Fillmore Elementary School

I love Fillmore. I have heard rumors from other parents in the district that Fillmore is the best school in Warren Con. They have the best teachers, a positive working and learning environment. I feel that some parents do not do enough to help out. I volunteer my time, but always see the same faces. The teacher is with my son for a long time. They need our help to support the theory of "it takes a village."
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Fillmore for many years. I truly love this school! The teachers try to go above and beyond for the students, whether they need to be challenged or need extra attention. The teachers not only care about academics, but the well-being of their students. I am knowledgable about the current economic situation of the school district, and unfortunately have seen how this has affected the teachers' ability to provide materials and additional extra curricular activities for the children. However, the teachers show they care in many other ways. I would recommend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend Fillmore. We all love this school! Sadly we will be moving out of state before the 2010-11 school year... we will miss Fillmore. If you are considering this elementary school, I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that have attended Fillmore since kindergarten. I definitely feel since Mr. Walmsley left it has gone WAY down hill. The principal now is more like a friend than a boss and she is not equal with her discipline to all students. The violence that is tolerated is beyond belief and I was told by a parent that most disciplinary problems that go to Carlton come from Fillmore, can totally see that. My kids get good grades and for the most part have liked their teachers. Teachers need to stop yelling and whining, u chose the profession ur in, now do your JOB!
—Submitted by a parent

Fillmore Elementary is absolutely blessed to have Ms. Shubnell for Principal. She cares about kids and she cares most about their achievement in school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has defintely gone down hill since the last principal retired. Now with the new principal the teachers are less flexible, you don't see many at after school activities (unless being paid)and the activities cost the parents much more.
—Submitted by a parent

I had 2 children who attended Fillmore. When my son first started there in Kindergarten, it was a good school with a principal, John Iras, who really cared about the kids. Everything at the school was about the children. My daughter started in kindergarten also and is 2 years behind my son. The school has steadily gone down hill. We moved out of the district after my son completed 3 rd grade because the district and this school had gotten so bad. I was an involved parent, who volunteered regularly. I tried to discuss problems with the principal, the parent advocate, the school board and the superintendent and got no where. I would not recommend this school or this district to anyone. The PTO is politically charged. Student privacy is ignored by the office staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter only went to kindergarten at Fillmore because we moved out of the district, but her experience was wonderful. Her teacher loved the art of teaching and the children she taught. The principal made himself available to many of the kindergarteners 'special days' -- including reading to them in pajamas on their Pajama Day, and becoming a human sundae when they met their reading goal! The staff was kind and helpful, and I felt comfortable with the security that is such a necessity in today's world.
—Submitted by a parent

Fillmore is an average elementary school with about 40 very active families who work to enhance the children's educational experience. Fillmore has a high ESL rate. There is no program of note for the gifted like there was several years ago. Fillmore has lost many of its experienced teachers this year to buy outs. It lost the full day kindergarten and its high quality teacher. It is a shame that these staff losses have occurred and the rate in English Language Learners has increased to, I believe, over 40%, which refocuses teacher efforts on test scores. There is no room to differentiate the students and the things that drew students to this building no longer exist. Art, music & library programs are very average. ID of special ed and/or gifted not a priority. Too many changes, too fast. Need strong in building models for positive growth.
—Submitted by a parent

I orignally put my children in a charter school because I was told how much better these schools were for our children. Well I have to admit I was wrong. We had our daughters in the charter school for one year. We have since had our girls at Fillmore this is there 2nd year, and I have to say I couldn't be happier. The staff at Fillmore looks at each child as an individual and supports and encourages there strengths and works very hard on there weaknesses in the most gentle, caring, way. And this may not be important to most but it is to me. Fillmore staff knew our children's names within 2 days the charter still still didn't get them right at the end of the year. Made me feel bad for our children, they couldn't understand how they could mix them up. Yes they are twins but do not look anything alike. I would reccomend Fillmore to everyone who asks! Great Job Mr. Iris and staff.
—Submitted by Dawn Hood, a parent