Wilson Elementary School

Principal Brew is amazing. What he has done with this school make my life and the education of my children a happy thing. The students are amazing and the majority have a desire to learn. The parent contribution is unlike any other school I've seen. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson is doing very well in this School. He has had good teachers and they help him with anything he needs. He likes the School very much and the activities as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the head secretary at Wilson School. Some of the reviews posted here have misinformation. If you would like accurate information about our school, please call the school office. -Myrna Campbell
—Submitted by a parent

It amazes me how misinformed parents are, by their children. There is no school-wide 'yellow card' disciplinary system. A couple of individual classes do use that system, so talking to your child's teacher should be a first step. There also isn't a quiet room. There is a break area in the Transition room, which is only used by those students. Discovery Nights were initiated and run solely by parents and is not billed as a TAG program. It's strictly enrichment for all the kids. I went to every one and saw kids there from every grade. It was hugely successful. The presenters are all parents, most of whom work during the day. Thus the need to have the demonstrations in the evening. They were wonderful experiences parents could share with their children. This wouldn't be possible if they were held during the school day. Submitters need to get their facts straight!!
—Submitted by a parent

I belive that all parents have the right to express their own experiences(thru their children and from their own point of view) with Wilson..and even the 'positive' reviews have undercurrents of negitivity. We have not had a welcoming experience at Wilson, have had problems with our teacher, not been responded to inkind by the principle. We will be home schooling next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Wilson school is a wonderful environment for my children. They are learning, engaged, and feel proud of themselves. Upon reading the comments regarding Wilson, it is really frustrating to hear so many negative comments. The PTA has already stepped up and volunteered their time and efforts and are appropriately delegating activity positions to those who would volunteer. Frankly, you can complain until you're blue, or you can volunteer and be the change you want to see. I'm signing my name because I'm proud of my kids and I won't hide behind words. Amelia McCullough
—Submitted by a parent

It saddens me that this forum to rate a school has become a forum for complaining. Greatschools is a way for people to gain information. So, I hope that everyone is reading the disclaimer 'don't believe everything you read.' Do your own research. Visit Wilson, get involved and form your own opinions. Wondering about something you've seen posted here? Ask someone who knows - perhaps a teacher or staff member, the principal, or involved parents. Children (and some parents) are not always the most reliable source. If you are already at Wilson and choose not to be involved, then please stop complaining about the people who are working hard to make Wilson a better place for ALL students. I appreciate our PTA board who is working so hard to include and involve new families. Four people should not be solely responsible for every event in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I too appreciate 'going green'..however this does not overshadow the issue of poor managment...Discovery Night does not replace TAG..TAG programs should be included everyday. Parents are pulling their kids out of Wilson, especially at the lower grades. Wilson is trying to become a Title One school, a survey was sent out to parents asking opinions, lots of negative feedback was expressed towards the principle and some of his disciples..maybe these issue should be addressed before the school takes more goverment money. Sadly, Wilson has a very negative vibe, which has been expressed to the principle, and the district at large, with no action taken.
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding your clarification, here's mine. A monthly newsletter devoid of news isn't communication. It says 'spring is here, your kids are growing, the teachers are working.' Meanwhile I hear from my kids that there's some new yellow card disciplinary system running for months that the principal still hasn't told the community about. He's never explained the track being a mandatory exercise during lunch. Never explained the quiet room to the whole school. He can't require our presence at evening meetings to get news. He needs to send it all home. not just the puffery. TAG isn't my concern but I agree that is shouldn't just be evening requirements. It should be regular classroom enrichment. People don't volunteer because they disagree with the school atmosphere of exclusivity and what feels like a school that is all about adults if only these pestery kids would get out of the way.
—Submitted by a parent

Love Ms. Meyers, Mr. Harris, Mr. Hart, miss Ms. Bugbee-Reed, Ms. Binek, Ms. White. But some of the things mentioned are also long gone. No Book Exchange, No Principal coffees (which were much more valuable, a million times than Discovery Nights which are for K-1) No carnival, no student directory, no room parents. The school mascot was changed. The newsletter done away with. The teachers try their best in an environment of too much change that is confusing to a lot of us. Harsher than it needs to be too.
—Submitted by a parent

There are excellent classroom teachers, libarian and custodial staff at Wilson, who really care for the kids. Overall however, there is a very unwelcoming climate. This starts with the principle and is apparent in some of the staff. There is no more Core Knowledge, principle's coffee, school directory, class coordinators, carnival, running on the playground..more whistles and stoplights. The track IS not an incentive program, but rather mandatory, cutting into the kids social time at lunch. There is no TAG program.
—Submitted by a parent

Although there are some great positive forces among the senior staff, the last few years have seen the shift that causes two different worlds to be experienced by the community. There is no TAG program period. The Wilson track is a mandatory lap running program during recess, not an incentive. The PTA is canceling traditional events like the carnival due to lack of volunteers. The focus seems to be all on the adults, not on the kids. It used to be the other way around. We miss the old Wilson school that built Wildcat park, not the new one of whistles and stoplights.
—Submitted by a parent

For me, the quality of teaching is the key to my child's education. I have had two children attend Wilson and have found the teachers to be committed and talented, unique and creative.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Wilson Elementary! We have been here for a couple of years and are continually impressed by the Principal's commitment to the kids and staff; staff dedication; an excellent literacy center; parent volunteers who have instituted a Volunteer Center, Discovery Nights, Clothes Swap as well as gettting Wildcat Park built a few years ago and there is a vibrant PTA! I feel welcome in this school and my children, both TAG kids, are getting challenged in the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with poor communication, lack of support for the students, not upholding student academics, overall 'uncomfortable' feel at the school. Sadly it has not been a good experience for us. :( I think this school has the potential to do much better. Really poor moral, teaching the kids the wrong overall outlook on their education. Good Luck to Wilson, I hope this can turn around for the better.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Wilson for almost two years. I feel this school lacks leadership and is prejudice against children who don't fit into the 'normal' category. This school however does have a few very good teachers but the negative aspects out weight the good. My child has been identified as talented and gifted and is not getting an adequate education to make him succeed in his education. This school does have a large amount of Parent volunteers and has a great PTA who sponsor many fun activities. However I am disappointed in the over all lack to meet My child's Educational needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Wilson is a terrific school. With 3 children, my family has had lots of experience with both public and private schools in the 509J district, and I frankly believe Wilson is one of the best elementary schools in town. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and welcoming to youngsters, and I've had nothing less than excellent experiences with office staff, administration, and teachers. Any specific problems I can think of are more relevant to the district itself, and therefore apply to the other local elementary schools as well, rendering them moot.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had constant issues with this school. The lack of communication, the regular negative output and overall feel of the school. On a positive side, I have had a good experience with my son's individual teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had kids in Wilson for 13 years so far, and we have always been impressed with the faculty and staff, as well as the support of the PTA and the parent community. Many of the teachers are absolutely _stellar_. Wilson is a community school and it shows. We've known many people who bring their kids from far away to attend our school. There are all kinds of activities through the year, and many wonderful traditions. Check out the school's site for yourself. Our last kid is in 2nd grade, and we're already feeling sad about the day he graduates from Wilson. Wildcat Park is also a great plus, and although it was recently closed due to its age, a new Wildcat Park is in the planning process, and should be ready for use in 2007.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The teachers are experienced and very kind to the students. Parents and volunteers are welcome at any time. I volunteer in the classroom and in the Parent Volunterr Center. The school includes parents in decisions that affect children. We can serve on the school's Site Council or we can join the PTA. The parents raise lots of money for the school to help fund things that provide enrichment for students, like field trips, or classroom workbooks and curriculum materials. Student feel safe at Wilson. My child has been at the school since kindergarten and my other child went to the school but is now in middle school. We have been very please with the way in which we are treated by everyone, espeically the front office. They run a first class operation and it is friendly and inviting to all. Lots of activities occur, too.
—Submitted by a parent