Russell Elementary School

My husband and I ,were disappointed with quality of education and we will pull out of that school our 8 year old son, I have spoke to miss Watson about concerns about the teacher's attitude and the bullying of the students, nothing has been done.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and assistant principal are doing a great job at Russell. Thought it is a Title I school, that is never used as an excuse for expecting the best from students. Our children have been here for several years and will be headed to middle school. They are using technology in the school and are now using ipads in some of the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers yell at these kids and tell them they don't get paid enough to teach. The school only offers crct prep. There are no projects, fun learning motivation and no field trips. The students here are very disadvantaged and as a result are treated poorly by the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was stabbed in the eye w/ a plastic fork by another student at lunch w/ such force it bent the prong onnthe fork. The other students at the table saw my son fall to the floor and the bent fork and they started calling him superman because he survived w/ his eye still in it's socket. My son told the lunchroom monitor (there are only 2 who don't monitor but sweep up after the lunch tables are dismissed) and the monitor told him to go sit down and did mot get him medical attention. My son told his teacher when she came to collect the class after lunch to go to the playground and she told him to go play. When I picked him up at 2:20 (he was a car rider because a 5th grader was bullying him on the bus) he told me his eye hurt and what happened. I took him directly to Cobb Eye and he had a severe laceration which needed antibiotics and monitored in the office 2 days. I called the police to the school and tried to file charges against the school for denying my child medical attention and not notifying me but the police could not file a charge against the school only the 6 yr that had stabbed him. I did not file a charge. I hate this school! Smyrna is a poor area and we're moving.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to this school for 3rd and 4th grade. Unfortunately, it is just one of the examples of the poor educational system here in Georgia. They have a one track mind focused only on testing. There is no creativity in teaching and hardly any projects that were given to stimulate the student's interests. My son only went on one field trip each year that he was there. If you are looking for a challenging environment this is definitely not the place for you. Thankfully, the principal retired this year because she was not a people person and made no effort to interact with the parents or students. My son often complained about teachers bashing other students and saying that they would not make it to the next school year and telling the students that they don't get paid enough to deal with them. He also complained about fights actually breaking out in his classroom. I am upset that I let him even go for 4th grade but his 3rd grade teacher was so nice I had hope. I am very happy that we have chosen another option for next year.
—Submitted by a parent

We too were disappointed with quality of education and pull our child during Fall 2011. What we observed was an advanced level of a day care facility. We desired a more challenging and nurturing environment which we found via the private route. We really wanted this to work for us too...
—Submitted by a parent

Our child's special ED class (pre-pre K) has been amazing, but the K for our five year old has been a REAL disappointment. Even though we spoke directly with the principal about our concerns about the teacher's attitude and the bullying of the students, nothing has been done. We desire to move to another school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the first grade, and he loves school, and does really well. All the teachers and the staff are really friendly, and the school environment is really good. I would reccomend this school to enyone who asks!
—Submitted by a parent

I loved russell! it had many activities for all interests and grade levels. space team was the best though. i will never forget russell. go space team!!!!!!!!!!!!

The teachers at this school do a great job! I do question the efforts of the prinicpal, Dr. Nancy DiPetrillo.She does not address problem students, but rather expects teachers to. Discipline problems and grading are not handled properly. It is more productive to handle discipline according to district standards and accurately record student grades.

I am so impressed with this school. I believe this school is getting better every year. The teachers are the best. They take their teaching seriously. I love the school safety. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's first year (1st grade)at Russell and it has been a wonderful experience. The Principal's great leadership is reflected in the wonderful can do attitude of the teachers and all staff at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Russell is a great school. The teachers, administration and parents are involved and care about the student and their success. We moved here from a private school and have been extremely satisfied.
—Submitted by a parent

You cannot ask for a better school than Russell Elementary. It is a small school and everyone knows my son. He is now 8 and has been going there for 4 years, since Pre-K. My son has special needs and he has grown so much. The teachers are so caring. They spend a great deal of time and effort making sure my son is on the right track, and they communicate often. The academic programs are excellent and organized. The extracurricular activities are stimulating and fun. Also, the Special Needs program is above and beyond the call of duty.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a Kindergarten student at Russell. Her teacher, Mrs. Flowers and TA, Mrs. Nasworthy are the greatest. They really take the time to know the children and promote their capabilities. I have never felt like my daughter was just anoer student. The priceless indication is not only my daughter's academic success but her pride in learning and eagerness to learn. I have found that no matter how much information is presented to a child, tests, etc. the willingness to learn is key to ultimate process. Like any other school there are nuances with the administration as a whole that may not be in sync 100% of the time, but overall this school is a closely-knit school and a great choice for the conscientious parent.
—Submitted by Tiffinye Lee, a parent

It's been a while since my attendance at this school (in college now), but it was an awesome experience. My 5th grade teacher Mrs. Cobb was my favorite, so parents, if she's still there, try to get your child in her class! Field day and the 5th grade luncheon & parade was the best! B.Hutchins
—Submitted by a former student

Russell is an awesome school. I have had four children attend this school, 3 which started in kindergarten, three have gone on to middle schools in this district, and one is now in second grade. The teachers are excited about their jobs, and instill a sense of wanting to learn, and striving to be the best. And their test scores and children's positive attitudes reflect this. This is an awesome school!
—Submitted by a parent