Hemby Bridge Elementary School

We thought Hemby Bridge was a great school because of all the reports that we had read. On paper, it looked like a great school but in reality, it's only a good school that has a lot of room for improvement. It's a shame that my child does not have a Spanish teacher, a computer teacher, or a teacher who will teach them cursive writing. When they enter middle school, they will be behind in not being able to speak the language, know the basics of Microsoft Office, or how to sign their name on a document. We had a child who had a behavioral issue. We asked for help and found nothing but conflict and resistance from the new assistant principal. Most people love the school based on their experience with their child's teacher. We have had great teachers who truly loved their job and we have had duds who had no excitement for the classroom. As a former teacher, I was required to send my parents weekly emails with lesson plans and update my website weekly. My child's teacher only sends an email when she needs classroom supplies and her Moodle site hasn't been updated in months. I wish there was more parent involvement. We had dances, carnivals and fun events our first year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves third grade and loves school for the first time in many years.
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter is an AIG student in Math and Reading. She is also always A or A/B honor roll student. Her sister in Middle school same thing and attended here last year. If a parent gives child help and love, and as grandparents give them, better ed to look forward too, college, better paying jobs, goals in their lives.This is why this school is such an instrumental part of Val's learning. This is an outstanding school. The field trips may not be long, but they are worth every dime.. Thank you for teaching both of our granddaughters so well. They both love their teachers. This is in my opinion, one of the main factors from being a good to a great school!!! for when a child does not like a teacher, the relationship fails. Linda Williams, grandmother

I moved to this area just to go to this school. It's a wonderful school and very catering to my childs special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended HBES and my two children now attend there. I love the school. My fifth grader is getting well prepared for middle school and my second grader is learning so many new things. The transition of a new school year minus 500 students has been a very sucessful one. I have read all the other reviews and as a parent who is very involved at HB I feel like the problems have been due to an overcrowded school and the inability to meet each individual need. Our new administrators and staff are very positive as well as the students and PTO. It seems like a new school since we are half the size we used to be. The classrooms are from 17 - 24 students, and more than enough staff to meet the needs. The PTO fills in the gaps. I love HBES and my children are thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into the district November '06. We were worried our 8-year old might have a hard time adjusting to a new school. The teachers and administrators at Hemby Bridge took a genuine interest in making his transistion as smooth as possible. The school has grown so much and the staff is doing a great job keeping 1000 kids happy, safe, properly educated and organized. Communications to parents could be improved a little bit. Website could be more informative and updated weekly. Teachers could have site so parents could keep updated on what students are learning and what major events are upcoming, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

As a child I attened this school and I am happy that my children are attending this school. My oldest son just completed 1st grade and will move on to 2nd with his younger brother in K. If a child is in need of help it is readily availible. The teachers are always pleasent and represnt this school respectfully. My experience with them has been great. They truly care for and about your child. The specials classes of Art,PE,Spanish,and Music are also well. My son loves all of the teachers he has had over the last 2 years and is looking forward to moving on to 2nd grade. The parent involement is extreamly well. This is a school who cares for the child and their family.
—Submitted by Jennifer Morris, a parent

Our experience with this school has been mostly a negative one. Our son started kindergarten happily,but after the first day came home crying with bad report saying he was 'bad'. This continued to happen,so my husband and I had several conferences with the administration. They are overly critical of young children and not very understanding of a small childs behavior.They were expected to be perfect little robots and not appreciated for their individuality at all. If this continues in first grade,we will be transferring our son to another school. He is a sweet,sensitive five year old boy who needs to be guided not sent to the principles office for every minor infraction (talking or not paying attention). Children should be guided through their school experience,not expected to be perfect,after all, none of us are. Concerned parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I had two children attend Hemby Bridge over 3 1/2 years. My older daughter was well prepared for middle school. I was very impressed with the level of parent involvement and teacher/administration enthusiasm even though it's an older school. My kids were very happy and successful here.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been in Hemby Bridge from kindergarten and is currently in 5th grade. My family's experience with the school has been wonderful, with only a couple of exceptions. I feel she has been challenged and is encouraged to reach her full potential. I would recommend to any family!
—Submitted by Michele Thomas, a parent

This school has achieved 'School of Excellence' twice in recent years and may possibly do so again this year. One only has to track school performance to be assured of the quality of education this school provides. This could only be achieved by having teachers who are well qualified and go well beyond the expected in their instructional practices. It also speaks to the support provided by the parents and the administrators at the school. For the 'inside scoop,' visit the school and see for yourself what a great situation for learning your child could be a part of.
—Submitted by a teacher

My experience has been wonderful. My child has been challenged each year to reach his potential, not just what is required. His teachers have found what he is capable of and pushed him to achieve even more. His teachers have always been open to communication. This school always welcomes parents and has excellent parental involvement. I think it's a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot convey the awful experiences that I have had at Hemby Bridge during the past five years in a mere fifty words. Using my 4th grader as an example - graduated K unable to read. This has been accepted practice by one particular teacher for many years. Suffered verbal abuse witnessed by another teacher and immediately reported to me by her - principal says that things like that 'don't happen at Hemby Bridge.' Did he just call me a liar? 3rd grade very wasteful. Teacher unable to give me an estimate my son's report card grades one week prior to report card issue. I do not recommend this school. We are leaving!
—Submitted by a parent

I believe this school violated my son's rights when they 'deferred' my request to assess him for learning disabilities in 11/2002. The reason for deferral was that the referral came too late in the year? They assured me that he would be tested the following year. When the following year started I inquired about his referral and discovered that nothing had been done to even begin testing and my son had fallen between the cracks. So, back to square one. In the meantime, we chose private testing which the school chose to pick apart when it came time to get him the help he needed. If your son or daughter needs any special help they will not get it at this school. After fighting to get help and getting in I discovered that the help provided is poor. The school is not capable of providing help to children w/special needs.
—Submitted by Carol Pfahl, a parent