Southside Estates Elementary School

A lot of changes taking place with the new Principal. It disappoints me that Mrs. Latimer was sent to a new school and we were given a principal who has a record for D and F schools for 7 years. So she is sent to a school with an 'A' status? She changed my child's teacher starting in March. She could care less how I feel about it or any other parents and their concerns. I've asked questions and she refuses to answer or put anything in writing to the parents, at least the ones I have spoken with. I can't be the only parent with concerns. Is she willing to take responsibility for my child's education if he fails in his new teacher's class? I bet not! If there are other parents concerns, she will ignore you unless you write her a letter---not talk to her--write. Promises broken.
—Submitted by a parent

They do not follow through. Your child is just a number to them.
—Submitted by a parent

The school earned an 'A' grade this year due to the hardwork and dedication of all stakeholders. I am very happy with the teachers that work at the school. High expectations and individualized instruction are the norm.
—Submitted by a parent

Southside Estates is a school that does okay socially, but not too hot academically.The teachers are wonderful and do a great job. I just believe they could have better standards.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 4 kids. Three of them are currently enrolled at Southside. My son was behind because of his hearing loss and his speech. We ended up keeping him back 1 year and he repeated 1st grade because he missed the 1st 9weeks with Mrs. Lauzon so he needed a little more time to catch up. Thanks to Mrs. Lauzon and the rest of the teachers he has had since 1st grade he learned everything he need to know. He is now ready for third grade. My only complaint is that since he is in ESE he is missing some important lessons that my daughter is learning in 3rd grade. I wish there was a way for them to incorporate the other lesson so he won't have any problems in middle school when he won't be enrolled in ESE.
—Submitted by a parent

I transfered my son to Southside Estates because of a program the school offered called STARS. He had failed 2nd and the program was designed to help him catch up. I was so impressed by how well he did in just one year that I transfered my other two kids to the school. The school itself is a little outdated with it's open campus, but the teachers and staff really care about those kids. Not just how well they are performing in school, but also, how well they are performing in life. I've been very impressed and strongly believe that that score the schools get doesn't make a difference. It all in the parent/teacher communication and this school was quick to return any calls I made.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 4 kids and they have all have attended Southside Estates Elementary. I have been very pleased with the teachers and faculty of this school. I feel that my kids have received the best education and opportunities that were available to them. It is a good, safe environment for kids with teachers that care.
—Submitted by Debra Hopper, a parent

I am enrolled in this school, and everyday im so eager to tell my mom everything that happened. i am in 5th grade, and have been in this school Since pre-K. So after all those years of being in this school, i have experinced that they have music every 3 weeks, art every 3 weeks, and libary every 3 weeks, and P.E every week. The Physical Education coach, Coach Hawk,Cares about the level of physical activities and excersize the children get. whole 7 years i have been at Southside estates Elem, i have had only 2 'Mean' Teachers, Whom i shall not reveal there names.
—Submitted by Amanda W, a student

Southside Estates doesn't even have a physical education coach this year! Also, they are always talking about how much work they have to do to prepare for the FCAT, yet they waste the kids time by giving them busy work every night. This may be fine in 1st grade but not for 5th.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel that school is a fair school. I don't see that they get their student ready for the upper grades. My grandson is in the ese classes and should be in middle school next school year. His school work doesn't seem like work for a student going to middle school. On a postive note the teacher work with you to help any way they can.