Hacienda Science/Environmental Magnet School

I've read the comments here: Nobody said a word about you or your husband failing to give your son attention. As caring parents, they simply tried to relate to your experience as best they could with the information you provided - it seemed like you were very frustrated. If you believe you were mocked, then that's your reality, and nobody is going to change it. You claim that since your son is in a new school and has a better-suited teacher, that he's gone from being an academic under-performer to very smart. We all hope that's the case and congratulate you on making the right move. I have my doubts though, since it appears you would rather look backward and criticize those who tried to offer suggestions than to move forward with an attitude of gratitude. Ricky Nelson put it pretty well when he sang, "You see, ya can't please everyone, so ya got to please yourself." Best wishes you you and your family.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the parent that posted a comment a few days back regarding my son being held back in kindergarten due to his teacher giving up on him. Its sad to see someone comment that my husband and I failed to give my son the correct attention to help him complete his school work. My husband and I have always been very active in our childrens education as it is a priority in our house hold. When it comes to my child being openly mocked infront of his class as well as the principal and this teacher mocking my husband and I to our face this is not an over reaction. I am very glad that people have a great experience here but my personal experience was very hurtful. Since then my son has thrived in a new school district and is in fact a very smart student and does not require special Ed. All my son needed was a teacher that was willing to care enough about him and his future to teach him which he did not receive here. Its sad that someone felt the need to judge my family and our parenting abilities to defend this school but in fact you proved my point as to the type of people and attitude you will come across at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm very sorry to hear that your experience here at Hacienda was so bad. My child is in the 5th grade and he has ADHD. It's a huge daily struggle that unless you have walked a mile in that parent's shoes most people can't realize. I understand your frustration. My child was so disruptive in kindergarten, I volunteered in the classroom as his personal aide everyday so that he would not impede the other kid's learning. I home schooled him through the District for 1st and 2nd grade. I love the Home Study Dept. at SJUSD. That might be a way for you to go to let his brain develop further. Raising a child like this can only be made easier if you work closely with your teacher and figure out strategies (personal aide, exercising for 1/2 hr before school, medication). It will never be easy, but I can tell you the more you are involved in his day to day learning, the more he will realize that he is smart and can do the work. As a matter of fact, children who have ADHD are usually smarter than the normal population. Their brains are just wired differently. My older son in high school (also has ADHD) repeated kindergarten twice and is doing very well. Right where he should be.
--Submitted by a parent

I will never forget my experiences at Hacienda. I'm now in highschool, and already decided I want to major in science. I believe that Hacienda's spectacular science program is what influenced my decision and why I'm so passionate about it. I still remember much of what I learned in those lab research and experiments inside the science classroom. We had animals like snakes, lizards, and chinchillas! The REAL fun and hands-on projects occurred in the outdoor science lab where you're surrounded by the tall redwood trees, garden beds, and chaparral while hearing water rushing from the streams into the pond. The best activity was fishing for crayfish, something I remember everyone looked forward to every year. At this school, you learn so much about the environment in which you live in including the specimens, along with how to improve our world by recycling, decomposing, and planting. The music program was fun also, I loved singing along to the songs, learning about composers and how to play different instruments. I still have pictures of all the school musicals and dance performances I've been in that helped me break out of my shell and become less shy(because you had to participate)

Despite challenging times in public education, I have been impressed with how this school community has come together to find ways to improve the educational experience for all children enrolled at the school. Not only is the school's principal considered to be one of the finest in the district, the teachers and staff work collaboratively to implement the district and school curriculum and are known for providing strong professional support and encouragement. In addition, the school's parent-teacher organization has to be one of the school's best assets. Each year, Hacienda Involved Parents & Staff (HIPS) raise significant dollars from the school's diverse community to provide for a fulltime music and arts education program, additional science instruction, classroom technology and campus improvements. Not only is this fundraising tailored to meet the budgets of a wide range of San Jose families, the events are fun and inclusive. While this school certainly isn't perfect, Hacienda remains one of the most popular schools in San Jose Unified for a reason.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very excited for my son to be entering kindergarten at Hacienda but I wish that San Jose Unified wouldn't have changed to an all day kindergarten. I feel Hacienda could help with the long days by implementing an early release day that most schools in the district have. I'm happy with the teachers,staff and programs, but feel it is too long of a day for 5 year olds.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Hacienda for 8 years and could not be happier with the teachers and principal. I am saddened by a review that was posted that accuses Hacienda of elitist practices. Children are not excluded at this school from activities. We have scholarship programs to pay for science camp and had a few parents pay extra for end of year parties so all children could attend. The schools hands are tied by budget cuts and can only do so much. We are inundated with students that have special needs that require more attention than a teacher can possibly give without denying other students. These students are here because their parents are seeking the best possible education for them yet refuse to understand teachers cannot put aside the rest of their class for one child. The parents who volunteer at this school do so to the point of exhaustion as do the staff. This is a great school and sometimes as parents we have to understand tit is not the schools fault our child is not achieving the success we would like.
--Submitted by a parent

I do believe that this could be a great school. It has wonderful science and music teachers, but the gap of achievement is huge. Minorities and special ed children do not receive a fair treatment. If you read the reviews you wiil read many racist remarks. I listened to them most of the time. It is a complot against minorities and special ed. children to make you feel uncomfortable so you leave. The school system is completely elitist and they will find many excuses to exclude the low income from participating in the activities which require money. As a minority parent you must work hard to nurture your children self esteem. The assumption is that because English is your second, third or fourth language you are underdeserving and ignorant. Please read the reviews, they could have a greater achievement and more money., but who wants to support an institution that does not support your needs and care less about you children. I will rather donate my time and money to more significant causes or invest on extracurricular programs.
--Submitted by a parent

Decided on Hacienda, even passing neighborhood school with 10 score. WHY? A unique science program/outdoor science lab/acre of 'live science'! They recycle all possible-parents volunteer even for mundane: mixing compost bins, rinse straws, etc. Music program global/thorough. Curriculum and activities done by parent volunteers during school time is well-rounded and more holistic than schools with '10' that tend to focus on test scores. ok 8 rating because I know my WHOLE child is being taught and exposed to city's socio-economics and cultural diversity!
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is amazing, personable and even reads to the Kinder classes- all adore her! Tons of parent participation and family events all year. As importantly, parents very friendly,low-key, NO competitiveness among parents or hearing of overscheduled, burned-out kids-a friendly, homey vibe around campus and parents throughout the day; many kids arrive early(start @ 9am) or stay after school to play in park-like campus daily- wonderful community!!! There's a level of respect among all and I notice the kids know support staff by name, including cheery janitor who all greet happily by first name when they see him. It is hard to find all this in one school = 200 on waitlist! Side note- campus remodelled to simple mod design, calming to eye- always clean.
--Submitted by a parent