GreatSchools Rating
Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
My daughter went to this school and the principal, Cindy Venolia, is only concerned about her next promotion. She should take more interest in the students then her next step at Poway. Also, she should be concerned about the students safety and growth. The teachers are split some supporting her to a fault and most just wanting to be given the freedom to teach to their potential!
My daughter went there for preschool. Actually the school is pretty nice, what I did not like about it was the preschool teacher - Ms. Dukellis. She shows favoritism to the children whom she knows their parents well and I just cannot stand that. Every morning when she comes out to walk the kids into classroom, she will non-stop yapping with this one or two moms who's good friend with her and they are also the one sending emails to the classroom all the time asking money to buy the teacher gift from time to time. When some kids approach her while she's yapping with her favorite moms, she would just tell the kids to wait until she's done talking, and she wiould continue to talk for a long time. I wish there would be a regulation on gifts for teacher that they are not allow to accept gifts over $20-$30. This one mom always ask for approx $10 from each parents and that would make it a total of about $150 gift for the greedy Ms. Dukellis.
it's a tough job being a teacher at any public school with 26-28 kids/class. The teacher is barely getting by with that many kids to give individual attention. The one's that get most time are the academically challenged and the problematic kids. The teachers have to prioritize any issues in the class and do not respond to all issues but they feel the most important one. Trying to stay on top of your child's progress can be tricky as they have little time to meet with parents. Unless of course your child is academically not up to par or socially misbehaving. This particular new teacher does have favorites such as room mom's child and spends much time chatting with them in the morning so if you volunteer it may be a bonus.
I am a parent of 3 kids, one with special needs. My involvement with this school goes back to day one of its opening. The teachers have always been great and the parents are supportive. The 1st principal was a dedicated person,and while building a great community around this school, she always encouraged the parent/teacher relationships . She was compassionate and had a great knowledge of running schools. This next principal started enthusiastically, but within the 1st year it became apparent to volunteers that it's all about keeping appearances: knowing the kids' names won't substitute for genuine care. I am experiencing it first hand as my youngest has 2 more years to graduate, and the principal is not an advocate for empowering kids with special needs. In fact, she tries to limit any social integration. Also, I've noticed unease in the chemistry between this principal and the staff.
I'm a parent and my two boys started at this school last fall. I was a little unsure since they had attended a strong academic private school in the Midwest and I'm a teacher myself, so I expect a lot! The school is exceptional - I love the teachers my kids have; both very committed to the students and their success, no matter what the efforts. I also volunteer tutor students from other rooms and have been very impressed with the teachers' committment and love for teaching. Mrs. Venolia knows all the kids by name and greets them before/after school. It is her vision, integrity and energy that makes SRES a incredible place for kids! Congrats on the Distinguished School Award - you deserve it!
The post dated April 16 2006 is speaking of another principal that is not longer at this school. The new principal ,now in her second year , is amazing. She has done an excellent job and I am sure most of the parents at the shcool would agree with me. I have two children at the school. My oldest son has an IEP which is extensive and tailored to my sons needs. I have been given full freedom to add or delete anything I feel is not helpful to my sons special circumstances. All of the teachers are wonderful.
Excellent school but is way too small for the population. One of the largest populations in any of the Poway Unified School ELementary schools.
I almost fully agree with the first parents review. But one cannot knock the principle since she seems to achieve successful results and therefore is doing a great job with extensive experience to back up her performance. My special needs child s IEP is carefully custom fit to my child, and my child receives every bit of support needed and is doing very well at this school. I must commend the absolutely professional, and extremely experienced special needs support staff. My only complaint is that there is too many students attending this elementary school and more kids should be shifted to the other newer school as time and resources permit.
Stone Ranch Elementary School is part of the highly acclaimed Poway Unified School District. While still in its infancy (only 2 years new), the school has managed to run itself a fairly tight ship. The staff is cohesive and procedures seem to run themselves. The children seem happy and cognizant of their place in this ecosystem that makes up a majority of their day. My chief concern is the Principal of the school is extremely liberal in her ways of thinking and point-of-view.
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The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
16150 4s Ranch Parkway
San Diego,
CA 92127
Website: Click here
Phone: (858) 487-8474
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