Polenta Elementary School

Polenta is sub par school at best. The principal is very unreasonable and insensible and will always choose the side of the teacher even when the teacher is in the wrong. This is not leadership; a principal should always be impartial not biased. One of the teachers that my child had at Polenta was very uncaring and not the least bit nurturing. This school can afford fancy apparatuses however cannot afford a crossing guard to direct the unbearable traffic. The school helpers in the morning/afternoon who open up the car doors will avoid you if you re not white. Plenty of times my car has been bypassed and they opened the door for mainly the white children. This is definitely not a school for minorities. Being a parent you will not find out that your child is not performing at his/her best unless you see the progress report. I am truly dissatisfied with the principal and her always calling for money for the school but can t even listen to a parent in distress over their child unfair treatment and will disregard your feelings but is always willing to take your money for the good of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Most of the staff and teachers are very nice. Unfortunately, my sons have not gotten nice teachers to teach them throughout their time at Polenta. When teachers are rude to me about my son, the principal tells me that I probably overreacted and took it the wrong way. My youngest son is in 5th grade and at the parent teacher conference, I was told by the teacher in front of my child that it'd be a miracle if he made it to highschool. I explained we're having him tested for a possible learning disability, she replied with, "No, he's fine. He's just lazy!" Everyone at this school loves my son, and talks him up whenever we see them in Wal-Mart. Except his current teacher and the principal, Ms. Johnson. And here I thought the previous principal, Mrs. Nettles, was bad. There is no comparison!
—Submitted by a parent

I was uneasy about my son attending school being that he has special needs. When the teachers and staff saw how nervous I was. They were very helpful with calming me down and assuring me that my son was fine. I love the school, the teachers and the staff. I give Polenta Elelementary 5 stars becaue of my son. He runs to the bus (no problem here), He loves his classroom (improves through the year) and he comes home smiling!! When he is sad or not himself, we all work as a team to get him back on track. I love that students and staff are aware of my sons special needs and I did not notice this at school, I noticed it at the local Wal-Mart when he is greeted by staff (janitors and lunchroon personel) and students from other classes. They speak and htey know his name. I could imagine him being anywhere else except Polenta Elementary!!
—Submitted by a parent

After my son has been here for 6 years including kindergarten, we are finally having true colors come from this school. The lack of communication from teachers, the vague expectations of the teachers and the lack of resources for children to learn are unheard of. I have been trying to have a teacher conference with my son's teacher and it seems like the hours are on their terms and there is no exceptions for people like myself that work night shift. A problem with a child seems to be brought to the parent's attention too late when they have dropped a grade or end of marking period before trying to figure out the problem. The principal seems to be more concerned with her EOG scores instead of fixing why the EOG scores are low. When approaching the principal she has no regard to parent concern. I am currently trying to sell my house to get out of this school district!
—Submitted by a parent

I was new to the area this year PLUS my oldest was going to to Kindergarden and her teacher as made the whole experience wonderful. She is there anytime i need her evne if the questions are very silly. She answers her email within 12 hour. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL
—Submitted by a parent

Disrespectful administration. Inappropriate bus environment. Unchallenging curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school they are super nice and helpful
—Submitted by a student

I love this school because this is the first year they been there and i love the classes they been taken.
—Submitted by a parent

I am new to this school district. I have two sons who are in theri fourth week of school at polenta. I am enjoying the teachers, and my children seem to really enjoy their classroom time. However they are also in the after school program at the school, and I see it as lacking enthusiasm from the supervising teachers. They would rather sit together and socialize and not have to deal with the kids unless one comes to complain. I called the Vice Principle, Mrs. Hanahue and received a very defensive and argumentatvie reaction from her, when it was completely uncalled for. She was threatening to me, hostile towards me, and I worry how she deals with the children when she has to speak with them if she is so disrespectiful to a parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I love polenta school. I moved from PA and my kids have loved this school. The teachers and principal are great. I Volunteer there and I feel so welcomed. Cant find a better school around
—Submitted by a parent

I really like Polenta Elementary..The teachers are nice and they are always there to help..They do the best they can to get any extra help that the students may need,. even if it means going the extra mile..The principal is very nice and is always at the doors in the morning time to greet you..This is a wonderful school
—Submitted by a parent

My children and I absolutely love Polenta. The teachers and staff are great motivators! They have great programs that keep the kids wanting to learn. We have had nothing but positive experiences with Polenta!
—Submitted by a parent

Polenta is an excellent school. The teachers are very helpful. Everyone is very respectful. They have excellent clubs and activities for the children. Parents are always welcomed. My children have loved it!
—Submitted by a parent

Polenta has been an amazing place for my 4 children to learn and grow. The administrative staff is warm and welcoming and the PTA is absolutley amazing. Thank you Polenta!
—Submitted by a parent

Very unhappy with Polenta, unable to speak with principal on the phone.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Polenta is a great school. The principal and assistant principal clearly have high expectations of the children, but I think it's great compared to how children act today. The administration is very capable of handling many diverse situations. I have had nothing but pleasant ,helpful, meaningful conversations with all of them. A highly recommended school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The rules are too strict for elementary children... The administrative staff are always indignant & unhelpful. The teachers that I have met are always stressed and overworked. The principal is rude and unresponsive.
—Submitted by a parent

The rules at Polenta are very inconsistent. They have a very rude and unpleasant Assistant principal. The children are not allowed to talk durning their lunch break.
—Submitted by a parent