Lisa J. Mails Elementary School

Academic wise I have no complaints, but some safety issue is one thing that needs to be address. I don't know who's idea it is to do a buddy system during playtime. The kinder kids being paired with the 3rd grader. My child got hurt when pushed too hard on the swing and fell facedown, where is the adult person that should be looking for this kids safety. Why give the responsibility to the 8 year old to watch the younger kid? My husband spoke with the 3rd grader teacher and she at once inform the office about the parent talking to her, not about some concern for safety during playtime. And the office call us at home to tell us that we are supposed to talk to them not to the teacher about our concern. No chain of command there, right? So I told my husband that even the smallest concern lets bring it to the principal since that is what they want! The afterschool class is a joke, i sign my kid before for sign language, a high school kid was teaching it, signing the alphabet and telling the kids the importance of being cool. I got my child out of there and told her that being a good person to everyone is better than trying to be "cool" to fit in.
--Submitted by a parent

Lisa J Mails promised to put my son as directed by his Psychologist on the 504 plan. They dragged it out all year so the school can make a perfect grade. This school is about grades over nurturing. They will call a social worker on you if you call them on it. The social worker told me and my husband to work together so the school can't gang up on the individual parent. My son has anorexia. The claim not to have the staffing to watch him during lunch. they have the time to hold him during lunch to make the grading standard. Sound like caring teachers? They did not put him on the 504 plan. They gutted his science project for a perfect grade. What happened to feeling of accomplishment?
--Submitted by a parent

The Kindergarten program at LJM is a big joke. Parent volunteers are hand selected and you can almost guarantee you will never see the inside of your child's classroom unless it is back to school night or open house. Their classrooms are very unfriendly and closed to families. A big sign that this is not an open door policy for volunteers. Not all the teachers are like this but sadly the ones who have family working in their classrooms are causing clicks and favoring some kids over others. There is one teacher in particular who likes to "diagnose " students with mental health issues and cause havoc on the lives of families year after year. Also there is one aid on the playground with 75 4 and 5 year old children. I don't know about you but that is a scary child to adult ratio.. there have been more accidents at this school than I can mention.. broken arms, traumas to the head and even 2 children being hit by cars just outside of the school because it lacks proper sidewalk for crossing and walking safely home. And just in-case your thinking But the Arts.. DON'T BE FOOLED there is nothing left in regard to the arts. I would write more but only allowed so many words per post.
--Submitted by a parent

LJM is one of the best schools in our District! From the awesome administration, teachers, staff, volunteers & Watch Dogs, LJM has it all! I am thankful everyday that my kids have both been lucky enough to attend such a wonderful school! The decline in housing hindered this school from getting all the finishing touches it needs as far as roads/ sidewalks are concerned, but those who attend the coffee chat with the Pricipals know that this has been a battle they have not given up on! There may be some teachers that are more challenging than others, but that is common all throughout our district! With all the budget cuts California has had to endure, these teachers at LJM continue to take pay cuts in order to help keep class sizes and focus on the children! LJM is at the top of my list for elementary schools in our area!!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! Professional, caring staff. Students succeed in an arts enriched environment. Huge parental involvement makes for a fantastic turn out for extra curricular activities for students.
--Submitted by a parent

As my family starts our 4th year at LJM I am grateful everyday that we began our childrens education at such a fine institution. The language & performing arts focus and integration into the regular curriculum not only motivates kids to succeed but keeps them enjoying school. The after school ENRICHMENT programs are just another great advantage the school has to offer. In an economy where cuts are everywhere it is great that our community will volunteer it's time to give the children something more to develop them as a whole. While I love that the teachers make sure the core subjects are absorbed they also make time to teach our children about the importance of being a rounded individual with knowledge of the sciences, arts, among many others and teaching them a deep sense of pride in their school, their community and themselves. A+ for parent involvement & Admin!
--Submitted by a parent

Don't be fooled! Many regular public schools have better quality arts programs. Most of the after school programs are 6 week classes (actually 5 weeks because the 6th week is an end of class party) run by high school kids looking to earn their community service hours. There is no real opportunity to build upon these classes - ex. your child can take 5 weeks of language, but what then? There isn't a second class to build on skills. Choir is just singing - kids aren't learning skills like how to read music like at other schools. No "Meet the Masters" program like other local schools. There are lots of arts and crafts - to the detriment of instructional time. Good teachers but school lacking vision, direction, organization and leadership. Look at similar schools ranking - they are only average. Don't believe the hype!
--Submitted by a parent

I love how caring the teachers are to the students and families
--Submitted by a parent

I love my colleagues and the people. Working had provides great results.
--Submitted by a teacher

The staff is outstanding, Lots of programs for the kids...great library.