Christopher Columbus Elementary School

terrible school no teacher parent communication no events to involve parents no calenders or event planning sent home for state tests early dismissals or closings i rely on my 8 year old to inform me. state test are going on this week and kids have to eat lunch at 1:30 instead of 11 like normal, my sons old school would send home letters letting us know when tests were and to make sure they had a good breakfast so concentration would be good.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently have a 4th grader attending this elementary and couldn't be happier with her progress. She has been molded by wonderful teachers and caring staff into a Junior Honor Society member who continues to excell with each grade she enters into. I couldn't possibly touch upon all the amenities Columbus has to offer our children...between the Rotarians and the Audubon Society and all their generosity..to the after school program that helps our working parents...to the music programs...extra tutoring...I could go on and on!! My only complaint at this point would have to be the heart felt loss of Principal Kunkel.
--Submitted by a parent

Columbus School has many beneficial programs for the students including the LFS (Learning Focused School) program. Columbus is the only school in the Utica District that follows the LFS program. They also offer a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention Service), Utica Rotarians that are assigned to a classrooms and read to the students each week, they deliver free dictionaries for 4th and 5th grade students each year, they donate coats, hats and gloves for the winter months, and they have donated time and money in the Courtyard. The Courtyard is one of kind and only at Columbus School. It encompasses growing herbs, vegetables, plants, and flowers. There is a weather station that is also accessible online, a pond, and a planetarium still in progress. Columbus also offers Art, Music, Choir, Instrumental, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Science Club, Technology Club, Basketball, Track, Boys & Girls Club afterschool program and Tutoring.
--Submitted by a staff

I am completely disappointed in this school. My 5 yr old started here and I have never been asked to meet with the teacher to discuss his academic progress. I am not notified of assemblies, concerts, etc...until after they happen and my son wonders why I was not there. He is 1 of 27 other children and this is demonstrated by the lack of attention he receives and lack of communication with parents. We will be moving out of this school district for the 2007 school year.
--Submitted by a parent