Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School

I cannot say enough good things about this school! Its great and I was thrilled when my oldest son got in, then 2 years later my youngest was 'waitlisted' but ended up with a spot as well. I love the programs, the teachers, the school itself. I do have to agree with the statements about the office staff, however, they do ignore you when you walk in, lol. I wish this school went higher than 5th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

I was so thrilled when my daughter got in. However I can not get over on how rude and unwelcoming the office staff is towards parents. If they want more parent involvement they really need to change their attiudes towards them. Everytime you walk in the office you are immediately given the cold shoulder like you are annoying them. My daughter is happy so I just deal with it but it is not what I had in mind.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended the summer program Rotella offers since kindergarten. She was selected via lottery to attend the regular school curriculum at the beginning of third grade and is now entering fourth. We LOVE this school. Their standards are definitely set higher than most of the other city schools, but they also ranked highest in 3 out of four categories in CMT testing for 2009/2010. The teachers and staff are friendly, and eager to get parents involved with their children and the classroom. The school also offers a variety of different enrichment programs and activities throughout the school year. The only negative input I have is that the school is only K-5!!!
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school; however, the staff is still somehow rude. The teacher do a great job, but it will be great if they will keep the parents updated with their children's progress. The progress book is a great way to check children's progress, so you know where you can work more with them.
—Submitted by a parent

My both of my children love Rotella! Children are taught well and the staff has used positive reinforcement. Students are the stars!
—Submitted by a parent

We LOVE Rotella! My son loves it there! I feel that the after school programs that they do have are top notch. My sons self confidence has grown so much in these past few months. I know it has everything to do with his teacher. The after school program helped with that also. He was chosen for a role in the school play, he was so so proud! My other two are in the lotto for next year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! A happy parent
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parent who suggested a second language, that is a great idea... I love Rotella as well, I hope my other son gets in.. Just as an FYI... Waterbury PAL offers a wide range of sports and it is very affordable. The fee is $25.00 yearly and your child can enroll in one or all the activities and they even provide the team shirt, no extra charge.. Waterbury PAL is an excellent programs offers by the police department... Take advantage!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Rotella, however, I think they should offer a second language class for students who are interested. The earlier you teach a second language, the easier it is for them to learn another language in the future. I speak from experience. Other countries teach their students 2 languages early on. Even if it was just an after school activity, I believe it would greatly improve the school. I also think they should be offering sports after school, for free. No more 50$ at some program that once you get in they want more and more $! Lets give our students that don't have the money a chance to improve in sports such as baseball, soccer, ect... I understand this takes a lot of money, but it's definitely something to work towards. Rotella does a great job. I love the teachers and the principal has been very helpful for me.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters both attend Rotella. It is an exellent school. I am trying to get my son and other daughter in also. I would not send my children to the public schools if I can get them in the magnet. The teachers are great, they are the best. This school was voted #1 magnet school in the nation!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Rotella she is a good student and tries her hardest in class. At times she has had difficulty with some subjects - it seems like the teachers want the students to all be on the same level. She likes the school and is learning a lot there. I do think Rotella is the best school for her in this city - the staff in the front office are rude at times they make you feel as if you are bothereing them and making them do their jobs. The teacher she has now is taking a real interest in my daughter and I hope it continues.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! What are you talking about? The teachers are very nice if you aren't messing around or failing and if you meet this criteria I think you should go to a different school!!!
—Submitted by a student

my daughter is a 4th grader and has been in this school since pre-k. i am so happy with the teachers and staff and believe that my daughter has learned so much. i lvoe school and is blessed she got in
—Submitted by a parent

I think that the teachers care very much at Rotella and the kids seem very happy there. The front office staff leave MUCH to be desired, though and I dread having to go in there at all because they are so rude and not helpful or even concerned about anything other than themselves and gossiping. My kids love it and I am glad that they have the opprotunity to attend Rotella. I think that the school should be more diverse,as there are many more white children than any other ethnicity represented.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best elementary school in the waterbury school system. Both of my boy attend here, and i can not say enough great things about the staff.Keep up the great work Rotella!
—Submitted by michael cervellino, a parent

my experience with this school since it opened, has been considerably less than positive. my kids are not nearly enthused about school as others who attend elsewhere. I question the integrity of those employed who seem to turn a blind to legitimate parent concerns such as safety, egress and accountability for my kids wellbeing. longstanding problems repeat themselves annually. i am not feeling the love at this school. the only right thing is to send my kid somewhere else. these problems will never go away- its a people problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Rotella is a very close knit school and the children always's come first.
—Submitted by a former student

I am very happy with this school. The teachers are great and the education my kids are getting there is better that at their previous school. Front office personnel could do with a few workshops on better public relations, but maybe they will mature along with the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have the highest regard for the teachers at Rotella but I wish I could say the same for the office administration. The front office staff are the rudest most impolite people. No matter how nice you are to them they always seem like you are bothering. It is definitely not a warm school atmosphere and not the kind of impression you want to make on people entering our school. It frankly is shameful! A little proffesionalism?? The principles have never really been any help to the concerned parents and could care less. Children in this school are a priority? Please give parking to maintenance staff and let the children walk in the rain, snow or cold- how's that for priority. Get someone with real leadership potential in there and let's see if we can see a positive change.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school may have to do something for the parking problem. Is very hard every day pick-up your kids and do not have a spot to park. They made a big huge baseball field next to the school (I never see nobody playing in it)that may be it will be a very nice parking lot for everybody. Other than that everything is very good. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children attending.This interdistrict magnet school has no parent parking, yet has reserved spaces for the maintenence staff?? A good indicator of whats inside. Some teachers lack basic parenting skills. School policies for students lack enthusiasm. Principals & office staff wont address problems with unionized teachers and are under no administrative supervison.Always document everything. Principals are not required to address your concerns or even keep records. If you have a problem go to city hall,board of education. Do not go to the principals office ! rotella is 100% union shop. You cannot bring a problem to another union employee such as the principal and expect results.
—Submitted by dissappointed parent, a parent