Markham Elementary School

To the poster from 12/7/2012: I'm one of the parents that wrote a message using 'beyond pleased'. It remains an accurate way to describe our experience. We sent our child to a private school for the first two years, and we liked Markham A LOT better because of the economic, ethnic, educational, and intellectual diversity. We spent a great deal of time with people who were among the recipients of free and reduced lunch, and they also appreciated the diversity. I'm sure it's not the school for everyone, but it was certainly the school for us. I served on school committees and found many teachers and administrators intensely and deeply committed to the students. You're analysis is a fail.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I am extremely happy with Markum. Our Kindergarten teacher is absolutely wonderful and engaged. We thought of sending our child to a private school but we are so glad we tried Markum first. The staff is excellent and I couldn't be happier with the leadership!
—Submitted by a parent

I'd like to point out that all of the 5 star reviews sound like they've been written by the same person. Repeated use of odd phrases like "beyond pleased", repeated references to the SUN school program, carefully worded statements regarding diversity and cultural differences, all the exclamation points. Someone even says we have a separate cafeteria and come check us out as if they re an administrator, even though the comment is marked as coming from a parent. They re not phrased as comments, more like carefully sculpted advertisements. The other part that I find odd if 58% of the kids are on assisted lunches, chances are many are not quite middle class. I rarely hear under-privileged families gush about wonderfully diverse things are, or hear of families who can afford thousands of dollars for private school instead opt for a 3/10 rating public school in a non-affluent area.

I went to Markham a few years ago, and my younger siblings currently go there. I love the school, the teachers are wonderful and there are lots of programs to help people who need it. The school itself is very diverse, and it works very well that way

We have two children, very different in learning styles, one with a need for accommodations in school. We were afraid that the local public school would provide a poor education, fail to accommodate our one child's differences, & have a negative social environment. We started with a private school, then a nearby charter school for two years, and finally came to Markham. We are beyond pleased. The staff and administration have been amazing in working with our children, both kids have advanced steadily in academics, and the social environment has been FAR and AWAY the most positive and supportive that we have experienced. I only wish we had come here to start with !
—Submitted by a parent

Educators and administration alike have proven in a short period of time that they are concerned with protecting themselves and each other - to the exclusion of working with parents, understanding children and promoting education. I've never feared for my child's well being before moving to Portland. Now I understand all of the cries of "For the love of all that is holy, keep your children away from Portland Schools." It appears the screaming masses were quite right.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome parent community; diverse student body.
—Submitted by a parent

We've been very happy with Markham this past year. The student body is diverse, the teachers caring, the principal engaged, and the services offered excellent. I feel that my daughter is engaged in her interests and learning, that discipline is appropriate, and that she's nurtured and supported.
—Submitted by a parent

We move a lot!! My daughter has been to three schools in the Portland Public School system, so we have seen plenty. We love Markham. They seem to have an understanding of kids and an excellent balance between fun and learning. My daughter struggles with reading and they actually have a program to help!! This school has more gym days and library days than the previous two as well. One more recess than the first school one less recess than the second for a grand total of two per day-- perfect. The great diversity of this school is amazing!! There are several corners of the world represented. They worked hard to arrive and work hard to thrive. That attitude of hard work and respect is ingrained into the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Markham is a fantastic school which reflects the diversity of Portland. Each classroom is a mix of cultures, religions, beliefs, and family backgrounds. This works well due to the expectations of our staff, faculty, and parents. The building itself is a great asset. A former middle school, we have a separate cafeteria, gym, and auditorium. Markham is just down the street from a library and a brand new park. My oldest struggled academically in the first and second grade, and Markham provided unbelievable support and resources. Every teacher gets involved if a child needs help. The SUN program provides great enriching after school classes, and the before and after school care (run by parents, not by the Y) provides flexibility for families with working parents. Markham carefully cultivates the feeling of community and family at the school, and it shows. We are proud to be a Markham family. Come check us out for yourselves!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is totally falling apart! My kids have been here 3 years now and the disrespect that kids have for the teachers and principal is incredible. My kids have been bullied more times than I can remember. What can parents do if the principle seems to be the major cause of a disruptive learning environment. There is music , PE and even art but I am concerned about not having a non-threatening environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Every thing is good about this school.
—Submitted by Shannon, a parent