Aspen Elementary School

It must be said,I believe the school would do much better with a new principle. Principals are the patriarchs of the school. I remember the principles I had growing up. l loved them because they engaged me and had an interest. And yes, I feared them a tad. I have approached the principal many times as a parent for a simple "Hello, how are you?" and was flat out ignored. She made eye contact then quickly moved along as if she did not see or hear me. Trust me, I have made my self annoyingly obvious and never have I gotten a mere "Hello". Is this someone that I want as a leader for my children's education? A "Good Morning", or "Good Afternoon", is all I ask. Have I mentioned how she roles her eyes at award assemblies and thinks no one can see her? If she can't engage the parents on a social bases, how can she engage students in an effective educational manner? Please CVSD, give Aspen a well spoken & dedicated principle who loves his/her job. One who gets everyone excited about teaching, learning, and school spirit. We are paying these people in this position over 100K. Lets make it worth our tax dollars and hire someone that has passion, respect, & and excitement!
--Submitted by a parent

Wish we'd left this school years ago. Couldnt be happier we are gone. My kids were not able to live up to their full potential at this school. Two of my children had their lifetime love of learning destroyed while attending Aspen. Many of the teachers are bullies not only to the children but the parents as well. The staff and parents were not welcoming to our family. The school was constantly hounding us for money to support all of their extra programs. Aspen's GATE program was a joke. My above average children got dumber every school year because they had to wait for the rest of their class to finish their work so they could move on. If you have above average kids- skip this school.
--Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and support staff. Friendly, helpful, and dedicated to giving our kids the best. Students benefit from additional specialist teachers in P.E., computers, library, and dance. Music programs are also available. Very blessed to be part of this community.
--Submitted by a parent

When we started here I was hesitant about public schools but now in our 7th and final year here, I have been almost always very pleased with each year of both my kids schooling. Aspen teachers did a great job of preparing my kids for middle school, and all the specialists and administrative staff exposed my kids to a world of beneficial learning from dance and fitness to computer and library skills. Principal knows every child's name and works quickly to meet every child's needs.
--Submitted by a parent

Aspen has a wonderful faculty and an incredible amount of parent involvement. Their extracurricular activities, especially chorus, are almost professional level. A lovely, warm and safe learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Aspen is a public school that acknowledges the benefits of dance,art, and music programs.Their special education program allows every student to be successful.
--Submitted by a teacher

The involvement of parents and personnel at this public school makes it a top-notch choice. Nearly all of the teachers hold master's degrees and challenge the kids with interesting curriculum. However, my third grader did seem a little light-handed on the homework for the entire year, though it may have been just that particular teacher. The principal is excellent and very involved with reading motivational programs. Overall, I give the school an A.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, wonderful teachers, overall a very enthusiastic learning environment. My two girls love Aspen and so do my husband and I. The staff is very professional and really interested in the welfare and academic progress of the students. I have met many like-minded parents-people willing to go the extra mile for the benefit of the children. This school offers a variety of on-site extracurricular activities, which is very convenient. The school also offers special education classes. This is a really great school!
--Submitted by a parent

In a current environment of budget cuts in California, it was refreshing to see that this little neighborhood school still offers speciality dance classes, speciality art classes, an optional choir program, a talent show for students to showcase their talents and lots of school related fun activities. Objectively, and reporting from experience, if a child is a well behaved youngster who goes with the flow and has no 'issues' either academically or otherwise, then this is a great school. If however, the child is special needs, or 'outside the box' of the mid range 'norm' or 'middle ground' of the class, then perhaps this is not the best school within the district. There is much parental involvement up till the 4th grade, when suddenly, not many parents volunteer to work in the classes anymore. Overall, Aspen is a friendly, cute neighborhood school. The teachers care about the students.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school from 2001-2003. I loved it. Great principals. Great parent involvement. Small school compared to others in area. Mid to upper-mid income families mean this school gets what they need. A few teachers have been there since the 60s, and maybe it's time for them to go, but the others are really great. Love Ms. Polling (kindergarten), though we didn't have her, her constantly smiling face let you know she loved her job, and that's what we need most in the schools! Office staff could use a little cheering up.
--Submitted by a parent