Roberta T. Smith Elementary School

After having my 2 kids attend private, charter, and now this public school, I am finding that you must teach your own child first and what they get in school is just extra. The school does not and has not had strong leadership. As of school year 2011-2012 we will have a new leader and I hope that this year will be held to higher standards. The teachers have good family like greatings when you are around the school, but the desire to push the kids or give extra help and guidance is not present from what I have seen and heard. At the same time, the system and leadership that the teachers are getting is totally nonsupportive in the ability to do anything extra outside of limited time and large classrooms. The special ed classes seems to get more effort out of the teachers. This school need a die hard Principal with high expectations of parents, students, and teacher. The school is safe and somewhat clean, with loving teachers that can't teach but meet the standards issued.
--Submitted by a parent

It is hard not to compare previous leadership to the current, but after having such great leadership from Ms. Rhudaseal you expect it. Unfortunately we have yet to see the same display from the principals we've had the last 5 years! I have had two children attend to this school and sadly had to watch the standards decline! I hope the school can get back to the Greatness that once flooded the hallways!
--Submitted by a parent

they teach very well i think it's a great school
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and I have been nothing ,but pleased and over joyed at the education my son is and have received. The family of teachers and principal is excellent Sat schooling ,PTA and other great teaching skills they offer.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing kindergarten, splitting her time between specialized autism services and a mainstream classroom. I have been incredibly pleased with the services, teacher support, learning opportunities and overall sense of community at Smith. My daughter's teachers, her parapros, and principal Mrs. Brictson have demonstrated great professionalism while also being friendly and accessible to parents and students alike. I've seen the students in both her classrooms make great progress over the course of the year. Call me pleasantly surprised, given the county's negative publicity overall, but I think Smith is a school to be proud of and it's on track to keep improving. We're happy to be returning next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at smith. I cant express myself more. This is a wonderful school. The teachers and staff are great. I want to thank these teachers for there great efforts and hard work, m.Woodfork,t. Mitchell,mrs.Johnson,ms.Cook,ms.Fletcher, lenoir,ms.Outlaw and ms.Brooks. I'm not saying that all of the teachers are not good teachers. I've just had a great experience with these teachers. And last but not least I would like to thank our wonderful principle ms.Bricston. You are a great insperation to our school and I know you are not told alot, but you are great. And from the parents at smith we love you. Keep it moving smith we are not finish yet.
--Submitted by NANYAMKA SPRUILL, a parent

Thanks to the entire staff at Smith Elementary. Special thanks to Ms. Banks for all your hard work and dedication because of you my son is now equipped for middle school. A solid foundation is a must in order to be successful in life and he has received that at Smith. My son has been in attendance at Smith since Kindergarten and each grade along the way has been a success!
--Submitted by Marci Myrick, a parent

I have three kids at Smith Elementary and my children are doing quite well. I appreciate the teachers and all of their hard work. The principal is very involved and takes our children's education to heart.
--Submitted by Elise, a parent

My child is in the ausitsm program at Smith and I am very happy with the supports she has received. She is mainstreaming very well into her 2nd grade class and I receive the services that I ask for.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an exellent school! The teachers are very postive and helpful towards the students. The principal is very involved with the students. I give this school 5 stars!
--Submitted by a former student