Barrett Elementary School

My daughter is in 3rd grade at Barrett this year. I really like this school and believe that there is a lot of parent involvement. However, I see some problems in that students are required to do very little homework outside of school and sometimes don't appear to get everything taught to them in class. I have seen this with students in the neighborhood in different classes at Barrett. I also think the MHSD policy about not bringing sweets on occasion for class parties is absurd. The office staff here take this way too seriously.
--Submitted by a parent

One thing we all need to remember is education starts at home. We place a lot of responsibility on schools and teachers to be the primary educators of our children - in my opinion, too much responsibility. At Barrett, the teachers take this responsibility very seriously, but face challenges with the ever increasing number of ESL and ELL students, increasing budget restraints and dimishing funds, and lack of parental support. Lisa Atlas and her staff are committed to improving the lives and quality of education their students receive, but to see a greater level of academic performance and improvement in pride and self confidence in these children, there needs to be a stronger committment from the parent community to make this happen. Invest in your own child's future and show your support through volunteering time in the classrooms, supporting the HSCC through donations, and being 'present' in their daily academic lives!
--Submitted by a parent

I see that the 'old homework debate' is alive and well at Barrett. Both sides have valid and heartfelt opinions on this subject, but I must agree with Barrett's recent decision to limit homework to nightly reading. This decision was reached by Mrs. Atlas based on recent , in depth, national studies that observed that students that do alot of homework in elementry grades do not perform any better than students that do limited amounts of homework . Studies have also shown that good READING habits are the most important factor in a students academic success. In todays real world,families may not have much quality time with their young children. Stress over getting homework done may collide with many working mothers that are too tired at night to fight the homework battle. I applaud Mrs. Atlas for her courage and insight into bringing Barrett into the todays world. Debra Morris,guardian

I just read the unfair review that someone posted yesterday. I am a mother of 7 and a grandparent of 8. I am familiar with many schools at all levels. My two eldest grandsons graduated from college last year. my youngest grandson will graduate from Barrett in a few weeks. i have had grandchildren at Barrett since the day it opened. This is a school full of dedicated, caring teachers that are very aware of all recent educational tools and how to incorporate them into their classrooms. Mrs. Atlas, the principal is the most enregetic, intelligent leader I have ever encountered in over 50 years of haveing students in public schools. She loves her school , the students and her staff and gives 150% of her time and energy to Barrett. You should also find out about recent recognition of Barrett students in regional accomplishments. Check your facts !
--Submitted by a parent

with all do respect to all comments , i do not agree with them.most of the teachers don't care if the students did their homework, or even finishes their work at school. everything is optional,the teacher will give the student a long list of questions to do for their reading, but not all the students will do it, because it's optional. this year they started the no homework thing, only reading, that's the principal new way of doing homework, so how about math, science and writing. the other thing is i don't see my kids studying science ,they say they don't have time for it, they'll start the next half of the year,i always wonder what do they do in school all day, their science education is not good at all. the principal seems nice, but as far as leadership and education, she doesn't fit in this catagory.
--Submitted by a parent

barrett has very good principal leadership!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very pleased with Barrett. I moved from Cupertino and have to say I am impressed with the school and most teachers. The school staff is very tuned to the Students needs. The Principal cares about the students and it shows.
--Submitted by a parent

It seems to me the more I find out about other schools in the surrounding area I relize more and more through talking to other parents that this is one of the better schools out there. I feel lucky and glad to know my child is going to such a great school. I didn't know till now what a great school she was going to I guess I have always had high standards. I did notice that the the staff seemed to really enjoy working with the students and I was happy for that and the test score met up and I could see my child was doing well but it's nice to know others hold it up in such high regard also. Great School five stars:)
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Barrett for three years now (2 children). The teachers and principal are great. There is a high number of English learners at this school, which takes time and energy away from students who are proficient. I have been happy with the art and music programs. There is a core group of parents that are involved. My children have done very well there, but we are currently looking at alternatives, because there are just too many non-English speakers, which just takes too much time and resources away. Also, the social climate is questionable after the primary grades.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs at this school are excellent. The availability of extra curricular activities is limited by the ever decreasing funds the state makes available for this purpose. This is a shame ,but not the fault of the school.Parent involvement is very healthy but limited as most households in this community are two working parent units. It is hard to be involved in school activities after a full days work. Overall, this fairly new school does a great job at educating our children. Special recognition should be given to the principal,Mrs. Lisa Atlas. She is a strong and innovative leader.
--Submitted by Carol Moran, a parent