Emmett S. Finley Elementary School

I have had nothing but problems with my son at this school. He had a great kindergarten teacher, but still he didn have a good principle and so I moved him to an El Centro school for 1st grade and he did wonderful! He got an award for academic excellence, and had a good teacher. My mother got sick and I moved back to Holtville and we are 3 weeks into school and I am being called for a parent teacher conference! I keep in constant communication with his teacher and I have spoken to her twice and she tells me everything is fine and now all of a sudden i have the school calling me for a meeting. This is not fair. So I am lookinf for a school to move my son to so he can actually get a good education because he isnt getting that here. And they can wait until school is out to have the AC fixed and they shouldnt have ladders out so kids kill themselves on them. This school isnt run good at all!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school has a long way to go under it's current administration. Funding is obviously a major concern because they do not have the allowance for physical education, art, or music. These programs I feel are critical for our children to expand learning as well as using their imagination. Also a major concern I have is safety. I have seen ladders in use when children are still in school. The young children getting hurt because they have to put their chairs on top of their desks. Also to punish the children they are having them stand outside with no supervision, and I have seen this when gates are open. The kids can either take off or a stanger can grab them. If you are thinking of moving to Holtville consider another school because this school is seriously lacking the concern for our children.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome. I don't think the previous reviewer could possibly have students in this school. You of course need ladders up when the air conditioners go out...you don't wait until the kids are gone when it's 100 degrees outside..it is the desert after all. Plus the school has a great music/band program taught by mr. macon. I have found the assistant principal to be outstanding and serious about thekids doing good. I love this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Finley is well run and the principle is on top of things and works with parents. They need to focus more on educating our children and the test scores will come. I think to much emphasis on test scores so they will get more money from state.
--Submitted by a parent

Finley school just finished another outstanding school year. The new administration and teachers seem to be working well together along with HOPE, a newly formed parent group. Playground equipment has been a huge issue this year, so far kids, parents, teachers and staff have raised nearly $20,000 through fundraising and donations. One piece of playground equipment should be installed over summer vacation. Much praise to Marci Mange and Pat Ramos for all their dedication, hard work and fundraising ideas for the much needed playground equipment and for their involvment in the Accelerated Reader program. Great job ladies. They are still seeking funds to purchase a second piece of equiment. Keep up the great work Finley. We are proud of you.
--Submitted by a parent

Things are definitely looking up in 2005. Remodeling has just been completed on the 4th and 5th grade classrooms in the north wing. The students are now settled in and the rooms look very nice. We are working on finding funding to purchase new desks for these classrooms. Remodeling was also completed at the end of last year in Kindergarten, First and Second grades. We have fundraising in process as we speak to raise funds for the purchase of new playground equipment. We also have money allocated to purchase some new books for our library. The quality of teaching is still excellent and our administrative staff is under new leadership and seems to be working very well together.
--Submitted by a parent