Harry Dewey Fundamental Elementary School

Today I attended Dewey for Kindergarden visitation. I am going to appeal the open enrollment results and open enroll my son in Dewey. I am very upset that my son did not get in Cowan, as they reduced the number of K classrooms from 3 to 2 for 2012-2013 (parents voted on that so they can keep the school small). Fundamental education is important to me, therefore I was interested in visiting Dewey. The three K teachers that I met were wonderful. The office staff was very helpful , and answered all of my questions - I spoke with two ladies there. The campus looks old, indeed, but that is not really a factor that will affect our children's education. I can not say anything about the parents, though, as I did not meet any. Even though I will have to drive further, I hope my son makes it into Dewey.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves Dewey. She has always liked her teachers and staff. I wish the office staff was a little nicer though. I don't want to call or go into the office because the secretary is so rude. I don't think she wants to work there. That's how she acts, anyway. The other lady, Debi, is very nice and I would rather deal with her when I go to the office. The new principal is awesome!!! She has already made several changes for the better. Most of the teachers are quite good and do a good job. The school as a whole is pretty good, I just wish that lady in the office wasn't so rude. I'm not going to let her ruin my daughter's experience at Dewey. For the most part, we love this school!!
--Submitted by a parent

I love the office staff, Dewey has a lot of parents that volunteer and are coming into the office all day signing in and putting on their stickers. If you need assistance speak up, they are more than willing to help out.
--Submitted by a parent

The office staff needs to be more attentive when parents go into the office. Sometimes they sit there, chatting, while there are parents standing there needing assistance. I'm happy with the rest of the school, pretty much. Certainly, Dewey isn't the super school I was lead to believe it was.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, it's funny and it's not about the people who make these judgmental comments without really getting involved in the school. This is a very well operated school from top down. I'm sorry for negative comments. This school goes beyond making sure that the kids parents or guardians are kept-up with current and up-coming school events by distributing this information through hand-outs. The school principle makes phone calls & sends out a Dewey Tiger booklet that must be signed and brought back to the kids teachers the next day. This is a very strong parent participation school. Me & my wife have been involved with this school for the last seven years. Each year there are changes just like anywhere else. But, the staff (under-staffed) people that work in the office well go out of there way when time permits. This is a very professional type school that rewards all that attend, including parents. Try coming to a award assembly &/or back to school night, or the many other events that the school and parents but together before making any further judgements. Get involved!. Thanks Dewey for your excellence in teaching my children. Keep up the great work!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree about the office staff at Dewey Elementary. They're very rude and short. They're the first impressing given when visiting the school and my impression is they don't want to do their job and they don't like people coming into the office. Well, excuse me!
--Submitted by a parent

I too believe that the staff needs to be accountable for their actions as well. Not so much all the teaching staff but the office staff. I have had numerous problems with them about not being professional and favoring students and treating others wrongly right in front of these children. What kind of example is that setting for our children! This year Dewey has really let us down!
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, Dewey is an average school. However, in the last few years, there has been a new influx of below average teachers. Many of the good teachers have either retired or withdrawn from Dewey. With that said, there appears to be an ever increasing attitude of superiority relaying a message that they may not always be correct, but they are never wrong. The politics tends to sicken me as many valid issues are distorted and/or swept under the rug, depending on the person and the situation. I read and hear a lot of virtuous words and moral rhetoric, yet none of it applies to the staff so much for accountability. Children need to be taught by example, not by the use of empty words and superficial rhetoric. The principle is the worst offender! Unfortunately, this disease is rampant throughout the schools in California and in many other states as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been impressed by the staff at this school several times I am a grandparent.

I seriously am in love with this school! It is an amazing alternative to the crappy schools in Citrus Heights (which is where we live.) We have truly met the most amazing families at Dewey. Also, we have had amazing teachers thus far! The office staff is great too. We started the first week of Kindergarten at Cambridge Heights last year and it was horrible. I was elated when I got the call from Dewey that they had found some room for my daughter! I do agree, there is a little room for improvement. Yes, it is an old school, but I really don't think that's what's important. The important thing is that my daughter is getting an incredible education, and loving every minute of it. The only complaint I have is that there are no extra activities such as any art/fine art type stuff.
--Submitted by a parent