Union Elementary School

Union is one of the best rated schools in the area, but suffers from a good old boy mentality. Friendships among volunteers and staff supercede the needs of the kids and result in problems. For instance, a boy with a disability was forced to transfer after the teachers and administration continued to not address his needs. Volunteers even made fun of him outside of the school. If one teacher doesn't agree with you, then they all won't. I've also noticed that if you are not from the area, you are an outsider and the needs of your child may fall to the wayside even quicker. As kids grow up, Elementary should be the most positive learning environment. And Union does have several terrific teachers... you just have to know someone and pick them. Unfortunatly, the lack of attention to the needs of their students by the administration and a few teachers, and the lack of concern when problems arise, makes it a school to avoid. The bullying and lack of discipline mentioned in other comments I would agree is accurate.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a volunteer at Union for several years. During that time I have not observed the atmosphere described in some recent posts. My experience is that teachers go out of their way to provide the best education possible for each member of the very diverse student body. The atmosphere is warm and caring, but that warmth should not be confused with a lack of discipline. Instead, there is encouragement and support for each student to grow and learn as quickly as they are able. I have worked with more than a few teachers at Union and find them to be highly motivated, resourceful and dedicated. I know that the school day, for many of them, starts well before the morning bell and ends long after student dismissal for the day. While order must naturally be maintained at school, we can't expect elementary students to be automatons. The students are, after all, young children who have to get to school very early, have a rigorous daily academic schedule in school, and then homework after they get home. They need to be given a little room and flexibility as they learn interpersonal skills along with the academic program. I think Union provides a very good balance.

Lack of instituyional control of kids, No disclipine of kids, Extreme instances of bulling among students. Theft and coersion among kids. Academically , slightly above average; however the lack of discipline and teacher control & engorcement makes this a school to avoid!

While academically pretty successful, this school does not compare to other great schools of the same rating. They are not technologically similiar, they do not foster a positive environment for the students and safety is a concern. The prinicipal leadership is warm and friendly, but many of the teachers do not assist the children with positive social and behavioral skills. Thus, many of the problems at this school are concentrated around disciplinary issues. This school needs to adopt in action a behavior based curriculm that is positive and helps the children to be successfull. To date, I have yet to see a positive approach to issues such as language, fighting or bullying. I'm not sure I will continue to allow my child to attend.
--Submitted by a parent

This is such a wonderful school. All of our teachers have been amazing, especially Crystal Fleming. We can't imagine our children going anywhere else, and feel so blessed to be a part of Union's community of learners.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Union since Kindergarten and is now in 3rd grade. I could not ask for a better school. The teachers are fabulous, the office staff is on top of things and the Principal, Ms Vicky Smith is a blessing! Parents are encouraged to visit/help and made to feel wanted. Thanks Union for a great job! UNION ROCKS!!!
--Submitted by a parent

just cant say enough of this school miss vicky the headmaster of school is wonderful lady and the teachers are so very helpful great school
--Submitted by a parent

Great staff - great volunteers

My family just moved here and comparatively speaking this school is not quite up to our standards from the last school our daughter attended. Every function to date we've attended has been terribly disorganized and information is not communicated properly. However, what the school lacks in logistics it makes up in spirit. The Staff is friendly and has the kid's interest at heart. Still, we'd love to see some improvement. In particular the parking situation is a nightmare. There is no doubt in my mind there will be an accident one day. I'm not sure if we'll keep her in here or send her to private next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been working as a teacher at Union for several years. I am very excited about my own children attending this school. I can't imagine they could receive a better education anywhere else! The atmosphere at Union is warm and friendly; we are all like family here! It is a wonderful place to work and a wonderful place to learn. I feel strongly that the staff of Union goes above and beyond to ensure that all students get the education that they deserve in a safe and caring learning environment.
--Submitted by a teacher