Somers Intermediate School

My review is somewhat mixed. The positives at SIS are a terrific music program. A nice selection of after school activities and a wonderful PTA that supports lots of fun events like Author's Day and Birthday Party. The school has some exceptional teachers. Unfortunately, there are also a number of teachers who are well below par. SIS does have a significant bullying problem which is not always addressed the way it should be. The math curriculum which is Everyday Math, does not teach mastery and many kids seem to struggle with it. In spite of great disapproval and negative feedback from parents and teachers, the administration is not at all willing to consider an alternative. This school and the district as a whole, are very fortunate to have many involved parents who are willing to be partners in their children's educational experience. Unfortunately, many of the teachers seem to forget that. And at times, seem unappreciative. In final, I would say that Somers Intermediate School is a "Good School". I would not give it the distinction of calling it a "Great School."
--Submitted by a parent

The best thing about this school is the fantastic principal, John Griffiths. He ensures that the school runs well, and that he optimizes learning at every opportunity. He truly cares about the children, staff and the school. My son is very happy here, as was my daughter. I hope he keeps doing what he does so well.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just transferred to SIS from Eastchester in the 5th grade. I was very concerned but I could not be happier. The principal gave him a personal tour of the school and by the first week the office staff knew him by name. Unlike Eastchester, SIS does not focus on state testing scores to the exclusion of almost everything else. The curriculum is varied and interactive and my son's teacher is exceptional. She even called me on a Sunday night to discuss a concern I e-mailed her about that day. We are so happy with our decision to move to this school district.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in SIS 3rd Grade Special Ed. This school did everything possible to put him in a program that suits him.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a response to the previous post about parent drop off. I pick up my child in the afternoon and there is a long line. This line is a big improvement on the previous principal s procedure! I sign out my child without ever leaving the car (a big help when the smaller one is sleeping in the car seat!). The staff that delivers your child to the car is as friendly as can be. A lot of my friends also pick up their children and none of it is due to bullying! SIS gets out late (almost 3:30 p.m.) and bus runs can be up to 45 minutes. My child has CCD, piano, soccer, and they all start at 4 p.m. there is no other option but to pick up if we are going to be on time. I love everything about SIS. I think it is a fantastic
--Submitted by a parent

There about 100 cars lined up a.m. and p.m. to drop off and pick up students at SIS everyday because of unaddressed bullying incidents on the buses. Parents do not believe their children are protected by the school when those incidents continue to occur and are caused by the same students who are continually reported and never disciplined (taught that unacceptable and insulting behaviors are unacceptable, apologies and promises should be made and then, if they cannot keep their word and their parents cannot help them with self-control and the behavior is repeated, expulsion from the bus for the remainder of the year). This lack of disciplinary follow through on unacceptable bus behaviors spills into the schools and our neighborhoods.
--Submitted by a parent

SIS is a great school. My son is in the fifth grade and he loves it. They have so many different programs available, from sports to music they have it covered. They offer language classes in French, Italian and spanish and so many other after school programs it can be overwhelming. I am so sad that I will be leaving this district soon, I don't feel that any of the other districts compare at all. The PTA is great organizing so many fundraisers and activities- you will not be disappointed. I love Somers!
--Submitted by a parent