Holly Springs Elementary School

My school is Holly Springs Elementary School in Canton Ga. I have 2 children attending. Overall i am very pleased w/this school. They are on target w/getting the students the extra help when it is needed. They are also very good w/challenging the students who excell. So far this school has been a positive experiance for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

I am considering moving my whole family just to remove my child from this school. To start everyone is correct, the front office staff is HORRIBLE. They make you feel like such a burden for walking into the office, they are very short, and rude. The principals are very hateful, and have a very round about way of letting you know they are not interested in anything you have to say. A lot of the teachers I have encountered are rude, the librarians,and the lunch staff is well. I should know because I spend a great deal of time volunteering just for my son, but I don't enjoy it because of the staff. It is almost like they all hate being there or something. I like my child's teacher and the PTA parents are great, and that is the only good thing. This is our first full year here and I am ready to run for the hills.I have had SO many problems with my child with bullying as well, and they just don't care. It's sad, and even sadder that I hate to drop my child off at school, knowing he is going to have a bad day there.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, caring staff, organized, efficient, great communication skills. The kids love the school and are excelling well.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Georgia from out of state and we were only there 1 year. My third grader did exceptionally well. She had wonderful teachers. We were very happy with them. On the other hand, my oldest was in 5th grade. She went from being an honor roll student to making C's, D's, and F's. I found out the 5th grade teachers act nice and concerned about your child but they are fake. My daughter was bullied by students and one teacher in particular. She was yelled at and ostracized in front of other students for things as simple as forgetting her book in another class or raising her hand to ask a question. She did her work and turned in her homework everyday and never got into trouble but was treated horrible. They have a system for good behavior. They can earn money to go into an account and if they have enough at the end of the month they can participate in a fun day. I found out the only way to get enough money is by making donations to the classroom. That's only teaching the child they can buy there way to fun day. It was the most ridiculous system. Also, they do not give the kids enough time outside to release energy. My child was miserable in that environment. I'm so glad we moved.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started first grade and has so far had wonderful teachers. We have a new administration this year, and it has gone from one extreme to the next. The school is now almost like a prison, they can't talk when int he lunchroom, they have to sit in rows in the gym waiting for class to start and inthe aftrenoon waiting to be picked up. The Asst. Principal has messed up the drop off routine and now expects the kids to walk from the front side of the building instead of them getting out in the drop off circle, he thinks this makes things faster...it makes things unsafe for the kids! I thought I was sending my child to a school not a prison camp. The new principal came from a alternative school that worked with children with behavioral problems, so that how she treats them now.
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children that have attended Holly Springs School and absolutely LOVE the school. I am very involved at the school and have always felt welcomed to come and help as much as I can. The office staff and administration are so friendly and helpful anytime I need help. We have moved several times and this is BY FAR the best elementary school my children have attended. I told my husband we can't move anymore because I am afraid we won't find another school like this one.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Holly Springs ES. We recently moved here from Dawson County. While my kids are still transitioning, I am SO pleased with the school. Every time I have been in the office, the staff has been very friendly. So far, I am pleased with the school, the staff, the PTA members and the bus drivers in this school district. It makes me wish we had moved here years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Holly Springs. This is our 6th year at the school. I am SO pleased with the entire staff. They have bent over backwards to help us out when my daughter had some medical problems. I received phone calls from teachers, office staff and Mr. Hall to check on her. I feel like we are part of a family at Holly Springs. I have always been very involved and its has always been welcomed. So nice to feel welcomed at your childs school. Never have had a complaint. If there ever was a problem I don't think I would ever have any problems geting it resolved. We even moved a couple of years ago and I told my husband that we had to stay in the same school district......LOVE IT!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with everyone else! The school front ofc. is SO unfriendly! Not one smile to greet you, no people skills!! They act so bothered by you when you walk thru the doors (even the prinicple seemed bothered when I tried to talk to him) I used to think it was me, but good to know now it isnt! I have had bad experiences with my child's teachers as well, and I am very sad with this school...we have one more year, and I cant wait till it's over and moving on..
—Submitted by a parent

While my daughter has only been there one year, I am very happy with her teacher, but the office staff is very unfriendly. When you walk in the office, no one EVER acknowledges you are standing there waiting. They never smile. The principal is nice, but not friendly either. The school we came from had the best and friendliest Principal ever. I am forever asking her to move to Canton when I see her. A little niceness goes a long way. We are suppose to lead our kids by example. My little girl has even noticed their lack of niceness. Now that should tell you something.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought it was me. The staff would receive a D in making you feel welcome. Often, they dont even acknowledge the parent when they enter the office. The entire staff is in need of brushing up in thier customer service skills.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two boys attending this school. I do feel that the school could use a course in good customer service skills. From the principle,teachers, on down to the office staff. Some teachers there are great, while others are only there for a paycheck. I guess you can find that anywhere though.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with most of the other comments. The staff needs personality! This is my daughters 2nd year there and it's been the same the whole time. Also when I drop her off in the mornings (she is in 1st grade) the staff outside never offers to help her out of the car. I haven't had major problems with the school but I think they could work on their people skills. Actually I have considered sending my child to another school because if they aren't worried about making me feel good when I walk in I just wonder how they really are with the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a going into 2nd grade, and a child going into the 4th grade. I have been very impressed with all of the staff at this school from day one. Wonderful, wonderful school!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with some of the the 2nd comment. The Principal is not interested in the least about what your thoughts as a parent . (This is my personal opinion when I had a conference with him.) I have never had a problem with any of the teacher's @ Holly Springs. The Front office needs to work on making all parents feel welcomed. Mr.Hall also needs to work on making all parents feel welcomed. Beside's these problems I think this School has a great future.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the 2nd year my oldest child had attended Holly Springs (she is now in 3rd grad) and the first year for my Kindergartener. I love the school. The teachers are warm and friendly. They find ways to teach the children that keep their interest and also help them retain what they have learned. The halls are clean and decorated with children's work, but not cluttered. Parent involvement is most welcome as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Mr Woodall was the principal when I first enrolled my child into Holly Springs. The school was full of life and happy children that were taken care of fairly, truly felt loved and had a wonderful learning experience. I now have two children in the school and a new principle. The dynamics of the school has changed completely. The principle is not a welcoming face for the kids nor for the parents. My experience with the teachers has been borderline.
—Submitted by a parent

Holly Springs Elementary is full of real teachers. The staff, teaching and support, are all a part of the plan. Nobody is left out of the mix. Everyone is knowledable at their level, eager to help, and positive. I volunteer there on a regular basis and at no time have a seen any one being anything more than caring, cooperative and helpful. All of the curriculum, in the classes and in the library and different areas of the school is handled with knowledge, fairness, firmness and accuracy. The prinicpal is a known face throughout the school. You know them and they make it their business to know you. All of the classes are bright and colorful but not crowded with stuff. Learning is set up on the County basis but each one room has its own individuality to it, though learning the same things.
—Submitted by a parent