Sayre Elementary Language Academy

(PART 2) Yet these teachers are not being seen as so, in fact, many wonderful teachers have come to our school and have been relieved of their job for whatever reasoning. This school is no longer an environment that welcomes you. I am one of the many students who are lucky to get out now.

I would love to give this school a higher rating because the teachers that are still there are wonderful and love their job. Unfortunately the administration there is making it next to impossible to be successful. Teachers are leaving at an alarming rate, some in the middle of the year. There is little staff support. The principal is borderline verbally abusive and rules with fear instead of creating a positive working environment. You can feel the tension from the moment you step foot in the building and get a taste of it once you try to have a conversation with the principal. As you can see from significant decrease in test scores that "leadership" (and I use that turn loosely) from someone without any real classroom experience has a negative effect on the learning environment. She is unable to relate to her staff members and is disconnected from her community. Teachers have left the building in ambulances due to work related stresses. This school was once something great and there is still a staff and community there that can make it wonderful once again. The equation is all there, now if only the negative variable were to be removed, the school could become great once again.

I entered the building today and saw a group of office personnel working diligently. Although, I did not see the principal I did witness a whole collaboration of office personnel really working hard with a smile on their face as I left the office with a resume. The school environment is beautiful inside and outside. I believe students do enjoy going to Sayre School. Sometimes change is good and sometimes we have to give it time for change to be better! What is old is traditional. What is new is progressive. We need traditional & progressive educational needs for the students to succeed. We need a world of educational people including paretns to help guide the students to get there. Remember it takes a village to raise a child.

As a member of this school-and after having visited many CPS schools-I can sincerely state that this school is making it happen. From administration, to staff, parents, community and of course the students, everyone is on board with their learning targets. The magnet cluster focus World Language is embraced by all, diversity is celebrated and the focus is always on instruction. "If you focus on the strengths, the weaknesses will disappear."
—Submitted by a teacher

It's a shame how so many great teachers were lost this school year and this was not due to budget cuts. My daughter was looking forward to see certain wonderful teachers and was heartbroken to find out that they are no longer with the school. How are test scores supposed to go up if there are these constant changes, instability and classes sizes increasing? I have heard many reports that teachers have chosen to leave because of constant threats and put-downs by the principal. We'll see how the school year goes...
—Submitted by a parent

Does anyone have any idea how we can make our school an IB school? I know Sayre has that potential! Our Great tachers and devoted administration can make it possible..Go Sayre!!
—Submitted by a parent

I would agree with the parent whose observation is that the new Principal has changed the atmosphere of the school -- praise the Lord, it now INCLUSIVE instead of EXCLUSIVE. I love her open door policy. My 13 year old daughter is enthralled with her. She appreciates that the Principal comes to classrooms to check up on what they are doing. When the Principal sees them in the hallway or on the playground, she asks about their grades and how they are doing. In addition, she is at the school for absolutely everything from early morning until late night. And this is only her first year. If you go into her office you will see how much she cares about our childrens education. She charts them individually on her wall and that of the Vice Principal - ask her to explain it and she will.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend Sayre. I am very disapointed with the new Principal. She has changed the atmosphere of the school. Parent participation used to be encouraged and welcomed. The new Principal is very rude to parents, and she does not like to take advice from anyone. The school has some good teachers and staff, who push the school forward.
—Submitted by a parent

Sayre has a wonderful atmosphere where students feel comfortable, confident and supported enough to become superior learners. This is created through a great principal, caring teachers and involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre Language Academy because this school have very good teachers they are very dedicated with waht they do.This is my first year having a kid in this school and i'm really proud of the decision i made in putting him in this school he have learned alot.I hope we can win.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the diversity. There are some dedicated teachers, and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre because the teachers are committed and the students in my kids' classes are friendly, diverse and enthusiastic.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre Language Academy because of it's commitment to the children. My children are excited about school and Sayre has instilled the love of learning for them.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school because parents and students always getting involved to make this school a better place. Also, this school is one of the safest city school I've known.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre Elementary Language Academy because the staff and faculty provide a safe learning environment for my children. And there are so many opportunities for parents to participate in what is going on at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre Language Academy because the teachers put their hearts in teaching the students to excel in every subject.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre because we have a staff of teachers who are dedicated to academic excellance. We have parents who give of their time to fund raise, plan family events and volunteer in the school. Most of all we have a awesome principal and assistant principal. Thanks to all !!!
—Submitted by a parent

I Love Sayre Language Academy becuase this school has tremendous staff that continuously provide a safe, exciting learning environment for children of all ages!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Sayre for many reasons. The entire Sayre staff is dedicated to our children and to providing them with a positive, quality education. This encompasses everyone from security staff, custodians, lunchroom staff, teahers aides, teachers, offfice staff, and of course the administration. I don't have to worry about the safety of my children at Sayre. That is a huge plus these days. I have never had a door closed to me at Sayre. Their open door policy is just that. I have a child struggling with speech, but not for long. The entire Special Education staff is excellent. My personal experience with the Sayre parent base has been great. I have had a lot of fun at Sayre over the years and plan on having alot more. Sayre paved the way for my oldest son, (who is academically excelling in high school), and I am more than confident they will do the same with my younger ones.
—Submitted by a parent

We're new to the school daughter in K, seems like the school does a good job with what they have to work with. Way better than the typical CPS school. I'm a fan of the ethnic/social diversity of Galewood, so we feel it's a good environment. Our daughter's teacher has been communicative and made a big effort (with some administrative reluctance) to find ways to get her appropriate dedicated attention. The FFO features a few dedicated parents work hard to improve the school while others complain and refuse to get involved in the FFO or LSC. Class sizes are larger than we'd like. Beginning of the year was VERY disorganized (thanks to new principal?) and we still get notices a day before events. Extracurricular activites are disappointing. Also disappointed that a 'language academy' offers only Spanish and Italian.
—Submitted by a parent