John Muir Elementary School

John Muir has a huge problem with discipline, over the latest 4 years I have seen time and time again some students are come down hard and others get off with a good talking to. The staff does not communicate with parents, and it takes weeks for them to respond to any inquiries. Two years in a row it has been a struggle to get any responses to how my child is doing, behavior and academically; when the teachers do respond say that my son is ADHD, which our family doctor said NO WAY, my son is active is all. This school needs to deal with the real discipline problems and not try to take the easy way out by recommending medication children don't need. Also the PTA is a clique, they want your $5 every year but they do not want your participation; they have made it clear come to our events but you cannot be involved any other way.
--Submitted by a parent

What is there not to love about John Muir? It is the biggest elementary school in Parma Ohio and it is the best! All staff members from office, to teaching, even custodial, have always done everything in their power to put the students best interests first and foremost. The PTA work exhaustively to continually come up with new and exciting fundraisers and events for the students. And everyone involved with the school truly strives to keep a sense of community. One in which all are welcomed and none are left out. I have always admired Mr. Daniels, our principal, for his dedication to and support of our children. He is well loved and highly respected by students staff and parents alike. He is a wonderful principal for a wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

There are so many problems at John Muir school, that you don't always hear about. First of all, the principal Denver Daniels, may come across as friendly, but he is not efficient at helping the students, he does not care about the children at all. I have seen this time and time again, whenever I brought a crisis to his attention. He does not take my concerns seriously. He has also lied to me, and I do not think that makes a good role model for any child. He showed no compassion for my child who was seriously injured by another student at the school. The class sizes are too big, the teachers are not consistent with their own attendance, and get too many amenities, they are allowed to bring their own children to school in an already crowded classroom. They take off a lot of days.
--Submitted by a parent

As a student of private schooling all my life, I was nervous about sending my children to a public school. But since the first day I walked into John Muir, I have been welcomed by the administration and staff. Not only are they friendly, but more importantly, genuinely interested in the success and care of the children. I can say with confidence that I am proud that my children attend this school. As a community, the parents, staff, administration and principal of John Muir, are consistently striving to do better and more for our children. Keep up the great work!
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended John Muir Elementary School for the past 8 years. I have never been dissatisfied with the school or staff. John Muir provides an excellent learning environment and a high quality of education along with a very safe and secure building. As a very protective parent I have never had a problem with leaving my children at this school. I feel very welcome by the teaching an administrative staff at this school and know if a problem ever arises that it will receive immediate attention and a positive solution. As parents we need to be reminded that if we do not support our school levies that in the end it is our children that suffer the consequences. Keep up the good work John Muir!
--Submitted by a parent

John Muir is a great school. I love the new programs that are going into place to help kids that are falling behind. The programs are fun for the kids. The principal is someone who really cares for and really wants to help our students. I feel good about the steps they are taking to make sure our kids are safe while in school. The school is always clean no matter what time of day you are there. The PTA could use some help..... not all people in the PTA seem to really be there for the kids. But I must say the PTA as a whole has helped in a lot of ways.
--Submitted by a parent

For those who think that parental involvement is high, I can only say that as a parent when I have come into the school, I was told that I am not allowed to walk my child to his classroom. Parents should be welcomed in any school and allowed to be a part of their child's education. This school is housing about 700 students from what I was told by the school board. A much smaller class size is needed to produce better learning. Statistics on their teaching readiness, past experience, educational background, and SAT scores -should be readily available on paper in the main hallway or office for any parent........ to peruse.
--Submitted by a parent

There needs to be additional help to students that are falling behind in their reading. Title 1 is currently for Kindergarden but what is going to happen to the older students who are having a hard time grasping the beginning fundamentals of reading. The children are instructed to read 20-30 minutes a night but if they do not know what the words are it's a constant struggle! There needs to be additional staff/help/influence by the teachers not be so overwhelmed with 'fitting in' all that is required! Not having time to review in class and have the student take it home is not good enough.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that John Muir could use some help. The children do not have proper dicipline and at times run wild,and some of the staff members need to learn how to control their tempers & frustration towards the students. Overcrowding is a major problem here. Not enough seats in the art room and kids have to sit on the floor. A regular classroom is packed like a can of sardines. My overall opinion on this school is less than fair and I think that many improvements could be made. The first thing that needs change is the dicipline with the students, MANY are very aggressive and verbally abusive towards staff and peers, and their punishments are usually too relaxed, if any punishments are given at all. No tutoring given for 5th & 6th grade students when it is desperately needed & asked for.
--Submitted by a parent

I am quite impressed with this school overall between the principal's involvement as well as the teachers themselves. The only thing I don't feel good about is the kids going outside for recess in the winter time and just having to stand on the blacktop doing nothing. Why not keep them inside and let them play? Otherwise, great job to all who are employed at John Muir Elementary!
--Submitted by a parent