Wattles Park Elementary School

Although the teachers seem up to par the school itself has problems. Even after the renovations the driveway is still in terrible shape. Also, the kids couldn't even drink the water for 3 years, no one seemed to care too much about that, all they wanted was a new high school. The district itself doesn't offer hardly any extra activities compared to Battle Creek and Lakeview schools. If it wasn't a transportation issue my child would not be attending Harper Creek schools.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here in March of 2007 and I read these reviews and interviewed the new principal and met our children's teachers. I was very impressed and one of our children has special needs and we were given the courtesy and respect along with all the special help and support we needed. The teachers are happy, supportive and the support staff from front office, kitchen and maintenance always take the time to chat with the kids. I am glad we made the decision to have an open mind and check it out for ourselves.
—Submitted by Christine, a parent

I totally disagree, I love this school. With a child who began life with developmental struggles, my child's teacher, peers, etc, have been so impressive. My child has made many friends, and fits in quite well. I volunteer as often as I want, the PTA is great, the principal is super nice and I just feel blessed to have my child be a part of this school. There is not one bit of an unwelcome feeling when I walk through the front doors. My child is excited to attend every day at Wattles Park. Please don't jump to conclusions, this school aims for success!
—Submitted by a parent

The school does not want to deal with kids who struggle. I have removed my child from there, got rid of the special ed and he is doing terrific!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers make this a good school. Principal holds this back from being a great school. Very non-parent friendly and very closed-minded. But hey, the kids do get a whole 15 minutes to eat lunch.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is so cold and uninviting. I moved my kids from this school district after two years. I would not recommend it to others. The principal is not a 'people person'.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is still not parent friendly. The principal and office staff are not friendly and are often downright rude. Kids are not only rushed through lunch but required to wear their outdoor gear while they eat. Recent steps taken to improve saftey inside the school have failed, except to make parents feel more unwelcome, while saftey outside the school still has a long way to go. Some teachers refuse to have parents volunteer in the classroom. On the whole, this school is a struggle, and I'll be looking for a more inviting school for my child.
—Submitted by a parent

Wattles Park school used to be an overall great school for our children. The principal here limits lunches for the children to 15 minutes maximum. This non welcoming atmosphere discourages families new and old from being more involved with the schools activities including the P.T.A. I personally will be moving my child who has attended Wattles Park for 5 years to another school district.
—Submitted by Faith Rowles, a parent

Most of the teachers are awesome. The office atmosphere is very cold and uninviting. They are not parent-friendly. The principal is not approachable. She will not make necessary changes to help make the students successful.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not parent friendly, discouraging parent participation in the classroom. The office staff is rude to students and parents. They are not warm or friendly, they refuse to change a situation if a student is having problems.