P.S. 3 the Margaret Gioiosa School

THIS SCHOOL IS FAILING MY CHILDREN! My children have been going to P.S. 3 since kindergarten. They have had a wonderful experience until they entered 5th grade. The 5th grade math teacher should not be allowed around children. All she does is hop around the class, yelling at the children, getting in their faces and telling them they are all going to fail or they are all going to cry when they get their tests back. What kind of teacher does this? Maybe if she taught correctly the failures would not happen. Parents have complained to the principal and assistant principal and they do nothing at all. They tell us she is a good teacher, her grades on the state test are good. I don't think they will be this year. This school, their teachers and principal should get a big old F. PLEASE DON'T SEND YOUR KIDS TO THIS SCHOOL!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

THIS SCHOOL IS AWFUL ! MY child is in a 12:1:1 (special Ed). His teacher is wonderful and so is his Para . But when it comes to Mrs. Wilson And Ms. Pappa you will get a face wash. THey are not fully equipped for special Ed class nor do they care about these children who need the equipment to learn visually and by touch. THe most mind blowing issue is they are housing a child who draws pictures of children/teacher shot by him in blood. I feel this school should get an F. DO not send your child to school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely horrible! Teachers here bully the children. I'm talking about first grade! I've even had teachers discuss my child with other parents. There is absolutely no professionalism! I know several children who were bullied by other students, and the parents were told,"there's really nothing we can do". If you send your child here, you are throwing them to the wolves!
—Submitted by a parent

It is not only about a learning process. It's about relationships and environment in the school. The main principle of P.S. 3 is "See Something Say Something". The staff including teachers is awful! They teach kids to tell tales about each other; they are totally out of responsibility for kids and all what they do - just complain about each "wrong" step a child did. To show how they care are they blow a tiny and really unimportant thing to "the elephant size" problem. But they are absolutely silent and idleness when the situation demands their attention. In addition to this, some parents from this school follow suit and just spy on other kids from the class during common events, and then spread slander to the class teacher to point to how their own children are great, and how other children are bad. Is it s a normal practice in all TOP public schools? If YES, I wish my child goes back to his private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Really love this school. Both my children have had problems with some more agressive children and the teachers and administration handled the bullying promptly and effectively! I just wish that the academic expectations were made a bit clearer to parents. Otherwise , it really is a great place to be!
—Submitted by a parent

P.S.3 used to be the place to be! Sadly, this seems to be no longer true! My sisters children are now attending and she is not happy. The new admististration seems to be unapproachable, and they seem not to have that same lovely, caring attitude that I felt just a few short years age. However, she has stated that the teachers are very nice, but there seems to be a discontect. What is going on?

I'm sad to report that this is a school of promises broken. There are a lot of great ideas but no motivation to improve. The Gifted and Talented Program in particular leaves way too much to be desired. It is basically non-existent. The PTA meetings are complaint sessions where the Principal is berated for an hour. The school trips are anything but educational - the movies? C'mon! The children have never been taken to the exquisite cultural center on Staten Island, or to the many many historical sites on The Island. There are virtually no books in the library, and the music program was discontinued. There are two courtyards in the school, a perfect place to plant a garden, both are unused. Lots of potential here, nothing but disappointment. If you have a choice send your child elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I have taught for a long time and worked with other administrations and staff members. This administration and staff are professional; which is not always the case. They deeply care about the children and go above and beyond for them. The other day a first grader came to school with 12-18 month old clothes because his parents couldn't afford clothes and the PTA, other parents, and staff brought in clothes for this child. I am blessed to be a part of this school. The parents and children are amazing adults and children. What a great school!
—Submitted by a teacher

I have never met a more devoted Principal in all my life. Mrs. Wilson addresses each individual students needs. Parent coordinator is wonderful. Teachers are very concious about there job, but few can be very disrespectful towards the students; students should be addressed in a more appropiate manner.
—Submitted by a parent

Why do you love P.S. 3 Margaret Gioiosa?
—Submitted by a parent

P.S. 3 has a great parent teacher relationship. We are a small school with great spirit and teachers who really care about their students.
—Submitted by a teacher

they do a great job and the children really excell
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S.3 because the staff members are so dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S. 3 because the teachers are so dedicated!
—Submitted by a parent

The place to be: to learn, to share, to create, to motivate.
—Submitted by a parent

99% of the teachers are excellent! The Principal & AVP's are very "hands on". They outreach to the Parents. Website is kept up to date and very informative. School calendar of monthly events is very current. They care for the kids, they outreach, educate and provide opportunity & growth. They also teach the kids the importance of community, helping the community and being part of the community.
—Submitted by a parent

I love P.S. 3 because it provides a safe and nuturing community that focuses on meeting the individual needs of all its students !
—Submitted by a parent

This school is truly a community that cares. They help to make the children realize that we can all make a difference in many ways. They also try to make learning fun and that it continues beyond the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have received an excellent education from individuals who really care about their learning needs.
—Submitted by a parent

My children go there and I also went there as a child, We have some really great teachers....
—Submitted by a parent