Swansboro Elementary School

I am very happy to have my kids attend this elementry school. I have had good to great communication with the teachers. My son's 3rd grade teacher this year was exceptionally great at communication with me where my child needed more reenforcement. I love that the staff did many activities with the children this year (talent show, musical, fall festival). It was great to see all the parents and staff come together for the children to have these great things.
--Submitted by a parent

Swansboro is a great "hometown" river community and a great elementary school! There are so many caring parents and teachers in this school and community. We do wish there was more principal involvement at PTO meetings and other school events, although the school has improved dramatically with the new principal. There could definetely be more communication with fund raising. So many parents want to give money towards the school, but there was no explanation where the money was going... Other than that, for the most part, the teachers and staff are wonderful and do the best they can with the funds given, especially in this economy. Great 4H after school program as well! Hoping the tests scores continue to move up!
--Submitted by a parent

1)Subsequent to my initial post, I was able to speak with the principal of SBES in two meetings. In these meetings, she provided answers and solutions to problems and engaged in very positive discussions. 2)During this last year, PTO events were organized and run by the board w/out committees and (in my experience) the Volunteer Organization was unable to utilize volunteers to their full capacity. Based on a recent PTO/Volunteer meeting, I am hopeful that in the 2011/12 year more parents/volunteers will be able to actively participate. More parents= more revenue. 3)In my own personal opinion, students deserve teachers that treat them with respect, kindness, warmth and compassion. My child had such teachers and was therefore able to excel both academically and socially.
--Submitted by a parent

I have worked for other Elementary schools and worked at SES years ago. I know work here at SES as the Secretary/Treasurer and I am overwhelmed at the parent involvement here. It is not like this at some of the other area elementary schools. We have a very supportive PTO who has worked hard to raise money for the school this year and we are very appreciative. Unfortunately, we also have to do fundraisers sponsored by the school to help pay the bills. I was amazed to see what it takes to run a school financially. We are audited twice a year so money is not being misused I promise you. I as a parent I never knew the importance a school fundraiser. My children did participate in some fundraisers but not all. I let them pick and choose which ones we were going to do each year. They understood that they may not win or be able to make it to the Main Event and that was ok. I can promise you that not one of my children require therapy because they didn t get to go to the Main Event , Limo Lunch, or watch another child have a Sno Cone or popcorn in front of them. Please understand that if it was not necessary to do the fundraisers we certainly would not do them.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have fallen in love with this charming school and the family feeling that permeates from the entire staff. My children have flourished amazingly this school year. I'm glad that we choose Swansboro Elementary. The staff is professional and accomplished in their positions. The principle is supportive and accessible. My children know who she is. At our last school they thought the receptionist was the principle.
--Submitted by a parent

I would like to respond to the parent below. The fundraising events that she is complaining about were not sponsored by the PTO. The PTO desperately has tried to help the school raise funds so that they are not needing to rely on other fundraisers during the year. The PTO has been extremely successful in raising $20,000 per year with only 2 fundraising events. The other fundraisers are done by the school. I don't like them either. But they are done because the school badly needs the funds. ALSO, the PTO pretty much begs and pleads for help and only a few parents are actually willing to take the time to come and help. My suggestion to this complaining parent is to stop complaining and get involved.
--Submitted by a parent

As to the parent who commented on April 27th below, I completely disagree. Swansboro Elementary is a wonderful school! Spirit week/Relay for Life week was clearly marked on the flyer as a Relay For Life Event run through the school. I am not sure why you would think that it was a PTO event. I completely disagree with you about Lisa Peele, Principal of Swansboro Elementary. Under Mrs. Peele's leadership, SES has gone from having the lowest grades in the county(under previous leadership 4 years ago) to now being the school with the highest grades in the county. I have never had a problem getting ahold of her or getting a reply to a message. Most of all,my children and the teachers seem to thrive with her as Principal. As for the "poor fundraising events",the PTO has 3 fundraisers. We work hard to try to raise enough money so that the school does not have to sell items out of magazines, but unfortunately, due to budget cutbacks they have no choice. I don't understand what a teachers economic status has to do with her/his ability to teach. That comment made no sense. Swansboro Elementary has a dedicated staff as well as tons of parent volunteers that are happy to help in any way.
--Submitted by a parent

My grandchild has had 3 great teachers and my grandchild also likes the extra class teachers in music, PE and art. My grandchild scored 4's on the tests. The school is very clean and the new building with the library and gym are nice. My son says the principal always returns calls.

Swansboro Elementary School is the best school in Onslow County! The leadership, faculty, and staff are caring, dedicated, and hard working! My child gets a well delivered education everyday. I love Swansboro Elementary School!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending this school for three years now, and I have to say that I am extremely pleased with the level of education she is receiving. The teachers are instructing using the newest technologies and information and constantly challenge my child to be her best. In all, the teachers are great. I just wish we weren't moving out of the area!
--Submitted by a parent