Patton Elementary School

I disagree with the review below. Principal has nothing to do with enforcing the teachers to be there every day. Most GGUSD teachers are in the teachers union and their contracts specify number of paid sick days, holidays, etc. Why blame the principal? Also, the only "short" working days they have are Wednesdays; although the students get out early, the teachers stay and use this time for staff development and to discuss school issues. They don't get to leave early! My three children went to Patton and we were very happy with their teachers. Instead of complaining, why not volunteer in your childs class and see the learning that really goes on here. I dont know of any teacher on campus that would turn down an offer of classroom help. Loved this school and it's caring staff! My brother recently moved here so my niece and nephew could attend Patton.
--Submitted by a parent

Principal is not strict with teachers, absenteism among teachers is very high and the students get neglected, Considering their high salaries and long summer paid stay home and short working days and extra holidays, they should put their hearts and minds during the school days to take care of poor souls assigned to them each year. Instead most teachers in this school with the exception of very few have an attitude of showing a very nice face when they talk but do not whole heartedly attend to kids' needs. Same can be said of the administration and general state of affairs in the school, again pointing to poor leadership from the top.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent elementary school! Attentive and involved teachers and Principal. Wonderful and caring office staff and a clean and well maintained campus. My child attended 6 years at Patton, the educational activities and events held for the students every year are an example of what great leadership and incredible teachers can do for a school. Facing many budget problems, the PTA and staff have gone above and beyond to make learning a memorable experience for their students.
--Submitted by a parent

Patton is an excellent school for any child. Their teachers are wonderful, and the teachers will never give up on your child. I'm a former student there and I know that Patton is the best. I'm in tenth grade now and only two teachers that I have had has retired. That shows how much they care about their students. They also offer instrumental lessons in fifth grade. I still play the sax. The music teacher is great. I live in Virginia now, and Patton is so far ahead, I am taught some of the same things in high school I learned at Patton. Kudos to my K-6 teachers. Miss. McKinney, Miss. Jensen, Miss. Shannon, Miss. Weaver, Mrs. Murphy, Miss. Skiles, and Mr. Westergard. Class of 2006 K-6 Go Patton Patriots
--Submitted by a parent

Awesome place, awesome staff, great education for my children! I am so impressed with the teachers and administration and am so thankful for all that they do for my children.
--Submitted by a parent

All four of my children attended Patton. Two are currently students at Patton. I love this school. The teachers are so great. I have had the opportunity to experience the teaching techniques of over a dozen Patton teachers. My vote for gold medal teaching would go to Mrs. Shannon and Mrs. Vallone. We have a new principal. She has been implementing many fun things at Patton: a school wide costume party on Halloween, and showing movies during lunchtime in the cafeteria. It is nice to have a new principal.
--Submitted by Lisa Vezirian, a parent

I just had to take a moment out of my busy life to say that Patton is a great school. The teachers are so kind, and the campus is clean! That's a major plus to me. It's nice to know that my child is in a positive and safe environment. I don't have to worry about my child for one second while she is at school during the day, because I know she is in good hands.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended kindergarten at Patton last year. The number of children in his class was around 32, which seemed much too large to me. The teacher was able to teach and keep calm in the classroom despite such a large number of students. (Ms. Murphy did a fantastic job!) There was a good amount of parent participation/volunteers and the PTA sponsored many worthy activities. The principle and assistant principle were always visible and highly accessible.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic and extracurricular program. High parent involvement. Extremely active PTA membership. Large school in number of students, but a small school feeling! Staff (teachers and office) are outgoing and helpful.
--Submitted by a parent

My children are new to the school this year. I'm pleased that they love it. I've seen a difference in the caliber of homework compared to thier last school. Not sure about parent involvement, though - haven't been able to partake in anything since I work. I wish they'd have more opportunities for working parents to be involved.
--Submitted by a parent