Atco Elementary School

There is very little in the way of basic textbooks... they don't even supply a reader for first graders... my daughter gets these little cheapo paper booklets that look like they are run off on the school copier! The administration is always whining about the budget, but there are plenty of fat salaries paid out ... I am appalled to learn that many of the elementary school teachers in this school (as well as the rest of the district) have nearly doubled their salaries just because they hold a masters degree. A masters degree is not a requirement for a NJ elementary school teacher.... we could hire two teachers for every teacher we have who has their masters. And to say that this in any way makes them better teachers is a crock... the classrooms are so cluttered with unnecessary junk, that I don't see how the janitor is supposed to clean them...as a result they are not very clean. The walls and floors are so packed with junk, I really don't see how any child can learn in such an environment. All that is needed is basic textbooks and the alphabet displayed on the wall for the children to see. At this age, they should be concentrating on the fundamentals - reading and handwriting.
--Submitted by a parent

Well everything seems to be all well until your children reach grades 4-6 and go to Waterford Elementary School. The kids there especially in grades 6th are very ignorant, mouthy and seem to bully whoever they want with NO fear of getting into trouble. Although Mr. Hare is ontop of it and is a very good principle there is always someone who falls thru the cracks. The buses are horrendous with NO control either and there are so many bullies that it is scary. The girls are just as bad as the boys that if your not in their click what out. I sure do hope that all teachers, aides and assistants help to NOT tolerate this behavior. Kids today dont know how to talk to each other or adults it is a real shame. Parents keep your eyes and ears open, it time kids learned respect and self control!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This year is the first year for full time K. I was extremely worried about putting my 5 year old on the bus. However, the bus driver checked him off by his name tag and we have now have had the first week of school with no issues. I did go to school the first day to make sure he made it okay and there, I found teachers, paras, the principal, the superintendent, and the director of curriculum and instruction getting students off the bus and making sure they were safe and getting to where they needed to be. I'm not sure what else a parent would expect....but from my own personal experience as an educator......I've never seen this with my own eyes! This is wonderful in my book! I would say this is starting off a school year on the right foot! Way to go Atco!
--Submitted by a parent

My Children have been in the system for 6 years and my youngest is presently attending Atco Elementary. The principal Ms. Boulden is a wonderful leader and deserves the respect she receives. My child loves her shcool and her teachers. It is not a school system you get lost in...your child receives close attention and the teachers truly want to be there helping your child grow.
--Submitted by a parent

The school system is lacking in technology and foreign language. When the issue is addressed the key personnel continue state it is because their budget has not been passed in 7 years. There is so much free money out there that the school system really needs to take a look at whether their key personnel are really doing everything they can to get quality up to date materials into their classrooms. Also school doesn't spend their money equally for all grades. The lower grades seem to have less access to computers, clubs, gifted & talented. This is geared mainly for the higher grades. I would really take a close look at the school system before sending your child there.
--Submitted by a parent