Bethlehem Elementary School

Take your child and run!!!! My daughter and I had horrific experiences here! I would give no stars if available!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to Bethlehem for the schools only to be extremely disappointed by BES during my first child's attendance. Happy at the prospect our other two children would attend under a new principal and hopefully a new outlook on education, we have had little to rejoice in. Our children are above grade level in almost every subject and though they are praised on the surface, they are given little motivation to continue developing their skills. Often they are held back in order to allow the other children to "catch up" which is simply not fair. BES should consider implementing more advanced programs for these children who are stagnating in their seats.
--Submitted by a parent

Bethlehem Elementary School has made positive improvements since welcoming the new principal. I am happy to see the good things remained and some things that were not so good have improved. I look forward to a great rest of the year and one more year for my little one. He's currently in 4th grade in Ms. Maddox's classroom...Did someone say TEACHER OF THE MILLENIUM????? My husband and I are SO happy that our son got this teacher...you should be so lucky!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I currently have two children that attend BES, We think this is a great school!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a very involved parent in the school, and yes like any school BES does have things they need to improve. But anytime I have had problems with my children, a teacher, another student or anything else I have been able to communicate with the principle, or the teacher openly. They do seem to take what I say into consideration and try to do what they can with the information I give them. I have three children at the school now and are pleased with their teachers. They do have a wide range of learners from slow to advanced in each classroom. I think this is done not to slow the advanced, but to help the slower ones. They are kept busy and on a schedule which cuts down on the time to be disruptive. They adjust well on having a routine and knowing what is expected of them. Communicate.
--Submitted by a parent

BES .......apperance of the school seems adequate. Everything else from the principle to the teachers needs much improvement. They focus so much on sending home a 'Punch' or as some of might refer to it as a 'conduct cut'. Every Friday they are to busy sending home 1's 2's or 3's .My child does not need to be labled as a number but as the induviual that she is. I think some of the things they make a big deal about are very petty. Lets start teaching these kids like in the good ole; days and stop trying to cram this CRCT mess on them and traing them to robots. They are human. these kids can not even talk. What happen to 45 to an hour lunch??? these kids have to eat that slop in 30 minutes and by gosh can not talk. Are they in prison or at school?
--Submitted by a parent

BES .......apperance of the school seems adequate. Everything else from the principle to the teachers needs much improvement. They focus so much on sending home a 'Punch' or as some of might refer to it as a 'conduct cut'. Every Friday they are to busy sending home 1's 2's or 3's .My child does not need to be labled as a number but as the induviual that she is. I think some of the things they make a big deal about are very petty. Lets start teaching these kids like in the good ole; days and stop trying to cram this CRCT mess on them and traing them to robots. They are human. these kids can not even talk. What happen to 45 to an hour lunch??? these kids have to eat that slop in 30 minutes and by gosh can not talk. Are they in prison or at school?
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with some of the other parents this school ignores students who are smarter and i am moving and taking my children to another school. What ever happened to a quality education. Take your children and run away from here as fast as you can.
--Submitted by a parent

All staff seemed frustrated & overwhelmed this year. Some teachers are great but are not supported. I agree about the waste of educational time cramming for the CRCT, they retain very little. Because my daughter is quiet & mannerly, her educational & emotional needs were ignored. The principal was defensive and not interested in helping. We reached out to many staff members but the 'friendly environment' changed and we were pegged as trouble makers. After numerous communication attempts, we pulled her out because she was falling so far behind. My family was placed in a category that couldn't be further from reality. Negative comments were consistently made towards my husband and I in front of other staff. The backlash from the principal effected my other children and we felt forced to withdraw them as well. My children miss their friends & don't understand why they were treated differently. Horrible experience!
--Submitted by a parent

My sons attend BES. Overall the apperance of the school seems adequate. There is much to say for the lack of acceptance towards diversity. I agree with the other parents on this forum that the curriculum leaves much to be desired as well as the level of challenging those students who are ready to be challenged. The school's main focus is the Level 1 and 2 on the CRCT vs. those students who are on the higher academic level. The principal is not friendly at all and she will respond to communication, but always on the defensive. The buidling is beautiful and SOME of the teachers seem great!
--Submitted by a parent