Lowell Elementary School

Lots of positive energy now at this school this year. Great new principal, engaging teachers, and a very active PTO. Parent involvement needs to be stronger and hopefully with the changes to the principal and PTO it will happen.
—Submitted by a parent

It's wonderful that everyone is happy now. However, the competency, ineffectivness and unresponsiveness of the former Lowell School principal was brought to the attention of the school committe, the former Superintendent and the current Superintendent many times over the years. Nobody did anything about it and a lot of parents, teachers and children paid a price. It's very sad that the current Superintendent chose to ignore parents and their concerns about Donovan's past issues and behavior and appointed her Assistant Superintendent. Isn't that nice: lets give someone a higher position with more money even though they have behaved very badly for years! How can she get a promotion after all of the terrible things that she's done. It's disgusting and appalling. The School Committee is/was aware of her antics over the years. She was appointed this position so that she can retire in three years with a higher pension. She also accepted a position in Newton as principal of an elementary school. As soon as Fitzgerald was appointed Superintendent, Donovan told the Newton that she changed her mind and no longer wanted the job. Hmmmm, sounds like it was planned all along!
—Submitted by a teacher

This year is so much better for my kids then years past and I think it has a lot to do with the new principal and the great energy she provides. The former principal was very ineffective as all the other postings have alluded to. I have also heard that in Watertown this is by far the most desirable elementary school. Overall everyone seems happier this year and when teachers are happy then the kids have a better chance of having a fun school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Lowell school is a good school with a new interm princple this year. SHe is doing a GREAT job transitioning and responding to parents. The kids already love her and she is night and day better than the previous unresponsive prinicple(mentioned in the previous posts). The lower grade teachers so far have been great. I'm not hearing as great a praise for the upper grades but we shall see!
—Submitted by a parent

Sorry about the errors, English is not my first language. I have 2 kids at this school and they are very happy.
—Submitted by a parent

There appears to be a pattern - a genuine concern - regarding the Lowell School principal which has not been addressed by the school committee or the superintendent. When there are that many complaints from parents, teachers and kids over the years from bad decisions, to mistreament of parents and teachers, from lying to parents, for poor planning, favoring certain parents, removing regular ed programs, and the list keeps growing then it's time to do something about it. Wake up school commitee and administration, you're hurting our kids!
—Submitted by a parent

In response of the review in oct, 2008, i agree that the teachers at the lowell school are excellent , but the principle leadership hurts the schools progress. She treats her staff with no respect. I'm still amazed she's was the most qualified to obtain the job
—Submitted by a parent

principal leadership is non-existent, parent complaints are ignored. Principal is not qualified, other qualified candidates were passed over for this one. Not at all responsive to parents, only selective parents. Parents and children leave the district to transer to other elementary schools within the community or they move out of town or they send their children to private schools. The matter of a non-responsive, non-effective, bad communicator has been brought to the attention of the school committee and the superintendant and nothing has been done about it.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the Lowell school. Fantastic teachers, well-equipped library, computer room, music room. The school is very well staffed and attentive to students and parents needs. We have two kids there and they are blossoming there!
—Submitted by a parent