Ferris Spanger Elementary School

This school has really lost its edge. The school doesn't treat parents or students. If you voice an issue that needs to be addressed you will quickly become the school's enemy. The school's principle is more concerned with being well liked than doing the right thing. The school also allows student safety to be compromised.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Lewis is the best and we couldn't have asked for a better Kindergarten teacher for our son. The office ladies are awesome as well!
—Submitted by a parent

love it!!!! And amazing school with great staff! the kids get a good education. I would not change it for the world!
—Submitted by a parent

My children are on a transfer to Spanger. I couldn't be happier with the staff. So thankful they had room for us.
—Submitted by a parent

All of the teachers and staff are wonderful. They really show they care about the studends and want to see them succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a Spanger parent, and I would say that I am happy with the school overall. I have heard great things about other teachers, but we have had a really not good teacher this year. My childs teacher has been out for probably 3-4 months of the school year, and the principal has no recourse. We are hoping that we have better luck next year as far as the teacher goes, but everything else has been really wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

The bad: The secratary is not easy to talk to she can be rude and abrupt at times, I dont belive she is even aware of it. The good: I love her teachers they are careing and supportive with the children. My child loves to read and write, as the teachers make learning fun. They also have a very good special ed program for special needs kids. They do alot of fun-raisers, and the parents help out a lot! They are also getting a new fitness palyground and is in the progress of beeing build now. I hope to have my child stay here for the next few years as we reside in Sac Co. and have a district transfer, but the school may be too full for us this next season.
—Submitted by a parent

At one time Spanger was a great school. I'm not sure what happended, but the bullying and tolerance of 'bad' kids goes way too far. The 'good' children are constantly defending themselves with both the teachers and adminstration as far them not being the cause of a problem. They tolerate too much and therefore give out multiple citations that are meaningless. They don't suspend the troublemakers... there's a real problem and not safe! I will not being sending my children to Spanger next year as the school is just not up to excellence any longer.
—Submitted by a parent

My Child is in Kindergarten at this time and it has been a pleasure and a blessing to be in Mrs. Lewis' class. This teacher is so patient with the children and appropriately stops unruly behavior if it occurs. It's a shame we can't keep this teacher for every year our child is in elementary school. So far the principal has been great that we can see. She speaks of lifeskills to the entire school which teaches the children tools in success, effort, failure, and behavior, etc which is great. I find it hard to keep up with the numerous fundraisers, sometimes we receive 2 or 3 at one time, nonetheless, I'm sure most schools have the same challenge.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children love Spanger! I have a 4th grader and a 1st grader...they can't wait to get to school every day. There's no tolerance for bullying, fighting, name calling and general mean behavior. The Principal is tough, but I know my children are in a safe place where action will be taken immediately if any of the above happens. She's always been reasonable when there's a disagreement. Spanger is well balanced both academically and teaching general lifeskills. There's always a fun school wide activity / event / assembly that the kids love. Overall, I'm pleased with the VERY POSITIVE education my children are getting at this awesome school!
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, Spanger standards are quite high and was lacking in music & art until our Governor came thru with funding. This is our 1st year here & our last. This school is overly strict in discipline and do not listen to the children's side of the story when conflict is involved. Children are demeaned when normal mistakes are made. The principle/parent communication lacks, principle tends to ' get in one's face...' scolding you like a child in trouble instead of talking with you like a real person. Some teachers are understanding, compassionate and really into the kids, and some our basically there to get a paycheck. This school definitely teaches to the Test, so much to the point that they lack in compassion & emotional support for the students. Do not expect many 'extras' from teachers and suggest you meet principle 1st before you enroll.
—Submitted by a parent

The level of concern from the teachers to students, I've found, is severely lacking. In addition, their over-emphasis on academics leaves culturally-important programs like music and art out to dry. I'm glad that this is our last year here.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kindergartner has had a great experience being a Spanger student. Our family feels welcome, appreciated, and important. The teachers are all friendly, and care about the kids. The school is clean, the library is beautifully put together, the neighborhood is safe and pleasant. Excellent PTC program and activities. We enjoy music class, computer lab, and library day each week. Field trips have been well choreographed and relevant. A great school with a great principal!
—Submitted by Kelly White, a parent

Spanger is what every school should be. My kids can't wait to go to school. The staff is loving and stern without putting the kids down. The principal knows each and every child on campus. She can always be found with the kids and is extremely approachable. The Library is well stocked and a fun comfortable atmosphere. I wouldn't want my kids to be anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

Many outstanding teachers and excellent parent involvement with an active PTC. It pays to observe prospective teachers and talk to parents of students about particular teachers. Campus is clean and safe. As with most campuses today, it has gone overboard with respect to 'safety and respect' on the playground - a student cannot make up their own rules to games (there goes the imagination!) and citations have been issued to students who have stood up from an uncomfortable position after the 'freeze bell.' Principal is not the best with parent communication (did not involve parent when student was involved in physical behaviors & did not respond in a timely manner (it took 8 weeks) to a request by a parent regarding student placement).
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves Spanger! The teachers are wonderful and our kids are always happy to go to school. The music and art program is lacking, though. Academics take top priority.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in Kindergarten ans so far way exceedes my expectations of an elementary. The teachers are caring and attentive. They truly care for the kids and their progress.
—Submitted by Jessica Hagan, a parent

We love Spanger! Mrs. Westphal is an excellent leader as well as a very compassionate person. She always perceives the student as an individual when providing solutions to various issues. There is a very positive attitude through out the school teachers, parents, and kids. Its a very happy place where learning is a fun rewarding experience for all.
—Submitted by a parent