Oaklands Elementary School

My daughter attends this school. One day she had an appointment. My husband and i took her to school and walked her to her class at about minutes after 8:00 a.m. While walking from the class we saw the principal in the hall shouting "hey, hey, you" and pointing in our direction, we did not pay her any mind because I could not believe that she was addressing us in that manner. I asked if she was talking to us and she said yes we are not allowed to enter the building at that time. The guidance counselor was with her(we passes this lady in a room, and she said good morning to us, but was not professional enough to say to us that based on school procedures we were not allowed to go down the hallway at that time. Just to give you an idea how this administration team is so unprofessional. I still cannot believe that the principal was addressing us in that manner. It happens in the morning and i am still thinking about it. I am thinking about writing a letter to the county, because I/we do not pay taxes to these kind of unprofessional individuals working with our kids. i am so not impressed with the school. The PTA is not doing anything for the school. Students are not recognized apron.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that have attended Oaklands for 3 years and every year it gets worse. The principal lacks the skill to lead the school and is more concerned with the state test scores than anything else. My son scores advanced on all state tests. She is super supportive up until the time the tests are complete and then dismisses the kids once she has the scores that she wants. I am moving just to get my kids away from this school. If you are thinking about moving to an area where your kids have to attend Oaklands I would advise you to think twice. My sons teacher flat out told him that she didn't like him and didn't care if he ever learned anything again in his life he is 11. The worst part about it is that the principal did nothing about it. My son was suspended for talking back to the very teacher that said these things to him. I had to get the school board involved after the assistant principal physically pushed my child into a wall.
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff, cooperative and dedicated Super administrators, hands-on and people-oriented

I have a grandson who is attending Oaklands Elementary for the fist time. He is new to the state as well as district. We have been seeking help in the form of teacher/counselor/social worker as well as principal support. I have noticed that any assistance that requires research and time seems to be a major issue. I have always been taught that 'a school is only as good as its leader and students are only as good as their teacher'. Greater efforts are needed from the principal and her staff in the communication department. I believe greater eforts are needed to insure that all students succeed and not just at the state level.Students and parents should feel comfortable in asking questions and receiveing assistance in a timely manner. Oaklands Elementary could be a better school with the right leadership.
—Submitted by an administrator

I am a parent of two children who attended the third grade and PG County schools for the first time this school year at Oakland s Elem. I am not impressed with the school system or school. While the teachers are fine and committed to educating the children in the classroom, it was very apparent that the principal and her administration were more concerned with achieving county goals, high statistical data for the overall school, than doing what s needed to improve the academic performance of the children in math and other academic subjects. While test scores last only long enough to satisfy a state goal, actually educating children in reading and math, last a lifetime! A couple of weeks to learning multiplication and division surely is not equivalent to the several months taken preparing for state test. -Yolanda Carey
—Submitted by a parent