Clara Reynolds Elementary School

My daughter came to CRE in the second grade, and loved it. Mrs. Hessman was wonderful to us as well as Mrs. Hall and Mr. Parker. Mrs. Hessman and Mr. Parker seemed very concerned with the adjustment of our child to this new school and we really appreciated their envolvment with our daughter. Mr. Hessman was up to date on the latest testing and was very informative on our childs educational needs. Mrs Hall was very loving and patient with our daughter. It was a big change for her and Mrs. Hall noticed on the days that she needed encouragement as well as all of the staff. I rememmber one day we were late and the staff in the office could tell our daughter did not want to be there and the PE teacher came up to my daughter and told her she was going to have a good day today.
--Submitted by a parent

It is amazing how parents can be jealous of a principal that works with children because of how she looks. Some parents need to get a life and stay out of the private life of school employees. Ms hessman was a wonderful special education teacher and for the parent that made a comment on 9-7-2007 knows nothing about her! Ms. Hessman is not a wal-mart greeter if you did not get a warm feeling you probably did not deserve one.......So next time try harder!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Clara Reynolds and I was never more impressed with a principle as I was with Cheryl Hessman. She went above and beyond being a leader with her love shown towards each and every child there at Clara Reynolds. Her devotion towards the kids at Clara Reynolds is second to none. If I could choose one principle for my daughter the whole time she is attending school I would have Mrs. Hessman as the principle. I highly recommend Clara Reynolds.
--Submitted by a parent

My two dauthers and my two sons attended CR. I found MS. Hessman to be very cold toward certain parents and very warm toward some. She seemed very fake and unfair at times. The only one in that office who was really warm and sincere was Mr. Parker who is at VS this year, thank God that lady is gone as principal at VS she was evil. Find it hard to believe Ms. Hessman worked with special ed students. To me she seems fake and more worried about how she looks then anything else.
--Submitted by a parent

We had some problems at the schools. I hope they can get the standards for doing an IEP on the students done because it benfits the child.
--Submitted by a parent

I have one daughter and two nephews at CRE (and a daughter at RBE). They've adored ALL of their teachers. They respect and admire Cheryl Hessman and Glendia Warren. Our appreciation for Doug Parker and his devoted efforts to help my girls through some rough times is infinite. I wish I had enough space to name each teacher and their attributes individually, but suffice it to say I have the utmost respect for the teachers I've been involved with as both a parent and a substitute teacher. They do an excellent job of tailoring their teaching to a wide range of educational abilities and provide emotional support for such an impressionable age group. I've never been treated unkindly by any personnel and have always felt my involvement was welcome and appreciated. Teachers deserve our support while nurturing our children, not criticism for failing to 'raise' them. Raising them is OUR job.
--Submitted by a parent

Clara Reynolds has improved so much since my daughter was there 5 years ago. At that time, I felt as though they did not want help from parents. I really did not feel welcome. Since Mrs. Hessman has came & they got Corrine for their PTA Site Rep, I can't wait for my second child to be there next year.
--Submitted by a parent

The PTA provides many opportunities for parents to volunteer their time. These opportunities maybe in letters, notes, flyers, etc. The site PTA reps make many calls and get few responses. If you do not receive a personal invitation to volunteer at a school that is because you do not need one. Since you do not want people to know who you are, we do not know if you attend PTA meetings, help with parties, provide supplies, help with fundraisers, make copies for teachers, etc. As a parent you need to contact the site rep and let them know you really want to help.
--Submitted by Gladys Kozlowski, a parent

I am writing as a parent who has had two students attend Clara Reynolds Elementary, and as a teacher. Contrary to the comment that was posted earlier, Mrs. Hessman is a fantastic principal. She is kind and compassionate to all the children. It helps that she has small children herself. She does her very best to work out problems that any teacher, parent, or student might encounter with the least amount of conflict possible. She also works very hard to enrich the curriculum and overall learning experience of each and every student in the building. Whether she is listening to a struggling reader or working to secure technology grants, she carries out her duties with dedicated fervor. Mrs. Hessman is the heart of Clara Reynolds and she has made everyone there, staff and students included, feel special. It's too bad every principal isn't as caring and competent as Mrs. Hessman.
--Submitted by a parent

Once you get past the unfriendly layer of the admin office, the teachers, librarians, janitorial staff, cafeteria workers, etc. are wonderful! Mr. Morrel is one of the best teachers in the school and he teaches in a very unique and creative way. Throughout the school, there seems to be more time spent on watching movies rather than learning educational fundamentals. The PTA is very clickish, which makes is difficult to get involved as a working parent. I've paid dues for some time now and fill out the same form each year indicating I will volunteer for all activities but to date, have not received a call from the PTA. I initiate my own volunteering activities. There is no discipline adherence and one kid sent to the principals office last year fell asleep. Is that good punishment for rotten behavior? Overall, the school is better than schools in the area.
--Submitted by a parent