Oakdale Elementary School

I am a dissatisfied parent. My son is new to the school and hasn't had the opportunity to see what the school has to offer. My 1st grader has been at the school for 2 months and he has been jumped on by 4 students in his class, and the only punishment they got was 2 days recess taken away. Then the very next week my son was accused of "putting his hand on several students, and put on detention. Several weeks after the incident where the 4 boys admitted to beating up my son, one of the same boys punched my son in the mouth and knocked his tooth out during recess. I was told my son would be punished as well as the young man, and yet I had to find out when I picked my son up from school at 3:30. I never received a phone call from a teacher, assistant principal, or principal that my son had been in an incident where he was injured. An there excuse was that he didn;t tell anyone. How could two kids get into a physical altercation where one childs tooth is completely knocked out of his mouth and not 1 adult see what happened. My son was the one who got hurt yet the assistant principal sent my son to the office indicating he was in trouble and I never received a call.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a great school. Very professional and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two sons that attend Oakdale School and they both love it! My oldest has been in Oakdale for 3 years now and my youngest son just started Kindergarden and it helps make my life easier as a mother to know that both my boys are happy and well taught in Oakdale School.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school in a great community that is in dire need of new playground equipment.

Oakdale is a very diverse school with students from all races and financial backgrounds. The teachers are committed and caring. Our PTO is doing all they can to make the school a better place for the students and awesome staff. The $20,000 would be a HUGE help!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Oakdale Elementary because of the wonderful teachers & staff. They put their heart & soul into helping the children succeed. Our school is labeled as a 'bad' school because it is on the west side of town. However, my experience has been that this is a good school - it just gets a bad rap due to location and a higher percentage of low income students! Our PTO has the lowest budget in the district so this money is much needed to fund our new playground equipment (old equipment is in dire need of replacement). Please help us! We love our school and want to make it even better!
—Submitted by a parent

Oakdale has a friendly integration of students from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds, in a caring and safe school environment, it reflects the face of a diverse American community today.
—Submitted by a parent

Oakdale has the greatest, most dedicated teachers I've had the opportunity to work with! It's a great school where the kids are made to feel important and life lessons are being learned along with the rest of their school lessons!
—Submitted by a parent

Oakdale is an amazing school because of the passion the teachers have to see all the children succeed!
—Submitted by a parent

The diversity of students makes it a wonderful and fun place, and the staff greatly care about the kids, and each other.
—Submitted by a teacher

Oakdale has a great staff that takes care of it's kids wonderfully.
—Submitted by a parent

It's diverse with high % low-income, but the teachers are dedicated. They do so much with so little. There are parents that pour into this school making it the best in the district...no matter what the tests and scores say!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been to a few schools in the last 5 years and this by far is the best school they have been to in Illinois. The Pricipal, Mrs. Bennington is awesome! All of the teachers are great! They do really great with all the kids and the way they teach them. The parents that I have might are really nice as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My entire family absolutely loves this school. My family consists mainly of educators and they all approve of the school/teacher's curriculum. The teacher's especially, Ms. Nourie, Mrs. Bolendar and Mr. Easton are all excellent! High praises for them all. They are all very creative, involved and dedicated. I admire them all for their tenacity and their ability to perform under pressure!! I would also like to commend Ms. Garofalo (Kindergarten) for a job well done. This is her first year teaching and she is on her way to be one of the best. I must also give Kudos to Mrs. Bennington, the school's principal. She is the Best! She is always available for any and every one (a very personable woman). She knows her students and parents very well and works hard to ensure that the students get the best education they deserve.
—Submitted by NiCole Higginbothan, a parent