Gov. Charles C. Stratton School

Stratton is amazing. Full of talented administration, teachers and staff.... I feel as though my children are incredibly lucky that they attend this school. Mrs. Pszwaro has fixed some issues that were sticking points with parents and her expertise has really taken Stratton to an elite spot within the entire county and state of NJ. SWSD will continue to struggle with funding until the state does something about the gross inequity, but they have worked with what they have to truly give the children a top notch education that includes a disciplined and challenging curriculum, exposure to the arts via music and drama club, physical education, and community service and involvement. Kudos to Stratton Elementary!
--Submitted by a parent

My child learned a lot going to this school. The programs available are enriching for the childs growth. The drama program is fantastic and no other distric offers this as a summer program as well as in school. Our child received a steady stream of homework, project, science project which has really helped him to develop. The school has an array of activites that go on throughout the year, so there is a lot of interaction with the parent to see they children at school as well. Loved this school!
--Submitted by a parent

We generally like this school and consider it to be the best in the district. One weakness at this school and Harker is that a significant portion of the staff is young and inexperienced. This is a problem as there is a loss of perspective as to what is a problem and what is not. At times the young teachers do not understand a parent's perspective or that they also have knowledge! The PTO is lacking as others have mentioned. It seems they always have their hand out and do not realize that they cause a disruption in the homes of the kids they are trying to help. We can only sell so much! The adminstration is supportive and genuinely concerned with making the environment as positive and productive as possible. The best scenerio occurs when the kids go to the middle school at Kingsway. It is proactive and supportive.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a Parent of a 1st grader and 7TH grader and I absolutley love this district they are involved with the kids and the make sure of their there acheivments although I feel the need for our children in the district to have uniforms, because the fact that some of these children are very well off and it makes it harder for the children that maybe don't have where they are looked down upon and that is where the bullying comes in to factor and they get singled out.. but that is just my opinion.. but besides it is a great school and I am so pleased with it..
--Submitted by a parent

I appreciate the school and it's approach to creating a well-balanced academic curriculum for the students and an atmosphere conducive to learning. As a parent of a second grader and I well pleased with his progress with the school and how they have instructed him. The teachers are great and give so much of themselves. The principal knows the parents and the students. Lastly, the parental involvement is key to the overall success as well through assistance provided to the school and students overall. We moved to New Jersey because of the schools and I am glad that we chose this district. Based on the per student expenditure and the funds received from the state, the district does a great job as test scores are constantly at a high level and consistently increasing.
--Submitted by a parent

PTO in this town is one dimensional and does not listen to the views of the parents. All participation is geared towards the non-working parent, which is somewhat prehistoric. Curriculum is strong, sometimes overbearing in the area of homework. Plenty of extra help from staff for any deficiency, all you have to do is ask. Principal support at Stratton very strong and supportive of the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Quality of academic programs present. I like that the teachers do not make excuses for the children when expectations are not met. My daughter's teacher kept in contact with me via email, phone calls, and written correspondence. Not a lot of extracurricular activities available for the younger children (grades under 3rd). Parental involvement present in schools. Communication between parents and PTO little to non-existant. Information surrounding upcoming activites often sent home the day of or the day before. You have to get proactive with the school/PTO if you want to be involved in the day to day at the school.
--Submitted by a parent