Apple Grove Elementary School

The school needs to support the development of a PTA. The teachers are accomodating for updates but there are few opportunities for that the school facilitate the fellowship and inclusion of the parents in present and future plans and iniatives.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say, last year when we received our new Vice Principal Mrs. Reid-Freeman, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, kudos to you Mrs. Reid-Freeman for a job well done. The new Principal Ms. Linn is doing a wonderful job this year, she cares for not just her students but her staff as well and caring for the staff as well allows the staff to step up and do there educational jobs wel. Well done Ms. Linn, well done! Of course the school still needs work but the work is being put in, finally. Apple Grove has teachers that put in the work and some that don't. There Special Education Program is one to not count on.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my child's second year. The previous year the teacher was very attentive. I received calls when my child and 2 stepchildren were doing well or when they were having issues. This year there was an issue with my childs homework. I didn't find out until I received the last report card. If my child's an honor roll student and suddenly has an issue with homework, I expect to get a call or letter from the teacher. Outside of that one issue, I have never had any problems. I think the school is great, but could use more extra curricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that attend Apple Grove this year. So far so good. The have a new principal and I believe she's the one for the school. I love the fact the teachers give them a behavoir grade everyday. My youngest son teacher email at least 2 days out of the week throughout the day giving me a report of my child. She also gives him a rating every day for each assignment he completes. I appreciate evry effort she makes for my child. My oldest son teacher make phone calls if he isnt doing right, but she also gives him a behavior chart and grade him every day. They have a after school program for different academics that's going great. I have seen alot of changes since my oldest son started 5 years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the 2nd grade, his teacher raises her voice, which is heard at the beginning of the hall and there near the end. I believe some of the teachers are frustrated I have witnessed them rolling there eyes at the students. There is not enough supervision on the playground to prevents altercations with the students. They is no time in the curriculum for Art, I have only seen one project which was Christmas tree after the fact. I believe they are to strict on the uniform policy and it should be relaxed some. There are no extracurriculum activities to boost the kids self esteem and growth. There is not enough time for them to eat lunch. The teachers do not show genuine concern. I do not like the scheduled rest room breaks per grade and classroom.
—Submitted by an administrator

I've had three children to attend Apple Grove and I have to say that this school year has been the worst I've had with any of my children and my oldest is 19. I have witnessed the teachers raising their voices at the children, towering over them in an intimidating way and losing patience rather quickly when the class may get out of hand. This takes away from the freedom of learning and the childrens desire to go to them for help. This has been my daughter's experience, one that I'm sure others have had as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Apple Grove Elementary and I have notice significant change in her learning. The teachers at this school are excellent and they take there time with the students. My daughter is going to the 2nd grade and she now reads chapter books, and enjoys writting everyday as well.
—Submitted by Sheryl Johnson, a parent

I am currently a teacher at Apple Grove Elementary School. I agree the class sizes are too big and that the turn over rate of teachers is high. However, speaking as a teacher these children are being taught. Generally, there is very little parent involvement and an overwhelming amount of behavior problems. The only consequence teachers have for behavior is the loss of recess. And those students do not care. I suggest that if a parent thinks they can do it better that they volunteer their time to one of the 30 teachers who would be very grateful to have the assistance. Not to mention that PG county provides very little in classroom materials. I love teaching, however, any changes that need to be made must come from the county and the parents playing an active role. Not in the staffs abilities to teach.
—Submitted by a teacher

Apple Grove needs to make a lot of improvements. The first improvement is to limit the class size. My son is currently in the second grade and from the first day he entered Apple Grove his kindergarden class had over 30 kids in the class and 31 kids in his first grade class. This year on the first day of school his teacher said out of all her years teaching at Apple Grove that her class size was too big. Out the the 32 kids in her classroom, 15 of the students were below grade level in reading. So what this tells me is that Apple Grove's teachers are not doing a good job in the area of teaching. I hope Mrs. Smith(principal)can turn things around because this school needs help. They also need more parent involvement on the PTA. Over the last couple of years the retention ratio for the younger kids continues to rise between 1 and 2 grade and the good teacher turnover rate is the other problem.
—Submitted by a parent