Hiawatha Elementary School

Hiawatha School's pre-k is a joke! This is the 3rd yr my child has been on the waiting list! Unless your child has SPL NEEDS /SPL ED / DISABILITY OR CAN"T SPEAK ENGLISH the state doesn't pay the school so kids like mine who just want to go school NO DISABILITIES GET PUT ON WAITING LIST! When I went to School District Main Off to see where she was on the wait list they lost her file!! AGAIN THIS YEAR ON LIST !! I Live directly across from school and when school started my little girls heart was so broke again hearing bells seeing the kids go in school crying she says can i just bring my little chair to sit on so i can go to school? because we had to tell her 2x already their was no room! POINT TAKEN>Most these letters are frm parents whose kids are in Spl Ed And they had no problem getting their kids in school! Yes I have been involved with many schools even President of PTA I Want to be involved because I Care and my 3rd cousin went there I went w him to open house,conf. etc even spoke with office personnel several times didn't matter!! Better get in this year or she will be going to Kindergarten w/o NO PRE-K THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am glad to see that other parents have seen all the good that I see in the teachers and the principal at Hiawatha School. I have a child who would be in a special education class at most schools, but not at Hiawatha. They put a special education teacher in the classroom so that my son has two teachers and learns what all the other kids are learning. He has really done well with the great teachers there. I think it is silly that you judge a school only on one test on this website. I coulnd't be a happier parent and niether could my son with this school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Hiawatha School. One of my children has a learning disability and speech problem. I have been very happy with the quality of the teachers there. I especially like the speech teacher and the principal. They have helped me when I didn't agree with one of the teachers and how she was handling a situation. I know that they have a good chorus and band at Hiawatha. But I don't think that they have after school sports.
--Submitted by a parent

All of children have gone to this school. 4 of them and always liked it. They excelled and were in honors classes. My son is currently going there since Kinder and the attention that the teachers gave hil was great. E-mails were sent to me or would call. I think more parents need to be involved. Sory to ay that the parents that I have seen just drop them off and that's it. Programs are offered where parents can get involved and since I go to them there sure are not very many. Mrs. Williams is great since she became principal this year. As a matter of fact she was my son's kindergarten teacher and I wouldn't have any other way. One more year at this school and my son leaves for Jr. high. Parents who complain should get more involved and stop complaining!
--Submitted by Maria, a parent

I wouldnt Have my children go to any other school the teachers & all the staff are very caring and the pay alot of attetion to their children.
--Submitted by Joanne Rios, a parent

My son is only in 1st grade, but by what I've experienced, I like Hiawatha so far. When I had the 1st parent teacher conference, when my son was in Kindergarden, his teached told me that he needed alot of help, that he was behind. I don't have words to describe what I felt. By the end of the year, my son had improved greatly and he didn't even have to go to summer school. Alot of it had to do with the teacher. His teacher worked hard with both him and me. Hiawatha has been great for my child and I can't say one bad thing yet. My child loves his school and his teachers.
--Submitted by Juanita Avila, a parent

Our teachers and administrators of South Berwyn School District 100, where Hiawatha is located are the most caring, educated and focused group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Both of my children attended this school, one as a top 10 graduate when it was a K-8 building and one who spent his entire years in special education. You will never find a more dedicated group of educators in the State. For those who have personal issues I would suggest that you discuss them with the school and not the internet. You are never going to make 100% of the population happy. Apparently only 2 people are unhappy. If you are not happy with your child's progress you need to step in and discuss it with the teacher and principal and perhaps the superintendent. Don't be so quick to fault the the administration. Learn through your children.
--Submitted by sue, a parent

I was just shocked to read what 2 parents wrote about Hiawatha School. I haven't had that experience at all. The teachers are very nice to the children. I never had a teacher tell me that she wouldn't meet with me. They even have a great after school program there. My son and daughter have become very good readers at Hiawatha. They love reading. Sometimes they don't even want to watch t.v.! I would recommend Hiawatha School to any family.
--Submitted by a parent

My child was in a private pre-school before going to Hiawatha. I am sad to see that my child is unchallenged and bored at school. Her teacher is unsociable and cares very little about parent teacher conferences. She has let it be known that they are unecessary unless she requests a conference with the parents. The schoolwork my child brings home is unfinished/incomplete and yet bears a well done stamp from the teacher. There are too many students per class and many things get overlooked. Everything seems rushed and very little emphasis is placed on the individual student and their abilities. I was not surprised to see Hiawatha among one of the lowest rated schools within Berwyn. Needless to say my child will not be attending Hiawatha next school year due to the fact that there is very little emphasis on the individual student.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a very disappointed parent I have heard alot of comments about suburban schools which I were good comments. But I surely was proven wrong since I transfered my son to Hiawatha. My son is ADHD and does need a little more incoragement which is not provided, some of the kids in that school not being guided correctly. My biggest mistake was transfering him for a Chicago plublic school to Hiawatha... Am sorry to say but it's not a good school to send the children to.
--Submitted by Diana Alvarez, a parent