San Martin/Gwinn Elementary School

I am extremely disappointed with the last two reviews. I believe that SMG is still a great school with a lot of positive things in its favor. The API scores do not reflect the whole story of this school or what I have witnessed as a parent. The teachers are amazing! Going well beyond basic requirements to make sure each child is challenged and gets specialized time for their needs. Test scores for SMG really do not reflect the positive safe environment or the teaching abilities of the staff at SMG, they are truly the heartbeat of this school. It is true that the school has had a new principal this year and many other changes and challenges to over come, like every school in the current economy. However SMG is just starting to pick up speed and I believe given our support and understanding to our new principal, SMG will be even better then it was before. Our new principal has had big shoes to fill as the last principal was a big part of the school and the community. However the small improvements at the school are already visible, just open your eyes and allow yourself the time to see them. As we will always keep found memories of our past principal and our friend it is my belief is that the school is being redefine to be even better then it was before.
--Submitted by a parent

Extremely disappointed with the school and the Morgan Hill school district. I was informed recently that SMG is on academic probation - it is rated below education standards set by the State of California Educational Board. My child is not being taught with the proper skills (such as computer training) to succeed in junior high school, high school and more importantly college. The school lacks funding and resources to be successful. Due to the schools academic probation, parents have a choice to select another school in the district to transfer but the Morgan Hill school district is also on academic probation; so private school is my only choice for my child to succeed academically!
--Submitted by a parent

SMG has gone downhill in the past couple of years. There is very little parent involement. The teachers are overwhelmed--they are doing their best with very limited resources and a large skill set variation in the classroom and the new prinicpal is practically non-communicative with the parents (although I hear she does communicate wih the teachers). The GATE program is non-existent and SMG is now in its first year as a Program Improvement school. When I first enrolled my children here the energy was so different. Now, instead of 'what is the next great thing we can do?' it feels more like 'what is the next stop gap we have to fill to get us through?' I am very disappointed with how things have turned out.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two daughters in SMG, and couldn't be happier. Tremendous energy, goodwill, and high expectations here. We looked at other schools in the District, too - glad we're here!
--Submitted by a parent

The community at SMG is supportive and one of constant growth. My children are known and acknowledged. I see teachers working to do whatever is necessary to meet my kids' needs. At SMG my children are valued as individuals. SMG also teaches my children the value and responsibility of belonging to a community
--Submitted by a parent

SMG is a FANTASTIC school because of the incredibly hard working and dedicated teachers, Principal, and staff. My two children love this school. The API scores do not reflect what I have witnessed as an involved parent...the teachers go well beyond their required duties to make sure each child is challenged to their fullest potential within their grade level. A huge plus is that SMG is also positive about celebrating holidays and events while being mindful of every child's needs. The extracurricular activities are growing and the community is engaged as well. This is a school that is the needle in the haystack for schools in the South County. We are thrilled that we chose San Martin/Gwinn for our children!
--Submitted by a parent

Energetic principal and great staffs. My daughter loves it.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want a school where the principal knows the name of your student SMG is it. I have been impressed with the teaching abilities of my son's teachers these past two years. He is reading 2 grades ahead of his actual grade. The dedication of the teaching staff at SMG goes well beyond state required education, with teachers who volunteer time and talents to help not just the students but the families that need help. I don't believe that the API scores for SMG really reflect the positive environment nor the teaching abilities of the staff at SMG. The principal has great energy and vision for the school - I believe you will see great things at SMG in the future.
--Submitted by cherece Omoigui, a parent

I have worked now for several years as a teacher at San Martin/ Gwinn, and have been excited by the positive changes that are school has gone through. This school has always put students first, but now we are fully integrating student data on a daily basis to assess where each child is and where that child needs to be taken next in his academic career. One example of this is that we have become a NOYCE supported writing school that has actively implemented writer's workshop, an approach that carries through each grade level and works to improve not just the writing, but the writer. The students have writing conferences with the teacher, weekly, and the entire writing process is learned We have a new ELD/ community liason who is working t close the achievement. Finally, as a school we have built a community of learners.
--Submitted by a teacher

I love this school! We have a terrific blend with the diversity of students and teachers. My children have received an excellent education at this school. Also the new Principal Mr. Foehr is excellent!
--Submitted by a parent