Sunland Elementary School

My son has been in this school almost 6 years. I love the stuff and the principal..I should not forget our PTA the best....100% parent envolvment all the time...
—Submitted by a parent

Hi so this is to who ever wrote about the teachers not having a copy machine I have no clue who you are speaking with but they do have a copy machine but are limited to how many copies are made each month due to BUDGET cuts on the districts end and the PTA had to buy thier own machine because they are not allowed to use the new one in the office. So please get your facts straight before trying to blast the PTA who works hard to do amazing things for the kids there and yes that machine gets used alot. And as some one wrote before go to a meeting to get the right info.
—Submitted by a parent

The PTA purchased a new copy machine with funds raised by the students who sold chocolate, submitting box tops etc., unfortunately the copy machine doesn't benefit the students because the teachers are NOT allowed to use it. The teachers struggle daily with broken copy machines and a per class copy limit while a perfectly good copy machine sits in the Parent Center unused.
—Submitted by a parent

Ehh... This place is ok, the problem is the food. Last year my son threw up because of the horrible food. Last year they gave him loads of homework Last year there were kids with anger issues and hit my son Last year nobody cared about his birthday Now here are the good things This year I'm glad they didn't remove music This year the fixed the fence This year they have mixing which is great. This year he gets class caught being goods easily! So far his class has 31 and it great!

That's true that PTA is amazing collecting money for all places. What we don't understand is why? the principal still desperately asking for money to fix important things, she leave a messages asking for help even 25 cents donations. We believe that will be a good idea if they can use de web side of the school, to show all the budgets including PTA. Principal money, donations etc. and also send copies to the parents at home, in that way the parents will be have a better idea on how they are expending the money, so we can avoid many problems. Many parent's can't go to meetings for many reasons. This will be a good way to help us . Tis is a community opinion, Thanks.

This is the 2nd year my daughter has attended Sunland and she loves it. All the teachers are so nice and very hands on with the kids. I have had a few issues with the office staff and the principle but other than that this school is great. I graduated from 5th grade at Sunland and I am proud that my daughter is able to attend as well. The PTA has been amazing this year with all kinds of fun activities for the kids, I give this school 5 stars for sure.
—Submitted by a parent

True, the test scores have gone up over the past 6 years however Mrs. Ornelas (and the district) is pushing the teachers to teach to test - NOT to teach to LEARN. The kids are learning more test taking strategies (which, yes, is helpful in school) but they are NOT truly being given the opportunity to absorb the material to provide them with a foundation for future subjects. They give awards for "proficiency" which simply equals what USED to be a C grade. Really? We're awarding AVERAGE work now? Unless the parents at home are driving the information into their heads by making up extra worksheets at home for practice the kids (as a majority) are not learning retention which will do them a HUGE disservice later in their educational careers. I do not hold the teachers at fault here...they are doing what they are being told to do. This is no longer a learning environment, it is a testing facility. Nothing more.
—Submitted by a parent

Let the scores speak for themselves. Since Mrs. Ornelas took over as Principle of this school the scores have increased significantly. My children are happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

First I would like to say that this school is amazing you feel so welcomed right when walking in my kids love going everyday the teachers are awsome. I feel I can talk to my childrens teachers whenever I need to and I love the fact that the principal pretty much knows everyone of her students by name now with a school that has over 600 students I think thats pretty neat that she takes the time to get to know them. Also they have a great parent center full of information that comes in handy. If you are looking for a school that allows you to be involved as a parent,has a amazing staff and where your child will learn and grow this is the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for the past 8 years and have loved every moment. The teachers and staff are wonderful. My children have flourished during their time in the regular school and Magnet program. We could not have made a better choice for our children's educational needs. The parent volunteer groups are also a huge asset to the school. They are focused on supporting the school and students in a positive and effective manner. After all, it is the children's academic needs that need to be the number one priority.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunland has been great for my kids! One of my sons was tested for an IEP and the staff have been GREAT! They work WITH him to find the best way to teach him. They are open to suggestions and are compasionate with him and his struggles. He loves his teachers. They all work really hard for him. He is a challenge and they've really stepped up. They see his failings as theirs and modify their approach. They refuse to let him slip thru the cracks. All of his teachers strive to help him succeed. My other son loved it also. He always felt safe and encouraged. His 4th grade teacher turned him from a kid who hated school to one who loves it and found a joy of reading. The princapal is also focused on students and truely wants them to succeed. We have been really happy with this school and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started K at Sunland last year, her teacher was amazing as well as the other K teachers. She learned so much in a short ammount of time and never wanted to leave school. I am happy to say that even at 5/6 years old my daughter loved school and did not want summer to come. She made so many good friends and I am hoping when she starts this Sept 2011 for 1st grade that she will still continue to love school. But the one down side for me was I have had a few problems with the office staff and the principal. The school did somewhat lack communication with the new K parents and I was not afraid to let them know that. By the end of the school year things did look up and got better so I am hoping this next year is better.
—Submitted by a parent

don't enroll your child to this school. My child cried all the time in kindergarten and no one what so ever said what is wrong or make a child welcome to school. Kindergarten teachers need to care an extra mile for kids. They are not 2nd or 3rd or 5th graders. they just started school maybe little bit of care and being nice would be great.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration is on top of all. my son had a problem with a bully and it was taken care of right away. The 'bully' and my son actually became friends through counseling at the school. Also, I have been very satisfied with their academic program.
—Submitted by a parent

The Sunland Elementary Gifted Magnet is wonderful. The teachers all seem to go the extra mile and it is apparent with the enthusiasm my child displays. Unfortunatly that is were it ends. The Administrative staff lacks accountability. Incredibly inconsistant they couldn't be bothered half the time to call parents when a child ends up in the office for a wide variety of reasons. They also seem to be unable to keep basic discipline with troublesome students. A real problem. The have gone through 3 principals in just a small number of years. Very unfortunate.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible. Teachers do their best, but the education is lacking, students aren't up to par with other districts. It's sad to see kids get off to a bad start.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just has been growing in his knowledge in leaps and bounds since he stated attending the magnet program. He is very happy and excited with every challenge. I as a parent could not be happier with his teachers and with the atmosphere they create for them to learn in. Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the magnet program and enjoys the challenge. Overall a very pleasant school, smaller campus and friendly staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the Sunland Magnet program which shares the same campas as Sunland Elementary. The teachers' are terrific, and caring. If you are looking for a great program for your child I would definitely recommend this one.
—Submitted by a parent

Sunland Elementary has an excellent Gifted Magnet program. The magnet's students, teachers, staff and parents are involved, dedicated and talented. The 2nd grade teachers (who started the Gifted Magnet at this school) are particularly notable for their commitment and excellence--they should be a model for all other classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent