Ralph E. Hawes Elementary School

After reading many of these reviews, I'm sad. I LOVE this school and I wish everyone had the same experiences as I have had at Hawes. I've got a 3rd grader whose been at Hawes since kindergarten. He does well in school and has made lots of friends. Yes, the class size has grown, but that is not the fault of the school and I think they handle the load as best as possible. All these "fees" that some have talked about give your children Music and Art and P.E. that the budget no longer covers.Sure, sometimes it seems like a lot, but without these programs the kids would be missing out on these wonderful opportunities. I suggest to those that are unhappy, visit the school. Volunteer to help out sometimes. Join the PTA. Your involvement in your childs education can only help the situation.
--Submitted by a parent

If your child is in Rsp forget about them getting the help they need. My child started this school and he has gone down hill. The kids are bullys, and my childs teacher can care less about him. This is very sad, and my child is NOT getting the help he needs. The really sad part is that my child tells me that this school is not helping him compared to his old school, and this breaks my heart.
--Submitted by a parent

The reason I chose to transfer my son into this school was because his preschool highly recommended it and a majority of the kids he graduated with would be going here and I wanted his transition to be comfortable. Turns out all the kids going to Hawes went to preppy k so that was a bummer! So the problem I'm having with this school is the asking for money constantly!! There is a fundraiser all the time and all of the extra curricular sports and activities are not budget friendly. Maybe I'm just out of touch with how much things cost. But when there is a letter sent home asking to help out the less fortunate families at your own school I was appalled!!! If you can't afford necessary items for your children and you live in this district you need to move! And what is considered "less fortunate"? I would never think to ask my child's school for money. Unbelievably tacky!! The parent involvement is a little bit too much also. Yes, it's nice to be able to help out but when mommy or daddy are constantly there how do you expect them to detach? And if you don't know parents from outside of school forget it. It's a shame to see parents who are not welcoming and in a clique In their 40's.
--Submitted by a parent

Not sure how I feel about this school yet. My child is in kinder and is not doing as well as we had hoped. There being 29 kids in class, it's hard to get the attention a young person needs. Also, the communication lacks for sure. I am a working parent and I do everything I can do help and volunteer in class. I noticed that the other parents and students helping with the reading program aren't really keeping the kids on track. My own child's book reading was so out of order, I had to ask the question, who is teaching this child. I wish I could afford private school. And what is with there being no fence on the back of the school? That freaks me out every day, anyone could walk onto the campus at any time...and that is not a comforting feeling.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not quite sure what the last reviewer was thinking....but they definitely were NOT talking about Hawes Elementary. This school is WONDERFUL! It all starts with a very caring and approachable principal, Mrs. Harvey, who has high standards for the kids and the teachers. The teachers are fabulous also....and you can't ask for better parent involvement and PTA. It is no surprise to me that greatschools.org rated this school a 10!!! Go Hawes Hawks!
--Submitted by a parent

I have owned a house in the Park Huntington tract for almost 15 years. My wife and I obviously seriously considered sending our children to Hawes for school. I have left multiple messages for the principal to call me back. She never responded. And my wife spoke with other parents who said the Hawes staff act as if parents should be thankful their children can attend the school. We are fortunate to have another residence in a more parent (and student) friendly school district. Furthermore, if you look at many of the 5 star reviews, it is obvious the PTA encouraged parents to submit glowing reviews to boost the community rating. I should rate this 5 stars to boost home values, but I'll be neutral.

very bad school even some of the staff and teachers tell parents they should enroll their kids in a different school.
--Submitted by a parent

The staffs are very friendly and nice to all of us. They are helpful and welcome all the parents and kids to their school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten there. She loves it. My husband and I are so impressed with the way she is taught. Its her teacher...Mrs Cook! She is wonderful. She and my brother went to school together. I grew up in the HBCSD and quite frankly it has only gotten better over the years. Heres to you teachers and staff at Hawes. I am looking to 5 more years of wonderful education for my daughter and my son too when he gets there.
--Submitted by a parent

Hawes is a great school. From the wonderfully sweet principal, Mrs. Harvey, to the talented and compassionate teachers. I am so pleased both my daughters attend Hawes.
--Submitted by a parent