Dewar Elementary School

My daughter has been going to Dewar since Kindergarten and up until this year we loved it. The staff and teachers are great. This year there has been a huge lack of communication with the parents. We often don't find out about things until the day before, if at all. You now have to sign your child in as tardy at 7:55, but school doesn't start until 8am, so I'm not sure how 7:55 is tardy! We, the parents have been told we can not go to our child's class for any reason. I understand the need for security, but really. I am glad we are moving this summer or I would be looking to transfer my kids to another school!
—Submitted by a parent

From the principal to the cleaning crew, everyone at this school is all about helping the children. The teachers we've been assigned have been amazing in their approach to teaching and in their ability to relate to the children in their class. Parental involvement is great at the school - a lot of parents work with the teachers on special classroom projects, classroom presentations, or school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I read through some of these reviews and couldn't disagree more with those who thought Dewar had low teacher morale. These teachers are phenomenal! They have great attitudes and really make learning fun for each of our three children. Terrific communication between the teacher and the parents in all of our classrooms. The principal and AP always have time to talk about an issue, and will make time if the situation warrants it. I've asked each of the teachers that were assigned my children what I could do to help - some needed help, while others have said they would contact me if they needed it. Very challenging academics - I saw a 2nd grade class last week (not my child's class) doing science experiments on the playground!! Amazing teachers, great leadership, and fun learning all at one school
—Submitted by a parent

Dewar Elementary is an awesome community that I treasure to send my kids to! The teachers and overall staff is one to be getting so many applaud's! Beth Lind does a fantastic job in being a leader for that school! She has the patience of Job! My chidren love their teachers adn the overall experience has been fabulous!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers and staff are very involved and helpful.Children actually look forward to each school day with the activities which are planned

Who could ask for more? My son has gone to Dewar since Pre-K and is now going into the 3rd grade. I have felt nothing but welcome and the teachers and staff are WONDERFUL!! The teachers welcome parent involvement and do as much as they can to make learning FUN. I am so glad the kids are allowed to have fun (within reason) and talk during lunch. unlike some schools . They have to be still and quiet during class, They need a little outlet. I would reccomend Dewar to anyone looking for a GREAT school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in Kindergarten this year and I couldn't have been happier at the education he received. Mrs. Sublett has been an awesome teacher. She made sure my child was taken care of each day, was never too busy to talk with me, and made sure I was involved and a part of his education. We will be attending Westside next year and can only hope the same caliber of teachers will be over there. If you ever find your child standing outside Mrs. Sublett's room, please be thankful and know that a wonderful learning experience awaits you and your child!
—Submitted by a parent

It seems to me that the rare negative comments on this page all say they are highly involved in their child's school life. Having seen many parents like these I will say that the problem is most likely with the parent. They need to let go and let the teachers do their job. THe teachers at Dewar are awesome and should put the over-involved parents in their place. Eventually kids need to get away from mommy and daddy.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter began at DES as a Pre-K student in 2001. She will complete 5th grade this year. After 7 years, I can honestly say she has received a first rate, excellent education. She loves her teachers, past and present. We are confident that she is well prepared for middle school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I was surprised at some of the comments made by other parents regarding Dewar Elementary. We have been at Dewar since 2004 when my husband and I relocated to Valdosta. Our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Our principal, Ms. Lind, is terrific and the teachers are great. We will be sorry to leave Dewar next year when we are rezoned. Both teachers and administrators are always willing to listen.
—Submitted by a parent

My Child attended this school for 1 1/2 years and came home crying nearly every day. Every time I asked the teachers what was going on, I got the same answer: 'We didn't see anything.' The negativity of the staff is overwhelming, and there is very little communication with the parents. In fact, we felt that parental involvement was not only discouraged, but resented. I've been shocked at the way I've heard children being spoken to and criticized. Our child also went from a child who loved to learn to a child who was so nervous, distracted and down on herself that she began to lose interest and begged not to have to go every morning. It's heartbreaking that my child's 1st school experience was so traumatic.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the comments for Mrs. Shiver (special ed pre-k teacher). Ms. Amy has been involved with my son the past two years and she really has a strong compassion for these special kids. They need more Ms. Amy's in the world!! She makes a difference everyday with her talents and efforts. Thanks Ms. Amy--A Sherrod
—Submitted by a parent

I wanted to give some credit to Mrs shiver who has worked with my special needs son for years and Mrs Shover and Mrs current who have taken over those duties the last few months. It can be a frustrating task but they have worked miracles with a child we were told who never come around. I can never thank them enough but wanted to publicly say thank you for all the love you bring to the classroom.
—Submitted by Ed Rains, a parent

I think that Dewar is a great school. There are too many parents that think that discipline is too strict; however, I feel that everyone is fair. The lunchroom is very loud at times and that is why some kids get in trouble. I have seen other schools be much stricter in the lunchroom and make the kids eat on silent lunch all the time. Overall, Dewar is the best school my kids have ever gone to. The teachers are ALL very dedicated!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Dewar for almost 3 years. It seems it has become increasingly negative. I would agree with the parent who wrote that they don't feel their child is respected and that their involvement is not valued. I am also active in my child's education but it doesn't seem to be welcomed. The teachers seem unhappy at Dewar and the morale is low. Sadly, there is an emphasis on bad behavior and not on good behavior. The lunch room situation is sad. I have witnessed several children getting 'written up' for reasons that were not obvious to me. I am sorry to say there is an overall air of negativity at this school. One positive: the new Vice Principal is wonderful! Hopefully she can make a difference.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is by far the best in valdosta! our experience with k- 1st grade was fabulous and we couldn't have asked for a better learning environment for our oldest son!
—Submitted by a parent

The best elemetary in the area. Was rated #4 in the state this year. Most of my son's teachers were very nice and tried to make learning fun. Lunch time is no fun. They only get 5-10 minutes of play time. There is a lot of pressure on these teachers to pass the crct tests. The scores show a great school but it gets a 2 for fun.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school in the area of Moody AFB. We liked this school much better than the schools that service Moody AFB.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my first experience at Dewar. My son is in 1st grade. He has went from a child who loved school who now hates it. I am deeply involved with both of my children's education and the teachers seem to resent this at this school. The amount of respect that is given to the children is 0. My child is never in trouble but I have watched the way the teachers treat the children on a regular basis and wow, it is awful. My oldest son is in high school and I have never felt as uncomfortable anywhere I have sent him as I do sending my son to Dewar.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two girls in grades 3 & 5, they are so eager to go to school every day. The teachers deserve the highest praise I can give. They have set the perfect foundation for my girls to continue to enjoy school and stay eager to learn. I wish it went beyond grade 5. I have been very blessed with the outstanding teachers my girls have had with their years at Dewar. I send my greatest thanks to all of you for the wonderful experience my girls have received in their early years of education. And thank you Mrs. Orr for being the outstanding and caring principal you are, we are lucky to have you.
—Submitted by a parent