Wren Avenue Elementary School

I am new to the Wren Ave. school community. I started volunteering at the school this fall, and have been impressed so far by the attitude and professionalism of the staff. While the school is going through a difficult transition absorbing students and staff from other campuses, everyone has pitched in and helped to try to make things go smoothly (even if they haven't been perfect). Wren does things differently from other schools where I have worked and volunteered (El Cerrito, Los Gatos, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek), but they have reasons underlying their school procedures. The important thing is that the staff - from principal on down - seems to place safely educating the students as the top priority. Wren Ave. is a school with a good mix of students that accurately reflects the surrounding community. As a member of the community (I live "right around the corner", and if I had elementary aged children, they would be attending Wren Ave.) I hope that others (especially parents) will also find the time and energy to volunteer at the school and be part of the better future at Wren.

The parent posting below is a biggot, and that type of review should be pulled immediately! As a very active parent at Wren, I have met all teachers and I can say to you that they are all equally good. The parent below seems to have a problem with Spanish speaking people and therefore, they spew the hatred here. Sorry dear but if you have a problem with people of Latin decent, then you should move out of CA! I can't believe that you would sit here and not once, but twice post about how awful your child's school is because your prissy self didn't get into the school you wanted. Could it be possible that they won't allow your child in because you are such a negative person? The school is in a transitional phase and with school closures last year, there will be even more changes to come. Deal with it! If you're unhappy and unsatisfied with activities and events that take place at Wren, you can actually become involved and volunteer. Join the PTA! Help out in the parent room or volunteer with yard duty. Man a table at the next bake sale. Something! Your complaints aren't doing anything to help the school improve from the better.
--Submitted by a parent

As mentioned, our daughter lost her transfer and we had no alternative but to place her at Wren Ave. The only positives about this school was her incredible teacher, Mrs Snow, and a no-nonsense, young principal. Our daughter was having some difficulty adjusting to being bounced around between schools every year and was struggling with math. Mrs Snow got her through it with flying colors. Whatever Mrs Snow is making, it needs to be DOUBLED and needs to receive the public recognition that she deserves as a top notch educator! Besides having an awesome teacher (we got lucky!), we absolutely would not recommend this school unless you dont speak English!
--Submitted by a parent

Wren Avenue is a wonderful school moving in a great direction. The people are friendly and my child is thriving. I am happy to be an involved parent in my child's education here.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attending Wren Avenue in Kindergarted. Now I have to say that Ms. McCosker was an incredible teach and we were lucky to have her and the school should feel lucky to have her because the school is very, very run down and outdated. Wren Avenue seems to have less funding than any other school in the MDUSD and it shows they are in need of funding badly. From my short experience, there is absolutely no parent involvement, at least in Kindergarted grade level. I do not recommend this school
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very dedicated and really do right by the kids. The principal in horrible, very unprofessional, and has no positive relationship with the kids. She is equally as rude to the parents.
--Submitted by a parent

My past experiences with two others schools were deeply horrendous with the way the schools were run and how the teachers were 'teaching.' I was afraid to see what this past year was going to bring. To my surprise, this past year was successful. My son and I were very fortunate for him to have received a great teacher. No place is perfect and government run schools are far from where they should be but with a good teacher, you can accomplish a lot.
--Submitted by a parent

The entire school has gone downhill! The school has nothing to offer the kids, except great teachers. Parents, me including, don't want to participate anymore. I have one kid left there and next year have two beginning kindergarten and I refuse to put them at Wren! I loved Wren and I think it's sad what's happened to it! What happened to all the teachers?
--Submitted by Jill Temple, a parent

I am totally satisfied with the Kindergarden class, the teacher was excellent, shortly I can just say good about this school so far.
--Submitted by a parent

School facilities are below par. Computer lab is non-existent.
--Submitted by a parent