East Elementary School

East Elementary School is a school of high academic standards with a dedicated, diligent highly qualified staff who put the needs of their students first. The 2008 state test scores are evidence that East provides a quality education to students. These results which indicate that all students made adequate yearly progress in Reading and Math can be seen at www.isbe.net. This year the Alton District approved a K-5 Arts Attack Curriculum that comes with a DVD for art classes. The DVD covers the scope and sequence of art with 27 lessons that include artist presentations and students actually doing the projects. We are very grateful to our parent volunteers who teach this program. There is one classroom aide in Special Education classes consisting of approximately 15 students. If the needs of the students are greater, there is a classroom aide along with one-on-one aides even if the class size is smaller.

As a new member of East's school community I am pleased with all that East has to offer both students and parents. The teachers are hard working, dedicated professionals that go above and beyond what is required of them. The administration is supportive and active in the education and well being of each and every student. There is an active parent group that provides extra opportunities for students by raising funds for fieldtrips and other activities. Monthly, there are parenting activities to provide parents with skills and ideas to help their children be successful students. From my point of view, East is an enthusiastic, thriving school with high expectations for faculty, staff, students, and parents. I am proud to be a part of this community.

The academic programs are ok. There are no teacher aids in most classes making it very hard for teachers to take the time they need with individual students, who need the extra help. There is no Art program for the students which I do not agree with at all. It is up to a small number of parent volunteers to try to teach students about art. Most of which have no art experience at all I might add. Parents need to step up and try a lot harder to get some things changed. Over all I am very disappointed in the school.
--Submitted by a parent