Hornung Elementary School

Excellent school...very satisfied so far. We came from out of state and have been very impressed so far. It is obvious that the principal takes pride in her job, and takes pride in what she does. Very happy!
--Submitted by a parent

Hornung teachers and parents have developed beautiful garden areas and have a pond nearby to develop for a study area.
--Submitted by a parent

Hornung displays much care and crrespondence for each individual. Concerns and updates are dispathed regularly and I believe that this is much to rare with schools today. They make it easy for the parent teacher team approach.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Hornung. I loved it when I was a student and now I love it as a parent. Our test scores are fantastic, our music and art programs are wonderful and our PTO work their fingers to the bone to provide interesting and educational assemblies and events for the kids. Our principal is very focused and knows nearly every child and many of the parents by name. The school itself is clean, safe and well maintained. Parent involvement in encouraged and many parents volunteer on a regular basis. I am excited to see what the new year will bring, especially with the Kindergartners joining the Hornung family. Hornung is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

While the teachers try hard they are hampered by poor administration. If your child needs any special attention you have to fight tooth and nail to get it. The feeling is just push the children through. Also the classrooms are very overcrowded and no one other than the arents seems to care. The teachers are great but the rest of the school leaves a lot to be desired
--Submitted by a parent

I am new to Brighton and I chose this school because it was close to home. The first time I stepped in the building to bring in registration paperwork, the secretary barely acknowledged my presence and I felt as if I was intruding by being there. I gave her the benefit of the doubt, everyone has a bad day. I never felt welcomed, my child never came home excited about school as he had in his old school. Whenever I wanted to discuss my concerns, I was always told that things were going well with him in school. Whenever I came to school, I felt as if I was being avoided because I had questions and I wanted answers. In the end, I have removed my child from this school and I have noticed a complete transformation; he's happy to go to school and I don't feel like an unwelcomed visitor.
--Submitted by a parent

My son finished first grade last school year and I have never been so disappointed in a school. I feel as if there were too many students in his classroom. Homework instructions were often vague. Too much emphasis on fundraising, too little emphasis on student enrichment. I went to parent teachers conference, addressed my concerns, nothing changed. I did not feel welcomed here and I am removing my son from this school, in fact, from the district.
--Submitted by a parent

School has great potential, with better leadership. The special ed program has changed staff every year for the last 4 yrs. School is over crowded. Teachers have become numb to students needs. Principal is difficult to work with when it comes to parent concerns. Extra-curricular activities are poor to non-existent. Parent involvement revolves around fundraising and supervising kids so teachers can have their breaks. Teachers are a clique. No enriched art classes. Special event days- one is never made to feel welcome or appreciated. Many teachers are very rude and cold like their principle and more concerned with their contract than the children! Special needs kids are just 'pushed along' without really caring if they are learning. I am comparing this school to two other elem. schools my other kids attended. This one needs new administration badly. Principle is a hot head.
--Submitted by a parent

Sue Johnson is one of the best principals we have ever had the oppertunity to work with. She is very dedicated to all her students and really takes time to get to know the children and the parents. My kids just love her.
--Submitted by a parent

Though I have only had my daughter in Hornung for one year, I was very impressed with Mrs. Johnson. The 2007 Science Fair had over 200 participants. Sue penned a thank you note by hand to each participant and included a special comment specific to EACH of the 200+ students. Not many people would have been thoughtful enough to go through all the work that would have created. I know that note meant a lot to my daughter, and I can bet it meant a lot to the other students as well. Maybe some of the programs that are being criticized could be improved with additional parent involvement. I have been to the PTO meetings and was astonished at the lack of parent volunteers. Do not criticize unless you plan on getting involved!
--Submitted by Amy Hagerty, a parent