Walsh School

I am a parent at Walsh School. I have two daughters who attend one in second grade and the other in kindergarten. They love the Principals. Every morning I stay to hear what they will say at Morning Meeting to motivate the children before they go to class. I feel revved up myself before I go off to work. I am a single parent who does not always get time to take a walk in the woods with my children and talk about nature. The second grade teachers took my child on a trip in Wolcott where that did hands on activities that my daughter still talks about. These teachers go above and beyond everyday. I was afraid to send my daughters to this school because I heard such terrible things. Now I am one of their strongest advocates. This Principal changed the school since he has been there and my daughters are safe. Best decision I ever made. It is clean, safe and my children are learning. They love their friends and morning meeting is the best. Sometimes they have special guests. They have announcements and helpful hints for parents. You get to hear from the Principals everyday. I love this school because it is safe, my daughters are learning, clean and is close to my house.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a community person that lives around the school. I hate that schools are judged by Mastery Tests. I have watched this school soar in the last 6 years under great leadership. Students are well mannered parents are actively involved. I volunteered my time in the school to get what was happening inside and found the atmosphere warm and inviting. Teacher totally consciencious and involved with their students. Strong disciplinarians. Extremely professional office staff and the cleanest school you will ever see. Actually, I watched the most caring and hardworking teacher work with handicap children as she and other teachers brought them to lunch. There is a lot of blight around the school and it is on the side of town that is often forgotten. I know because I live there. But, the school is the shining light in the neighborhood. I have seen movies about principals that do what this one has done. I expect this one will be coming soon. This guy has taken on the entire city to get the job done. He has done an awesome job! He hired the best teachers in the world and togther they are changing things. Community support is the best of any school in the state. Five Stars!!

The lack of concern for borderline special needs students is upsetting. The fact that they don't do much except sweet talk kids who are bullied and tell bullies to 'stop' and nothing else is even more concerning. They do not follow the state or federal anti-bullying laws. I wonder if the current 'administration' (and I use that word lightly because they are nothing but a joke duo)will be able to sleep well at night if one of their bullied kids end up being a student that loses it and ends up doing something like the Columbine incident. They don't think of the long term effects of their inactions in dealing with the bullies. They tell the bulled kids THEY need to change rather than deal with the bullies and their parents.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is always in the news. From DCF issues to destoying the morale of not only the students but the community that Walsh is a part of. No longer are present the administration and staff this school once pocessed 5 years ago. Waterbury has many incompetent administratos, that are voted out by the staff but they still remain. Politics you think?
--Submitted by a parent

I have had children in Walsh for 10 years, I love this school and the drive the principal and staff have to make it the best school for our children.I rate this school with a five. I'm glad we are part of the original magnet program because I wouldn't want my children in any other school!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent I feel the quality of academic programs is lacking. The content may be developed, but the inexperienced teaching staff should be replaced with veteran teachers who have experience in methods and strategies to deal with the complex problems that surface throughout the day. I was disappointed this week to find out that in each of the grade levels of Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and fourth have lost 2 or more teachers who have left the distinct or building.
--Submitted by a parent

I was very concerned because my son had gone to Maloney Magnet from Pre Kindergarden to 5 grade and I wanted my daughter to also go there. When she had to go to Walsh I was scared in the quality of the education there however, she's been there going on 2 years and I must say I'm impressed with the schools ability to teach and maintain structure. I do not feel she will be delayed at all because of attending at Walsh. I'm most proud of how much my daughter s vocabulary has improved, although she has always had great vocabulary for her age, I just feel the school has definitely help to broadened it. She comes home with a new word or a new safety tip from Mr. Brown whom is her 'favorite principal'. I think they are doing an awesome job so far in my experience!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent I feel the quality of academic programs is lacking. The content may be developed, but the inexperienced teaching staff should be replaced with veteran teachers who have experience in methods and strategies to deal with the complex problems that surface throughout the day. I was disappointed this week to find out that in each of the grade levels of Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and fourth have lost 2 or more teachers who have left the distinct or building. The district alone had to hire 120 teachers, mostly Ist year teachers. Two of my children who were entering 2nd and 3rd grade were looking forward to teachers their brothers and sisters have recently had. There gone too! Safety is another issue not addressed.
--Submitted by a parent

This school finished last in the district for CMT results. The staff is always changing. Vetern teachers leave at a rate of 13-15 a year. As a parent this concerns me because experienced teachers are needed in a school like this. Many parents including myself want to volunteer but find a lack of interest from staff.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a student since Pre-k and is in 4th grade now and will be transferred to Maloney. I had mixed emotions about this because I can't say enough about the teachers. They have taught her so well. She loved them all. Keep up the good work Mrs.Baker,Mr.Calabrese,Ms.Kizis,and Mrs.DeSanto. We will miss you.
--Submitted by a parent