Sierra Vista Elementary School

We just love this school. I've heard that it used to be one of the poorer schools in the award-winning Clovis Unified School District which affected the perception of Sierra Vista and the school as a whole. I don't know how she's done it, but the principal, Cathy Dodd, has completely changed that, and she's done it in an economic down-turn when funding is on the decline. The main factor in the change has got to be her and her enthusiasm, patience and kindness. Our child has attended top-notch public and private schools in more than one state, but this is the first time I've seen a principal who cared as much. She knows our child personally, as she does every one of the students. She brings such a total picture approach to every issue. She's always around on Friday during sports cheering the Vikings on, at fundraising events cleaning tables personally, during the week visiting classrooms and even meeting with individual students. The teachers and parents get hands on involvement and support. As a result, my child is excited every day to go to school and has flourished in more ways than academics. This school is a gift. We love it and are grateful for it.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't agree withe the parent below, my child joins all the sports she can and she as well as ever other student on the team try there best as well as the coaches and besides when a coach is tough on the kids then you get those parents who cry that the coach is mean or unfair and besides the girls volleyball just placed 3rd on Fridays tournament! plus they need more parent support! I think there doing great!
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know what it is with this school but I attended as a child k-6 and my daughter has been their since 4th grade, this school just can't ever win in sports. I feel win a school can excel in sports it demonstrates the drive and passion in children, when a schools not winning I feel it reflects the attitude of the school overall. I think this school is lacking!
--Submitted by a parent

It's OK. My main complaint is not the school but the parents of the children who attend there. I have never had a bad one on one experience, but during school programs when the principal is trying to speak most of the parents and their children just talk right over her. Laughing, walking around and carrying on. She tries to get everyone quiet, but as soon as she begins again they talk right over her. I was completely surprised at the lack of respect. Not everyone does this, but I'd say the vast majority of the parents are. How can you teach your kids to be respectful of others, adult authority figures especially, when you yourself are not. I have been very disappointed in the parents behavior regarding this. Like I said though I have never been treated rudly myself. I've found everyone to be very friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

no complaints here my kids love attending this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We move from Salt Lake City alittle more then a year ago. My daughter has been in Sierra Vista since moving here. She is in Special Ed half day and general ed the other half. She also see the speech therapist. This school is above phenomenal! The teachers and the office is always in the know. There is great internal communication as well as communication with parents. Even Campus Club is wonderful! Mrs. Tess and Mrs. Jessica are wonderful people!! I am so glad my daughter goes her, and I am glad that there is such a sense of 'in the know' with everyone. I applaud you all for such a wonderful job done.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a 10 year old and a 7 year old that attend Sierra Vista and I would never want them to attend another school! Sierra has the best staff, the office is always on top of my children and making sure I am involved at all times. The teachers are also on track with myself and the well being for my children, educational and socially
--Submitted by Niccole Garcia, a parent

The teachers at this school are very dedicated to the children. They go above and beyond the call of duty.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a son in first grade, also one in headstart at Sierra Vista. The school has gone out of their way to help me and my family. For my three year old it has made a life time of diffrence between the amazing afternoon teacher, to the wonderful speech teacher. In January my son could only say about ten words, and that is saying alot. Now he sings songs, and tells me actual phrases now. My oldest on the otherhand does great academically but he spends all his lunches in lunch detention, he is not a bad kid just likes to talk alot. We lived in the bay before this, all I can say is the parents that have bad things to say you might wanna look into the reasoning a little more because if you think this is bad remember it could be alot worse.
--Submitted by Melissa, a parent

At the beginning I had good response, lately with any concerns regarding extra activities I have been told 'I could opt to take my child out' I don't think parent concerns regarding health should be delt with by making them quit. Principal talks of kids having school spirit, how about the school having kid spirit, protect our kids. These actions disillusions me from the whole district, even the district office has shown disconcern with my concerns in these matters.
--Submitted by a parent