P.S. 153 Helen Keller

This is my second negative review for this school. My wife and I had another incident with the staff, who were "enforcing" school policy and were to eager to point blame at the parent. We were not asked if we needed assisstance or offered alternatives or even advised on current school policies. We were just told" these are the rules, follow them!". We feel we are being singled out for some reason. My wife and I have only been cooperative, kind and as helpful as we can be to the school staff. We have always been polite and understanding. Clearly it was a mistake to enroll our child in this school. My childs teacher however, is amazing! The education and improvement we have noticed is beyond expectations. Its a shame our child will not be coming back here in Sept. 2012. To any parent who is thinking about enrolling your child in this school.....Do your homework about this school. Talk to the teachers, staff and pricipals if you can before you enroll. Good luck.
--Submitted by a parent

I am surprised to read these complaints, my child has attended this school for 5 years and I can only say great things about this school. I love it and sad that it only goes up to 5th grade. The prinicpal and assistant principals have been nothing but available and ready to discuss any issues and yes sometimes things happen after all kids are kids, but I was met with rudeness from the top down. I feel great that my child attended this school, they recieved a wonderful education, in a safe and caring environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I must say that I am greatly disappointed with this school. The school and staff are unsupportive and care very little about the students. I say staff because i spoke to various individuals and they could care less. I pulled my child out of that school as you can imagine. The things i've seen and experienced were horrendous. I would never treat someone else's child the way i've seen teachers,security and principals treat students. They are unprepared, rude and need to go back to school for some more training on education, management and sensitivity.
--Submitted by a parent

My Child has attended this school since Kindergarten. The administrative staff are very unsupportive and defensive regarding parent complaints. They tend to sweep major issues under the rug. As a parent of smart male child, it seems that certain male teachers are intimidated of children who can think outside of the box. It has been my observation that children who have parents that advocate for them are labled from grade to grade. This is unfair and puts a damper on a children's opportunity of getting a fair education.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in the Autistic Program and I think this is an excellent school. They taught my son how to use a computer. His speach therapist is great, she has a technique that she uses to help him sound out words that I think is awesome. It motivates him to want to speak. He has been trying to mimic mostly all the words that my husband and I are saying. I'm proud of him and especially grateful to all of his teachers and therapist. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Jamella Hall Sullivan
--Submitted by a parent

Ms Joseph, the gifted program first grade teacher is amazing. just the right amount of toughness (which we all know is vital). the key is she really gets into the material which inspires the kids to do the same. she is running a 1st grade show that is closer to the level of 3rd grade and my son is loving it.
--Submitted by Patrick, a parent

This school has a gifted program, regular program and a program for disabled students all in the same building. The building is modern and air conditioned. The gifted program can be demanind in its work load at times. There is no GYM. Children are given a 'movement' class in a 'multi-purpose'room. But I am dissapointed to find that many times they don't get any movement, only are sat down to watch videos. The school lunch leaves much to be desired. Some of the staff can be very caring and available to help. The current Parent Coordinator, Ronald Hartridge, is a breath of fresh air- his door is always open to help. This school also has a family night periodically where parents and students can come to play games together. The principal, Mary Ann Milano is caring and friendly.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this is the best school in the world. I just graduated in the Gifted Program. I think everyone who attend this school will be challenged academically and physicaly. The reason they have these workshops is so that if you have a second child coming up it will be much easier for him/her to get in.
--Submitted by Geleece Brady, a former student

There are some excellent teachers in this school; however, it seems to be luck of the draw who actually gets them. The school seems to look for involved parents who do not complain. If there is a complaint, the administrative staff is not very supportive. Some of the staff members would benefit from how to talk/deal with parents workshops.
--Submitted by a parent