Atkinson Elementary School

Sorry, but we're not that miniscule. For the principal's supporters: are you really OK with your children being forced to place their heads on filthy lunch tables and maintain 3 minutes of silence prior to dismissal? If a kid is still eating, the principal simply says, "you can eat sideways.". That's a choking hazard. The heads down is entirely about control and frankly, unsanitary and reminiscent of prison. I'm glad my child no longer attends there.
--Submitted by a parent

Atkinson is a great little school with a diverse student body and dedicated teachers. It boasts an absolutely amazing Outdoor Learning Garden. The new principal is a great improvement, though a minuscule number of vendetta-driven naysayers would have you think otherwise.
--Submitted by a parent

The new principal does not yet have the best communication style, but her vision is clear and positive and aimed at providing an excellent education to ALL the children. The old principal financed the neighborhood language program in a questionable manner (by using Title 1 and ESL funds), instruction was not provided by certified teachers, and no formal curriculum was followed. That the new principal HAD to cut it is clear if you take the time to do the research. Some day, I hope and pray, the state and the district will have the funds to ADD educational opportunities and GROW the core curriculum, instead of cutting everything down to bare bones. The teachers at Atkinson are great, the parent community is very devoted to volunteering and supporting the school, and there is a strong PTA (they provide great programs and events like language classes, visual arts, an outdoor learning garden, a Lunar New Year celebration, after school classes, etc.). In all, this is an awesome school with tremendous diversity and a close family atmosphere!
--Submitted by a parent

The principal continues to be a condescending bully, forcing her views on everyone. Parents who stand up to her are punished by either their children being targeted or in my case, a vist by the police with a trespass notice (her supervisor later forced her to vacate it). Call the district and make your concerns known--before your favorite staffer is terminated.
--Submitted by a parent

A bit of research on the principal reveals her previous (mediocre performing) district was entirely charter based. She was accustomed to bullying a no doubt very green, non-union staff (probably entirely Teach for America contracted) and having her agenda not only unquestioned, but applauded. I did not agree to such a charter-based philosophy and I do not want one. We aren't a wild, inner city school, desperately in need of structure to "rescue" us. We're a warm neighborhood school with involved, educated parents. The principal's Welch-based agenda targets some of the best teachers in the district, let alone the school---as she stresses extreme conformity. Uniforms will be next as she relentlessly pushes her choices forward. Contact PPS and the board today before YOUR favorite teacher or staff member is fired!
--Submitted by a parent

Seeing the posts from a few parents makes it obvious the ones ok with the poor changes at the school this year were not there last year to know the difference. The changes at the school are positively awful. There is now a very distinct segregation between the immersion program and the neighborhood program. The neighborhood kids are now second class citizens. This is my second year at the school, last year I was worried about PPS poor reviews but was very pleasantly surprised, it was a very nice, warm and inviting school. This year is 100% different. Cold, uncaring, not child focused. Parents concerns are completely disregarded by the new principal and PPS.
--Submitted by a parent

Shocked by the one parents repeated bad reviews. Oddly vindictive about a great school! My children have attended for years and have never had any problems. Like most schools, better funding could be there. Wonderful teachers, excellent programs. Don't let sour grapes spoil your child opportunity to be involbved with this excellent multi-ligual school! We love Atkinson!!
--Submitted by a parent

The Atkinson I have known and loved for 6 years has been spirited away! I moved to this community because of the school it used to be!The school's new principle refuses to listen to the input of existing involved, educated, community members and has axed virtually all of what made the school special! She not only displays lack of respect for the community, she will not even consider compromising on issues involved parents care deeply about! She cavalierly dismisses scientific research regarding the impact of FREE PLAY time on learning! My students have suffered, and I am seriously considering moving them!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a very good school going terribly wrong. The new principal is a disaster. Complaints by students, parents and teachers are rampant. The Principal's bad decision after bad decision plagues our kids every day. Teachers here are fantastic. Many parents are wonderful and involved. However, I would not recommend this school to a friend until the principal is removed.
--Submitted by a parent

The change in leadership we have seen this year has been a breath of fresh air. The new principal has shown tremendous leadership, involvement and understanding of what it takes to make a healthy school with a rigorous curriculum. We have considered taking our third grader to a different school throughout his tenure but I'm beginning to think the school has a chance to turn it around. In the first three months I have had more interaction with this principal than I had in three years with her predecessor. In 2012 this will be rated an '8' school.
--Submitted by a parent