Hollydale Elementary School

The issue that spurred me into writing this review is the fact that with all their petty rules, I feel they are simply setting kids up to fail rather than help them succeed. Both my children have been written up for such ridiculous things, I can't even take their system seriously! Instead of teaching the kids what they did wrong and WHY it's considered wrong at the school, they'd rather just stick them in a corner and have them miss recess so no one has to deal with them on a personal level. The level of communication at this school is SO absurd...I've received a call from one teacher asking if my child was to eat his snack AND buy lunch (asking me if it was ok?!) and yet received NO call or communication when there is apparently a daily issue with another child?! Who determines when to contact a parent with issues? From all the devices they try to put into place (trying communicate with parents) none have worked so far, as far as I'm concerned. I have tried working with this school for 4 years now and am done. I've decided to transfer my children to another school this fall. I sure wish there was someone who could get this school in shape.
—Submitted by a parent

Hollydale has a wonderful teaching and support staff. The principal is actively involved with the students. Parental support is strong. My son loves going to school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children that currently attend Hollydale. They have been there for thier entire school time. We have been very happy with everyone at the school. While there are always things that can be better. When those issues are brought up to the principal at the school she takes steps to either resolve the issues or else find out what is going on. The teachers at the school are all top notch teachers. We have never had an issue where the school is militant. I have volunteered in the classroom and all over the school and I have found the teachers and all of the staff to be very caring about every student even those that have discipline issues. I have seen students come back after leaving the school just to see their teachers and ever volunteer in different classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

The one year my stepchildren spent at Hollydale was a disaster. Communication and cooperation between the home and school was non-existent, even though we tried constantly to change that--through emails, phone calls, etc. The only time they communicated was when they wanted to. The school is completely unwilling to work with parents, and my children were relieved to leave it. Maybe the new principal, in time, will change that.
—Submitted by a parent

For the most part Hollydale is a great school. Hollydale excells in every area, except one. After many conversations with other parents one thing holds true. WE all agree that the discipline to send home a referal for childish behavior is ludicris. However we are also in agreement that problem children that are mainstreamed in the classroom are increasing the numbers of other students referals, and interupting the learning process in the classroom. Most parents are left to wonder how is this child still in the class if my kid has two referals that I found to be invalid, as well as if the kid is on a behavior contract and his name is involved in other issues with students, then maybe some concideration for the other student. I have found most often than not the other student involved is protecting themselves or some other student from the behavioral student.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm sorry but I totally disagree with the other reviews. We came from another Gresham school and have been at Hollydale for 4 years. I think it is a horrible school. The kids are barely allowed to talk at lunch. The teachers are unkind and harsh. If you take problems to the principal you will get no results. My child is at the top of his class, yet comes home everyday depressed about the teacher yelling at the class. I would never send my kids their voluntarily. THe school is more militant in its views.
—Submitted by a parent

wonderful small town school. very caring teachers, children are great. Very open minded administration.
—Submitted by a parent

My three children attended Hollydale Elementary School for 2 years. We have since moved to Phoenix, Arizona and miss Hollydale terribly. As far as Oregon Schools go this is top rate. The principal (Mr. Tomac) is a great leader and a wonderful communicator. His leadership in the school is unmatched. The curriculum, programs, and teachers are all very good. Also, the nieghborhood and community is a great place to raise a family.
—Submitted by a parent

Holleydale is a wonderful place for children. The teacher and principle are wonderful.
—Submitted by Erica Bean, a parent

Our family has been very happy at Hollydale. Our son is in first grade and loving it. Last year, Kindergarten was top rate too.
—Submitted by a parent