Witch Hazel Elementary School

My children started Witch Hazel Elementary last year. My biggest complaint is that the work that was done in one of my children's class was withheld until conferences. I never saw any papers or anything graded until I went to the first conference. Even when I went, the papers were graded with a star or a check to note it was finished. I feel it's important for parents to see where their children struggle. This is hard to do when you don't get detailed graded papers home. All and all I wish the school challenged the kids a little more. I never saw spelling or vocabulary. I felt the majority of work they brought home was busy work and not challenging. I also felt like the majority of the work was graded according to whether or not it was done instead of how well it was done. I plan on giving this school one more year to get it together. They have some wonderful teachers with real potential to educate. The school needs to raise their standards and expect more from their students. They also need to communicate better with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

After years of trying and hoping we finally transfered our child out of Witch Hazel. While we have had a good teacher we have also had ones where burn out seemed to be a factor in them giving their all.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Quite a few teachers truly care about their students. They try to give as much one on one attention to their students. The principal has amazing relationships with his students, when they do great he gives them prizes and it encourages the students to do better. The programs that the school offer are great! The communication between staff and parents is amazing they also have great help for bi lingual parents English/ Spanish. All the events that the teachers put together to involve parents would be great if more parents would participate. The staff put together movie night, spirit assembly's, sporting events, and a Christmas meet with santa clause. I think Witch Hazel has everything put together well. I love this school and the staff. I am a parent who requested to volunteer at Witch hazel elementary before applying my child and they immediately said yes. I look forward to my child attending Witch Hazel Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

This school could have great potential and I hope they can pull it together. I find they don't challenge their students enough. All of their programs lack support by teachers. My child loves to learn but is not challenged enough to make it worth going there.
—Submitted by a parent

After many years of trying to work with this school, we finally had to transfer our children out and into better programs. Although there are a few fantastic teachers, the lack of principal leadership and genuine care and concern for all students does not make it worthwhile. Infact, the education and safety of the students declined more each year. I truly hope this little school can pull itself together, it is sad to see it do so poorly.
—Submitted by a parent