Hall Elementary School

We're lucky that we were able to pulled our kids out of this school and placed them into private. The teachers really try but with the lack of resources and over-crowding it's an uphill battle. The classes are mixed where advance kids are placed with slower children. It is a disservice to the advance kids. Here's a great example of the difference between Hall and my kids' current school... We were having breakfast yesterday and my youngest mentioned a subject he was learning. My oldest exclaimed "We didn't get to it until 4th grade!". I think that gives an idea of what it's like...
--Submitted by a parent

Hall Elementary is among another of the many disappointments within District 129. The teachers are greedily preoccupied with their salaries exuding superficial concern for their students without getting down to the nitty gritty of making breakthroughs for the students to succeed in any given subject. Sadly, accountability is virtually non-existent because of the superintendent. It's exhausting trying to talk sense into the principal who, far too many times, sympathizes with the bully. The appearance of many of the teachers is inappropriate -- bearing tattooes, gym clothes, and sloppiness. As long as this continues, the school will remain a failing educational institution per the State of Illinois.
--Submitted by a parent

This school provides a great education. The teachers and administration of Hall are dedicated to educating the children and preparing them for the future. They have many after school programs and focus on reading and math extensively. There is a fairly diverse student base and many can't even read the alphabet when they come to kindergarden. the teachers are great at working with each child to bring them to the next level. In addition, they re-enforce behaviors that help them mature, such as, respectful, peacefulness, helpful, problem-solvers, and responsible.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the following statement 'The teachers at Hall are dedicated and enthusiastic. There are issues of a shift in the culture/diversity that are a challenge.' I believe that many parents stick to their own color clicks and don't want to get to know other parents. I also believe that being a diffrent race gets you diffrent treatement. Just because you are a diffrent race it doesn't meant that you are uneducated and don't care about you kids education.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Hall are dedicated and enthusiastic. There are issues of a shift in the culture/diversity that are a challenge. Many 'veteran' parents complain about the change but don't reach out to be inclusive; new families, particularly those of diverse cultures, seem to mistrust. It's not a great lesson for the children. The administration is trying to address it but does so without community input, and frankly is falling flat on its face. It's sad to see, but I know the individual teachers are working hard to teach and my children are thriving academically, and hopefully through lessons taught at home, socially and culturally. The principal is trying, but needs to hold some 'town hall' discussions re new discipline, playground issues, and the ongoing, everchanging drop-off/pick-up and traffic issues. Her proposals to deal with the later impact more than the students and school families, they impact the community at large.
--Submitted by a parent

'I am new to the school, but from what I've seen is a high quality education in a structured and nurturing environment. The staff and administration truly care about the students. We have special events throughout the year. It's a really happy environment for children. They have additional enrichment both in and out of the classroom, as well as improvement programs. My kids have absolutely thrived in this environment. Highly recommended!'
--Submitted by a parent

Within this school, there is a diverse cultural and economic population. Unfortunately, those in a socio-economic disadvantage aren't getting the supplements that they need. Last year the school along with the PTA decided tos close out the 'picture lady' program. This was a wonderful program in which a volunteer would come into the school and, by grade level, would bring various reproductions of art and discuss the work, the artist, and the time in which it was created. The children loved it and would reiterate what they had discussed in previous segments and even past years.
--Submitted by a parent

The overall discipline in this school is sadly lacking. Lunchroom is monitored by janitors who have NO child-management skills. The schoolyard is monitored by parents who would more often stand around and gossip rather than insuring that the children are safe. In response, the principal decided to ban childhood games such as 'tag', basketball (playing 'horse' is acceptable), touch and flag football, baseball (other than 'catch') on the playground. Children hitting, kicking, and punching are not addressed unless the injured child has a witness. When certain children are the targets of multiple other children, none are going to come forward with the truth.
--Submitted by a parent

My children all have attended hall school. The staff and administration all work together to make sure no child is left behind.This is my son's last year and so i will have no more children to send to this school.I hope this school keeps encouraging parental support by having great activities , literacy night, after school math club etc...Keep up the good work hall rocks.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a very high amount of parent involvement and is very supportive. I went to the school for kindergarten through 5th grade and I feel like I got the best education possible. The teachers really care about the students and push people to succeed, but not too hard at all.
--Submitted by a former student