Venetia Valley Elementary School

Just an update--Venetia Valley has a new principal--Mr. Rodriques who is a brilliant educator and administrator, also the recent recipient of the Golden Bell Award. Judith Colton has done an outstanding job as interim principal, problem solving the issues that her predecessor, Pepe the Clown had inflicted upon the school and upon the teachers by extension. It's getting better all the time at Venetia Valley now these outstanding educators have gotten a chance to shine under the rays of strong and positive leadership. Please give your local school a chance before dismissing it--visit the classrooms, see the good work which is being conducted here. This school is a little gem nestled in the hills of Marin County.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school and community! The teachers all work very hard, students are happy and everyone in office puts 100% of their heart into the school. I think it is funny when parents say that teachers are stressed, because they have no idea, what really goes on. Be kind to your school, any teacher at any school is stressed, if they weren't it would be a sign that they didn't care.

V.V. is a great school. Yes it has problems but what schools don't. The teachers are the best, and no they are not tired. I volunteer at least 3 hours every week so i am there and the problems the last reviewer stated are just FALSE. We do need more parents to step up and care,and help in these tough financial times. We need parents who care and are willing to help their children and local school succeed, and not just walk away. V.V. will keep improving, if parents and the community will work together,but it takes time. I am glad these people with bad attitudes are leaving, since they are the ones showing no respect to their community, or children. A child needs to make friends where they live and not be dropped into a new class and community due to a short sighted parent. False facts like the ''droves'' leaving are false, just check the enrollment figures..I grew up in San Rafael and I am proud to be an 'involved parent of a child at V,V.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that Venetia Valley is a great school. The teachers are wonderful. They really pay attention to the needs of each kid and have promptly responded to me whenever I have had a question about my children's academic or social development. We have a beautiful library, computer in labs and in the classrooms, Playworks is onsite to organize recess and lunch activities, a new kindergarten play structure and much more is happening. It is not full of gangs and bullies, or lacking in supplies. There are not hundreds of kid bussed in from Richmond. FALSE RUMORS!!!!! Do not believe them. VV is a public school and like all public schools, it needs parents and others to volunteer time and/or money. But the kids are learning the same things kids at other schools are learning, they are safe and surrounded by caring teachers, staff and parents. Those that are spreading the negative rumors are the types who will complain no matter where their kids go to school. If we want this to continue to be a great school, we need our parents and community to be part of the solution, not the problem.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm not sure who these other reviewers are, but people are leaving in droves and I hope to join them soon. The teachers are stressed to the breaking point, the principal quit right before school resumed in the fall and the school is still looking for a replacement. Lack of respect in the classroom and bullying is a big problem here.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is now a first grader at VV and I am absolutely blown away by this school. What a gem! The teachers are extremely dedicated and have met my son's needs from the very beginning. The parent community is extremely involved, kind and welcoming. The leadership staff has a clear vision of where the school is headed. The campus is great and has had many improvements in the last year (new kindergarten bathroom, play structure and remodeled library). And don't get me started on the After School program! The kids love it and they learn so much from the staff. There are so many positive changes happening and I am so excited that my son gets to benefit from them. As a parent, I cannot recommend it enough. It is beyond me why anyone who lives in the neighborhood would want to attend any other school.
--Submitted by a parent

Venetia Valley is a wonderful school. My son completed Kindergarten this year and his experience was fantastic! He is now reading at a 1st-2nd grade level and can add and subtract and he is only 5! He learned so much because his teachers were amazing. The teachers at Venetia Valley are truly special The parents at Venetia Valley are very engaged and dedicated to improving programs year after year. The principal is passionate about creating the best possible learning environment for all students at Venetia Valley. This is a gem of a school!
--Submitted by a parent

Many exciting changes at VV! New principal who is fantastic and putting in a lot of positive programs as well as changing systemic problems that were part of the previous administration. This is becoming a neighborhood school with a LOT of parent involvement and volunteers from the whole community. Very welcoming of all people and a safe, nurturing environment for all students.
--Submitted by a parent

So many exciting things are happening at Venetia Valley! The Arts Department is really expanding and is offering after school art program, parent workshops, a poetry performance and spring musical! Our principal is outstanding! Cindy Jaconette gets things done efficiently always putting kids safety and well-being first! I am so happy to be a part of our neighborhood school!
--Submitted by a parent

I love the diversity, the dual immersion (Spanish/English) program, the teachers, the new principal, the parents and of course the kids.
--Submitted by a parent