Number 5 Elementary School

This school is a disgrace. A few days ago I heard that the fourth grade had to wait on the lunch line until the lunch ladies finished cooking because they ran out of food in the cafeteria. Also my child is a A studend and is falling below because of the teachers not teaching and explaining correctly.I do not recommend this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't like this school, my 4th grade son never has homework, the teacher let them make in class, so it is not a homework. I am looking for a house in a better school system.
—Submitted by a parent

Some teachers have great compassion for there students but lack of resources I feel prevent them from doing more. Food wise I wish could be changed but parents need to connect and call the area food services director. The food is frozen then heated up but that is what the management of the area makes them cook. Parents need to band together and demand a Food Revolution. Do something about it. This new principal is professional but that is it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and is my second year in this school for one thing am glad they change the principal there still a lot of things that needs work in this school I still don't feel safe leaving my children in this school I don't feel they watch them properly. Would not recommend this school to anyone
—Submitted by a parent

School #5 good for the click parents that claim it's good. Teachers are just doing a job, under staff, no secruity, and principal is too lay back. Students challenged, 'I don't think so.' No one concerned about these students future, they are just doing a job. Teachers are out the door before the students. I have witness how they speak to these kids, I was shock how some teachers are in these children faces. They should work on making space for the students and not overcrowding the classes with one teacher. Belleville residents pay enough taxes to extended the building on the school grounds and hire enough staff support. My children finish there homework in 15 minutes. Do you think that is enough teacher involvement?
—Submitted by a parent

3 stars - The school is okay, sometimes good. My daughter is very academically challenged, since the teachers assign so much school and homework. But the staff lacks compassion and genuine concern for students and parents. There had long been no before- and after-care programs, until February 2009 - when they finally added a before-care component to the inadequate after-care program. There also is no warmth exhibited by the principal. The teachers seem interested in merely assigning work, not emotionally connecting to individual children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been nothing but disappointed with # 5. Especially with the new principal who was MY 5th grade teacher many years ago at #5. The lunches are still a disgrace, and the school itself has not changed in 35+ years when i went there. There isn't any before or after school help for those children who need that extra help in subjects. They just get looked down upon. You can beg a teacher until you're blue in the face to help, they can't be bothered. The lunch system is a TV dinner. These poor kids need healthy meals! Step up Belleville residents! Help these kids!
—Submitted by a parent

school 5 is the place to be, why you ask ! because we are a family and we all help one another. our PTA is one of the best around our teachers all care about our children. i couldn't ask for anything more thats why we are known to be a BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL.
—Submitted by a parent

I LOVE School #5, everyone has been welcoming and friendly. The principal is VERY involved in everything we do and supports us 110% and is fair to the children in ALL situations. I am extremely happy my son had to switch schools, this has proven to be a much better experience.
—Submitted by Brenda Wos Munoz, a parent

I am the parent of two School Number Five students. Number Five is an excellent school with a fine, highly skilled and caring staff of teachers. The principal is also on the ball and is able to handle any situation, good or bad, with the utmost professionalism. The only negatives (which are both not the fault of the school itself)are that in some grades the classes are overcrowded with as many as 30 children in a class, and we could use also use more parent involvement. I am proud to have my children attend this school and would recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, I am very upset with the direction the school is going. The principal's attitude is one of a politician. Only looking for his best intrest. On many occassions, rather citing who is wrong, he blames both. Saying that their just kids and they are going to have altercations at some point or another. Some teachers are not very communitive. On numerous times did we send letters to the teacher, only to get no response. When we receive the report card is when there is a comment attached.The cirriculum is not up to standards. I feel my my child is going backwards, rather than excelling. The past two years, the teachers were much better. The lunch aids for outside, are not very attentative, always in some corner not paying attention.
—Submitted by a parent

My son his at a special education class. It's been great, since I moved out from Newark. Teachers and Child Study Team, really care and worry about your kid! My son improved a lot, because the system it's so much better and organized.
—Submitted by a parent