students in specific areas whether above grade level, or areas in which they may not be.)
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are exceptional. They inspire, excite and make learning fun for the kids. The principal is totally hands on. She knows each and every child and parent.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. The parents are very involved. This year they offered after school ballet and music programs. Excellent teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher are caring and take the time to learn about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers were very concerened and loving with the students. Family environment. Very concerened with each child passing the class.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school! Beginning in 2004/2005, we have a new principal. She is simply amazing, she truely loves every one of the children there, and has the most positive attitude I have seen in a long time! I think that this will effect the entire school, and take an already great school, and make it better! Roosevelt has a very well rounded program the the children. In 4th & 5th grades, the children do artist reports, including a 'gallery' where their presentation (along with their won art is displayed. There is a presidential tea, where they dress up like the presdential that the report is on, and take questions from the 'reporters' (parents), it is an amazing experience that the children & parents will never forget. I am sure that each and every child will remember that info much better than just doing a traditional book report!
—Submitted by Charlene Baer, a parent