Foothill Elementary School

My daughter has attended Foothill Elementary School since she was in kindergarten. She is now in 5th grade and is in Mrs. Banashefski's class. She loves her teacher and loves her school. With all of the cutbacks and money issues our MPUSD schools have experienced, I have to say that Foothill is doing an excellent job providing a good education for our students. Our principal, teachers, front office, all staff members, PTA, cafeteria professionals, custodians and parents are working together as a team to make our children's learning experience a positive one. I, for one love this school and am very proud to be a part of this wonderful team!!! After all, if we all work together to promote education in our schools, assist our teachers in the classroom when we can, play with our children on the playgrounds to get to know who their friends are, work out with our children in P.E. to show them how important exercise is (which is being funded by our Foothill PTA, not MPUSD), and be a part of promoting a positive environment for our kids, we can help our children believe that they can make a difference. Isn't that what we want for our kids? Foothill Elementary has made a difference for us..
--Submitted by a parent

My son just started Kindergarten and I was appalled at the number of students in a class (30 to one teacher). After the first half week, I couldn't believe how juvenile the curriculum was. My 5 1/2 year old was "working" on shapes. At the Back to School night we learned that next week the kids would be starting a new math unit (I had some hope that it would be a little more advanced). I was stunned when the teacher said with enthusiasm that the kids would be learning the numbers 1-5! Granted my son has had the opportunity to attend really good preschools, but I did expect there to be some challenge or additional work from the teacher for the kids who already mastered the current topics. Our teacher made it clear she could or would not deviate from the set curriculum. My husband and I will be removing him from this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Horrible staff. The Principal doesn't seem to care to work with parents when issues are brought to him. Poor after school program. Academics don't seem to be important. Awful supervision; my child was CONSTANTLY bullied, bruised, and beat up, and yet, no staff member seemed to be around to stop any altercations. My nephew experienced similar situations. I pulled my child from this place and relocated him to a more structured and safe learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our son's second year at Foothill. They went from 5 Kindergarten teachers to 3 1st grade teachers so unfortunately there are 28 kids in his class. That said, the school does what it can, and the teachers are very impressive. Programs are administered well, the facilities are good, and the kids are handled well. Honestly, with funding being what it is, we couldn't ask for more, and especially in Mrs Maschmeier's class, our son has progressed immensely. Very happy with Foothill.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, this school has been affected both by the lack of funding in the state for education and the poor management of this district. The principal communicates well with parents but doesn't seem interested in working well with them. Teachers are scatter shot - some seem great, but some have no classroom control and little experience inspiring the children to learn. The principal acts less than concerned about the lack of education those students receive. Some classrooms are small and under-supplied compared to others in the grade. The PTA, which is awesome, pays for classes that are standard in other districts (PE, for example). Parent volunteers in the classroom are heavily recruited but treated with disrespect. The school has a lot of room for improvement, but without money and cooperation between administration and parents, improvement isn't likely.
--Submitted by a parent

One of the last neighborhood schools after our District closed several of highest performing schools. In that sense, it is a godsend. It maintains the flavor of a true elementary school -kids overall are happy there, enjoy their school. Overall, they are engaged, but would like to see more parental and admin engagement in developing enhanced programming. They do the best they can with less money received than low performing schools. With an active PTA, they do lots of fundraising, but need more support for arts and extra and enhanced learning opportunities. It is a lovely campus and the kids seem to really enjoy going there. Communication from administration could be better. Primary negative issue for me: bullying and emotional issues are not dealt with for younger kids, only discipline given, no modeling or guidance given; parents not informed of incidents, but a good school & teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school- does a lot with what the district offers. The scores are always at the top in the state.
--Submitted by a parent

Foothill is a wonderful school overall with outstanding teachers and staff. I feel academicically Foothill is very strong but with all of the recent budget issues, they have had to cut their music program. They do however offer a music program for a nominal fee and they still have PE and art. Foothill also has wonderful parent and volunteer support. Overall I am very pleased with Foolhill and would recommend it to other parents.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been very happy at Foothill. They after school care has been good.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter enjoys going to Foothill. The teachers are very supportive. There is an optional music program you have to pay for. There is art and P.E. offered at the school. Overall, the parents are very involved with the school.
--Submitted by a parent