Rolando Park Elementary School

I am a resident of Rolando Park & let me share af very awful experiencs I had with this school & its staff that changed my opinion of them. I have two sons & my eldest attended Rolando Park Elementary(RPE) from kindergarten through 5th grade. My eldest was already at Pershing Middle School when this incident happened. My youngest was tested for GATE (Gifted And Talented Education) program in 2nd grade. Since RPE didn't offer GATE, we moved him into Benchley Weinberger for 3rd grade. My son was miserable @ Benchley after one week, so we tried to move him back to RPE. The staff & the principal at that time (2008) told us that we made the choice to leave & they wouldn't accept us back. Luckily I knew a teacher @ Clay Elem. & she was able to get my son in there even though that wasn't our neighborhood school. I am disappointed w/RPE because they should've taken us back; it was our neighborhood school. I tried to meet w/the principal but she refused to talk to me. The staff (especially Veronica) is rude unprofessional. I would discourage anyone who moves into our neighborhood from sending their child(ren) to RPE. I gave them 2 stars because they do employ some good teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended Rolando Park Elem. Form the 2nd grade to the 5th grade. All the teachers and staff were amazing, they did nothing but helpful and caring towards me and my classmates. I am now graduated from high school. I have got to say that Mrs. Griswold was a huge part in my eduacation, if it weren't for her i would of never have gotten into reading. I absolutely loved that school , and i recommend it to any parent.

i began attending Rolando Park elementary school in the year 1998. i am now a junior at Patrick Henry high school. i love this school and always have. i have many fond memories and i am always around to back it up. i enjoy visiting and seeing the school and the staff that are still there. whenever i get a chance, i love volunteering and being a part of my school. it was a great school and i am so fortunate that i got a chance to be a student. i will always represent my school and i will always love it!

I was nothing but pleased with the education my daughter recieved this previous year. Mrs. Griswold began teaching her to enjoy school from the get go, with the patience of a saint she taught her reading, math, spelling and so much more. I can't say how pleased I am that my daughter had such a woderful teacher to begin her long process through the years to come. Thank you Mrs. Griswold I hope all the parents appreciate you as mush as we do.
--Submitted by a parent

In all my years at Rolando Park, I have never been as dissatisfied as this year. The new principal is horrible. I tried to approach regarding some issues but she would not make herself available. Phone calls and emails are not returned. Yolanda Lewis is the worst thing that ever happened to Rolando Park. This district needs to pat better attention as to whom they place as principals.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. It is very roomy and homey there are a lot of nice people and their teachers are very resourceful. I would reccomend this school for every child thats going to a new school because it's sure rolando park will make it feel like home!
--Submitted by a parent

If you like the feel of a close and caring community you will really love Rolando Park. The teachers and staff truely care about the students and parents. The communication between parents and teachers is key and constant. It really feels like a family here. I would recommend this school to everyone.
--Submitted by c curiel, a parent

Ms. Griswold is absolutely the best kindergarten teacher in the world. By the time my son was finished with his school year in her class, he was reading at a 3'rd grade level. However, in 1'st grade, he was put into a class where some of the students didn't even speak english. He is being slowed down and bored because he wasn't put into the appropriate class. The 1'st grade teacher, has her hands full. She has to somehow teach all of these students who are on all different levels and she just can't keep up. I spend a lot of time volunteering in the classroom and I still can't believe how poorly my sons' class was assembled. Maybe the principal and administration staff should start grouping children by skill level instead of throwing them all together and hoping it works out. I am very displeased with this and I am not the only one. I won't use names, but many of the teachers are not satisfied with the way this school is run and parents alike.
--Submitted by a parent

Ms. Griswold is the best kindergarten teacher anyone could ask for. She instills in her students a desire to learn and achieve that continues throughout the year and into the later grades. Thank you Ms. Griswold. Great Job!
--Submitted by a parent

I think Rolando is a great school for my daughter. I also like the late start because it is convenient for our family. The teachers are great and are approachable which is a nice quality to have. Keep up the good work Ms. Barnes and teachers!
--Submitted by a parent