Southern Elementary School

I can't say much about Southern's programs yet since school is just starting today BUT I will say the year has already started with a disappoinment based on the Back to School night held the week before school started. This is my daughters first year in public school and she was already (naturally) a bit apprehensive, but excited to meet her new teacher and see the school. When we got there, there was no structure, just a free for all walk around the school. Not even so much as a map. One person was there to tell you what/where your homeroom was, but that was no help since her homeroom teacher was not even there, nor was the music teacher or gym teachers or anoneone of intererest to my daughter's schedule. Very disappointing.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest son has been going to Southern for 3 years now and I have had nothing more than a great experience. My son has improved so much over the past couple of years. Teachers have been great in dealing with me and my child. Keep up the good work.
—Submitted by a parent

Southern is awesome and was just rated Excellent by the state. The curriculum focuses on the whole student; academics, self-esteem, artistic expression, etc., the teachers are caring, and the PTA is active. My kids love this school and so do I.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased with this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her second year at Southern. The teachers are great and I have had good experiences with both teachers. I dont feel that the rest of staff of the school are very warm and welcoming and I cannot say that I have had any other positive experiences with this school. I sent the previous principal an email to introduce the Delaware Money School's program 'Bank at School' which teaches student how to save their money and the importance of opening a savings account and managing money. I have not, as of today, ever heard anything from the principal, school district , or anyone else. Also, the school decided to stop Junior Achievement from coming into the school. My daughter loves that program. The reasoning that I received for the removal was that Southern has a similar curriculum to JA. I am just not impressed at all.
—Submitted by a parent

I was extremely leery of the Delaware Public Schools; therefore my daughter attended a local private school. The decision to transfer her to Southern was not one in which we took lightly. It was the best decision we could have made. Her teachers have been wonderful and the administration staff superb. My daughter is being challenged both intellectually as well as personally. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school are top notch, but the school suffers from a lack of true leadership. The current principal is unwilling to address any issue that will result in a conflict with parents - most notably the issue of parking lot safety. The atmosphere is now very oppressive, with parents feeling progressively more unwelcome over the past few years. Lovely new building, great teachers, support staff are for the most part wonderful, but the prinicipal leaves something to be desired.
—Submitted by a parent

Parental involvement??? There was none last year. I was in the PTA and attended every meeting. I attended a meeting of only 8 parents and then the next month I attended a meeting that didn't take place because even the board members failed to show and it was never cancelled. I did not like my sons first year there, the teacher did not want parents in the classroom even though she said she did and I offered many times with an excuse to follow as why I couldn't come for some reason. My son did not learn anything new because he had to be made to go over everything he had already learned because most kids came to school unprepared. Thankfully we're going to attend the new school and I plan on being super involved since it will also be my daughters first year of school at school.I was not happy.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school and faculty
—Submitted by a parent

Don't let the 'public' school tag influence you. Southern may be a public school but it is so committed to the education of each student that it surpassed all my expectation once I transferred my son from the local privste school. All the teachers are very involved. It has a great atmosphere. There are many programs and classroom activities to get kids excited about learning. There is a high level of parental involvement, as well. Everyone, students, parents, teachers are at ease.
—Submitted by Denise, a parent

My son entered Kindergarten at Southern the year the school opened. He is now entering 4th grade. We have been SO happy with the school, the teachers, just everything. The facilities are great, but the teachers are even better. My son has excelled (and he has ADHD) thanks to the great teachers. This past year,he made Honor Roll every marking period. A special mention to Mrs. Payne-Miller, his 3rd grade teacher. She has been the best teacher I have encountered anywhere! What a great school! I would not move unless I remained in Southern's feeding pattern!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 1st grade and his teacher is GREAT. My son has ADHD and she does everything she can to help him and to keep me involved. I love Sounthern Elementary and so does my son.
—Submitted by Valerie Murphy, a parent

My son, now in 5th grade, has a hard time doing his math, and is on a 3.5 reading level. From second grade on, we were concerned, but 3rd and 4th grade teachers told us that he is doing 'just fine', and that we are worrying too much. Now his 5th grade teacher is saying that he hasn't memorized times tables and is having a hard time reading up to grade level. Who is wrong here? His teachers from past grades. They are so worried about the state testing and are leaving everything else out. He can't spell good either. As long as they pass that state test, I guess you're okay. So, wake up and do better teaching other than worrying if your students are going to pass state testing.
—Submitted by Too late now!, a parent

I have a 1st and 5th grader going here now. We just moved from a small school in the Red Clay District and while at first I was a little takenaback at how humongous Southern is, I am now loving it. Both of my kids have teachers that I can tell really do love their jobs and their students. My 5th grader has ADHD and a IEP and the teachers and administrators have gone out of their way to make sure that he is taken care of. The school seems to be run very efficiently and I have yet to have any concerns with anyone or anything, I was very concerned when we moved and I am now glad that we did.
—Submitted by Jen Knight, a parent

my daughter is new to Southern Elementary this year. She is in the first grade and has Ms. Roane. My husband and i are very pleased at the progress she is making thus far.Ms. Roane is absolutly a wonderful teacher who is always very pleasant and cheerful, providing a fun and exciting learning atmosphere for her class. So far Southern Elementary school rates 5 stars for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child who is in 4th grade know. From the begining in 1st grade I have argued that she has learning disabilities. I have had her tested and have proof that she is dislexic. I allways here schools saying there will be no child left behind. My daughter can read at a 6th grade level but cannot spell. The school has not done anything to help her. All I see is a young girl falling farther behind. She is on a 504 plan I have yet to see from the teacher. When I went to open house the teacher had 30 students. How can you help a child with special need with so many children. So far I am very disapionted with Southern elementary. My child is definetly being left behind.
—Submitted by Tammy Ash, a parent

We love Southern! Our child is in several special programs so we have had the opportunity to meet and work with several staff members and they are all caring, supportive and devoted to each child.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a special needs child in the inclusion program here. The Special Ed teachers, therapists and para-professionals are top notch. They really care about the success of the children and encourage parents to get involved.
—Submitted by a parent