Winchell Elementary School

DIfferentiated education is a really weak point here at WInchell. They have met my child's academic needs very well. No enrichment where needed (he is reading far above grade level) and no help where needed (writing is an area of need). Parent volunteers could be utilized better here. I have found this all severely disappointing. I do feel that the teachers are caring, and classroom management doesn't seem to be a problem. I am concerned that this staff needs more professional development on differentiation in order to meet the needs of all students. I would also like to see homework to be more consistent within each grade level, not varying so greatly from teacher to teacher. This suggests to me that there is not enough collaboration (and therefore, consistency) within grade levels.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of a third grader, and my son was in a different school last year, and it's like night and day literally! My family and I even moved into the school district just to get him in the school. Mike, our principal is awesome and we have such experienced teachers who care mix in our caring families and you got an A+ school! Winchell is the Way for my family!!
--Submitted by Mrs. Bennett, a parent

Winchell has an amazing faculty that cares. Winchell also has the most parent involvment of any elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school, outstanding staff, excellent AT program, Great environment for learning and fun. I would highly recommend this school to any parent. I have a 3rd grader and a 4th grader who absolutely love this school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful! My son started kindergarten here this year and he thoroughly enjoys being at this school. The staff in all areas are great, they are helpful, patient and caring. My son's kindergarten teacher Mrs. Andrews is wonderful, as well as the Principle Mr. Hughes - Mr. Hughes knows every student in his school by there first name and takes a real interest in each student. We moved in the past month because of a job relocation, and my son was way a head of the other students in his new school, in another state. Even though Winchell is given a 6 rating - it is far better than that! My son and I miss this school very much!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Hands down the best school in West Michigan. My son is in 3rd grade and I have never once had a single complaint. When the previous principal Mrs. Winfield left I was worried. But my worries quickly went out the door when I met Mr. Hughes. Filling Vicki's shoes was tough but he has done it. He knows all the kids names and he knows when he is talking to a parent who their child is. Everyone here is so caring and wonderful. Even the staff in the cafeteria are amazing! When you walk in the doors of Winchell you just know you are walking into a very special place for children to learn. Parent involvement is amazing. If you want an elementary school in Kazoo don't waste your time looking any further. The 6 rating is a joke. It's an 11+!
--Submitted by a parent

First impressions are so important. The minute you walk into Winchell you feel the warmth and cheer that envelopes the school. I was immediately impressed with Mrs. Winfield, the school principal. She knows the name of every student - over 400 of them. The staff is amazing. It is immediately apparent how much time and caring goes in to the learning experience for the children at Winchell. It is not unusual to see several teachers there on Saturdays and Sundays. They are there to help your children succeed and they are great at it. Children hug teachers, teachers hug children and encouragement is everywhere. Winchell's environment is the most amazing place for children to learn and to grow.
--Submitted by Sharon Mallekoote, a parent

My children attended three years at Winchell. They had previously been in another Kalamazoo school. The children loved Winchell. The teachers and principal made them feel welcomed, nurtured and interested in acedemics. The art teacher, Mrs. Murphy, is outstanding. The Girls on the Run program is great. The advanced courses have made my children excellent writers and students. The Principal is the finest my children have ever had. Two and a half years ago, we had to move to the St. Louis area and our current school system is neither nuturing, kind, academically challenging, nor encouraging. I wish my children were still in Winchell. Winchell and it's staff are one of a kind and are truly deserving of their Blue Ribbon status!
--Submitted by Meg Shelley-Heier, a parent

My children are currently in high school but attended Winchell from grades 1-6. the academic programs were above reproach. The educators were concerned and thorough. The administrators were also very thorough, professional, and very caring. Mr. Pierce was a life-saver. He was always there to encourage both students and parents. The availability of arts, music , and sports sparked great thngs from both of my children at an early age. They continue to express diverse interest in all these activities, based on a sound introduction at Winchell. Parents were and continue to be an integral part of the educational experience at Winchell and are encouraged by staff. My son is on his way to college and was able to do so, with a sound elementary education obtained from Winchell. Winchell is definitely a great school!
--Submitted by Felicia Daniel, a parent

My son attended Winchell for his kindergarten year in 2000. I felt early on that there was a problem with him but didn't know what it was. I brought my concerns to his teacher and the principal's attention. My concerns were never addressed. In fact, I wanted to pull him half way through the school year. I let him finish the year and switched schools after his kindergarten year. He had to repeat kindergarten at another school, where a year later he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Because of the no fail policy this school district has, my child would have easily slipped between the cracks. My concerns were never addressed, and I was made to feel like a parent who was overly protective. I would never recommed this school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent