Blackford Elementary School

Dear Parent, I am sorry that you had to witness the ugliness Friday night. Please be assured that this was promptly dealt with on Monday morning. I would invite you to come meet with me to gather real data as to the changes happening at Blackford in terms of discipline. I think it's important to have accurate information before making blanket statements. Please set up an appointment in the office, and I'd be happy to address your concerns.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have elementary school-aged children and own property in the area. I was think of moving back, but after reading the recent parent reviews I am no longer considering. My son attended 1st grade at Blackford and was bullied and the principal did nothing. I am very disappointed because the recent reviews indicate there is still a lot of bullying problems at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has to much bullying & violence and the teachers dont do anything...especially the subs. A 1 day suspension is not enough if I may say. The

This last parent's viewpoint is contradicted by a lot of data, if only they would become an active part of the community. As a member of site council and PTA, I can share the following information in rebuttal: - The lock down was called by the Police Department, a precautionary measure, no one was on campus/dangerous on site. - Tickets are used as part of our nationally recognized school climate building system, PBIS, to reinforce good behavior- why not celebrate good things -Our ELAC has Chinese and Russian speakers represented as well as Hispanics, who make up over 65% of our school community -High Achievers just attended a field trip to see the "Masters of the Renaissance" in SF, publish our school paper, and are in our classes with more projects & science & lead our school -Suspensions are down by 60% & office referrals have been cut by 75% over the past two years. There are two "high need" students, vs. 14 last year, due to the work of the staff & principal. -Students have 3 teachers to support differentiation in rding & lang. Who wants their fluent reader learning ABCs? Who wants their native English speaker learning what a ball is? Please know your facts bfe. posting!
--Submitted by a parent

This school has gotten a little better but there are still lots of problems. The teachers are great and work hard to help students. The school looks better. That is why it gets two stars. That is all I can say that is good. Last week there was a second lockdown. The parents use bad language on school grounds and wear clothes that should not be worn around kids. Students are bullied, use bad language, and are bribed to be good with tickets. The PTA does not want help and treats volunteers badly. There is an English language group for parents, but they only welcome Spanish speakers. Kids change classes three times every day and have three different teachers every day. From what I have seen there are no consequences for bad behavior. Kids who are out of control or dangerous are back in class the day after they misbehave. The focus of the school is on Spanish speaking and low students. Nothing is done to encourage families or students that are white, asian, or black. Unless we see more changes we are going to take our kids out of this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in the third grade and this school has changed ALOT from K.. I am not going to lie, this school is in transition and is far from perfect but as more parents become involved and in combination with Mrs. Middlebrook's leadership the culture at Blackford is under going major changes for the good. Blackford s staff truly cares about the whole child and doesn t teach to the tests, they teach so that children can be successful. My son was bullied in K and the previous principal did nothing. Under Mrs Middlebrook there is no tolerance for it. Bullying is everywhere & at every school but, finally we have systems and rules to deal with it. You can see the difference by walking on campus, how things have changed in the last 3 years. I love that I have the power as a parent to be proactive for my child and that the school s leadership actually listens and works with us to find solutions, something that previously was not in place. I am excited to have my daughter starting there next year, Blackford is truly a school that is changing for the better and I am proud to be a part of it.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my daughters have attended Blackford. My oldest is now in high school. My youngest is in third grade. This school has made many changes for the better since my older daughter started at the school. I am impressed with the changes since Mrs. Middlebrook has been at the school. I know there is still some bullying at the school but the number of students, staff, teachers and parents around the school has helped the students be better upstanders to help stop the bully's. Systems are in place and staff, parents and students are helping the school be a better place to be. The teachers are great and each grade levelare working together to help students succeed. This school has made great changes in the past three years and continues to make more changes each year. More parents are getting involved to in the classroom and around the school. We are still in transition but making great movement to the positive and working to make our school better each year.
--Submitted by a parent

Principal has done nothing to stop school yard bullying. My daughter has been taunted, picked on, teased, kicked, had objects thrown at her, for way too long. I thought she was exaggerating, but after getting a phone call from from a parent who works as a yard duty confirming everything my daughter has told me; Enough is Enough! My wife was in tears after hearing what our child has gone through. This yard duty has gone to the principal many times, but nothing has been done to discipline these bad kids. Mrs. Middlebrook doesn't deserve to have a job. If you want your daughter tortured then by all means, bring her to this horrible school.
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to this area and this school. I have been impressed with the leadership I've seen at the school. Mrs. Middlebrooke has a strong plan and set goals for the school, and there are many more programs here than any other school I've been a part of. The teachers my students have are wonderful. The school grounds have made a drastic transformation in the months we've been attending. Overall, I think Blackford is improving from previous reviews and I have enjoyed getting involved with the PTA.
--Submitted by a parent

My old daughter just left Blackford last year and my younger daughter is attending this year in 5th grade. I just started last year in volunteering at the school. Here they have strong committees like: ELAC, Project Cornerstone, Los Dichos de la Casa and ABC's Reader program, PTA, School Site Council and others. All the staff are very nice,helpful and understanding. As for a parent to say, " it took the principle alot of strength, courage, wisedom and love for the children to be able turn around the school and have a 55 point growth in the API. The principle, teachers and staff did a GREAT job. What I noticed this year are many new intervention programs to help the children and a new P.E program Play Works. Its going to be a great year and I can't wait to see what else is coming to the school. I almost forgot the school its self got a New Look. I am so glad that im a Blackford Parent and my daughter comes here.
--Submitted by a parent