Paton Elementary School

The teacher doesn't respect student, communicate with parents timely, address underlining issues. Using calculator at the classroom just doesn't set the standard.
—Submitted by a parent

My second child is now going to Paton and seems to be having as positive an experience as my first did. The staff is responsive to the children and the parents, and the curriculum is rigorous. I'd love to see more in the way of "allied arts" education, but the current economy makes that unrealistic. Parents are actively involved, and the PTO really helps with funding enrichment programs. It's a great community.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are good, but could be more challenging for top students. Art, music, sports are poor d/t lack of teachers and materials. Many parents are involved, but too much energy goes into fundraising and parties rather than academic support.
—Submitted by a parent

Relatively large classes. Really there are 23 kids per class and few aides. All the special ed kids are mainstreamed so this ratio is higher then it seems. The staff is vocal about the budget cuts, and in thier opinion it is the reason for every problem. Test scores are misleading and the town is growing alot with a 60 house new development in this schools area.
—Submitted by a parent

Proved Wrong- When I learned my neighborhood was in the Paton district I was discouraged simply because it's one of the oldest schools in town. Now my second year in the school, I've realized looking beyond the faded paint and need for a gym, we are lucky. The number of classes per grade is small. This means these children are getting the extra attention they need. Reading specialists aren't spread over 11 second grade classes like other schools it's simply 4 classes. Kids don't get overlooked. What many parents don't realize is how easy it is for you to make a difference in your childs school if you attend PTO meetings. You want change at your school - get involved and be heard! Paton has a STRONG sense of community and overall caring in their staff and with the kids. This school can pull together with crisis and is willing to improve
—Submitted by a parent

So far (2003-2004) this school seems to lack leadership. The prinicipal seems to have little connection to the kids or parents at this point. She doesn't seem to talk to parents or the kids at playground pickup except to correct. Back to school night was disappointing you could not even read the overheads and there was no sense of excitement and no indication of partnership with parents. The individual teachers for my children are ok but they seem not to be inspired to have interesting assignments. Other parents told me it was a good school. The test scores say it is a good school but I don't yet see it. Important note: It is not a district for working parents even though there is an afterschool program. The program has a long waiting list and does not run with late start, snow days, or school inservice days.
—Submitted by a parent