Miller Elementary School

No understanding of Special Education. Testing of children without permission of the parents and then hiding the results - hindered the progress of my child. SAD
--Submitted by a parent

I was very nervous about having my two children attend Miller after reading these reviews. Fortunately, my husband and I took it upon ourselves to contact the Vice Principal of Instruction and discuss our concerns. Both children were placed with wonderful teachers. Principal PK has been friendly and helpful, and there will be a return of a PTO and several after school clubs and activities. Having volunteered in the Media Center, I have seen concern for the children from both staff and teachers throughout the day. I do believe Miller is on the up swing. Instead of complaining about its faults, lets all do something to help this institution give our children the best education it can give.
--Submitted by a parent

As a teacher who has been in the education field for over 30 years, I can say that Miller is an excellent school. The principal is a person who truly has the well-being and best interest of all students as her number one priority. She believes in the students and expects the teachers to put forth their best effort to help our students succeed. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the learning process and are always welcome as long as their presence does not interfere with the learning process and safety of all students. Parents are encouraged to serve as tutors, volunteers and mentors.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter currently attends Miller Elementary. This school year she is in the first grade and has attended Miller since her pre-k year. I have had nothing but problems since enrolling her in the school. The teachers are allowed to say whatever it is they want to parents and students. Teachers are backed up by the principle.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending Miller this year, and so far I have been far from impressed. I have never been made to feel welcome in my son's class. I'm rarely if ever even acknowledged. That's not to say that there are not some wonderful staff members there. The one's who go out of there way to make up for those who don't. Namely B.J., Mrs. Mueller, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Johnson). The lunchroom, which I visit at least once a week, is an experience I would not inflict on anyone. If you can somehow ignore the constant yelling from the lunchroom staff you then have to deal with the loudness of the music that is played. This makes it hard to communicate with your child and actually enjoy lunch together.
--Submitted by a parent

While I have a deep respect for the 'educator' who made comments, quite frankly, they do come from an educator s prospective. However, in no way can I express in 150 words, from a very involved parent s position, the rationale for the ratings I ve given. While, I consider the faculty some of the best, this school has a tough time retaining them. There is little doubt; this school is absent of 'effective' leadership. There has been high faculty turnover, the likes I've never seen in 33 yrs as a parent and parental volunteerism is almost nonexistent! Safety, which should be paramount, is in serious question as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have read the comments made below. While I 'have no axe to grind', I regretfully must disagree with Ms Haralson on the 'leadership' aspect. The educator below is certainly entitled to her opinion as much as anyone else, however, I respectfully must say, I agree with the others in regard to the absence of leadership at this elementary school. While I can't comment much on the support that the leadership gives or doesn't give its 'teachers I will say, all one has to do is review the teacher turnover rate at this school over the last two years. I have it on first hand knowledge from those excellent teachers who did leave Miller, their departure was in large measure, and many cases the only reason, lack of 'functional' leadership and that leadership's #1 priority not being students! That is the very reason I disenrolled my child!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a teacher at Miller for 6 years. I would like to comment on several of the comments made. I believe that we have wonderful leadership. The principal cares for the emotional, social, and academic welfare of each child. She fully supports the teachers and goes out of her way to make sure that we have what we need to teach to the best of our ability. The pressure of test scores is not coming from her. The pressure of testing is coming down on teachers from the national and state levels. I know that the teachers and administrators go above and beyond our job description each day. We stay late preparing materials and doing research so that we can provide our students with the best lessons possible. We also use our own money to buy rewards for our students and supplies to complete special activities. I have taught under four different administrators and our principal now is the best one that I have ever worked for. Our staff of teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, and everyone else who works at Miller goes out of their way to help the students. I enjoy coming to work each day because of the people that I work with.
--Submitted by Tammy Haralson, a teacher

Miller Elementary was once a school on the rise, but in the past couple years, particularly this year, it has ascended to the top as one of the 'have not' schools in Houston County. Don't let any scores published fool you! At the height of intimidation, anyone can achieve high scores. The recent and current 'challenges', are mainly in part due to the lack of leadership on the part of its administration. The school has disbanded its PTO, shown the minimum support to its faculty, except in the case of a 'select' few, and every effort has been exhausted to 'keep' parents from the school; although, through their half hearted efforts to the contrary; they would have you believe otherwise. If you have another option for your child's primary education, recommend seeking another Elementary School in the County!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is one of six in this county that is a member of the 'National Network of Partnership Schools.' The Houston County District Advisory Committee sees the following benefits for parents whose school is a member of the NNPS. 1.Increased Support from school and other parents. 2.More interactions with other families in school and community activities. 3.More effective responses to student problems 4.Increased awareness of student progress and how to help student do better. 5.Increase feeling of 'ownership' and 'sense of community' at school. Miller Elementary CAN achieve each of the benefits outlined above and our society can reap a wonderful generation as well! However, this can NEVER be attained with the 'ADMINISTRATION' currently at Miller. By its 'ACTIONS', it clearly, discourges parent involvement, not equipped to respond to students' problems, minimal support for its own teachers/staff and the worst of which, giving parents a feeling of 'ownership' and 'sense of community' at school!
--Submitted by a parent