Olney C Allen Elementary School

I wasn't going to write anything but after looking at the scores in Reading, Math and Science for the last three years and seeing those statistics, I could not help but to comment. Those of you who have children attending a school in a district that not only hasn't exceeded average in scores but hasn't even met average in three core academic areas. This is truely appalling, you parents are the ones that need to stand at city hall and demand to know where your tax dollars are being spent...not in that school my friends. Three principles in 5 years, something smells bad. Check under the tab 'Test Score' at the top for yourself. WOW. Very sad that there aren't even scores to compare with.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children @ OC Allen. My oldest is in first grade&my youngest is in Pre-K4. I feel so blest to have had the opporunity for my children to attend school in district 131. Both children have been part of the 'free' preschool program which is fabulous. I love that our Grade School&district participate in the Character Counts and PBIS programs. I feel OC Allen offers a positive environment to our children. The teachers are informed & available, the vice principal & principal are engaged. What makes our district special is that it promotes community school unity w/ after school activities that bring all the school in dist 131 together. My 1st grader, reads like a champ and has been adding and subtracting since late Pre-K4 & early K. My Pre-K4 is starting to read and loves to print her letters and count. Everyday I sing OC Allen's/District praises.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with my children's education at Allen School. I particularly believe that the leadership provided by Mrs. Mink and Mr. Rodriguez has helped set a high standard for the teachers and the students. It is too bad that Mrs. Mink is leaving Allen School. She was a wonderful principal and she will be missed. The school district should do more to keep quality leaders like her. I am also disappointed that Mr. Rodriguez is not going to be the next principal. I am hoping the new principal will keep his/her expectations high for the teachers and students so Allen can continue to be the kind of school where I am proud to send my children.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children and my husband attended and attends Olney C Allen School in Aurora Illinois. In my opinion it is not the area that makes the school successful, but the dedication from the the faculty and the students. Allen continues to make tremendous strides in the area of improvement. This year (2008) has proven to be a excellent year in the way of education for my daughter. Mrs. Callahan really has challenged her third grade class in everyway. As dauting as it is on me as a parent, I appreciate her pushing the children to make them go the extra mile. These are the children that hold our future and every child deserves the right to be the reciepent of an exceptional educator.
--Submitted by a parent

Before my child entered Allen School I heard the horror stories , the school is great ! my child loves Mrs. Pettit and is very excited to go to class every day
--Submitted by a parent

Like 'Hopeful Parent', we also live in Oakhurst Meadows and planned to move when we realize that my daughter will be going to Allen. After reading the bad reviews I was not ready to let my daughter enroll at Allen. But after months of discussion, we agreed to give it a try. My daughter is also in Mrs. Van Cura's (afternoon class). After all the worry, I am happy to say that Allen is not that bad at all. My daughter just absolutely adore Mrs. V. I like their weekly assignments because its a good guide on what to teach my daughter. They have lots of stuff going on that motivates her like being chosen as 'Letter-Sound Expert' . I am confident that with the parent's help & support to the school Allen will do great which will benefit our kids and the community. - Mrs. Confident.
--Submitted by a parent

We as parents need to get involved in the school, especially if we want things to change.I was very skeptical about sending my daughter to Allen, especially since when we bought our home in Oakhurst Meadows we were told we'd be in a diff. district!We also contemplated moving, but decided to challenge ourselves and after much prayer and discussions with my husband, decided to see what we can do to help out instead of keeping the trend going.My daughter is in Ms. V's kinder class & absolutely loves it! There's good communication from the school-so far.I know there are many stay at home moms in hometown, I know Allen could use volunteers!I work full-time but plan on taking vac days to volunteer. -Hopeful Parent!
--Submitted by a parent

Allen School has a dedicated staff towards educating all children. I agree with what some of the parents have said in this forum however, posting on a website when you have nothing positive to say is not a solution to the problems encountered. There are many administrators, teachers, and other staff members in the school that can help. Introducing yourself to others and discussing problems within the school environment is a much more proactive way to getting your child's needs met.
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has been in Ms. Potenberg's class as well as Mrs. Oostman's class. I absolutely love those two teachers. They have really done alot to teach my daughter as much as they can and I have seen an hugw improvement in her academically, as well as socially. I also adore the office staff, especially Mrs. Munch. They are the best group of ladies I've ever met! The rest of the school, however, is a disaster. The communication is a mess. The principal does not have the children's best interest in mind and doesn't judge each child individually versus by her own personal experience. You're treated like an idiot parent by her. I'm so embarrassed telling people that we're in District 131. We're moving in order to get our kids a better education. I love Hometown, but cannot stand our schools. And don't even get me started on the middle/high schools!
--Submitted by a parent

I am highly disappointed in the education that my son has received at Allen. Thank goodness we're moving out of district 131. I know my son will finally receive a good public school education!
--Submitted by a parent