Mines Elementary School

H. C. Mines has been rated "excellent" by the state of Ohio for seven years. The staff and principal work as a team in making curricular decisions. Our students write journals and other types of pieces in language arts, science, social studies, and math. Our guided reading program was instituted two years ago. It is a wonderful leveled reading program that takes students from their current level to a higher level(s) throughout the school year. This new program was a district decision complete with teacher input. Currently the teachers and staff members are preparing for the new teaching standards which will begin next year for grade 3 and all students will be tested beginning 2014-15. The PTO at Mines is very active. They provide programs for the students ie. tutoring, curricular assemblies, book fairs, etc. Our parents are truly partners in our student education. Through the generosity of the parents and community members, Mines has been able to purchase smart boards, hover cams, and amplification systems for our classrooms to aid our students in their learning. There is no doubt Mines is a great intermediate school. It is truly a fabulous school
--Submitted by a teacher

This school needs new leadership and some staffing changes!! I believe that Mines could be a great school. There are some bright stars in the staff, like the fantastic gifted teacher that goes above and beyond for the kids. Sadly, her hands are tied by policy changes that make this program ineffective at best..really not a gifted program at all. Some of the teachers do seem to care about the students and do a good job. Others seem to be there for the paycheck. When fist pounding on a desk and whistle blowing are allowed as a form of order, children stop caring. In order to make good readers with great vocabularies, you must READ and WRITE effectively. This just isn't happening at this school. They barely write about anything unless it's copying what is already in a book. In addition, the best program at this school, AR or Accel. Reading, was eliminated as a cost saving device. Unless there are some leadership changes, this school will continue to go downhill. Truly a shame, as at one time Howland was the "best" school around.
--Submitted by a parent

My child came from a horrible school who branded him a bad kid just because he stuck up for himself . The teachers never gave him a chance. We moved and he started at H.C.Mines and low and behold he's been on the honor roll and A's & B's the past 2 years!!! Howland schools are amazing!! The teachers actually care about the kids!!
--Submitted by a parent

H.C. Mines has great teachers, who do a great job, and great students. It is a great learning place!
--Submitted by a former student