Locust Elementary School

We were new to Locust Elementary last school year, and we went into it optimistic. Our son was in 2nd grade and has always gotten along great with other students and teachers. His teacher was horrible. She was fine academically, but she favored certain kids and picked on my son all year. She made remarks about his behavior on his report card and was constantly humiliating him. My husband and I both had meetings with Mr. Hessman. He did nothing about the situation and praised the teacher. He told us we were the only parents complaining. Also, the receptionist/secretary is very rude anytime you call or visit even though I was always courteous to her. I also heard Mr. Hessman speaking badly about the parents of the school once while waiting to pick my son up. He was complaining about not making enough money off pictures, and he said the parents are too sorry to pay lunch dues, so how do we expect them to pay for pictures. We already have to track them down for lunch money. He knew I heard him and even made eye contact with me. I am weary of the approaching school year, and I'm looking into other options now that I've read the other reviews.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters that go to Locust, one in 5th grade and one in 2nd. Mr. Hessman favors some teachers over others and does not address issues when they are brought to him regarding the teachers he likes. The school, overall, is mismanaged. Most of the teachers, with the exception of a few, do nothing but sit at their computers or talk on the phone while the kids sit idle. My 5th grader's teacher does not use the math book and Mr. Hessman thinks that is okay. That teacher also feels that EOGs don't mean anything. The kids are wild and unmanageable because the principal does not enforce rules and the teachers do not see anything that goes on because they are too busy socializing. My daughter has learned some new cuss words and that's about it. I am happy to say that we are moving and getting as far away from Locust as we can.
—Submitted by a parent

I've had 3 children in Locust. I had some issues with my son a few years ago and went as far as to pull all 3 kids out of school to be homeschooled. Now they have a new principal Mr. Hessman who I question can be a good principal concidering he shows favortisim and who is unable to answer a question. Mr. Hessman needs to go back where he come from!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My own daughter, step daughter and two step sons have and are attending Locust elem school.. My daughter from K-3rd so far. This new school year "2011"; Locust Elem has ALOT of new teachers and has added about 200 extra students to the school. The main thing Ive noticed is that the teachers prefer every student to be "remarkable", and if a student is lacking behind; all they can think of is medication for the student, because the teachers seen too busy to take extra time with the not so remarkable students. This upsets me as a parent, because now that there are "new" teachers at this school, the teachers as well seem to be ruder and there attitudes are not as nice as you as a parent would prefer. Locust is a great school all together, but Ive seen a worse change this school year, in the attitudes from the teachers, and all the new staffing. I really wish they would hire more tutors and conduct a attitude test on the teachers and how they treat the students and parents~~
—Submitted by a parent

So far, the teachers themselves appear to be alright as is the curriculum. The exception up to this point has been the front office. They seem to be incompetent and unwilling to be helpful in any way. I ve heard "I don t know" more times than a few. Additionally, their attitudes are poor; It would behoove them remember that the parents they are being snide to pay their wages. I hope someone from the front office reads this review because i'd like to let them know that it is never acceptable to tell a parent "I don t know" and leave it at that. It s okay if you don t know, but it s your job to pursue the answer and to convey that information to the parent, after all, you are, to some degree responsible for someone s child.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. I have two daughters that attend here. My oldest spent her Kindergarten year at a private christian school. I was so worried when we decided to send her to this public school. To my suprise, this school is very comparable to the private school. Locust school has very christian oriented teachers and staff. They all work well together and it shows. I can't say enough great things about Locust school. The teachers, students and administrative staff are absolutely wonderful. My kids love their teachers and so do I. Also, the PTA program here is outstanding...very in tune to newer technologies and equipment needed.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a terrific school with well qualified teachers that really work with students. Principal is supportive of students and staff. Excellent gifted program.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic programs at this school are great. The teachers care about each child and it shows. Often times, you will see the teachers at school past school time and also working on the weekends to make sure it's a great learning environment for our kids. The principal has great control over the school. There aren't many discipline issues that arise. Locust School is a wonderful, small school with excellent staff. Have you noticed that there is little turn around at the school in terms of staff? I think that speaks very highly of the school, the administration and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Locust School is a breath of fresh air. The school size is great. My little girl is excited to attend school everyday. The teachers and administrative staff are great. I look forward to many more years in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

After coming from a school with a teacher to student ratio of 28 to 1, I love this school. My kids enjoy going to school. The teachers are terrific. I enjoy the start of a new school year as much as my kids do.
—Submitted by a parent

I had children in this school for 5 years and felt the atmosphere got more negative every year. There is a lot of emphasis on rules and what you (students and parents) can't do. Parents have to sign forms and papers daily for documentation so you can't complain about your child's grades or teacher. The principal never helped me with any problem. I actually have well behaved, smart children and should not have had as many problems as I did. We are at a different school now and it is not the same at all. I liked most of the teachers and felt they were trying, and this school does have good test scores. But my children and I were very unhappy.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at this school are only interested in making the EOGs great, so Locust can be a 'school of excellence,' but loose sight of the real point of children being in school: to learn the skills kids need to become productive, intellgient adults. They have all but abandoned my daughter. They are moving through material so fast, and have not fully taught her in past years the foundation for these new skills, resulting in her poor grades and complete feeling of confusion in her work. And as many times as I have had conferences, wrote letters, and voiced my concerns, I have been met with the overwhelming sense of 'she will be alright.'
—Submitted by a parent

I am not impressed with this school at all. These 'infractions', 'lunch detentions' and 'after school detentions' are getting way out of line! Too many for too petty of things. This is not a bootcamp, this is a school! Let's start acting like it! Several parents have grouped together to 'observe' more closely on this issue. Something needs to be done so our students will enjoy school once again, not dread going!
—Submitted by Tamara Severtson, a parent