Valley Oak Elementary School

We are new to the school and are less than excited about it. Teachers might or might not respond to our attempts at communication, and this has been our greatest frustration. Being new to the school, several things have been less than explicit, and our attempts at clarification have often run into frustrating dead ends... sometimes leading to negative repercussions for our child. I frequently hear how phenomenal the Clovis Unified schools are, and I have no doubt that they are superior to most public schools in California (and probably most private schools in Fresno,) but this school poorly compares to our previous out-of-state elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am amazed by the parent with the negative experience, my son is currently enrolled in Ms. Vincent's 4th grade class and I have nothing but positive things to say about his 4th grade year so far. As parents we have never made a donation other than time and I am confident our son receives the same good education as the next kid. Now could you ticket some of these teachers for being too pretty? ya probably.
--Submitted by a parent

I would have to highly disagree with the previous review submitted by "other". I have been involved with valley oak for the last 7 years with my two kids and I have nothing but good things to say. Valley oak has a great staff Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Vincent and Mrs. Hustede have always been professional and personable in our engagements. Mrs. Watson has handled any issues I have with my kids fairly and quickly. Don't let a skewed view form "OTHER" deter you from this Great school with a great staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately we are leaving Valley Oak on a bad note due to the teachers and Ms. Watson. Mrs. Duwe is a valuable asset to the school but she will be leaving on a part-time basis at the end of the school year 2010-2011. If you have a student there be mindful of the following teachers: Mrs. Gregory who teaches 6th, Kristi Vincent who teaches 4th and Mrs. Hustede's who teach 5th. All 3 teachers are upper level and have countless complaints towards them as teachers. The new principal does not support the parents or students and shows favoritism strictly towards the parents that donate and are involved in the Parent committees. It is unfortunate that Valley Oak has gone down hill since the arrival of Mrs. Watson. Very Ghetto for Woodward Park area.

It was a great school until the new principal this year. Ms. Watson knows nothing of running an elementary school, as she came from the district office. It has become more about the rule book then the children and how to help then excel. My son and daughter currently attend Valley Oak as have my other 3 children. I am currently looking to remove them from this school and move them to a school that has a more healthy learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

VO is a great school: great leadership is provided by Ms. O'Farrell and Ms. Dewey (who happen to know each and every student by name!), and outstanding facilities maintenance by Mr. Calderon. Most of the teachers are very dedicated to their professions, are hard-working, and happen to be parents themselves. My suggestions for improvement at VO are more inclusiveness towards parents and parental involvement, better teacher-parent communication (with better use of classroom websites for this) and more teacher diversity. Realistically, instead of a ranking of '10', Id give them an A- but overall its a good school for my kids!
--Submitted by a parent

Truly an exceptional school. As the parents of 4 children in the school, I feel I can speak with some authority on this. Outstanding staff which starts at the top - Eimear O'Farrell is the most involved, most dedicatged principal I have seen - and this sets the tone for a host of exceptional teachers. I truly cannot say enough positive about Valley Oak.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Valley Oak school from on in Southern CA. I researched the school before enrolling my children and met briefly with its staff. I have not been disapointed. My daughters love their school and the extra activites provided to upper grade is amazing. The staff are both professional and caring. The dedication I observe from Mrs. O'Farrell and Mrs. Dewey is truly inspiring. Special Kudos to Miss Domoto who is encouraging, positive and effective. She has been the perfect teacher for my 2nd grader.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves V.O. She is learning so much and is challenged. She has great friends and comes home very happy and excited about her school day. Her teacher seems kind and patient with the students. There are quite a few parents in her class that are very involved with helping which is always beneficial for the students and teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

We were part of the Valley OakSchool for a very short time, unfortunately. We were relocated to Fresno from Minnesota then back again. The students, teachers and soccer coach all went out of their way to make our daughter feel like she belonged and was important. The work was challenging and she developed a love for learning. Any of you with a child in Mrs.Firpo's 3rd grade, thank you so much for teaching your children to be kind to the new kid. Mrs. Firpo is the most incredable teacher and we are so blessed to have been assigned to her. She pushed our daughter and encouraged her to be curious. She instilled in her mind she was bright and capable. The parents at Valley Oak immediately embraced our family. We miss it everyday. If your at Valley Oak you are very lucky. Your kids are getting an outstanding education.
--Submitted by a parent