Van R. Butler Elementary School

Butler is generally a good school, but certainly can improve. I would not be too influenced by FCAT scores. The school is located in an affluent district and, as such, tends to serve students from successful families. The student peer-group is as ripe and prepared for education as most any anywhere. Wasted time and distraction spent on discipline and decorum are simply not issues at Butler. Given this student body, the level of educational opportunities could be far greater to help these students really soar and expand their horizons. The diversity of education is very limited with virtually no extra-curricular activities. The programming is very vanilla. The teachers are generally committed - often young and gaining experience. They run the gamut. I get the feeling that some of the school administration are just trying to keep things at an "acceptable" level, without any vision of "greatness" for the school and the student educational experience. I would suggest that senior administration could use some inspired vision building and better utilize some of the talent in the community - and study some of the really awesome school programs from Harlem to California.
—Submitted by a parent

Butler Elementary School is fantastic. We are somewhat new to the area, having lived here for 2 years. My children love going to school every day. The teachers are friendly and professional. The front office staff is eager to help and very accommodating. The principal is very "hands-on" and makes all students feel important. She knows them all by name! We absolutely will not move from this area until our children finish elementary school!
—Submitted by a parent

I usually don t write reviews but my story is one of direct contrast to a previous comment by a parent and felt the need to give another view of the same topic. My son transferred to Butler from a wonderful out of state school. He attended Butler in third, fourth and fifth grade. Automaticity in mathematics was a huge focus while he attended Butler. He also earned top scores on FCAT tests and was an honor roll student. We moved over the summer and he is now attending a K-8 school in Nevada whose math curriculum is the National Gifted Research Center's M-Cubed curriculum along with the National Council of Mathematics Teachers math series. At the beginning of the school year they tested every student s math aptitude and my son earned the highest score in the entire school. His mathematics average this first nine weeks of school was a 99. In no way do I feel he has lacked in what he was taught at Van R Butler. Every student is unique and what they retain from their lessons is based on individual student s aptitude. Tammy Smith is a wonderful principal that is very approachable and wants to see the students succeed. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to SRB right before our son started 4th grade, coming from Chesapeake Virginia. At first the idea of a small school was great and was quite a change. My son did awesome on the FCATS and was always an honor roll student even before we left Virginia. We have since returned to Chesapeake for his 5th grade and I could not believe how far behind he was compared to Florida. Math especially is where the lack of teaching shined. He is now playing catch up and his grades are suffering. We are absolutely appalled at having to ask "What DID they teach you?" Sure, the school is clean and beautiful and the staff is nice. Ms. Art is an asset to the program. However! All that is no comparison to my son being behind due to lack of teaching. If you want a nice looking school with nice staff and dont mind compromising the child's education more power to all. I am so glad to be back in Virginia, as well as our son, so maybe he can learn what is expected of the grade he is in. Yes, every teacher has their days and no school is without some controversy but if you could see the amount lacking in what is being taught compared to other school districts it is absolutely appalling!
—Submitted by a parent

my granddaughter is having a wonderful experience; she has attended preK, K, and is about to finish first grade. Her teachers and the school are wonderful.

My friends kids go there and they love it. The children seem stimulated and enthusiastic about going to school. Also, the school makes an effort to keep it clean. There's a saying that goes something like this 'A happy home is a clean one.'. My son will attend there next year. Also, I support public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is pretty good my teacher is sooooo nice too!! ms.connie rocks
—Submitted by a student

They involvement that they encourage with parents and children in their fundraising efforts.

Top Notch School! I have no MAJOR negative observations or suggestions. Sure a teacher might have a bad moment or day, and the lunch room monitors might smile at the kids a little more often, but the teachers and administrative staff are great. I do wish that the district offered foreign language opportunities and I hear that is being considered. The staff have expressed nothing but love and caring for my child. She is progressing well in core education. My older kids went to school in one of the most highly regarded public school districts in the US and Butler compares favorably. I get the same positive feeling and energy. At the kindergarden and first grade levels, Butler has been a very positive experience for my child and my younger child can't wait to start. Thank you Butler staff and teachers!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a kindergarten student and he loves Butler Elementary. As a parent, I am very pleased with the discipline and the academics at Butler.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, I actually believe this is an exceptional school. I think the majority of the staff and teachers are wonderful...however there are at least two teachers there that seem to think it is appropriate to yell at, humiliate, or to embarass their students in front of the classroom. There is an open door policy but it is impossible to tell if situations are resolved when it involves a teacher. I encourage the school to address these issues seriously when they are presented.
—Submitted by a parent

Butler is great school with a dedicated staff, highly qualified teachers, supportive parents, and the best students anywhere. The environment is positive and safe. The well-being of students is the top priority of everyone in the bulding. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Will not move out of this area strictly because of this school. Very good energy and personable staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Butler Elementary is a fabulous school. The building is inviting, child-friendly, clean and as safe as you can get. Principal, Tammy Smith, has a delightfully sweet personality and has an open-door policy, always welcoming parental input. Parents are well informed with a weekly Bear Facts newsletter. I have always felt welcome and have enjoyed volunteering at Bulter. As such, I have witnessed some phenomenal teaching events. The art instructor is amazing and math coach is a real treat. In addition, Butler was the first in the county to start an in-classroom recycling program with blue bags that has since become a countywide program. I applaud Butler Elementary and its staff.
—Submitted by Christy Scally, a parent

Some of the teachers at this school have no sense of responsibility toward their students. When a child is falling behind rather than contact the parents, they simply wait for the Progress Report to come out by which time the problem has gotten too far out of hand to manage in a proper manner. I think the Teachers at Butler should be held to a higher standard than that. There is no way for the parents to even know there is a problem if the teachers involved cannot take the time to contact them regarding their child's classroom performance.
—Submitted by Michael, a parent

I love Butler and my son's teacher. The communication between the teacher and parent has been wonderful. Always lots of feedback. I'm impressed to see the principal a lot of mornings during drop off greeting the parents and kids. The classrooms are spacious and clean. I'm excited to become involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Butler is now a 'B' school. Last year there were simply too many students and too much chaos as a result due to overcrowding and lack of planning on a District level. The teachers tried very hard but with the constant stream of evacuees and more than 30 students in a classroom at times, everyone suffered. Parents are not particularly welcomed at the school but PTO members welcome all parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My gifted child has had almost nothing but great days at Butler. After coming from an area where the only safe options for children were private schools, Butler has been a wonderful blessing. The new principal seems less receptive to parents, but my child loves her.
—Submitted by a parent

Try too hard to be a A school. Push children. Leave children behind to keep up there quote 'A' school and make themselves look good. Too much pressure put on these young children.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs are excellent, as FCAT scores will prove. The school is getting a new principal this year, and she is highly qualified. Parents are very involved at Butler. Teachers are outstanding.
—Submitted by a teacher