Joshua Cowell Elementary School

my girls really like that school, they are so happy, with the new teachers has a parent, Im so happy with the new principal and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I have only recently been introduced to this school, and as the wife and daughter of a teacher myself, I am saddened by the apathetic attitude of several of the teachers. Continually asking for progress reports to no avail and when a student gets a D- on their report card, they have the gall to leave the comment that she is improving. Homework is not given in particular class, so the grade is soley on tests and class work. Perfect, tell me what you do in class. Oh wait, you would have to show up for the parent teacher conference. But they didn't. Told me they other things to do...well guess what....so did I.
--Submitted by a parent

The only problem with this school is the Principal. She is not a people person and her personality can often be confused by rudeness. The staff on the other hand keep the school going. I too agree that she should retire.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that the principle does not do enough to promote school spirit and allow the children to feel proud of their school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at this school. I have a 4th and 2nd grader. My only problem with this school is I feel its all work and no fun for the kids. There are no assemblies, there was nothing extra for Halloween and I feel like my kids have no fun. I feel school should be fun for the children to keep them interested.
--Submitted by a parent

I do agree with the situation of the principal and that the district needs to look at replacing her. I have two children and my fifth grader is an honor student. The teachers are Wonderful. We have lived in three other states where the Principal, office staff and teachers were top notch. A principal is the foundation and support of their teachers, students and staff. I can say that we have never experienced a principal who seems to loathe children, teachers and parents as the principal at Joshua Cowell. We are now in another school with a wonderful principal who shows pride and honor to the students, parents and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I would like to see music with instruments, voice lessons and plays.
--Submitted by a parent

ive been attending joshua cowell for 9 years im an eighth grader and i love joshua cowell , all these clames about how bad it is i dont agree with them.. all of the teachers are so caring and ive grown to ahve a relationship with every single one i feel like i can talk to them when i have a problem...i will be graduating from joshua cowell and im proud to say i will miss it so much ive grown up at that school.
--Submitted by Andrea soto, a student

My children have attentded Joshua Cowell for 3 years now. I have seen this school start out healthy and turn to worse. The teachers here deserve all the credit. They keep in touch with the parents and let you know what is going on with the your child. The parent teacher relationship is outstanding. The teachers truly care about the children and their education. But lately the problem is the principle. My children are quiet and kind-hearted. And the children will pick on them. And I am not just talking about name calling. My children have come home with bruises on their backs. My daughter came home with a black eye. I brought to the principles attention and her response was, ' there is nothing I can do about it'. My children deserve better and so does yours. Don't send your child to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a former student of this school now attending Manteca High, and would like to say that these claims that are nothing but negative come from parent's who apparently could not have little tolerance at all. In the time I spent at this school I did experience that adminastration was not always on top of everything and the 'yard duties' weren't really to par, but the teachers were excellent, at least in my years there (7'th and 8'th). Most of them really cared if the children understood, not just did the work, but got the concept. Teachers maintained disipline in the class very well. As far as 'the playground is unsafe' it's an arrangment of metal for little kids to jump and climb on, it won't be 100% safe no matter what, nor should it be, you can't shelter your child completely. So if you are intrested in the area don't let these complaints throw you into some unnecessary paranoia.
--Submitted by a former student