Elwell Elementary School

A school is only as good as the respect it is given. Parent volunteers are all over the place in this building and parents are welcome at any time as long as arrangements are made in advance. It's no different than any other workplace or middle school or high school. When another person walks into a room, no matter who it is, it disrupts the classroom and at elementary age, it is very difficult to bring them back once they are distracted. Instead of complaining, parents need to be empathetic to what teachers are now going through. If parents would be parents, then schools wouldn't have all the problems they do. My kids LOVE IT at Elwell. The new principal has made them welcome, gives them opportunities they don't have at home and genuinely cares about what happens. If I am not clear about something or if I have a concern, I just have to talk to her and she addresses it and/or explains it. I cannot understand people who want to complain without finding out the facts OR putting themselves in another person's shoes. There are 25+ students in every room. If they allowed parents to come and go as they please, can you imagine the disruptions>? No learning could take place.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not transparent and does not have an open door policy for parents. When requesting to drop in on my childs class while in session the principal called the teacher to see if she felt like any visitors. I was told that the school requires at least 24 hours notice before parent/s are allowed in the classroom. When asked, the teacher said," its a distraction, I don't care if you're the president or a social worker." Once I was allowed access to my childs class there was a special needs child crawling under the table screaming and crying. Teacher summonsed child from under the table several times; child never resurfaced. I believe they should have teacher assistants for situations such as this. They say they want parent invlovement but their actions show something different.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel the teachers need to take more one on one time with the children that struggle they just push them to the side as if they don't matter.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so very happy with the changes at Elwell this year! The new principal, Ms. Balle(? spelling) has done wonders at getting students to love school and want to be there. She greet all the kids in the morning and even knows their names. All the kids hug her and talk to her...they smile. There are a few teachers who need to retire, though. The MEAP scores aint the best, but with new teachers having higher expectations and new wyas of teaching, I think this school could be great. Parents need to get off their butts and get involved...it's not just a place for babysitting! My son was not doing well and his behavior was not the greatest, but Ms. Balle has worked with him and me and has helped him to change his behavior 'cause he WANTS to. He get his work done and is actually passing! She CARES!
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with my children being at Elwell. I love the principal, she is very in tune with each child. My one daughter has brought up her grades because she doesnt want to dissapoint Mrs.Mida, who reveiws and writes comments on report cards. Mrs.Mida is involved with the children, attends sports events, encourages,I have seen her on many occasions take time out when she sees a child having a bad day, she has a love for the kids and patience of a saint. She opens each childs milk in the lunchroom when asked, shes just awsosome! The teachers are easy to talk to and supportive in helping me with my struggles of assisting my children in school work. The office secretaries are patient and loving to the children. They are always there to listen and are very helpful. I feel Elwell is family and a safe place.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed in the principal at Elwell school, she is more concerned about the well being of the teachers and staff then the children. And isnt that the reason the school exisists, for the children and their education, not the reputation of the staff? If your not hand picked by her and a part of her circle then neither is your child. On the other hand the teachers are great and really try to do their best without judgment.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to this school and now my child does. The teachers and the principal are great! Some I had as a child. What the school needs are more parents involved in the school. I think people are to quick to judge and should look in the mirror!
--Submitted by Michelle Rushlow, a parent

I was not at all pleased with the quality of education my son received at this school. I pulled my son from this school and placed him in a charter school. I am confident the education my son is receiving now is far superior to that he received at Elwell and the teacher's are far superior.
--Submitted by a parent