E J Russell Elementary School

I have to disagree with some of the parents comments, we moved here for the school district. I have seen this area grow quite rapidly in the last 10years. My children have excelled above and beyond in this school and every teacher is supportive and will work with your child. I feel it is the support at home that you give your child and how you prepare your child for school that makes them enjoy school, and get along with the teachers and their peers. If this was such a terrible school then why is everyone moving here if they do not like the school district ??? The school is great and the teachers and staff are great!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is starting his 2nd year at EJ Russel Elementary School. He is a child with a 504 and gets some OT and special intervention, but has done extremely well at EJR. The teachers and staff are wonderful, and keep me informed of everything that goes on with him. Lisa Burnside, now principal, (was vice princ.) is great. She really is accessible and has an open door policy. I find the academics are strong and my son had a wonderful experience last year. I am looking forward to no less this year!! I highly reccomend this school!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent School. Pine Bush is a very close knit community. All the teachers and staff know the kids well. It is a very safe environment and academically our children have done well. We are really excited about the new principal, who was formerly the VP. She was a wonderful VP and will make a great principal.
--Submitted by a parent

I disagree with a few parent's here, my expierance with this school and it's facility has been wonderful. They have gone beyond the call of duty for our child and us. I cannot praise them enough, especially Lisa Burnside who just moved from VP to Principal. She deserves it and I look foward to another great year working with her and the rest of facility.
--Submitted by a parent

Principal retired this year. VP will take over for 2008/2009 school year. I totally agree that all these teachers teach to the state tests which is very sad indeed. They are not interested in helping establish a feeling of community among the students and families. PTA wants no parent involvement unless you are part of there clique.
--Submitted by a parent

Academics: teach to state tests. No ability grouping after K/1. 4th and 5th grade math inadequate to Regents' standards- get a tutor b4 middle school. Science is minimal. No subject acceleration or enrichment for academically advanced children; pullouts reserved for those who are (or are falling) behind. Resource teachers excellent. Jason Project,Gifted cancelled years ago; Odyssey of the Mind (limited to a handful of children) and Chorus (4th & 5th) are only extracurriculars until instrumental music starts for fifth grade only in Fall 2007. PTA parents volunteer weekly to provide fifth graders with 'jobs' at a post office, banking system, literary magazine, and school store. Recess supervision, equipment inadequate -> 2 aides:100+ kids on blacktop most of the year with 1 ball & jumprope per class plus some chalk. Bullying prevalent; discipline code not followed 100%. Classroom atmosphere varies with teacher; some make effort to build community.
--Submitted by a parent

I personally do not like this school.I feel that is very old not only in its looks (except for a 'new wing' that was just added) but also in the materials that are to be used by students in all areas.The teachers have been ok but not the greatest,I feel the kids deserve better.The school really dosent know how to prioritize things for the benefits of the students.Some of the staff can be rude.If I had a choice my child would not be going there and I certainly wouldnt recommend te school to anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are average to above average. School has great discipline policy and follows through. Principal leaves a little to be desired as far as professionalism. There is a great deal of involvement by the PTA..A++++ Parents really get involved. Overall this is a wonderful and well run elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent