Forest View School

Let me first state that I can walk into this school freely and walk down the halls largely left alone and right into my kids classroom. No teacher stops me, not staff questions my intent... nothing. Not that I would ever dream of harming a child in any manner but I do present an imposing image with my size. The notion of not so much as a teacher stopping me is enough to make me wonder who else can do it. I am pleased with my 2 boys and their significant improvements over the year there. But I am concerned with the overall lack of supervision in the cafeteria, class rooms and the playground. Almost daily I have to listen to my boys tell me about some kid in one of those mentioned places hitting, kicking or otherwise touching in a bully sort of manner on my boys or other kids. When I mention this to the teachers and the principle I am waved off and told actually 'There is not much we can do here...' And they actually asked why my kids will not be attending that school next year aside from the move... I send my kids to school to learn not get picked on and in trouble when they retaliate.
—Submitted by a parent

They are so good at treating my daughter with respect and dedication!
—Submitted by a parent

Lansing schools are a wreck!My daughter has ad/hd and ocd,and needs supervision. Forest View lacks at supervision of children before and after school. As well as on the playground. I can not tell you how many times i have been called by teachers to report nit picky issues about my daughter! When i called the principal about my concerns I never recieved a call back! Twice!I woudn't recomend this school. However,there are SOME good teachers in this school yet,the other issues out wiegh that. I will see about switching schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This was a good school when we moved to lansing 3 yrs ago. Since Dr. Turpin left it just isn't the same. Huge problems with unsupervised kids, bullying, etc...some excellent teachers are there but it doesn't make up for what lacks administratively.
—Submitted by a parent

Up until last year when the new principal took over, Forest View was a great school. The previous principal had a handle on the kids and knew the parents that came in to volunteer. My children were safe there, now it is a different story. Since the new principal has taken over the saftey of children in Forest View has gone down hill and the administration's answer is always, 'It's not my fault.' On the other hand, the teachers at Forest View are wonderful. I have not had any problems with the teachers that my children have had at the school. Hiring a new principal would make this school the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who attend Forest View and a great concern of mine is that there doesn't seem to be much parent/teacher involvement and the supervision issue needs to be addressed. There needs to be a system implemented where our children can remain safe before, during and after school (between pick-ups). Parents need to get involved and then some positive changes in this school will happen.
—Submitted by a parent

Forest view is not what it was when Dr. Turpin was there. I agree that there is not enough supervision especially on the playground. The teachers are wonderful and dedicated. The new admin. is weak. I am considering changing schools for my kids. It makes me sad.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was once a very good school. This year with all the changes in the staff and administation has left this school in a wreck.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter began kindergarten at Forest View in 2004. As a first time parent you worry about letting go of your baby for the first time to start school. The teachers and principle are wonderful and always willing to answer all your questions. It wasn't very long before even I was happy she was there. She learned so much and excelled in everything she learned thanks to the wonderful teachers there. My son is almost three and I am looking forward to starting him at Forest View. I know it will be as wonderful an experience as it was for my daughter. Thank you Forest View Elementary for making this new experience so easy and enjoyable for all of us.
—Submitted by a parent

The Administrative staff does not use all its resourses to help get parents more involved and it does not use outside resources that are available to them - Some of the teachers are outstanding and most of them are leaving in the 2005 school year. If the Administrative staff were to change I believe this would be a good school to recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

I have shipped my children across town so that they could attend this school. My son is now in middle school and consistently has high scores on all achievement tests. I attribute much of this to the wonderful start he got at Forest View.
—Submitted by a parent