Ellis Elementary School

Overall, there is a lack of professionalism at Ellis Elementary. Specifically administrators, some teachers and staff are ineffective as leaders in an academic setting. There needs to be major improvements in dealing with students and parents. Yelling at students is an inappropriate means of communicating. Student's private information is also discussed freely and openly among staff and even to students. Parents can also be verbally accosted by the principal. On several occasions I have witnessed a parent and the principal disagreeing in public. This is neither professional nor appropriate. These scenes often escalate while students are leaving the school. The lunch staff and custodial staff also play a negative role in integrating with students. Never before have I seen staff allowed to yell at students. How this became the norm, in the 21st century, is bewildering. Obviously, communication is at a low level between parents and administrators. A professional code of conduct needs to be implemented. The school is also in poor shape. The steps to the lunch room are a danger to the children. The district has major budget problems.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Ellis because my child is made to fill like she belongs and is a part of something really positive. They work with gifted children to insure that they do not get bord. Great teachers that really care.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has Special Needs. I am getting know where getting him help. I wish I had never moved here. I am looking into moving him out of this school. As far as Security it's a laugh. I have been working Security for nearly 10 years. I have a past working with children and I can tell you these people haven't a clue. I can walk around without anyone bothering me. The ladies in the Office are completely clueless. The PE teacher makes my son do push ups when he wears shoe she doesn't think is Sneaker enough. What is this Basic Training. I went in there to talk to her. I was so put off by her mean look, up and down looks I didn't bother. She wants to make fun of my son's running, he has Aspurger! This site proves how bad this school is!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started school in Plattsburg this year and I have had problems with communication. The teachers dont commmunicate to us what needs to be done as far as homework and studying for tests. If I can find a way to move my kid to the Smithville school district I will.
—Submitted by a parent

Ellis has shown drastic improvements with the new principal. The only improvement I can think of is to improve the communication between the school and the parents. There isn't much notice given regarding parties and parent/child activities.
—Submitted by a parent

there is major communication issues between staff and parents. when request are made to be 100% informed on your childs education ex. when test are (so you can help them study), what homework is due and what homework has not been turned in. there is no attemp to teach good study skills to last a life time so they can go further in life ex. college degrees. these students would not have the educational life skills produced from the schools alone.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has major communication problems between staff members and between staff and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This school's special education system has some major difficulties and 'money' issues. Many families are fighting for basic rights that the children should have. No advanced classes for normal or advanced students are offered and extra school activities is limited. It almost seems that they are not preparing anyone for college or training anyone for trade jobs either.
—Submitted by a parent