Pattengill School

In response to the March 17th post, yes I am aware of a bond proposal to improve facilities that was voted down. However, Pattengill could use some fresh paint, new carpet, and landscaping to make it a more pleasant and appealing environment for the students and community. Regarding the principal, glad your experience has been positive. I still cannot express the same sentiments. Arrogance and insensitivity are NOT admirable qualities in a school leader.

In response to the March 17, 2013 review, repairs and updates (building and technology) to Berkley schools were voted down a couple of years ago. This is something that is NOT handled by each building in the district individually. I'm sure you're aware of the current budget/funding issues that are affecting our schools. As far as the Principal, she is definitely a "micro-manager" but, she is fair, knows EVERY student and family and strives for success and safety in the Pattengill community. There are "issues" in every school. I find that here [Pattengill], they are outweighed by by the impressive staff, building safety and education given to the children in this district!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's 2nd year at Pattengill and I believe that the teachers do a really good job with the children. My concern is that there is not my openness to diversity with in the school or by the principal. I have had conversations with Mrs. Robbins and she always comes off very belittling and condescending, not easy to talk to at all. She even has made a few statements that I felt were very wrong. Maybe she is a very nice nice person but my experiences with her have been very different.
—Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my child due to being pleased with the wonderful school rating as well as some of the parent reviews. How every I quickly learned the Principal is in fact very hands on but in a manner in which she attempts to create a cookie cutter environment. If your child is not cookie cutter and just like all the other children the diversity will not be welcomed. In fact there is no diversity. Parents are not welcomed to do observations to ensure their children are at ease in the new environment. Needless to say I opted to enroll my child at another school which promoted diversity. We live in a world in which diversity is the key to greater opportunity for all. The lack there of will enable closed minds and give students a false sense of what the real world and workforce is actually like. The test scores may say great school but the social interaction and lack of diversity may have a negative impact on a child who does not fit the cookie cutter mold. It appeared some of the teachers in fact may be great teachers but were micro-managed by the Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I did all the research on all the Great Schools "high rated" schools and weighed all my options as I considered applying for Pattengill. I made my tough decision and wanted to entrust my child to Pattengill. To my surprise the staff was very unwelcoming and rude not only to me, but even to some of their own students. I was appalled by what I observed. Needless to say, I changed my mind on this "Great School" and enrolled my child into a school that fostered and nurtured a healthy, culturally/racially respectful environment. High test scores are great to have on paper, but they are not everything! It was an invaluable visit. Thank you for showing your true colors and saving my child from being traumatically offended.

Our son is in first grade. We knew we were going to utilize the school of choice option because our son had attended pre-school in our home district. We wanted a district with great academics and involved parents and our home district had only 1 of the 2. Utilizing Great Schools we researched local schools and Pattengill was our top choice. The Principal and Teachers are outstanding! Their test scores speak for themselves. The PTA initiated a recycling program to earn money and teach children green practices and they have school fundraisers and activities throughout the year. The 1st parent teacher conferences had 100% parent participation! We were also concerned about the sports of the district. At the elementary level the sports are sponsored through the Berkley Recreational Center and they promote at the school. In HS...the Berkeley High School football team made to the play offs this year! We are happy we did our research and ended up with such an outstanding school in every area...academics, parental involvement, activities and sports.
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter attends Pattengill Elementary School and she loves it and I love it also. The teachers are very good with the students. The principal, Ms. Robbins, knows each student by face and interacts with the students on a regular basis. It is just a great school.

Pattengill is an excellent school that teaches children to respect each other and that every child is the same, no matter what color they are, no matter what gender they are and no matter what social back ground they come from. The sense of security and excellent team of teachers make this school one to be recognized. I stand proud to have my children at this school. This school has produced wonderful children that are ready for middle school. Thank you Pattengill!
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely love this school. Left another district because of the students and behavior issues. Have found a safe school with an excellent curriculum and teachers!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm not sure why that parent thinks this school is violent. Do they go into the classroom ever? It completely confuses me, because we find the school to be extremely wholesome and nurturing. We just moved there this year (Schools of Choice). My kid is blissful as a kid should be. He is soaring.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not all its cracked up tobe. The building is very old and has lead in its construction. The school has issues with violence. The Administration is very relaxed when it comes to school when it comes to violence. The teachers are outstanding and provide excellent education. However a false sense of security is very real in this school. The schools answere to there problems is getting more funding to improve the school. Safety and security of children is second when it comes to their budget and trying yo dispalay a false picture about the school. We are looking into moving our child into another school. Detroit, Berkley whats the difference. Detroit is more noticable.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful and school. I am very impressed with the teachers and the adminstration. The principal and teachers are amazing at the school. This school is a hidden gem!
—Submitted by a parent

Their before and after school program ( Kids' Zone ) is the greatest program. The teachers there are the best. I know my children are safe there!!

We are a schools of choice family that has had two children attend Pattengill for the past year and a half. I cannot say enough good things about the entire staff. From the principal, to the teachers, to the parents to the latchkey staff, all are sincerely interested and engaged in my children's well being and education
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Pattengill elementary since kindergarten and is now a 2nd grader. I must say that I am pleased with the community feel and the parental involvement. It's nice to know that while I can't be a stay at home mom whose totally infused with the schools daily ongoings, there are so many other parents who step up and involve themselves giving me a sense that my child is in good hands. The school receives excellent support from the surrounding community and offers some of the latest technology. I think that the annual math pentathalon is an excellent academic competion and I look forward to seeing other school events in the future. The only negative aspect of the school is that it lacks diversity in its student population and also in its curriculum as it pertains to learning about the history of our country and society.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Pattengill Elem. through the 1st & 2nd grades. The principal is caring and knows each child by name. The teachers seem to cover the basic ABCs's & 123's. They however, have not demonstrated/taught any diversity. The 1st & 2nd graders (the grades which I know about) have not participated in any science fair, spelling bee, or black history anything. The Preschool/Kindergarten where we spent the previous 3 years, was a very ethnically diverse and challenging. All of the children participated in annual programs in which children (3 to 6)were assigned short speeches about Civil Rights figures,famous African Americans, celebrated Hanukkah, Cinco De Mayo and participated in an annual 'Around the World' feast and celebration where all ethnic foods, traditions and entertainment were experienced.
—Submitted by a parent

Moving here to Berkley from another district, I am delighted with Pattengill school. The students are challenged, the staff is great,and the parents are very involved. The staff takes great pride in what they have. The educational program at Pattengill is outstanding; my son has performed better academically here than in South Lyon, due to the great teachers he was lucky to have this year.
—Submitted by andrea, a parent

We started the school year very pessimistic about the quality of public schools. We thought that our daughter would eventually go to a private school. We couldn't be happier with the school, parent involvement, and most importantly the quality of the teachers. Our daughter looks forward to going to school everyday and thinks that Mrs. Frank (her kindergarten teacher) is the best. Mrs. Frank is a very dedicated teacher that truely cares about the children. She gives the children oppurtunity to be independent and learn in a loving but disciplined manner. -Rachel
—Submitted by a parent

Pattengill is the ideal combination of the old one room school house and the newest technology and reserch in education. Everyone knows and supports each other, and the teachers are involved in the community even during non-school hours. The school is well maintained and welcoming, and there is a feeling of compassion and love in every classroom. Pattengill houses two multi-age classrooms and the all day kindergartin all award winning programs! The principal is respected rather than feared. You couldnt find a better school.
—Submitted by a parent