Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School

I found the review below very valid. But in talking with some of the parents, this school still has some issues that need to be addressed. Mainstreaming behaviorally challenged students into a regular classroom doesn't seem to be working out very well for this school. Also,negative behavior on a professional level is not flattering and this was a very big disappointment for the school community. Maybe if the school would stop putting disruptions in their classrooms, the scores would go up.

My children have attended this school and I've had the opportunity to work with the staff at MGES. The teachers and staff do their best to provide incentives for ALL the kids. Some teaches work many hours after school to come up with activities that the kids will learn from and enjoy. As I read other comments, I feel that the staff at this and any other school, may have a stressed day and may encounter a parent during this time; however, a school shouldn't be judged on the actions of a few. Parents, teachers, administration, and kids should work together to achieve success. School doesn't end at 4:00, but learning should continue at home as well. Everyone should be positive and discuss concerns with the teacher or principal. The teachers do care about the kids and work together to find any minute of the day to help them get on level. Some kids don't test well, that doesn't mean they are not good students, but society judges everything on 1 day and 1 score...Really? Does your boss judge your worth on the one bad day or the tons of great days? Kids are no different. MGES is a very good school with a family type of staff...Kids are the priority!!!

My child is attending MGES and loves it. I have noticed that the kids are happy and proud of their school. The staff truly care about the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sick looking at the declining FCAT scores for 3rd grade over the last few years. You can see them just get worse every year, so I'd like to know what is being done about this??
—Submitted by a parent

My son is failing to no fault of his or my own. He has ADHD and I told the teacher about it but she treats him as others and does not remind him. He needs many reminders and I send notes in all the time but no responses from the teacher. The 5th grade teacher is great. The office staff, the young man is welcoming, no one else is. If I had a choice, I'd take my kids out. We homeschooled for a while to avoid the school but our circumstances changed and had to go to this ES. I dislike it a lot, we are looking into other possibilities now.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers were very disinterested in teaching. Staff was rude and inconsiderate. I was actually told by office staff that a family funeral was INCONVENIENT to the school's standardized testing that was happening that week. Principal is unavailable and uninvolved. I pulled my child from this school after only 1 miserable, disappointing year. If you are moving to this area, I suggest private/charter school or find another school in Pasco county.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great staff!
—Submitted by a parent

Mary Giella is a wonderful school community. The Administration and staff members are highly qualified and genuinely have the students best interest at heart.
—Submitted by a teacher

MGES is a great school. The staff and administration really care about the students. They have great resources. Teachers really try to help all students and encourage them to be successful.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the test scores and the C rating speak for themselves. I think the school would do so much better if they wouldn't mix the grades together.
—Submitted by Brandi, a parent

Unfortunatelly I am a busy parent and I haven't had the opportunity to be with my daughter in any class, but I feel that she really enjoys being there, she has learned a lot, and every day we have homework to do, in fact there are big proyects once in a while. I am also really happy with the before and after school program they are always doing different and interesting activities.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. My child loved going there. The teachers were very professional and caring. Lots of extra activities. Parents were kept very well informed about what was going on.
—Submitted by a parent

my child went here for 2years, except for the music teacher and vice principal,some teachers ok, the rest was substandard, the safety and discipline was almost nonexistent, when my child came down with bad case of stomach flu her complaints were ignored until had to take her to emerg. room. she had a bully problem with girl in her class had to write all the way to school board before anything got done by then was sick of that school and she now attends elsewhere, she still has problems with reading etc. never able to learn anything in such disruptive environment. mrs. dee matter
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff at this school have been very gracious and kind to me every occasion that I have spoke with them and they have made my daughter feel welcomed and have helped ensure her growth both emotionally and academically.
—Submitted by a parent