P.S. 11 Thomas Dongan School

I attempted to contact this school several times this year. However, they do NOT return phone calls. Every time when i call them and leave a message with thier secretary to call me back, she tells me that they have a lunch break (Does not even matter if it is in the morning or in the afternoon). I guess the PRINCIPAL eats there all day long. I guess that is why the taxpayers pay her the salary. That explains why this school has one of the worst grades of all public schools in Staten Island. This principal should be removed and should never be allowed to have a similar job.

I agree with the last comment which was posted today. I have experienced the same problem when last year i've tried to enroll my kid into this school. My impression was that the principal did not care at all; was not helpful. I was forced to enroll my child into the private school because i could not trust this public school. I am sorry to hear that other people have had the same experience with the principal, but frankly i am not suprised. What really suprised me is that this person is still in that school.

The teachers try their best under the circumstances, if they are even allowed to think for themselves. But the school should be focused more on the students rather than being a spot light for the principal. For the most part, it seems that the staff or perhaps the administration scheduling activities have no clue that most parents do not have the same schedule as the school and unable to attend events scheduled during the work day. They should be more understanding and realistic when it comes to their expectations of the parents. And the ones with children should advise the principal of the difference of being a teacher and actually being a parent responsible for the everyday life of these kids, since she seems totally oblivious to family life. Besides that, the school is in a great area.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children attended PS.11 and we were all happy with the school. Teacher's and staff were very nice and cared very much about the kids. The parent coordinator always went out of her way to help as much as she could. This school is a great school it's like family :)
—Submitted by a parent

They is great care for it's students and a great faculty
—Submitted by a parent

2009 graduate *** My daugther love PS11. She did nt want to leave. This school prepare my daughter for middle school and give her the tools to accomplish her role. I give my thanks to all the teacher's that guided my daughter throughout her school year. Parent MJ.********
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent and this is my daughter's fourth year in this school. I have no complaints. Her current teacher is Mrs. Williams and I think she is doing a great job with the children.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a first grader in P.S. 11. This is his third year in the school. I coulnd not be happier with his progress. All the teachers and staff are very competent. They are friendly and nurturing and create a wonderful learning environment. Personally, my son is doing great, and anything that he has needed help with, he was provided with at school. Sincerely, Christine Duffy
—Submitted by Christine Duffy, a parent

My kids love their school...and I must admit when I first moved here from Brooklyn, 6 yrs ago...I was a bit skeptikal about the test scores..but it is a small school, and my children have had wonderful years..the teachers are all very caring, and the kids are good kids! The principal does indeed know each child by name, and she is always outside before & after school..not hiding in her office the way other principals would. She has also always handled any problem very appropriately from what I have seen! It has been a pleasure sending my kids to this school!
—Submitted by Mrs C, a parent

PS has always been a wonderful place to send your children my children have been their for 4 years now and I have to agree thinks has changed drastically. the children have minimal extra curricular activities and parent support is to an all time low. Since the retirement of the old principal our school is full of last minute notices and broken promises.
—Submitted by Maria Bonica, a parent

I am concerned about the declining test scores. I think the Principal needs to realize that satisfactory is not sufficient and maybe consider what worked before she was appointed. The teachers have basically stayed the same and have always done what was best for our children. What has changed to create such a decrease in our children's reading levels?
—Submitted by a student

My fourth grader has had problems with being bullied and nothing has been done to resolve it. With all the problems with obesity I would think our school would have a good physical education program. But sadly it does not. PS 11 is a small school the whole school should have the advantaged of participating in cluster classes like cooking ,dance, drama and scrap booking.
—Submitted by a parent

As we end our 9 year relationship, after sending 2 children with finally my second child is graduating 5th grade,PS11 has always been helpful and in the worst of times supportive of my kids and family. The 4 principals that PS11 had due to retirement etc were on the most part professional and supportive. PS11 is a small school that strives to bring anything that will be good for the kids and the staff like computers, the art department, Music with a forth and fifth grade band and performing arts to the curriculum. When there was problems mostly it was handled immediately by the staff. They can benefit with improving there special education department. There seems to be a lack of knowledge of update information for the parent support team and proper IEP procedures etc. Overall PS11 is great!
—Submitted by Marlene Vanderhoef, a parent

I must admit I was a bit skeptical about this school however my son was transfered there and it is great. A small school with big benefits. I would highly recommend it to any parent. Also, to agree with the last comment it is wonderful that the principal does know each child individually by name.
—Submitted by Christina, a parent

P.S. 11 is a great school in a great neighborhood. The principal knows every child by name and greets each one everyday. Also waiting to greet every parent and child is the parent teacher coordinator. If they do not see a smile they ask why. I just appreciate that so much. The extra curricular activities are impressive especially given the extremely limited budget that the Board of Ed supplies. All activities are very family oriented.
—Submitted by a parent