Berwick Alternative Elementary School

Why should a school have to stoop to "Covert" operations if you have already yelled out the teacher s name that one has a problem with. I have a problem with a Licensed Professional that uses unethical strategies to disgrace another Licensed Professional. And if you have so many problems with the place, what does it say about you if you keep your children there! I am a parent of Berwick students and I understand that any place with over 800 students is going to have some problems. I am excited and content with the learning and teaching going on at Berwick. All I can do is be an Advocate for my child and not a negative force bringing others down. My children have been thriving at Berwick and that is due in part that I stay in contact with my children s teacher to help them be successful. I find the work very challenging and feel that if the homework I see my children doing every night is any indicator of the rigor they are doing in the classroom, I know my children will be prepared for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

HORRIBLE SCHOOL...living off of old reputation of being a great school!!This school was a total nightmare for me and my child. Since this school has had new teachers and prinicipal in the recent years it has fallen from superb grace. The teachers are unorganized and very rude. MS. CROSBY is the worst teacher in the world and has several complaints listed with the district. Do not allow your child to enter into her class. She is very disrespectful to the students and the parents. She is condescending with her approach and she appears just to hate humans. The principal has lost control of his teachers and is afraid to reprimand the bad teachers due to their protection by the Union. This school has left my child traumatized and I would never suggest this school for any child. I am a licensed professional who works with kids also, and this school needs to be reassessed by a covert educational team to correct underlying issues.
--Submitted by a parent

I like the school, the teachers and the principal. I do believe that they care about the kids futures. However, I would have preferred for my childs teacher and principal to take a much more agressive approach to my childs learning needs. It wasn't until I initiated communication ideas and different learning and teaching approachs with the teacher that true focus was given to my childs personal needs. I also do not like having to place my child in an expensive tutoring program when he spends almost 40 hours a week at school. I would have preferred for the school to utilize their resources, creativity, and educated knowledge to assist my child earlier on in the year. Instead, after my inquiries and self initiated actions only then was I advised of a SALE program that my child could attend 2 months prior to school ending.
--Submitted by a parent

Berwick is an awesome school, both academically and socially.
--Submitted by a parent

The school was once a great place to have children learn. Math and Science were strong. However with a new principle and poor focus on reading the school is no longer one that I recommend. They do not educate they teach for the next proficiency test.
--Submitted by a parent

Berwick is a public school with a private feel. All of the teachers truly care about the well being of their students. Their curriculum is challenging, yet exciting for the students. Berwick is preparing our children to be the leaders of tomorrow. My wife and I are blessed to find a school with a staff completely dedicated to the student. Mr. David Cooper Sr.
--Submitted by David Sr. Cooper, a parent

My son has attended since 4th grade. The teachers' strive for excellence and it is reflected in the improvements my son has made since attending. My son loves the overnight camps and field trips. He also loves the science projects. He's very hands on. There is a lot of parental involvement. I highly recommend Berwick.
--Submitted by Wendi Turner, a parent

This is my childs first year at Berwick, and I was very happy with the structure and academic base the school offered and the teacher was awesome. The teacher was always available and willing to go that extra mile to assure your childs success by working one on one with not only your child but the parent. Academically they are ahead of the game by getting the kids started in kindergarten with math, science and all around skills children need to excel. The entire program is well balanced. The level of parent invlovement is overwhelming. This is something the school is really serious about parent involvement, I would say on the basis of 100% there was 98% involvement by the parents. I know it can only get better in the years to come.
--Submitted by Yvonne Robertson, a parent

LACES had overtaken the schedule. 1/2 day spend on reading alone and the rest of the schedule is made up in the afternoon or at recess. So your child gets math and science when they are tired after lunch or hot from sitting in a building without AC. Make sure the punishment your child gets is fair. Make sure that your child wasn't punished as a group effort. Make sure you have documentation each time your child is punished and know why. Some teachers talk down to kids in class and in the hall. Some teachers have been physical with students. We left this school and am glad of it but in all fairness we chucked Cols Public as well.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of the academic programs have remained consistent over the years. As a newcomer to the state, Berwick was highly recommended. Surprisingly, for a public school, the availability of music, art, and gym is a great asset. Berwick has a high number of gifted and talented students, it has won a few presidential awards for science, but under the current principal, I think that a child's academic keeneess may become a bit dull. My child has proven that she can perform on a grade level two to three thimes above her current grade. The principal refuses to allow my child to be moved up one grade! Under the current heavy handed leadership, if your child is above average and you want a school that will allow your child to go as far as his or her abilities will take them---Berwick is not the school for you!
--Submitted by a teacher