Newcastle Elementary School

The superintendent is ruthless. She forms so called committees and steers the decisions her way. Some of her clones actually think they contribute to things she has already decided. Morale has been down since her first year and the Board of Trustees does nothing about it. They are not receptive to staff complaints as she has them in her pocket. Come on people, listen to someone other than the Superintendent and her hand picked click.

. Newcastle School consists of exceptionally dedicated, talented, diligent and compassionate educators. The school's standards of academic instruction, discipline policy, follow through, community involvement, and fairness toward all students are excellent. Most educators today can "talk the talk" of implementing practices that are current, highly effective and fair. Yet, it is only at Newcastle that we have experienced educators actually "walking the walk" of providing a truly outstanding education for all students. My daughter has internalized the importance of striving to improve in all areas, and the hopefulness that comes from being part of a school that values fairness, equality and opportunity, no matter who your parents are. There is absolutely no bullying of any sort permitted, ignored or denied at Newcastle Elementary School! She can now move into high school as the best that she can be as far as her morale and her preparation are concerned.
--Submitted by a parent

We just completed our first year at Newcastle Elementary School and we love it! Parent involvement is fantastic. The PTO does a great job of trying to do one big fundraiser, rather than nickel and diming us to death. There is a wonderful dad s volunteer group that helps out too. The teachers and administration are very proactive. I have had great communication with my son s teacher, she will even email me with updates. The support for technology is fantastic, which is especially impressive in light of the financial pinch the state has put them in through increased regulations and deferment of funding. In response to earlier reviews (many are out-of-date): Safety has been a big focus in recent years. There is a lot of new security both inside and outside of the school. Great attention is given to current threats, such as cyber-bullying and drugs. Educational events are sponsored for parents too. The school fosters a great community spirit, through local field trips and community service graduation requirements. This is an excellent place to send your students, and we wouldn t go anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a great enriched enviroment! Coming from a private parochial school enviroment, we were not sure what to expect... What a great change to excited teachers and teaching enviroments. My children came in far behind in Math, writing skills and reading. Their grades went from being C-D students to Honor Roll Students within the first year! The teachers and staff went above and beyond to help them catch up and to make sure their adjustment went smoothly! And in this very tight educational budget. recessive economy, it's wonderful to have a principal that goes after every dime, grant, and funding she is able to apply for! Mrs. Daugherty takes the time to get to know this children and is also a presence in their classrooms, she is not just an administrators! They also have a very strong anit bullying atmosphere and problems are addressed immediately! With wonderful communication between, teachers, staff and administrators!
--Submitted by a parent

Principal: she will pick and choose student/kids depend on your income. Teacher quality is great. Safety: is big issued to this school for so many years.
--Submitted by a parent

Newcastle is a wonderful school. We have been there 2 years and love it. I went to the open house before we attended and couldn't get in the classroom because there were so many parents. My son loves the school. There is outstanding parent participation and constant efforts to communicate with the parents. keep
--Submitted by a parent

Due to the influx of students who do not live within the school district boundaries, Newcastle is not the 'small town' school we had hoped it would be. I believe they are inheriting problem students from other districts.Also, there seems to be a lot of teacher turn-over.
--Submitted by a parent

Since we moved to Newcastle this last summer, my children have attended Newcastle Elementary School. Fellow parents, if you are considering sending your child to this school, I would strongly discourage it. Newcastle Elementary is a school in great need of discipline and parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Newcastle this summer, thus my son is attending Newcastle School (8th grade) for the first time. I perceive the teachers and staff to be dedicated and responsive to individual needs (amazing in a class of 39!), but also burdened by this ridiculous state program that requires they teach to standards rather than using their own creativity to teach what they know and love. I think these state standards have snuffed the spirits out of most teachers -- but the group that I've seen at Newcastle school is working hard to try and stay motivated and creative within the mess our state has made of the public school system.
--Submitted by Donna Tielsch, a parent

I went to Newcastle School as a child and now find myself once again living in the District, though this time as a parent. The change in Newcastle School is incredibly disheartening. It saddens me that Newcastle School is no longer a 'neighborhood' school.
--Submitted by a parent