Blaine Elementary School

The Principal announced at the April 30, 2013 LSC meeting that he was under investigation for numerous activities. Why? If CPS is investigating him, I am concerned, as a parent, with my child in this school and considering other options. He told me I am under investigation for everything. Such a dissapointment!
—Submitted by a parent

It's unfortunate the tuition-based preschool will most likely go away. I understand it's not essential, and the school needs space. But I feel horrible that my child will have to go somewhere else for a year, new teacher, new classmates, etc. - My child has been so happy this past year. Hopefully all the children will be ok. I just I can find a good replacement for the next year. I appreciate the principal calling a meeting and giving us advance notice. All of this just sucks and the children are the ones who will have to deal.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the post December 4, 2012. I also agree with how he ignores parents and doesn't respond to email. Glad I'm not alone. The vice principal is great. If I could make changes I would call for more organization by staff. Recess needs more support. Overall I do like the school and the PTA does a great job For CPS, I give this school at B+, The PTA makes it A+. Principal leadership no stars!
—Submitted by a parent

Oh and to the parent who says the principal is so accessible: I've called the principal two different times and never received a return call either time. If we're going to talk respect, acknowledgement of a parent's call would be a good start.
—Submitted by a parent

The changes at Blaine are not just cosmetic. All one has to do is look at the improved scores (including value added to the Network). The challenges being faced with scheduling, transitioning between classrooms, etc. are not unique to Blaine but rather a function of the longer school day and challenges with the number of students and teachers. The principal will talk to any parent who approaches him with respect. Those who are disrespectful may not be acknowledged, but then again why should they? Parent involvement has also significantly improved under this new administration.
—Submitted by a parent

I will admit: I don't go to LSC meetings. I don't go to PTA-run "coffee clutches" with the principal. I'm sure the principal wouldn't know who I am nor would have a reason to go out of his way to talk to me. Perhaps I'm one of those adults who just prefers to low-profile. I don't spend anytime at drop off and pick up because I work and I rely on after school programs and hired help to support my schedules. BUT... my kids tell me that they are happy. They are learning. They are challenged by the work given to them. They have adapted to switching classrooms/teachers, and are thankful for the break in monotony and change of environment during their school day. The teachers offer up their emails. They have websites. I don't bother them much with questions because I figure they are busy teaching. I assume the administration folks are busy administering direction and keeping order. My kids are learning and love going to school and want to work hard for their teachers. To me, THAT, above all else, is the mark of an excellent elementary education. Every teacher my kids have had in the past 4 years at Blaine have been nothing short of dedicated to students. this yer is no exception.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the previous review. The quality of the education at Blaine is outstanding. I am proud of this school and I feel lucky to be able to send my kids to this school. They have a new tech teacher, a brand new computer lab and a future science teacher that will teach science through art and this is a public school!! Accolades to the new administration :)
—Submitted by a parent

I could not be happier. The changes that have been made to my children's school under the new administration are PRICELESS! Aside from the fact that our new Principal brought in another Principal as his Asst. Principal which was thoroughly impressive to me, over the summer we also received 3 BRILLIANT Bd. Certified teachers (I did my research), 4 cert. T.A.'s (2 of whom have their Masters in positions that DO NOT require it!) and a new curriculum. I have been further impressed by the very apparent initiative I see in the teachers as well as their renewed sense of academic latitude and FULL support of the current Administration. My children are being challenged academically and now all students have access to an impressive curriculum that no longer separates students by labeling them. It's amazing. We are a growing community and as I stroll through the neighborhood I take GREAT pleasure in sharing with the parents of future Blaine Blue Jays what a wonderful school we have become. I heard with my own two ears from my daughters teacher that FINALLY we have an Administration that actually listens to the teachers. And for me, happy teachers equals happy students! I love it!
—Submitted by a parent

bullying , large classes 35 +and administration that loves to talk about themselves. And very colorful walls. Education is not a priority at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at Blaine since kindergarten and has had a great experience overall. Not every teacher is great, but many are. The "old principal" to whom many parents refer in their reviews built the school out of nothing. The new principal is fine too. Apparently some parents like blandishments to supplement their children's education and thus prefer the new guy. We just like the education.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started attending this school about a year ago. My child's third grade teacher- Ms Messbarger is the best teacher ever. She is an outstanding teacher who has gone beyond expectation to instill knowledge and values into my child. The parents here are highly dedicated but my first experience with the administration was shocking and I think these staff members needs to be well trained.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal brought the school to a new level, he cares for the children, very approachable, a wonderful person. All the negativity comes from the entitled, rich people who should stop hating and look at the big picture and have in mind the future of their kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been going to this school my whole life! It has been the greatest experience ever!

I'm not sure what the hoopla is about the new principal. There seems to be a lot of "veneer" (painting walls, chosen mascots), but nothing of substance.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Blaine. Its a great school and I enjoy going there. You probably should read the more recent comments because they are with the new principal. Our old principal was old and wrinkly and, well, eww! Our school is MUCH better then it was last year and is getting better every day.Sadly, i can agree with one old comment-the "Blaine moms" form little groups and can be really snotty. Ignore them. They're evil

Hats off to Mr. LaRaviere and his decision to take Blaine's future in exciting new directions. His intolerance for negativity is refreshing. His focus on improving teacher and teaching quality is outstanding. His commitment to the school is notable. His hiring decisions have altered the atmosphere of the school in the best way possible (esp. with addition of new assistant principal). My kid is going to be at Blaine for the next 8 years and I'm excited for his future.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school. It is very welcoming, and the new Principal is the best the school has every had. I hope that Blaine School rises to be the best school Chicago can have!

Blaine has just got a new principal and I have to post the positive upbeat atmosphere at our school as a result. Thank you Mr. LaRaviere for bringing much needed change to our classrooms, parent/LSC meetings, and a smile to teacher faces. The new Blaine website is incredible and gives a sense of the direction this school is headed under new leadership. Now, if only we could sort out CPS....
—Submitted by a parent

I've been an involved parent at this school for eight years. Most of the teachers are excellent and have been more and more engaged each year. It has been a pleasure to see a school that my family chose become a neighborhood school of choice. Looking forward to seeing the new principal lead this school forward as he listens to his wise team of professionals.
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't agree more with the parent who said the administration for Blaine Elementary is authoritative and although the teaching staff and Mr. Rice (counselor) are so wonderful, the front desk woman, the principal (Vacarezza) and the vice principal (Pumarejo) are intimidating, unpleasant and above all discriminating towards certain students. I am glad my child is out of that school. I hope that with Mrs. Vacarezza's retirement, changes will be made and management will be much more humane and unbiased.
—Submitted by a parent