Fletcher Elementary School

It is obvious from the reviews on this website that some people are simply ignorant of how schools actually work. First, the principal does not have a choice as to whether combo classes are created. Most schools have them. If there are too many students at one grade level for one class and not enough for two, how would you solve the problem? If you have a better solution than our school district, please enlighten us. Teachers must be assigned according to how many students are at each grade level. That is a fact in every school, not just this one. Second, the scores on the 2011 CST at every grade level, except one, in L.A., Math and Science rose in 2011. Some scores rose dramatically, one from 16% to about 56%. Obviously, we are on the way up, not down. Many programs were put in place last year and teachers gave many hours of their time to help our diverse population. It worked. With workers rather than quitters, scores will continue to climb. I would urge everyone, rather than ranting and raving, to look at the facts, and if you find a problem, present a solution. As I tell my students, "Winners make the grade; whiners make excuses."
--Submitted by a teacher

This school continues to go downhill. The principal keeps combining grade levels so teachers can't even teach one cirriculum and don't have the time for two. Teachers like Mrs. Finch, Mrs. Stephens and Mrs. Lee are excellent teachers but can't keep up with principal demands being moved around, combining grades, etc. She refuses to listen to parents. Scores have dropped in the years she has been there and continue to drop. The kids are suffering because of it. I have to come here and hate every minute of it. I will keep trying to transfer out at all costs! The parental involvement is the only thing keeping this school afloat.
--Submitted by a parent

It is amazing that all I read from the parents and others is from the parents that have moved on. There must be something here that keeps you coming back,. for some of us we cant move do to the fact that we cant find a way there or cant get in to other schools. We make do with what we have. We help our kids the best way we can and thats being there for them. For you down below to bash the PTA, please that is the last thing on a parents mind. Some of them (PTA) do wonders for the school and like any other school some dont. We as parents need to come together and do what we feel is right for children. If that means moving your child its ok but dont put us down for staying here. That makes you just as bad. I am sorry that you have had to move and it did not work for you here but that is how things work, so lets all of us move on and enjoy the schoois that we are in, good or bad.

To the parent below, It looks to me as if the parent DID speak up. I have plenty of experience at this school as well and I agree that it is horrible! I did try to fix them and I spoke up too. I was EXTREMELY involved so please don't say we complain and don't do anything. You couldn't be more wrong. I got so sick of trying that I had to leave and move my child. It is so peaceful at the new school so as for saying there will be problems anywhere we go, I'm sure that's true for the most part but at least the problems are more geared towards the students and their issues, not the petty parents (meaning the PTA) trying to take over an elementary school to make themselves feel important and verbally attacking other parents and talking like truck drivers infront of the students! To the parent below defending this school, maybe you just don't know how good you could have it at another school so you think this dump is good. Maybe you should do some research.
--Submitted by a parent

If you send your child to this school, beware! They will be talked down to and for the most part treated like they are an annoyance. As for me, I want my childs elementary years to be filled with happy memories and wonderful experiences. The teachers, staff, and definately the PTA are rude and uncaring. Any parent that says otherwise is obviously involved in the PTA or a staff member and just trying to defend themselves or is on the outside looking in and don't know any better. They might be there all day long, but not because they care, it's because they need to feel important. Like another parent said, you can transfer your child to another school, it's not too difficult. I did it and we couldn't be happier! Just browse around on this website for other schools and just see how this school compares to others, you'll be amazed and disappointed that you ever sent your child here to begin with!
--Submitted by a parent

My child went to Fletcher last year (started there in K....when it had a 6 rating) and it was the most unhappy year of my child's life. MANY students, some teachers, & MOST of all the LUNCH LADIES & JANITOR, were MEAN and VERY verbally abusive to all of the children...EXCEPT their own!!! There are much better schools, like Serrano, Villa Park, & Olive. You CAN transfer to them, as long as they have space for your child. Even if they don't now..GET ON THE WAITING LIST!! My child is sooooo happy at the new school, has really NICE new friends & is one of the best students in the class!!!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent I have mixed feelings over Fletcher. My son spent preschool through 2nd grade at a private school, however we decided to switch to public school due to finances. I was not very impressed with Fletcher at first due to limited programs and larger class sizes. However, I decided to join PTA and start volunteering my time to the school despite having three children and working a full-time job. The only way to make a difference is to be involved. I believe Fletcher is moving forward. A new Principal started last year and I believe a couple new teachers this year. As far as the friendliness of PTA, I started attending meeting and volunteering for events last year and have had no issues. The PTA has also just launched their new website at https://sites.google.com/site/fletcherpta. Hopefully newcomers to the community will visit our school and give Fletcher a chance.
--Submitted by a parent

As a volunteer I am greatly surprised at the dedication the parents have at this school and how well they work with the staff. There is a new PTA Board this year and it seems to be going in an uphill direction because of the positive attitudes and the desire to help the students. LOOKIN FORWARD TO A WONDERFUL YEAR
--Submitted by a parent

When my child first attended this school I loved it. We were blessed with an awesome kindergarden teacher. The following years we continued to be blessed with really good teachers. Sadly that is the only thing that we liked about the school. The princpal is okay just a little clueless with kids. The office staff is great and incredibly helpful. The PTA is horrible. They have very few activites worth while for the kids and no parent participation. Which is due to the unfriendliness of the PTA. If this school could get the parents to want to help out then it would be better.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow! rated a 3 out of 10!!! Just keeps getting worse and worse! This school is taking a dive and if you have any concern for your childs future and education you will find a better school. This score has gotten lower every year. I thought it was bad when they rated it a 5 and now it's a 3! Teachers are not motivated and the PTA is so unprofessional, these poor kids are paying the price. This is sad. Submitted by a parent
--Submitted by a parent