Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

We love this school! My 2 kids have been at the school the past 5 years and we are sad that next year will be our last at TMES as both kids will be at Ridgeview Middle School in 2011-12. Please disregard the 1 bad rating from several years ago as that was a DIFFERENT school under the old, horrible principal. Principal Nazzaro is excellent and really has turned the school around. The experience with both principals has taught us the importance of strong leadership. The parents are very involved through the PTA and volunteering in the classroom. I can't say enough good things about the school and have trouble finding negatives. In fact, for a Cub Scout activity, the boys had to survey parents and ask the good and bad points about their school. We had trouble coming up with many areas of improvement.
--Submitted by a parent

TMES is much better and more kid friendly than Rachel Carson. Principal Nazzaro is wonderful. The teachers are great. My daughter loves this school. This school can be characterized as a local school that is not too big and not too small. There is an active PTA that is great and has a surplus of funds this year! The environment is nice and peaceful tucked away in a valley surrounded by beautiful homes; where you would not even think there would be a school. Coming from one of the top school districts in the county, MN District 196, this school is above par. Kudos to the staff and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had children in this school for five years and the experience has been excellent. The teachers and staff are outstanding and are invested in the success of their students. The curriculum is advance, though tailored to the individual child to ensure that they not only learn, but are engaged in the process. We are confident in the current leadership who are readily available and interested in the day to day lives of the students. We have close friends with children at other schools in the area and are confident that our children are receiving an exceptional educational experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Thurgood Marshall and am entering our third year with the school. There is a very inviting and supportive community of parents and teachers. The curriculum is advanced and the teachers are very committed to ensuring that I as a parent am aware and involved in the educational advancement of my children. Parents are encouraged and invited to volunteer and be a part of the classroom experience. The extracurriculur activities offered are varied amongst sports and educational clubs. I have been told that there were a few issues with the principal that ran the school several years ago but the PTA fought hard for change and a new principal was hired. It is because of this new principal that the last few years have been so pleasant at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm not sure where the February 11, 2006 poster is coming from, but he/she certainly isn't talking about Thurgood Marshall that my children go to. We live within walking distance of the school. The school and the community are wonderful. There have been minor issues, as with any school, but overall we couldn't be happier with security, services, leadership, the children, the principal AND the facilities. We are involved in PTA, sports, scouting and more. TMES is a core part of our lives. As to the claim that people are looking to move out of the because of TMES...I'd encourage you check your facts. As integrated as we are with the faculty and parents, we've never heard this claim/concern from anyone. TMES is a solid school and environment.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is engaging and enthusiastic. Safety does not seem to be a concern any longer. The new gym looks great and new playground equipment is coming soon. Two of the 3rd grade teachers are pregnant which will make continuity for the kids a challenge this year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a 5th grader and a 2nd grader. We have a new principal that has been at the school for one year.She is fabulous!The school is wonderful. My children have always had great teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a 1st year 1st grader at this school. From the very beginning, open school night, to the fundraisers, I have been very impressed. Having come from another elementary school in the Gaithersburg area, I see the difference in the teacher/parent relationship, how invovled the PTA is, and how approchable the principle is. I cannot say that I am faced with the same issues as the other parent regarding bulling, because my daughter has not complained or mentioned anything. I am very pleased with this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The leadership at Thurgood Marshall is weak at best. The principal lacks the skills necessary to create a safe and nurturing envrionment for all. Discipline and a culture of respect for all students is lacking. Parents are not given feedback regarding their children's progress. Bullies are rampant and many children go to school in fear. It's obvious that teachers are overwhelmed by the needs of some of their students. Many are ill equiped to deal with disciplinarian issues let alone closing the gap for all students. Many well behaved students with supportive parents are seeking private schools and considering moving out of the community. Much needs to be done.
--Submitted by a parent