Number 23, N.M. Butler Elementary School

This school is one of the worst school my daughter has attend. There is no organization as far as the staff is concerned, and I want my daughter out of that school, so she can get the proper education she deserve.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is o.k. First, the interim principal can be harsh and nasty at times. The vice-principal is nice. They have very good after-school programs! Second, the secretaries are very nasty; even downright rude to many parents. They haven't treated me badly but I have seen how they treat other parents. The secretaries will ignore you when you walk in the office. You have to practically throw up a flare to get their attention. Third, parent involvement is very low. The PTA meetings and workshops are virtually deserted. A huge chunk of the students live in the projects down the street. Fourth, the school does not have an AC (only in the office). Finally, the school is woefully over-crowded. The fourth and fifth grade students have go to the BOE for classes. My son's K teachers were great!
--Submitted by a parent

Level of parent involvement is not good as there is never a chance to speak with childs teacher. A parent should always know how their child is doing in school.
--Submitted by a parent

You should praise the administration and staff of school 23.Everyone is extremely concerned about each and every student in their care! The work and time that goes into teaching and guiding of students isn't appreciated.All the staff work very hard,put in extra hrs.beyond what's expected- to help the kids do well.Test scores prove they did better than a lot of schools in Elizabeth.Security has been very good. Strangers are screened and no one comes or goes without permission.3 safety drills are held monthly. Staff and students are constantly evaluated by administration.This school deserves praise for all it does. Parent input is important.Services and workshops are given,but are poorly attended by most families.
--Submitted by a teacher

This school is horrible. No one cares about anything nevertheless your children. I am appauled that this school doesn't have better safety measures and some of the teachers are careless,Just there for the pay check. I think this school has potential it just needs more concerned teachers. And staff that will assist your child. The security is so relaxed and anyone can enter the school if they want and they would never know they were there. Although they are popular for discipline and not finding a resolution to a childs problem. They also write children off if a child is problematic. Nice People with the wrong careers.
--Submitted by disappointed parent, a parent

Nicholas Butler is ok in some ways but I find that the teachers aren't concerned enough about the students. My daughter has difficulty in spelling and I had to go through the principle in order to get her help. Her teacher never recognized the problem nor did she bring it to my attention. I found it on my own while doing things like helping my daughter with her homework and helping her practice for spelling tests. Also the security isn't that great. Kids are known to leave the building unattended and the teachers aren't notifying the parents. Also the classrooms are a bit overcrowded, there's not enough one on one with the students. Perhaps if there was then my daughters problem may have been recognized sooner.
--Submitted by concerned parent, a parent