Holbrook Elementary School

I gave this school a five star rating because it COMPLETELY deserves it. But I'm putting up a post to notify any parents looking for new homes that have been led here by a link about the "schools in the area", don't get your hopes up. The Mount Diablo Unified School District Board made the unbelievable decision to CLOSE this school. HOLBROOK IS NO MORE. And yes, we're sad and mad about it in this neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

Holbrook works hard to involve the students, parents, and the community. Because it is such a diverse school the children learn alot about each others culture and Holbrook embraces this.

Holbrook has been hit hard with the budget crisis. Families need to step up! Some of the parents that are, simply cant do it all. The teachers are so overwhelmed as is the principal. There are many problem children and the parents arent helping that either. A few kids have been suspended just to have a vacation at home. Kids mouth off to teachers and its handled at school, the parents fail to correct their child. The PFC has been fantastic! Another issue is that children needed a greater challenge are being held still or given busy work to help the ELL or struggling children. Its not fair yet there is nothing they can do thanks to no child left behind. We do have an interdistrict transfer in for next year. Holbrook will be good in a couple of years but my kids cant wait for the changes.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids at Holbrook-2nd grader & 5th grader. My children love their teachers and the program that they have presented. The PFC has really stepped up and created a community which the school has previously lacked, except those same few of course. However, that lack of sense of community seemed to come from children being transfered from out of area and then the families having no connection to the school short of food and education. THE FAMILIES of the students at Holbrook have to be a part of the classroom and school community. It is just too important especially with the increased students in the classes. So this year has been great...Welcome to Principal Dieli, the PFC, the new students and their families. Lastly, the area I see a need of improvment that has always been a problem is the cleanliness of the school. The floors need mopping.
--Submitted by a parent

Dear Holbrook Elementary I am a grandma of a Holbrook Student. For months my daughter has been talking about Holbrook Elementary constantly. She can't seem to say enough good things about Holbrook. Typically, her negativity is something only a mother could love. This is the first year that she will become involved at Holbrook Elementary, last year. she said she would have earlier but to be honest she felt that was no structure for parents to help. Last year Holbrook had a principal that was less than approachable, and she didn't really care for her. She said the school seemed to lack leadership and wasn't challenging enough for her daughter. That brings me to this year. Holbrook has a new principal, my daughter and I met her a couple of times and she seems proactive with high expectations. What more could a school ask for? I can appreciate the little things. My daughter talks about how she received a prompt e-mail regarding her membership, receipts for the school shirt and yearbook that she bought were sent home within a couple of days. Not to push her luck she e-mailed the new PFC group with a question and she got a personalized response in hours. The leadership of the group are hardworking clearly passionate and it shows. When I drop off or pick up my granddaughter I see the PFC volunteers always working. At Preview Day we not only got info about the school, and what teacher your kid is assigned to, we got more than that. It was informative, engaging and I really felt like we was part of something at the school. With our supply list we were able to buy supplies the next day on sale. We didn't have supply list last year. We also met our teacher. Last year we asked if our teacher was there and they informed us they don't come to this event, ever...This year I asked a question and one of the presidents of the group and he went out of his way (and it was busy) to get me the information I needed. I was just ready to be brushed off and he didn't do that at all. He helped me without complaining and with a great big adorable smile. Since school has started the energy the school has been so positive, people are talking about the PFC Club and in a very good way. Positive gossip seems is very rare. The best part is that I found out the PFC Club started mid year last year, worked through the summer to get ready for this year. WOW! I just wanted to say congratulations on a great job, a good of hardworking people. Just wanted to let you all know you are doing a great job and that the parents are noticing. Thanks. Yvonne
--Submitted by a parent

This great school, my son attends 1st grade there and his teacher is top notch. What blew me away was the community support (Neighborhood Assocations, most members with no children in school) I was floored when I found out that these neighborhood assocations created and maintain the schools amazing website. I am excited this year and I love Holbrook.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had four children go through this school. I have been there for two principals and I have found both of the principals to be wonderful along with rest of the school staff. We have had some ups and downs, as you may with children growing up but, I have found that the staff there really cares about the children and have worked with us until we can work things out. Very satisfied with the school and did not quite realise this until my children went off to middle school, what a complete disappointment in the local middle school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have not found that the principal is not very responsive to parent feedback. Last year by daughter's teacher was out of class more than she was there. This year I am having difficulty finding out about issues concerning both my children.
--Submitted by a parent

Up and coming elementary school with a great and dedicated staff. Strong acedemic focus. High hispanic population, but esl students do not detract from core education
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers seem very dedicated, caring and involved with each and every one of there students. They make every child feel important, they see a child not a race. The extracurricular activities they have keeps them busy and learning, some schools might not even have any at all. Like any other schools they might need some improvement in some departments but overall, I am very pleased with Hollbrook.
--Submitted by a parent