Holy Family Elementary School

MOney ..money...money... ! that is all this school is about. Mandatory mass, meetings..everything that is mandatory is to discuss money and HVAC. It's all driven by the principal... The teachers i feel are as frustrated as some parents...they are all good. The previous Principal Mrs. Hines (i belive was her name) was very good and i dont beelive we every heard anything negative. as of now...the history of HFGS is changing and i could honestly say it's due to principal..leading by example.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is super cool! My child says that robotics today had a parent working for Disney and taught them of motors and transformer designs. Good job Holy Family!
—Submitted by a parent

The concentration of this institution is always money and non stop of traps, or ploys to parents just to raise funds. For example, they want parents to pay $600.00 so they can raise for HVAC and once HVAC is installed, they will increase the tuition fees which will add hardship to families who are already struggling to send their kids to this school. I will understand the increase of tuition fees if the school improvements are not being shouldered by parents. I think the principal and the priest are no longer good in managing this school.
—Submitted by a parent

FINALLY!!! The school administration and parents have finally decided to complete the HVAC project this Summer! It took them almost forever. The community has been talking about this from many years ago since my daughter was in junior high and now she is graduating in college. A great decision made for the new schoolyear and the children. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!

Am a parent of another catholic school in Montrose and I am impressed! briefly spoke with the principal, priest and coach at the LA Arena decathlon yesterday. school principal was cool. full support in atendance and smart kids you've got there!
—Submitted by a parent

im not happy with this school because the only thing i hear is HVAC,is the only important thinks in the school,family mass they are asking for the important to be a member ,is only money ,money and money is not a family school is a money school, the father and principal only cares about the HVAC,if the school was like that for too many years, why they want the money now?!,we can start doing activities but dont stress the parent asking for 600.00 per family ,everything in life take time and if we dont have the money lets be in the same page ,dont try to do a bussines with the money of other people,i talked with differents parent and they are frustrared they will like to colaborate but is a hard time now,if not they dont want is THEY CANT ,please understand es no easy to asked for $230.000.00 ,
—Submitted by a parent

The student teacher and principal of the day was an amazing idea! The student teachers and the student principals had lunch together, shared plans, taught lessons, made announcements and laughed together. The upper graders listened and respected the young student-teachers, and vice-versa. Student announcements spoke well of their best character, generosity, and fluency in speaking. Great job Holy Family!

This is our 1st year at Holy Family and I can't believe how unorganized everything is. From the enrollment process, to billing, to pick up and drop off. It just amazes me that I'm actually paying for my child to go here. On top of everything else -I am so tired of hearing about HVAC. Donations are now becoming an obligation and losing its genuineness. I understand its importance and it is a necessity but the pressure they are putting on families to donate is not right. Even the "Welcome Dinner" for new families, seemed like a ploy to get more HVAC donations. No one asked if we had any questions or concerns regarding anything else. As a struggling single parent (who was actually laid off at the time of enrollment) -it would've at least been nice to know about tuition assistance programs, bell schedule or even just a tour of the campus. SERIOUSLY?!?! -that should've been a red flag, but instead we decided to give it a shot. Needless to say, we will not be coming back next year. Its taking everything I have not to just pull my child out now! Luckily, she has a pretty good teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

To the parent who gave 5 starts - good for the school and good for you! However, do not say that there are a few negative folks who are now gone. You don't know them; don't judge! Is voicing your opinion considered negative? I can't belieeve this came from a parent sending her child/children to a Catholic school. I hope God enlightens you.
—Submitted by a parent

All i can say is that the middle school teachers are on their game. My child has never been so inspired by the teaching. She loves the Math enrichment program during zero period as well. We feel really fortunate to have found Holy Family; we have since joined the parish.
—Submitted by a parent

2nd, 3rd and 8th grade teachers last year need an updating in their method of teaching. They also have to check and return students' homework and test papers.
—Submitted by a parent

A number of the 5-star reviews appear to have been written by the same cheerleader of the new principal (3 reviews within 2 days of each other?).
—Submitted by a parent

This school has grown leaps and bounds in the past two years. Mrs. Heintz was a terrific principal, but it was time for new leadership to bring the school into the 21st century. 4 years ago the school looked like a ghetto school. Since then, every year the school improves its plant and looks better and better. The "prison look" fence needs to go, but I think the pastor is working on it. But it's not all a matter of externals: the teachers on the roster are fantastic and the iPod program, despite resistance from a few parents who do not understand the need for enhanced technology, is a winner. There is also a Math program that takes place at the high school to help the middle school kids be even more prepared for high school. There is also a nice family atmosphere. The new principal is a hard working and dedicated administrator. Too bad some folks don't appreciate her dedication. There were a few negative folks last year, but they're gone. Hope they're happy! I know I am.
—Submitted by a parent

A number of the one star reviews appear to have been written by the same disgruntled individual. We will pray for him.

A number of the one star reviews appear to have been written by disgruntled parents who don't understand the whole picture. There has been significant progress made by the school just in the past few years; unfortunately, change is difficult for some individuals. It is true that five faculty members left 15 months ago; however, they did not resign. They RETIRED. There is a significant difference. One moved back to the Philippines. One still works there part-time. Another has plans to move back to Iowa. Another retired per her agreement with her husband. It just that it happened all it once, so the appearance of five teachers leaving at the same time wasn't so great. Those teachers were great. The new teachers are maybe even better. The iPad program is essential. iPads are the language of the future. Standards have gone up. There have been challenges in the transition, but the rough edges are getting smoothed out. Have fees gone up? Yes, they have. Why? Because nothing comes for free and a school must bring in sufficient funds to meet expenses.
—Submitted by a teacher

I sent my kids to HF school back when Mrs. Heintz was the principal. I agree with a lot of the other reviews, that things changed too dramatically when Miss Suelto was hired as principal. Five long-time teachers retired all at the same time, at the end of Miss Suelto's first year, and more have continued to leave as soon as they could find other jobs. From talking with some of the parents and faculty and staff, there was too much change, too fast, without considering how it affects people who have been there for a long time, and whether people can afford it. But faculty and staff are afraid to complain for fear of being fired. It is good leadership policy to take time to understand how things work before making changes, and then make changes gradually. But Miss Suelto tried to change everything all at once, without understanding that things might be that way for a good reason. Morale among parents and staff is low. People feel worried and insecure, because you never know what Miss Suelto is going to do next, and what it's going to cost you.
—Submitted by a parent

Is there a no star rating? It is sad to see how a new principal comes in and destroys the morale of the staff and students. Ms. Suelto is not a strong administrator and has brought down the standards that has upheld Holy Family for many years. I was a graduate of this great school and my children came in with Mrs. Heintz. I can't believe it has come down to this. I have had to pull my children and take them elsewhere. Public school are looking a lot better than this.
—Submitted by a parent

HF school has changed dramatically over 3 years.The front face it sounds good in presentation but many families are looking elsewhere. To start off are increasing in fees, ever since Ms Suelto came to HF, the Registration has doubled and if you have a additional child you pay plenty more than before. Uniforms changes results in new purchases of uniforms. Chearlleading uniforms has changed and the cost has also gone up. kids dont want to support it like before. HIddenfees, there are plenty of surpirses on charges. Hvac fund raising run is not sustainable for parents to pay. the implimentation of ipad (very expensive)destroys the childrens fundamentals in school. Front office has the worse customer service inluding ms suelto and the accountants. They will not listen and address your concerns but you have to pay no matter what. The staff mentioned that it is a blue ribbon school but we dont see much improvment since the changes are in later grades. its too late. foundation starts early. its my last year to complain about this school that was once good. most of the teachers have left last year and many families are leaving. please do your reserch before buying the presentation
—Submitted by a parent

Notice how a few reviews down a person rates the school high but opens her comments with, "I hope they keep their promise ...". That pretty much sums up the feeling right now. There is a lack of trust, even by those parents who are die hards. (The priest and principal spend too much energy on positive spin.) The other parents just find it too difficult to take their kids to another school because they don't want to separate the kids from their friends.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is in transition under new leadership. Many changes have and are occuring under this new principal. After the principal's first year five core senior faculty members resigned. After this school year, six faculty and staff member will no longer be returning. The values and sense of community that had originally drawn me to this school no longer exists. Too much change too fast isn't always a good thing especially when it seems that the leaders don't know how to go about achieving their goals with a sense of integrity and transparency.
—Submitted by a parent