Imperial Elementary School

Great school, great teachers, but lack of parent support is evident at all school functions. It is usually the same people running the same things.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters that attend Imperial and I agree with both the 9/2/09 and the 5/12/09 posters. The school does do a great job of translating all materials but it still needs to do more to reach the latino population, the pta for example is a small club with a sprinkling of latina parents, one who is the president. I have found the principal to be just as involved as any other principal I have encountered and she is always quick to address any problem that I have brought to her attention. She makes an effort to reach out and always has a pleasant smile and warm thing to say to all the students and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

As an Imperial parent, I have no idea what the May 12, 2009 poster is talking about. All school notices are bilingual and correctly translated and the office staff are very helpful. Teachers all maintain academic standards; singling out a few is needlessly inflammatory. The children HAVE school spirit, if their response to their teachers & awards assemblies is indicative. If there is lack of 'spirit' it shows in the children whose parents buy them shirts that read 'save trees, don't do your homework' and other anti-academic remarks. Which is a reflection on 'less than adequate' parental involvement/attitude, not a reflection on the school. One could, I suppose, fault the school for not banning such negative slogans. I agree with all posters that the principal provides mediocre leadership. The school runs on the competence of the office staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I was educated at private schools and initally enjoyed both of my children at a private school. I have been impressed with the teachers at this public school. However, there are many teachers which are less than adequate. If you know what to look for in can be a great place for your child. Mrs. Guerrero, Mrs. Hakel, Mrs. Hargrave, Ms. Connors,Mrs. Behar and Ms. Toyoshiba are some of the best teachers I have come accross. The librarian, Ms. Hofstra is also terrific. Parental involvement is minimal and the school is not inclusive of Spanish speakers. The Office Assistant, Ms. Rodriguez is Spanish-speaking and very helpful. The school needs to work harder to serve the large Latino population better. Activities are disorganized and there is no sense of community nor school spirit.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great and show genuine interest in helping all students learn. The principal needs to learn to motivate her staff, parents, and students.
--Submitted by a parent

love this school the best experience been throught alot of private school and they werent good. this one is the best love it
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, My child is flourishing. We could use more parent involement though, and it would be nice to have some extracurriculars for the children.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school is great they have challenged my kids, and my son has special needs and they have made great accomidations to help him succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. They challenge my son and he loves it. The teachers are the best and they care about there kids and there futures. K.R.H
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Imperial, one in the 2nd grade and one in Kindergarten. My son in Kindergarten is doing so well he is now reading Dr. Seus books from begining to end. My older son is doing just as well and I have to give the credit to the great teachers at Imperial. Mrs Hamilton and Ms Hargrave have both contacted me when there has been an incident they feel I should know about. Not many teachers will do that and I am grateful to them for taking the extra effort.
--Submitted by Elsa Pierce, a parent