I cannot say enough about the the teaching and administrative staff at Salk. My children have received a fantastic multi cultural education, which is laying the foundation for a great future. Our principal, Ms. Bonin, has been a great leader and we look forward to having her lead the entire primary education system in Merillville, the entire community will benefit from her vision, leadership and team building, all focused on making sure our children get the best educational opportunities possible. My children are eager to go to to school and will be the beneficiaries of their time at Salk for many years to come. Thanks to the entire team. Curt Hildebrand
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher for the past 42 years and a teacher educator for the past 37 years, I have been - and continue to be - involved with many schools. Salk is among the most successfully committed to education's mission that I've seen. As a parent of a daughter in second grade at Salk, I am completely satisfied with the school's quality. From principal Kara Bonin's and the staff's warm personal greetings on our first visit when my daughter entered kindergarten until now, the Salk experience has been inviting, highly effective, and encouraging. We have become members of the Salk culture, resulting in a remarkable sense of community which has maximized our daughter's academic and social potential, promoted her positive self-concept, significantly enhanced her independence, and inspired her self-advocacy. The teachers respect each child's dignity and individual differences. The school-wide investment in each student's current and future success is uplifting. Salk creates a community of learners, which is a district-wide goal that consistently translates into excellence. I am convinced that our daughter's life has been forever touched and her future is brighter. Tom Mihail
—Submitted by a parent

The special education program is one of the best I have ever witnessed. The staff goes the extra mile to ensure safety for everyone and incorporates a multitude of educational tools in their lesson plan. The special education team is top notch!! The primary special needs teacher and her paras are caring, kind, and always involved in each child's education plan. Parents are encouraged to be involved and never turned away. I highly recommend this classroom and have see great progress in the students who are in this program. Keep up the fantastic work ladies!!

My son is in first grade at Salk School and I can not say enough about what a wonderful education he has received so far. When he started Kindergarten he was a beginning reader and now he is a tremendous reader and we are are only one quarter done with first grade. He comes home happy and excited about school everyday. The school always seems to be well organized and under control. It is obvious that the principal has great leadership skills in all areas of her job. The school's ISTEP scores are exceptional. Not sure why anyone would have something negative to say about such a tremendous school.....but as you can see by the majority of the comments I read below.....Salk School is Exceptional!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 5 children that attended Salk,3 are still there. Salk is a great institution in which all of my children feel comfortable, well cared for and highly exited about learning. The staff goes above and beyond educating the children, keeping learning new and exiting. My kids love the family oriented school events and so does the community. The turnouts are always big. All of these things stem from the Principal, Mrs. Bonin who is a caring,well connected and all around awesome pricipal. She knows most of her students by name and the children and parents love her. No one could do it better. Keep up the good work principal Bonin!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter attending this school for only about a months when I had to pull them out. I had serious problems with the special eduction teacher and one of the teacher helpers. Every time I discussed my concern with the teacher excuses were made. I eventually took this this situation with the principal and once again she did not handle the matter. I had to call the school board of northwest Indiana and she informed me that the best thing to do was home school my kids. I have to say that was the best decision we ever made now I no longer have to be concerned with the safety of my children. Salk Elementary made public school a very disturbing experience!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, Mrs. Bonin, sets a great example and tone for the rest of the faculty to follow. They expect the kids to strive to do their best, and they don't mess around when it comes to behavior and learning. However, they still allow the kids to have fun. They have the obligatory field trips, but also a good number of fun congregations and assemblies. All three of the teachers my son has had truly cared about what was best for him and the class as a whole. They have communicated well with us, and have done a good job of keeping us informed of his behavior and progress. He is starting the High Abilites program this school year, so we will see how that goes.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sad to say that this is my last year as a parent at Salk. I wish it went all the way to eighth grade. I've read the responses below & can't believe the negative ones. My child is also in the fourth grade & is taught Social Studies....Mrs. Bonin & her staff are always willing to go that extra step to help. There is no child left behind becasue of lack of help. I choose this school becasue it is the best in our area & I can't afford to move. If your in the district you should research the others & see what they are like. Results won't be as great as ours. Salk keeps things intresting by creating challenges & goals with rewards at the end. As far as no talking at lunch... they are allowed to talk just at a resonable level. If they are allowed to be as loud as they want to be you will never know if a child is chocking. I have volunteered at Salk for 7 years & have learned a lot from being in the building. More parents need to be involved & then maybe you would see things differently & understand! I know I have. Thank you Salk for giving my children a wonderful education & memorable experiences!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in fourth grade at Salk and is bored with it. They are all about the academics (reading and math only) and do not offer anything fun to keep the kids interested. The principal is unapproachable and so is her staff. Im being told this year that they are not teaching science or social studies. I have never heard of anything like this before. I fear my child is being left behind at this school system. Not a happy parent but I can't afford to move.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 2nd grade at Salk nd he loves it. The teachers and principal are great. They have a wonderful academic program. They make sure all the students get what they need to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her first year at Salk. She is in first grade and loves it. I, myself, am impressed with the school from the principal down to the wonderful ladies that escort the children out the doors to be picked up after school. The level of communication is high, however the level of parental involvement is astoundingly low. Perhaps parents would understand more about the discipline and rules enforced at Salk if they were more active. I personally have no issues with the school or it's policies.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter began attending Salk Elementary in K and now is in her last year there (4th). What a phenomenal school. Mrs. Kara Bonin is a wonderful principal trying to balance administration, faculty and the best interests of the students. I agree that the students need a bit more 'down time' vs the rigid rules at lunch time however if the students not following rules were punished, so to speak, then perhaps everyone could enjoy lunchtime. I can honestly say that in the 5 years of communicating with teachers I have had always received a response by phone or email until the issue was resolved. Our teachers wear many hats and I commend them for being so involved. The PTO sponsors varied and interesting programs for the students and we love the year end dance for families. You can't please everyone all the time but honestly this school tries.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. There is no other elementary school in this district even comparable to Salk. I give a lot of the credit to the principal, Kara Bonin, who is very involved with the students, teachers and parents. The only reason I didn't rate the school five stars, is the lack of extracurricular activites, but as far as the academics, teachers, and the helpfulness of staff, it is outstanding. I also had a son to attend Iddings for a while, and what a disappointment. I feel Salk really cares about my children and I communicate with their teachers on a regular basis via email. The school is located within a very quiet community and I have the peace of mind knowing my kids are in a safe environment, being taught by caring, competent teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel the academic program at Salk Elementary is outstanding. My concerns are related to discipline. I feel discipline is too strong. The children are treated like military personel. Kids need time to breathe. Kids need to beable to express themselves and to be kids. Recess and lunch time are the kids chance to relax. A mental break from their already stressful lives. Please do not think that I am saying children should not be disciplined. I feel discipline is important. But what the school lacks is balance. Imagine working a 6 hour job without a break or lunch. What if you were unable to talk to your co-workers during your lunch or that your conversation was timed. How would you feel about it? Now ask yourself, how well would your job performance be?
—Submitted by M Rios, a parent

My son has been here for 3 years now, and we love it. We started at Iddings in 'K' and it has gone down. The new additions and major renovations are great, not to mention the wonderful principal to go along (Kara Bonin). I'd like to see more diversity with the teachers, but overall we are pleased.
—Submitted by Lynette, a parent

I feel that this school along with others in the Merrillville School System (because I have children in Pierce, MHS and Salk) could use a little more updating in regards to the actual educational and support environment. They are doing a great job on the buildings exterior but have little to be desired on the interior. Some of the teachers are a bit hard to deal with in regards to the best interest of the students and the curriculum. Now I am one to understand personality but when it comes to the betterment of the education of my children I feel that teachers, principals and parents should be more in step with one another and unfortunately I don't feel this at Salk. I feel more as if it is parent against school officials.
—Submitted by Arnetta, a parent

My son likes all the different classes, but wishes for more gym time/days. I noticed when I call to complain to the principal, I get excuses, instead of satisfying results. I also notice that the lack of communication is terrible with the teachers and principal. If my child is having problems, or causing problems, I need to know about it. I can't do anything to correct it if I don't know anything about it. If they get punished in school, I'd like to know why and what kind of punishment. Also, I do not have the time to always help out with the studying and homework, there isn't always instructions so I'm hoping I explain it properly, but I notice there isn't a tudor program for the younger kids. It would benefit the parents and child to have extra time with the teacher or a tutor.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 kids in this school this year (05-06) and all the teachers that they have had have been excellent. I love how they challenge and encourage and generally make the kids love to learn! The teachers are always available and willing to spend time helping me learn how to help my kids at home. The PTO group has fantastic programs like family nights which are very well attended. The 4th grade just had a music concert that was very fun and even a bit educational. Mrs. Bonin, the principal, is very in step with the students and has implemented some morning meetings that my kids rave about. My only negative comment is that I wish this school went all the way to 8th grade!
—Submitted by Annie, a parent