Hawthorne Elementary School

We finished our last year at Hawthorne last year (2012) and good riddance! Hawthorne WAS a great school, but, when Dr. Klein left, it all fell apart. Mr. Tombaugh was an empty suit, no skill, no plan, no personality, and overpaid to boot. When a teacher was out sick, I would receive a note like this the next day, "I would like to thank the 3 kids who behaved themselves yesterday when we had a substitute, Morgan, Morgan, and Meagan." The main teaching event of each day was watching the teachers try to discipline the unruly students. Tombaugh was non-existent and completely useless. I was a highly involved parent and my 5th grade son was the top student in the school, so I was able to get him special treatment (he was allowed to TEACH a few classes on brain function/development to the 4th grade, for example) to make his day bearable. Were it not for my constant involvement, my son would have only learned that misbehaving gets you attention. The good kids who behaved and tried to learn were outnumbered by the animals 3 to 1 (I don't use the term "animal" lightly). I tried to get my son transferred to a classroom with less problem kids and was told that there wasn't one!
—Submitted by a parent

Hawthorne used to be an amazing school. Dr. Klein's leadership was phenomenal and the school prospered. But under Mr. Tombaugh's guidance the school crumbled, the school became a prison. They are currently unable to teach students and instead are handling misbehaving students 24/7

My kids attended Hawthorne for Kindergarten, and then we lotteried them in to the magnet school program for 1st grade. The teachers at Hawthorne are wonderful, but Hawthorne draws from a low income area and parental involvement isn't very high. It did not feel like a community, it felt very fragmented, with parents acting stand-offish and keeping to themselves. When they do have events, it isn't a place where everyone knows each other. It is very easy for your above-average child to be top of their class, and I'm not sure that gives them adequate motivation. I am really happy that we only did kindergarten there. I have spent a decent amount of time there, and rarely saw the principal (whereas at the magnet school, the principal is very visible and involved).
—Submitted by a parent

I have only GREAT things to say about Hawthorne. From the Principal (Dr. Kline is just outstanding), to the teachers and staff, everyone is beyond helpful, courtous, kind and truely concerned for your children and their education. I'm more than pleased with the school and the activities that are given, and the facility is always clean. Most importantely, is that my son loves going to school and loves his teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My boy is in 2nd grade at Hawthorne and really seems to enjoy going every day. The principal (Dr. Kline) does an outstanding job as well as the teachers and staff. Great job!
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in 1st grade at Hawthorne, and we have had a wonderful experience during the last few years. At the beginning of this school year, our son broke his arm, and the genuine concern of everyone from the principal, teachers and staff was wonderful. Also, with the help of the Reading Recovery program, our son is reading with a new confidence, and at the level he should be at--thanks to everyone!
—Submitted by a parent

my child had a cold last year and whent paralized in his right leg he ended up with mylitis (inflamation of the nerve).everybody was so great. his teacher's and principal came and visted him at the hospital and even gave him get well cards from his classmates,it ment so much I will keep them forever.when he whent back to school everbody took the time to work with us we was so scared about everything i would of never thought a simple cold would turn life upside down.so i would like to thank eveyone from the bottom of my heart for working with him and understanding what he was going through.to me this is the best school thay do care and keep children's safty first.again, to the teacher's,principal,and parent's thank you I can't say it enuogh and to joey's friends and classmates a very speacial thank you for being there for him.
—Submitted by margaret sullivan, a parent

Good quality teachers and Principal(Dr. Kline) Excellent academic programs. music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities are available. Is a school that i will recommend to any one that i know.
—Submitted by a parent

I've been extremely fortunate that both of my children have attended and still attend Hawthorne. I can't say enough about the faculty, the administrative staff, the PTO, and the principals. Dr. Klein and Dr. Gibbs, there just aren't enough words. It's time for my daughters and I to move, but so much of my decision not to do so is based upon trying to keep my youngest at Hawthorne.
—Submitted by Angela Reed, a parent

Staff is very caring towards the children. Everyone has excellent skills in dealing with parents and kids. My daughter has attended 3 years now, every year is better and better. Very outgoing school, principal and staff. Goes above and beyond. Principal is very involved in every aspect, including the children themselves! They all call her by her first name. My youngest can't wait to go there next year!
—Submitted by Wendy York, a parent

I went to Hawthorne 2 years ago for kindergarten through 5th grade and those years I spent there were wonderful and often wish I could go back. I very highly reccomend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by Jenny, a former student