Gilpin Manor Elementary School

What an outstanding school. The teachers and staff provide a caring and compassionate environment for all concerned. Gilpin has made a significant change over the last five years. There is more of a focus on instruction, behavioral intervention, parent involvement and success. What a great place to be!
--Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Hammer is a 5 star woman! We have the best working for us-with a compassionate heart, enthusiasm, kindness and she really loves the kids and staff. The teachers have been really good from the ones my girls have had. I would give them 4 stars. The extra. activities are good 4 stars, and my over rating of the school is 4 stars!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is doing much better this year academically. The class size is great only 21 students and the entire teaching staff is fantastic. I wish they would offer more opportunities for extra programs like other elementary schools in the Elkton area (chess club, tutoring, DI Teams) and more opportunities for parents to come into the school other than award assemblies. Overall this is a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is ADHD and at her previous school is was falling way behind. When I moved and she started going to Gilpin her teacher as well as all of the other staff was very patient and helpful to her. She is now almost making A's and B's. Where before she hated to get up and go school now she is excited to go. She loves it there. I have never had anything but good experiences with the staff at the school. They are all very kind and helpful. I can't wait for my 4 year old to start school there.
--Submitted by a parent

Two of my children attend here after transferring from another school in the county and I love it. My childrens teachers have a no fail policy which allows for all children to work at their own pace (as long as it's within the current cirriculum. Both of my children have excelled here under the current administration while previously one was a D student and the other a B/C student. Now my daughter has acheived honor roll status while my son is very close. While it's true the parking is horrible, the extracirricular activies have improved and my kids are now success. I love this school!
--Submitted by Shannon, a parent

My daughter attended Kindergarten this past school year and while the start to the year was quite unorganized and the parking situation is a bit ridiculous; I was very impressed with her teachers. I must say Miss Wallace and Mrs. Brynes were two of the most helpful and thoughtful teachers I have met to date.
--Submitted by a parent

Extracurricular activities seem to be mostly based around education. PTA has a few fun things during the year but I would like to see more family activities where parents can get to know other parents in the school. I also liked the morning buddies that were cut back this year after the principals changed. This is a great way for parents to come into the school and meet other parents and stff. The leadership of the school has greatly changed. The principals seem to care more about their own attire then education. They do not do the fun things like the past principal did and it's greatly missed. From what I have seen, parents do not get told much about going ons in the school. Events are last minute notices.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had several children attend GMES. This year things have taken a turn for the worse. As soon as you walk in the doors you are greeted by bar graphs that show how poorly the school performs on state testing. Then you go in the office and the ladies will greet you once their conversation is finished. Where there was once a teacher and aide in each room that had inclusion children there is now just a teacher. The teachers do work hard and most are in teaching positions because they love children. Unfortunately the creativity and fun that was in the classrooms a few years ago is now gone. I would only recommend this school for children that can sit still for long periods of time, don't like to color/draw/sing and that like to whisper or eat lunch with their head down.
--Submitted by a parent