Twin Lakes Elementary School

Christine Olinger is not fit to run a kennel, let alone a school. She does not care about the children or the parents and their concerns. I have had several safety issues and when I try to address them I am invited into a game of CYA. This is unacceptable!
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children and 2 of my grandchildren attended Twin Lakes of which I was always proud. However, the last three (3) years have been abdominable. Especially when the school touts support of soldiers and their families: My story: I don't understand Christine Olinger and her refusal to provide my grandson with excused absence for 2 weeks, and his homework. He will be saying goodbye to his stepfather to whom he is very close one day prior to his deployment to Afghanistan. He will be helping his mother and three younger sisters move back to Orangevale, CA with her family. We asked 2 weeks prior to his departure and she said there is a 3 week requirement; this was never relayed to us at the beginning of the year in all the documentation received. Both of my children attended and graduated from Twin Lakes and now the second of my grandchildren attends. This has affected him negatively since he is so close to David (stepfather). After both super events put on by the school about supporting the troops and their families, this certainly doesn't fit the bill. I am truly happy this is the last grandchild that will be attending that school due to this behavior. Carolyn Foster

We had a great kindergarten and 1st grade experience here. Unfortunately, the 2011/2012 school year has not been a very positive one. The school has become over crowded this year (between 31 to 40 students per classroom). The desk are tightly packed together, giving each student very little room to get anything done. The teachers try to do their best, but due to the class size, a lot of their focus is on student's behavior and test scores. If you have a child who needs extra help to understand the work they are given, there is a good chance they will not get the help they need.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Twin Lakes! My husband attended Twin Lakes over 14 years ago and now our children attend, and have some of the same wonderful teachers. Twin Lakes still puts on their fantastic program the Rock N' Roll Show preformed by the 6th graders that my husband was in 14 years ago! I will agree with another poster about the office staff. They have been known to be rude on occasion but nothing to over the top. Parent participation is still really high at Twin Lakes, for example we parents pulled together to campaign to have our school be K-8 instead of K-5 and are making up our own independent curriculum based off Orangevale Open. Our parents here at Twin Lakes are known at the school board for being strong advocates for our children. Parents have always been welcomed with open arms to help in the classrooms and participate in all school functions. This a great school with wonderful traditions.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in second grade. He has had many challenges throughout his school year but I have to say that this year has been wonderful. His teacher has been amazing. The school and district have recognized the problem and have provided excellent team work to help him in every way that they can. It is still a work in progress but I am hopeful that with their continued support he will realize his full potential.
--Submitted by a parent

What an amazing school. Our two children love Twin Lakes. So do we. They have the best arts program in Califorinia, an amazing music teacher and PE program as well as a strong focus on the standards. We love being involved in this school. Weather it's the Rock n Roll Show, the annual carnival, book fair, or weekly volunteering this it a great school. My kids are building not only their education, but their self esteem and a strong sense of community! We love Twin Lakes.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had a child in Twin Lakes since the 1998-1999 school year. I am very sad to say that the school has not maintained the supportive, positive environment it once had. The parent involvement is down as the teachers no longer welcome us in the classroom. The office staff is very rude and will ignore you when you walk it. The attitude starts at the top and is rolling down in an unhealthy way. I am pulling my last child out and we will not continue at Twin Lakes. It has been sad to see the decline of the schools family atmosphere & Welcome attitude.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 4th grade and has been going to Twin Lakes for 2 years. I have not been very impressed with this school. The teachers have not comunicated well with me and I feel like thier school system has been letting my daughter fall through the cracks. The office staff has been very rude to me on numerous occassions and the school never has holiday performances or plays for my daughter to participate in. My daughter cant wait to move and attend a new school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 daughters that both go there and we LOVE it!! I am very excited it is going to be a k-8!! I love all of the teachers there and the parent involvement is amazing! There is always parents there to help, in everything
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school for our kids! We moved to the neighborhood for the school. Parent involvment is unmatched! The Art program, music program and PE program are amazing!
--Submitted by a parent