Lakeland Elementary School

In my opinion, Lakeland is a very good school. It is not without its flaws, but what school is perfect? The principal is a caring woman, concerned with the students' physical, mental & emotional well being. I have two children there, a mildly autistic child and one with ADD and severe mood swings. When the moody one spun out of control, the school didn't just kick her out. Everyone pulled together to help her as much as they could. The child psychiatrist made it clear that we were very fortunate to have such a caring school environment. Most don't make the effort. Regarding the complaint that the principal wouldn't switch a child to a new class, consider the principal's side. She gets many requests for that every year, each parent believing their child is an extenuating circumstance. Not switching classrooms is a common school policy. It disrupts classes & creates a sense of undue favoritism in others. That is unworkable for the school. My one beef, the cause for 4 stars, has already been mentioned, Too many events are held during school, not in the evening, where family attendence is expected. If you work & don't have family nearby, your child feels left out. Very upsetting.
--Submitted by a parent

Lakeland Elementary is a great school if you are a Stay-at-Home mom, or at least one that works minimal hours outside the home. It is very cliquey to us mothers that can not afford to live off of a one income paycheck. Snide comments and looks are the norm when I go to pick up my child on the occassion that I have a day off. Just because I cannot volunteer for every event or be the "classroom helper", does not mean I don't care about my child's academics. Most of the "mothers" at Lakeland like to bad mouth and paint innaccurate pictures of the other "un-involved" parents. They are straight out of the movie Mean Girls!
--Submitted by a parent

I could'nt agree more about the "cliquey" environment that is present at Lakeland Elementary. This school is geared for the "mom's playing helpers in the classrooms" instead of actually putting the main focus on our childrens education. A perfect example of this school catering to stay at home mom's is that all talent shows, class informances, concerts, etc. are held during the day often times in the late mornings. For instance the upcoming Talent show is from 9:30am to 11:30am!?!! How are working parents suppose to partake in the activities that are so special as these?! Maybe I am ancient but I remember BOTH of my parents attending school events AFTER school. after their work day was over, where they were able to cherish these moments. This school doesn't care about anything but the "daily mom play dates" they call Lakeland Elementary. With the exception of a couple of teachers, the majority of the staff seem to be happy with letting "stay at home Mom's" come in and playing teacher!
--Submitted by a parent

Lakeland Elementary School has the best teachers! Especially Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Kiernan

both of my sons went to this school. It is fantastic, helpful when there is a problem, full of services for special needs, not too small, not too big, and adapts to the individual child whether for disabilities or giftedness.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves the school and the new principal is an excellent person. She has helped us with several unique situations that have come up last year and this. We have found the teachers to be caring and the other parents to active participants in the school district. I am so happy we moved to Pinckney!
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the teachers in this school are competant, caring indviduals. we had one that was not and tried desperately to switch teachers. the principal refused and I removed my child from school. all this could have been avoided had the principal had my child's best interest in mind. she clearly did not.
--Submitted by a parent