Star Elementary School

Star Elementary School is the best kept secret of the Meridian-Joint School District. We have been to other Elementary schools within Idaho and the Seattle area and have found that Star is our favorite and the best. The teachers are refreshing with their love for teaching and the energy to keep all their students happy and learning in a wonderful environment. The best thing about Star Elementary is the smaller community that feeds into the school. The school is small which gives all the children a very personable feeling when they enter the school doors. The feeling of family and community is very strong and we are happy that we have stayed with this school instead of feeding into the magnet schools that try and make the parents "think" there children are getting a better education. The Star staff and principle go out of their way with each student and the overall atmosphere of the school is that of quality, kindness and achieving the best.
—Submitted by a parent

It doesn't seem like this website iss very current because Star Elementary is ROCKING IT! It is so awesome having all this technology to help us teach. It really motivates the students in their practice of important concepts. What I like most is that we, as a school, set a goal to get technology and then made it happen. Way to Go-What a TEAM!
—Submitted by a teacher

The highly qualified staff at Star Elementary strives to maintain a well-balanced community atmosphere. Teachers collaborate consistently with each other, students, and families. We expect great achievement and support each student in growing academically as much as possible. In addition, teachers work to secure many grants and community partnerships to enrich the learning environment. One major benefit of this extra effort is the recent implementation of the Star Technology Project. Students enjoy access to computers, hand-held devices, and web-based programs at home and at school. These serve to enhance learning and instill critical 21st Century thinking skills. This is a school which values progressive ideas, while maintaining high expectations for all students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Such a disappointment. We transferred to a MUCH better school after my oldest son's 4th year, and my youngest 1st year. Both had to work extra hard to get caught up from not learning what they should have at Star..... If you child is a robot, you won't have any problems. If you child doesn't fit the expected mold of a Star student, they probably won't do very well or get the assistance they need. Of the 4 years my son attended, he only had 1 excellent teacher who truely inspired him. If you have the opportunity to go elsewhere, do!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 4 kids at this school. My oldest has been there since 2nd grade until going onto middle school. We have had some fabulous teachers and a few not so great ones, but I believe every school has a few to deal with. I have approached the principal a few times about issues and she has been more than willing to help me out. The office staff and school nurse are so kind and caring. They know the kids by name and they know many of the parents by name. (At least those that show up and the school here and there.) Get involved with your kids education and you will not be disappointed at Star Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Star elementary has really been a struggle for my 2 boys! They used to love school, but since moving here last year, they cry every morning and have really lost a lot of self confidence in themselves. Some teachers are great, but others leave a lot to be desired. The principal is not nice to the students. She definitely plays favorites and, according to my kids, she is nice when adults are around, but very unpleasant when it's just kids. Office manager is very controlling. I could go on and on. We have been in 4 different elementary schools over the years and I have never been so disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

Hats off to the dedicated teachers & staff of our hometown school. Their loyalty and teamwork has really made elementary education successful for so many students . Both of my children have become responsible learners and developed well socially from their leadership. A huge thank you to the parent- booster organization and Carla, whose dedication has allowed the school to advance technologically more than we ever thought possible.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW!! Star Elementary has been SO amazing! My son attended Kindergarten 6 years ago and now we must move on. This school is so blessed by the wonderful teachers and staff. The improvement of each child is the #1 goal. And with out a doubt this home away from home is the best school ever! This entire staff IS family and they care about your kid as much as you do. I wish I could metion names of the wonderful teachers my son had and just a few of the amazing things they did for him! He will now be going on to a Gifted and Talented middle school.Thanks to the opportunities at This GREAT school! GET INVOLVED join the Booster Club!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been involved with Star Elementary for 4 years. The principle and teachers we have had have all been very involved and receptive. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. I volunteer regularly at the school and am a part of the Boosters. I wish there were more parent participation in both of these areas. The technology in place at this school is phenomenal thanks to the priciple and some awesome grant writing and the help of the Boosters. The test scores prove that our school is doing a good job. The state budget cuts and lack of funding have caused some changes in extracurricular activities, such as fieldtrips. They have also caused our teachers to do more with less. Thank you Star Elementary for caring about our kids and going above and beyond!
—Submitted by a parent

Star Elementary is awesome! I just heard about this website, and I had to sign in and sing praises for our great school. My children all began at Star Elementary in Kindergarten and we've been there 6 years now. It has been a very positive and challenging learning environment. I've been involved in their classrooms and with the Boosters. Our prinicipal is a huge advocate for the school, and she cares deeply for her students and her staff. Our teachers and staff are there because they love what they do, and it shows. Even with all the budget cuts, our school stands above the rest in our district when it comes to technology. Our technological teaching tools include LCD projectors and document cameras in each classroom, iPads for each 4th & 5th grade student and iPod Touches for the primary grades. These are teaching tools - not substitutes for our amazing teachers. You would be lucky to have your child attend Star!
—Submitted by a parent

Star Elementary is an excellent elementary school! I have 2 children who started kindergarten here and we've been at this school for 6 years. I have been an involved volunteer both in their classrooms each year with the teachers and students, as well as with the Booster Club (PTO) benefiting the school as whole. It is a great place to get involved and the principal is always willing and eager to hear new ideas that would benefit the students and/or staff. Straight from my 5th graders mouth..."Mom, I've had the BEST LIFE EVER at Star Elementary". It doesn't get any better than that as a parent!
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are great! Principal is not warm or approachable in working with parents. More of a manager as opposed to an educational leader. Not receptive to concerns at the parent level; not especially open to dialog regarding educational issues. Friendly demeanor, but it's her way or "No way!"
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter did so well in her previous school - but unfortunately this school has been a big disappointment. The principle is uninvolved and the teacher seems to have little ability to manage behavior positively.
—Submitted by a parent

Wouldn't send my kids anywhere else. Great leadership and communication from both the principal and the teachers. My kids are perfectly placed each year with the teacher that will work with them the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this is a great school. I don't know what other parents are saying when they think that the test scores are bad and the teachers as well. My children have and are at Star and the test scores show that the teachers are well qualified and doing everything they can to see their students succeed. Maybe some of these parents should be more envolved in their child's education. It is a team effort.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at this school and am very disappointed with it. My younger child's teacher is always at her desk having the kids silently reading all of the time while she is on the computer, or comes late to class. My older child's teacher does the same thing. I am at the school a lot and am very disappointed with the lack of teaching that I am seeing and the test scores show it.
—Submitted by a parent