Thomas Edison Elementary School

Our son is in the Spanish duel immersion kinder program and is doing well and learning a lot of math, reading and writing. He is even correcting my Spanish. I think his academic progress has a lot to do with his teacher, Maestra Megan Mardones being so effective, enthusiastic and caring, and the principal, Todd Linderman working so hard to improve the school. While there has been behavioral problems with some kids, parent involvement has been key in helping to deal with these issues. Since this school has a lot disadvantaged kids, parent involvement becomes even more important. What we appreciate about the school is the wonderful teachers and principal and vice-principal, and the outstanding academic curriculum. I am heartened to know that our son will be fluent in Spanish.
—Submitted by a parent

Today is the first day of school (8-16-2012) for my son. While I have no review to submit; I'm encouraged to hear that many parents remarks here give me hope and leave me encouraged. I think we can all work together to help our children do well and of course that starts with a "little we time" with them at home. I look forward to great news in the coming school year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in dual immersion Kinder. We moved mid-year from Willow Glen Elementary in San Jose CA. where he was in the dual immersion kinder The class sizes are smaller, the teachers and staff care. My son has learned so much here in a very short time. On the other hand, there is a lack of parent involvement here, which is the biggest problem I see. The PTA is not as proactive as WGE. There seems to be more behavior problems with children, which I feel more parent involvement would mitigate. I see kids whose parents pack them a roll of Oreo cookies for lunch and other junk food, these are children who need brain food, I have been shocked every time that I have gone into the lunch room. There is no recycling program, the garden is supposed to be starting up this month, late due to funding. Funding is another issue at this school, there seems to be funding problems everywhere you turn here. At WGE, the PTA was great about filling in all of those gaps. Where as WGE lacked for nothing, Thomas Edison lacks much. I hope to see more parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter's attending the early kinder program and is doing great! The after school care is very inexpensive, yet full of activities, cooking, sports teams, etc. The principal is very enthusiastic as well. I wonder why the scores are so low... it isn't the best neighborhood, a lot more english learners than the school my older daughter goes to? I haven't seen behavior issues yet, but it seems sad that something is preventing the teachers from teaching, or the students from learning. Whether parental involvement in homework, the school, or all-around effort to enrich their children... with all of the programs this school offers (they are getting a drama club and they have a garden with chickens), is the problem the elephant in the room, or something less obvious?
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with my daughter's experience in kindergarden in the Dual Immersion program. I love her teacher and the principal, and although the school has some pretty daunting numbers when it comes to state testing, I feel confident that my daughter's education this year has been above average, and I believe that working with her at home has counteracted any possible negativbe effects of attending a school with lower STAR scores.
—Submitted by a parent

My child moved here from another school, and we couldn't be happier. The dual immersion program has been great, and we love the after school programs offered in conjunction with the park district. The principal has great vision for the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our principal Mr. Lindeman is absolutely fabulous the teachers and students love and respect him. He gives 120% to his job. I don't think that these ratings are accurate. The teachers are inspiring and there is many extracurricular activities offered and even more are being proposed for next year. Our school is a hidden jewel tucked away with a small community feel of roughly 350 students which is perfect for an elementary school. Everyone knows everyone and no one is lost in the shuffle. Our school offers programs that no other school does in San Juan District. There is kick start kind. and next year will have dual immersion starting in the kind. class being taught english and spanish. As far as test scores they are going up everytime! Highest improvement in the district. I love this school and think of it as home away from home!.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 4 of my children go to school here since 1968. There are many caring teachers & staff here. Times are tough financially, but the love and learning continues on .
—Submitted by a parent

I think the rating for this school is really harsh or perhaps outdated. The new principal, Mr. Lindeman, has really turned this school around. The API scores have jumped off the page. In fact, I believe they had the greatest increase last year of any SJUSD school. There are definitely behavior issues with the children but let's put the blame for that where it deserves to be - with the parents!
—Submitted by a parent

Thomas Edison is making great strides this year. The principle i making a great effort to get the students more involved academically and socially, as well as the parents. There will be a great improvement in the test scores this year.

With the hard work of the staff and leadership at Edison, we saw improved students achievement. However, the behavioral issues of many students are still very prominent in classes. Teachers and principal tried to encourage and motivate the child instead of too many disciplinary actions. It is a good strategy on paper, but not to other learning students and teachers. Some children are just not receptive. Parents of students with behavior issues should at least participate in class once or twice a week to see for themselves how disruptive their child is, and how it is taking away teacher's teaching time. Maybe then, they will get assistance in helping them better educat their child.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff and leadership at Thomas Edison School during the past 4 years has worked very hard to improve student achievement and the newest 77 point growth in their API score is the true reward for their efforts!

My son attended from k thru 2nd. The new principal, Todd Lindeman, is this school's best new hope. He's a hands-on, positive principal. Great teachers, mostly, but the students can be overwhelming for some of them, and parents should be held accountable for their kids' lousy behavior.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, but poor parent involvement and behavioral issues with students.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic program is great! My child is learning more than he has at a private school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

If I weren't so pleased with the teachers, I would have definitely taken my child out of this school. The behavior issues of many of the children seemed to take over the class as a whole.
—Submitted by a parent