Spreckels Elementary School

Our twins joined Spreckels in Fall of 2011 as first graders, and they love it. In kindergarten (at a different school) they begged us every day to stay home because they were so unhappy there. We put a lot of time, research and thought into selecting Spreckels; and we know without a doubt that we made the right choice for our boys. The principal, Teresa Scherpinski, and their teacher, Mr. Price, clearly love the kids and their work. They make it easy and comfortable for parents to be involved; and they respect each student as an individual. They make school interesting and fun - and the boys come home every day telling us about the new things they've learned. Both kids have made significant progress in all subjects. We love Spreckels!!
--Submitted by a parent

Really disappointed with this school. Communication to parents in general has been awful. There are some great teachers but it seems like the disorganization and lack of professionalism comes from the top down. There have been countless times that the office has failed to notify the teacher of an absence as well as the office failing to notify us of significant events regarding our child. This school seems like it's in a time warp as far as the lack of discipline, holding kids responsible for their performance and using newer teaching tools. This is the type of school that your kid can fall between the cracks if you're not on top of things. We received a notice today that Spreckels Elementary has failed to meet the "no child left behind" standards and that we can move our kid to any other school in the district and even receive FREE tutoring. This school district is in financial trouble and that could be impacting morale among the people running this school but that's no excuse for administration not running a tight ship. If you like a school that your kids can show up late or not at all and not get any sort of phone call then then Sprekels is for you!
--Submitted by a parent

My child's Kindergarten experience was great. I do think that this certain K teachers is not very welcoming to parents. She likes to do things a certain way and doesn't really involve parents like they want to be involved. For Kindergarten I wanted to be more involved in helping out in the class with my child and with their projects, work, just having fun, but this was not the way this teacher does it. Most parents I spoke with felt the same, shut out of their child's class. If you really want to be involved you pretty much have to just drop in and feel like your imposing and you will get sort of ignored by the teacher. Besides this, the teacher is a very good Teacher to the children and has a great curriculum. This school is special, many parents are involved, many donations are raised , and lots of great events are carried out and children do learn here. I have heard it is One of the greatest schools in Monterey County.
--Submitted by a parent

I am supremely dissappointed in the handling of a certain second grade class. Ask anyone and you will get an earful. It pains me that one bad seed may cause lasting damage to my child's educational experience. Apparently this certain teacher is "better" now than before. I am surprised there has not been a lawsuit yet. I can tell that the core educators care and that the administration is doing the best they can while covering their own rears, but this teacher should not be teaching and apparently they can't do much about it. It is a very difficult situation and it pains me because outside of this teacher, this school has been great.
--Submitted by a parent

I am 40 and attended this school as a child. I was in a bilingual program throughout my years there. I learned Spanish fluently and took AP Spanish in high school. Learning a second language gave me a better understanding of English language mechanics as well. Don't listen to the conservative parents who tell you that "other" people's children who are not white and don't speak English will adversely affect your child. Wa all know what that's really all about.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is more interested in treating English as a second language and tends to favor students who attend from areas other than the local neighborhood. Children are forced into a classroom environment with other children that may not be at the same academic level or may not even speak the same language. The learning process is slowed down for an above average student in these circumstances.
--Submitted by a parent

Both my children attend this school and my older child is moving on to middle school now. It has a been a great experience for us. It is not perfect, but no school is. As a parent, it does help to volunteer in the classrooms to get to know the teachers and the other children. It also helps to know what the academic expectations are. If you get involved in the volunteer efforts of the parent groups, that can be beneficial as well. That way, you truly find out how the school works... the teachers, staff, admin., and the school district and school board. You have to stay involved as a parent because the expectations are enormous. This comes from the state level and curriculum. Because of the small town flavor, it can really feel like a family and from that end, the teachers and staff are very approachable. Great1
--Submitted by a parent

I think that there is too much paperwork at my son's kindergarten. Why does kindergarten need to be so rigorous? He doesn't ever seem to come home and excitedly tell me about what he is done and learned. It's very strict. Whatever happened to learning through playing, music, clay, gardening, and field trips? It doesn't even seem like the kindergarten gets to take much advantage of the supposedly magnificent computer lab, music center, and greenhouse. I should note that they had a great festival in the fall, but most of the other events are all fundraisers.
--Submitted by a parent

The academic programs are great. The tech lab is awesome. The Mathability was kind of a shock of a shock for a first grader (timed test) but it's helping him alot.My sixth grader enjoyed Fifth grade band last year and plays pretty well thanks to Ms. Dermody!
--Submitted by a parent

We just moved from this school and realized how special it was after we left. The involvement of a core group of parents and teachers make it that way. The administration lacks in many areas, but teachers make up for it in most cases.
--Submitted by a parent