Shenandoah Elementary School

Once again here is yet another EBR Parish school that is more concerned with overall test scores than the individual student, althought the mission statement would state the opposite. A school and its staff that are not concerned with anything but getting that "good grade" even at the cost of a child's self esteem leaves a lot to be desired. An eleven year old child should not get depressed at the thought of going to school. Life for kids today is hard enough. Why our schools would like to operate like a prisons instead of someplace where our kids can go to get the tools needed to learn to lead good lives now and in the future and learn how to continue to help run this great country of ours. Why and when are we going to stop all of the bias and downright racist behaviors of some of our so called educatures. God help us and place some goodness into the cold hearts of those educators (if the shoe fits) that would pick and choose what child should be given the best education and guidence poissible to help ensure a better future for our beloved children (black, white, red and yellow). No child left behind, when are you going to practice what your preach?

I agree wholeheartedly! This is suppose to be the best but the kids who are "carrying" the school aren't being taught by many of the teachers but by those parents like myself who are teaching them at home. You have cliques & racism that goes on, from being Chinese, Mexican, to black & etc. The teachers are some of the coldest women to ever be around. Children are never told that they are doing good work. The teachers, even student teachers, behave as if it's a problem to deal with children. There are only two black teachers, all others are white, except janitors & cafeteria workers. Principal is cold and really does not want to be bothered with parents. There are rules for some children & rules for others. Educational wise, my child is being challenged & is learning what some high schoolers are learning. So, I put up with the mess, except for the bullying (I have gone over there four times already. My child is being bullied by a teacher's child. Yeah, children whose parents work there, whether they live in area or not can attend school, conflict). PTA is best because all they do is think about money and how to spend it, not the children.
--Submitted by a parent

Also what child know's their grandparnets name? I never once thought to teach her my mothers name. It's Mum to her. There was also picture day and I paid three dollars to get her neg. to see if I wanted to order the pictures. I call and ask one women tells me they never took the pics. When I went there to speak to the teach about the bullying I asked again. Another staff member told me they took the pictures and I have to get into with the photographer inorder to get my money back. It doesn't seem like the teachers care nor the staff. I do not see how this school can be one of the best schools in EBR. The staff and teachers represent this school and they are doing a poor job. I would like the rest of the parents say. If you have the money put your kid is private school.
--Submitted by a parent

I was very dissappointed with this school. We completed 2nd grade with a very poor cirriculum. There were several skills not taught that should have been taught. Our teachers were nothing to be excited about. When one can not get a respose to a note or question there is a problem (there were many problems)! Granted, I know not all the teachers are that way and I did have an excellent 1st grade teacher. We have now left the school. My child was not getting the education she needed. I would not reccommend this school. If you can afford to send your child to private school that would be wise. Now Kindergarden has 31 kids/class and 1 class has 42 in 1 room with 2 teachers!!!! That is a riduculous amount of children in a room. Not all children can be reached there WILL be children left behind!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent I am very disappointed, I feel some of the teachers do not give the individual instructional help for the kids to fully understand the class & homework. Also as a single parent time is limited, and to require the accelerated reading every night has not always been possible. My child used to love to read, now she hates it. Her grades have gone way down. She is smart and has always been ahead every yr. Due practice to prepare for the next yr. The Accelerated reading project # Pgs. & Time req. to read nightly has kept her full of anxiety and now hates Sch. & to read. I spoke to sch. board & guidance counselor then at parent teacher conference-principal & all teachers. Online help is great but I give Sch. a 2 Stars. Friends have left sch. as well.Thanks Sandr Santiago
--Submitted by a parent

The school seems to be pretty good(my daughter just finsished kindergarten). I really liked the parent involvment; open house, talent show, pta meetings, etc. ( standing room only). The yearly carnival was pretty cool too. Of course we do not have any first hand comparisons for other schools, only what other parents tell us. But my wife was a teacher (before kids) and she is pleased with the school and staff. The only thing I wish they would do is teach spanish in place of french. Yes I do realize french is Louisiana's heritage (to note: the end of the year play is based on the cajun/french speaking culture; it was very cool). But a lot more people in our EBR community speak spanish and I believe spanish would be more helpful. Yes, I would recommend this school to other parents(it really seems to be a neighborhood school).
--Submitted by a parent

If you child needs any extra help I felt like the children became a bourdon and was classified or labeled a problem child. Those children needed to be built up because of their special needs. That helps mold a child into a fine young person. We depend on our teachers to teach. Every child. My experience was disappointing and advise not to send your child there unless they are in no need of any special attention. Again I felt like the school did not want to bothered. I expected more from such a well recommended school.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff of this school bring out the best in my children. They are met daily with smiles and kind words. They are challenged academically to reach a higher level. Along with the valuable involvement of so many parents, the teachers and staff at Shenandoah make it a superb learning environment for children.
--Submitted by a parent

Shenandoah is one of the best reg-education schools in EBRPSS! There are wonderful things happening at our school! We have a well-rounded faculty and a hard working staff! Test scores are an issue, because we are held accountable. The orders from above are out of our hands. The teachers I work with are passionate and innovative. We do the best with what we are given. Hard work and high expectations have allowed my students and their families to feel the power of public education!
--Submitted by a teacher

My daughter was in Kindergarten this year at Shenandoah and she loved it. She has become very interested in reading and art. The rules are quite strict, but necessary to maintain control. I am very pleased with the administration and staff.
--Submitted by a parent