Roosevelt Elementary School

My son is graduating from Roosevelt this June after 7 years at the school. When I asked him last night what he would miss most about the school, he told me the principal because he "knew she really cared about all of the kids." What better review could you get than that?
—Submitted by a parent

I am a volunteer at the school often and do not agree with some of the comments that are negative. The new principal has allowed us on campus more often. She has given the teachers more choices and allowed them to be creative. Communication moved from phone messages to online with constant contact and has been wonderful as it goes right to my phone. Individuals need to make appointments to meet with principal over individual concerns as she has an open door policy and always receives our input and does what she can within the parameters of the school district rules. The former principal was different but just as strong as the new principal. It is a different style that can teach us a lot about being flexible.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not what it used to be. It should be a neighborhood school and has potential with a good number of acting and caring parents. The teachers need more support and training and leadership from the Principals. After being here for a while I see a change with the newer principal. Things stayed stable with the assistant principal but once she left and a new assistant principal arrived, communication has dropped and emails go out without thinking about kids parents or teachers. I used to think of it as a smaller grade school that had features of a private school. Now I think of it as a school that offers one way to teach kids without looking at their learning needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Some schools have potential and Roosevelt is one of them. I am a mother of two boys and have repeatedly tried to work with the school to embrace learning differences. The school had high test scores under the former principal and over time they will decline because jewel schools do not just say great. It takes a conscious effort on the part of leadership to be constructive when there is a conflict and to keep the communication positive. I don' feel good recommending this school even thought the parents are active, the kids are all beautiful people and the teachers work with students as much as they are able.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been a parent at this school for 7 years I feel really lucky to have my kids in such a great environment. This year, they started offering a before school math program from 7:30-8 and my son gets upset if dad is running late, because he wants to get to school early and work on his fast math. That is just one example. Excellent, motivated teachers. Well run school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at this school for over 8 years. After the former principal left 2 1/2 years ago, the quality of the school declined, but she was a tough act to follow. However, following the former assistant principal's departure just a few months ago, the school rapidly went downhill. As per present and former teachers, it's because it was being run by the former assistant principal. Now that she is gone, parent satisfaction has come to a screeching halt. It's #1 school status is based upon OLDER scores and performance. The current state of the school will soon be reflected in the school's future scores. SO MANY INVOLVED parents are incredibly unhappy after years of satisfaction and expectations being exceeded. The morale among faculty has taken a nosedive. People just don't smile there like they used to. Children are unhappy. Classes are overcrowded. Children are being put on buses on the wrong days. Assemblies aren't held in the auditorium because it is too small, so this childhood tradition is now conducted in individual classrooms, sacrificing the sense of school community. The once spacious playground has been replaced by new buildings. Concerns fall on deaf ears.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is out of touch with parents and does not want to know what they think. Many parents have expressed concerns about anxiety in their children but feel they cannot talk to the teacher for fear of "getting into conflict with the school". This is very sad and there is no forum for expressing opinion or concern without risk of conflict. The school's approach is dictatorial and punitive to both children and parents. Some teachers are very good but some leave a lot to be desired.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great and the kids are the best. There are some great parents that help the teachers and volunteers save the school and teachers tons of time. How lucky to have parents that save the teachers time. How lucky it is to have great teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Roosevelt didn't get to be #1 in the district by accident! I was because of its dedicated teachers, administrators, students and 99.8% of the parents. I'm proud to say my child attends Roosevelt. I am also pleased when the administration cares enough to make changes in order for our school to grow even more. We unfortunately have had a small number of parents acting poorly as of late and that is a shame! Roosevelt students are fortunate to have and entire school staff focused entirely on helping them to be not only great students but also great citizens. I only wish this small amount of parents would act more maturely and stop being bullys.
—Submitted by a parent

My children and I love Roosevelt Elementary School. We have a great principal who cares strongly about the children and education they get. Unfortunately there is a small minority who feel that they should be given priority over the majority. These are the types of people who like to use words such as "deep pockets" ie. because they have money, they should be listened to more than others. I have news for them, your deep pockets have always been closed and no one really cares how much money you have anyway. I hope our principal continues to stand up for her beliefs and our children's best interests.
—Submitted by a parent

Kudos to the principal and her staff for teaching our children how to stand up to bullys. Obviously their parents can't when they are the ones being the bully. You (deep pocket mama's) ought to be ashamed. Some example you are setting. Do you work? When quitting time comes I am sure you are ready to put work behind you and go home to your family and not think about work till the next day. The teachers probably would like that scenario but unfortunately they can't. Papers to grade, lessons to plan, reports to write, and take care of family are the away from school life. They don't have a quitting time. Having that time in the morning will allow the teachers to be able to have some quality time with their families. They are allowed that just like the deep pocket mama's. The last thing to say to those parents is quit being a hypocrite and grow up!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Roosevelt is Number ONE in the county! This school has been such a wonderful environment for my children. The administrators are EXEMPLARY!Their number ONE priority is the children! They are VERY supportive of their FABULOUS STAFF! I see teachers staying very late DAILY. I see teachers taking home work, I know for a fact the faculty works into their evenings. I receive emails from teachers after 10:00pm.They are phenominal.There is quite a controversy right now with a new start the day time. After speaking to the teachers today, the extra 15 minutes they received on the first day of this new "start time" was extremely HELPFUL! If a teacher has ample time to plan (and I know they spend hours on this are) they will be able to implement a much better lesson! I have nothing to say but positive things about this new plan and the staff/administration.Kudos to the principal and assistant principal for making this change for the teachers which in turn will make things much better for the children! I hope everyone will accept this small change and let the administration lead and the teachers teach!
—Submitted by a parent

The school used to be a lot better but the teachers do not rock like they used to when the old principal was there. The old principal ran a tighter ship, balanced parents interests and showed a way of caring about students that is unmatched. The culture change has made the school a less friendly place and groups within the school, have become divisive. Now the morning plan is making a lot of parents mad. Little kids are forced to be escorted by someone else than their mom? This is not family friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is now telling parents that school starts five minutes earlier than it does. Parents can only walk their kids to the lunch room and not to class. Kids have to make this choice and stick with their choice. The principal is getting all kinds of complaints, not listening and not showing that she cares. It is tough when they say it is about safety and education but now they are saying it is about teacher prep time. The teachers get a half day once a week and also every day after 2:15.

Overrated. This school has potential but there is nothing that is community oriented, unique, diverse or community-based.
—Submitted by a teacher

A great school for learning and thriving. A school where children can be the main focus and opportunities are available beyond the standards.

The principal caters to the mom's who volunteer. She creates a climate that is not inclusive. Some people have left which creates more of the same problems related to an overly powerful group of parents. It is almost like it is not a public school. The FCAT is the one reminder that the school is public. Parents seem to be very insensitive to anyone different than them. Teachers would get a higher rating but they are constrained by the FCAT. It is almost like caring teachers cannot go the extra mile and help a kid.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to this school for 6 years and loved every one of them during the last week of my 5th grade year I (and every one else) felt like a movie star I felt really connected with all my and teachers and they help me learn so much during the beggining of the year I could hardly stand reading now all my parents say is "your still reading!" This is a great school 6 stars and two thumbs up!

I visited my granddaughter, who is in kindergarten,, for lunch on May 23, 2012. It was my first visit to Roosevelt. It was so new to me I had to mapquest it to find it. It is a true gem! The school is a well kept older school hidden in a quaint neighborhood in South Tampa. As I entered the main office the staff was very friendly and helpful. My granddaughter was called to the main office with a classmate to escort me to her class. I was welcomed by her teacher and observed class activites for several minutes until lunch. At lunch I observed a child eating with his parents in celebration of his birthday. My granddaughter was very proud of her school and pointed out the painting of the Rough Rider on the wall. She said, "that is what I am . . a Roosevelt Rough Rider." She was so happy and proud to "showcase" her school, Roosevelt. I commend Roosevelt as it appeared that ALL the students felt loved and appreciated. What a wonderful learning environment!!

I have been in this school for 6 years and my daughter was in the first ever PRE-K program. I love the parental involvement and feel that's the reason for the strength of the school character as well as overall academic achievement. It's extremely old which makes it part of the historical society. It's kept up with regard to the preservation and needs but it's good to know our money is going toward TEACHING and FUNDING for education, rather than APPEARANCES of the school overall. Remember when reading one of the posts below: THE FARMER WITH THE BIGGEST HAT, DOESN"T ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST CATTLE. This school is remarkable INSIDE AND OUT. This school continuously does tremendous on the F-CAT testing. They teach at a higher standard than the FLORIDA STANDARD. Great teachers, parental involvement and a strong community support, make it better than ANY competing school. One problem I had: NO MANDATORY UNIFORMS. The other elementary schools offered it. I GIVE THIS SCHOOL 6 starts. It deserves more than 5.
—Submitted by a parent