Brookside Elementary School

I was a parent at Brookside for 3 years. We have moved from Dracut this year and left with mixed feelings. Our expericence with he staff at Brookside was mostly positive. The principal, Mr. Galello was avalible and open to discussion. He was fair but not a push over. One teacher we had was wonderful. one seemed ready to retire. There are some PARENTS with a chip on their shoulder that want to distroy the school. i am happy to not be around those that were LOUD, NEGITIVE and SELFISH. The PTO worked very hard.I wish the school had more support.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so so happy to have discovered that our school's scores have soared in 2010. (click on test scores) What ever the principal and teachers are doing keep it up! My son is so happy here!
—Submitted by a parent

Most teachers are really dedicated, great teachers. But the not so good teachers are not held accountable. Repeating First grade is considered acceptable and "normal" here. We needed a principal, but got a strutting peacock. No leadership whatsoever. This is his second year, and I am now hearing that his contract has been extended. Too bad for the kids. My straight-A child, who used to love school, cannot wait to get out of this school. Already broken by the school system by 4th grade. How sad is that? P.S. Dracut Special Ed is one of the worst in the state. They would rather pay huge legal fees than provide the services the kids need. The SPED teachers are great, but there is absolutely no help or support from the school administration and it is nearly impossible to get services. Don't move to Dracut if you need SPED services.
—Submitted by a parent

Severely underfunded. Tiny building bursting at seams w/640 students and a tiny cafeteria that can barely manage multiple, short lunch shifts. SPED was HORRENDOUS under its last director who, along w/other cronies, recently migrated to Peabody -- POOR PEABODY! Bullying is a HUGE PROBLEM, as is staff quality (for the most part). Too much focus on MCAS scores -- not nearly enough (if any!) on character development and good citizenship. Dracut's children definitely deserve better and are getting it in 2 out of the other 3 Elementary Schools -- poor Parker Elementary's the only one worse off than Brookside. Principal is totally mailing it in and can't get along to save his life w/parents and staff, for the most part. Brookside is definitely worth a tour before even CONSIDERING enrolling your child(ren). 2 Principals so far since my children's enrollment and we're soon to be going on a 3rd! This school is definitely failing its students, parents and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers are great and really work hard for the children
—Submitted by a parent

My grandchildren go there and are receiving a good education plus art, music and gym classes; many schools no longer offer those.

I have two daughters in the school. For the most part the school is great. I do feel they really couldve done more with secound graders this year. In the past there were many more firld trips and they only had one this year and it was to the movies. My daughter was very upset about that. But we do love the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

We entered into this school in mid October after moving from out of town. The principal and all of the teachers and staff made my children feel right at home. They are great communicators when it comes to the children. I have a child in kindergarten and a child in the third grade and have been very happy with both teachers. There is always some kind of event involving the children and parents. My favorite so far has been the mother son dinner and a movie! they also do a father and daughter dance so as not to leave anyone out! Keep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is more concerned with MCAS scores than seeing that the children really understand what they should be learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a special needs child in the 4th grade. He started at Brookside when he was 3 and unable to walk and talk. They have been great with him. He has come much further than we ever hoped and it is in no small part due to the wonderful Special Needs Department at Brookside. The staff there, from the janitors to the Principal know who my son is and always make him feel special! I love this school and am sad that this will be his last year there as he is moving up to the middle school. Thankfully, my daughter has 3 more years at Brookside. I highly recommend it. Any concerns I've ever had regarding my son's special needs program have always been addressed quickly and fairly!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started Kindergarten this year at The Brookside and i must say that he loves it. His teach is fabulous and i wish he could have her next year as well. I find that they do a lot for the kids there and he is even teaching me some things as well :-)
—Submitted by a parent