Jefferson Elementary School

It is very easy to homeschool! Google Illinois H.O.U.S.E and they have all the information you need to get started. If your child is alredy in school, all you need to do is send a simple letter that you are withdrawing your child. The website has the letter you need.
--Submitted by a parent

It's a sad day when you see the teachers as discouraged as the parents. We in the mist of learning what it's going to take to Home school our children. When signs are both in Spanish and English, I see that as a problem. It's a sad state and it's not going to get any better but worse. It's not worth the effort to fight the status quo. If you want your child dumbed down this is the place for you. It's not the teachers it's the system..
--Submitted by a parent

My children our native english speakers and I put them in the Dual Langauge program to be taught spanish as well. My son is now in 3rd and my daughter is in 1st. They both are straight A students and this program is a blessing. The normal classroom curiculum may not be as good. I'm not sure,but this gifted program is awesome. Although as a parent you must be willing to be involved with homework because there tends to be a lot sometimes.
--Submitted by a parent

I'll make this short. Rules are hardly enforced. Homelogic system isn't implemented by every teacher, teacher's seem annoyed when updates are requested, however they are quick to respond to email. I've talked with the teachers (via phone, email, and in person) regarding 2 issues countless times throughout the year and issues were not resolved. I would have achieved the same result talking to a brick wall. I have 2 toddlers at home, therefore do not have the opportunity to attend PTG, field trips, etc. The tolerance for nonsense (bullying in particular) in this school is unbearable.
--Submitted by a parent

Having been on every side of this issue, I'm going to throw my two cents in. Academic (not acedemic) achievement results from teacher, administration, community, student and PARENTAL involvement. Thus far, the parents are the weakest link here. Our PTG just closed shop in the middle of the school year at Jefferson! Parents who complain the loudest are usually the ones who help the least. Teachers can only work with students whose parents support education, including homework. The attitude in this district is sad, but having been on every side of this issue, I'd say the parents are the reason for most of this towns' educational problems. Sorry, parents, I'm one too, and I'm ashamed of our involvement in the district, the classroom, and in our own student's education. Considering the huge problems rooted in socioeconomic and cultural issues, our students will only do as well as their parents are involved.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the review posted on 2-22-06 it is now 4-1-09 and the circumstances have not changed. My child is also 7 and this school system encourages and supports the Spanish speaking community and academics more than English. Any activity outside of standard gym and music is extracurricular and costs more and more every year. This is a huge disadvantage for the children.
--Submitted by a parent