Pershing Elementary School

I am a parent that just watched my last child walk off of the Pershing campus for middle school. I have been involved with this school since 1997 and can't say enough about the teachers and administration. Wherever there are children, there will always be "issues" to deal with...just like at home! But every adult at Pershing has their heart in the right place and their focus is on encouraging these kids to be the very best they can, and preparing them for the future. I only wish that teachers were respected more in our society. The amount of work they do on campus and OFF campus (on their own time, with their own money) should be recognized and appreciated more. Teachers spend more time during the school year with our kids than we do! So I am sad that Pershing will not be a part of our daily lives anymore. I will miss the hugs form the kids and the teachers. We are very lucky to have Pershing Elementary in our community. Happy almost 50th Pershing! You have been such a wonderful place for our family. PS To future parents at Pershing - GET INVOLVED! VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME! The kids will love you for it!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent that is appauled at the conduct of some of the teachers as well as many students at pershing. I feel that amount of physical aggression that continues to go on at the school with little or no disciplinary response by administration is unacceptable. For a school with few children I would think getting the negative situation under control would have been swift. I feel that the new administration if failing to allow our children to feel as though they are in a safe environment. The majority of the teachers I have been in contact with are loving and care for the children. I am disappointed at the school that use to be known as the gem. Yes my child has a wonderful teacher and she has done her best to help my child thrive in a classroom that she cares for greatly. I am praying and hoping that next year is a better year at pershing because if not more parents will begin to either homeschool or transfer to charter schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I've had two children finish Pershing and it was woderful until the change in Principals. Dr. McCoy has "my way or no way" attitude. Trust in what theother parent stated regarding only a small number of partent in the inner circle, learn it the hard way last year when they were talking about closing Pershing, she would not send home letter to the parent to inform them of what was going on. It wasn't until someone call our Dis. school Board member to inform him of it ,then letters were sent home. Have 2 children at the school now, the only thing I can say that wonderful about Pershing is the Teachers the reason we stay, sadly they are affair to speak out too. Also note the enrolment at Pershing is not 472, it's about 350 at most and next year 25 more FAMILIES are leavin for CharterSch. What doesthat say!
--Submitted by a parent

Pershing is a great school! The principal, Dr. Cupid-McCoy is so involved and she knows each and every child by name it seems as you walk around the school. The teachers are good, I don't say great because I feel that the teachers are not up with the times, they are very set in their ways, not open to much more than what they already know. They have been teaching since we were in school, times have changed a lot since then. The principal is awesome and makes the school a safe, fun, caring learning enviroment. My children are in there second year at Pershing and they love it!!! Dr. Cupid-McCoy rocks!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We heard nothing but great things about Pershing when we first moved to Orlando and Pershing 3 years ago. I was extremely excited at first. The first 1/2 of the 1st year was great. Since the prinicipal change at that time my excitement has dwindeld. I feel there is an 'inner circle' of parents that seem to be the only parents who are informed of what's going on in the school. It has taken me 3 years to finally be 'allowed' to be somewhat in the know of what is going on in my own childs school. There is a lack of communication between the administration and parents. I'm also very disappointed in the lack of special programs and special events for families that aren't just a fundraiser. It seems the only grades that matter in this school are 3rd-5th. They can't even manage a spelling bee.
--Submitted by a parent

Pershing is a very good school for the average child. However, if your child has special needs or is 'different' in other ways, you should look elsewhere. Most of the teachers have been there for a very long time and are very set in their ways. They don't want to adapt and are quite intolerant overall. Thankfully, they have a wonderful principal in Dr. Cupid-McCoy who is absolutely a parent's dream - she cares about children above everything else, and will stick up for them no matter what. She has met a lot of resistance from the teachers, though. We are now at another small school in the area and feel much more welcomed by the teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Pershing Elementary is a wonderful, small community based school. Without a doubt, the quality education the school provides can be attributed to it's wonderful, dedicated teachers. My daughter is just finishing 5th grade, and each year she has had fantastic, caring teachers. My son is following, also with very good teachers. You come to campus, and the staff know who you are by name. The kids feel safe, and they are learning too! Parental involvement is high here. Pershing also has a excellent extended day program. They do so many fun activities. This school is just as good as any private school in the area. We love Pershing Elementary.
--Submitted by a parent

Small class size, high level of parental involvement. This is a small community school. It's curriculum is unfortunately geared toward the state mandated test, FCAT and testing your child is what this school will do from kindergarten until he/she leaves!
--Submitted by a parent

Pershing is a wonderful, public elementary school that encourages reinforcement of the reading and math skills that they learn in class at home every day. The parents are very involved at the school and the extended day program is an outstanding value for the money. I feel lucky to have had the chance for my sons to go there!
--Submitted by a parent

My Daughter has gone to Pershing Elementary since pre-k. She enjoys the school and the teachers are great. I do believe that a more one on one environment would be helpful. The children get along great and I have had no problem with school bullys.
--Submitted by a parent