Pine Forge Elementary School

I read the other review about the PSSAs. The parent that wrote this is wrong on many counts. The students are given graham crackers and orange juice after the test for the day is done. This is a way to give the kids a snack - I don't think of either of these things as a bribe, but rather, something the district provides as an energy boost at the end of a challenging est. Gum is not allowed, but mints are provided to the students during the test if they want one. Does this parent really think these items constitute bribes. I find that strange because every child is given these items and it is not related to how many points the kids get or for completing questions. The teachers don't score these tests, the state does. It sounds like this parent is just bitter.
--Submitted by a parent

Pine Forge actually bribes the children for PSSA testing. Promising them a movie, snack, drink if they get so many points, for completeing questions, etc. They are given juice snacks and gum during the tests. Poorer schools can't do that. They teach poor values. It's all about me, what I can get out of doing something. They do not teach proper values. To do something because it's simply the right thing to do. I agree there is a discipline issue and problems with bullying. Districts bribing kids is just wrong. No wonder our society is so self oriented.
--Submitted by a parent

The first three years that my children attended this school, I thought that it was wonderful! I hadn't one complaint. The principal is very pleasant to deal with. She is out of the building off site for meetings etc frequently. If the district had her in her building and not running from meeting to meeting, things may be different. They have a definate discipline problem over the past two years. Which wasn't a problem in the past. They have issues with bullies. which I didn't notice in the past. It had always been a very caring, nurturing place. Times have changed. They have some great teachers. There seems to be discrepencies in styles of teaching among different teachers of the same grade. One class has an energetic teacher who uses technology the other teacher of the same grade uses none. That puts one class at a advantage, and hurts the other.
--Submitted by a parent

All of my kids have gone to Pine Forge and I am so glad that they did. The two that went to it have done outstanding! The staff is always so helpful and they are so friendly. The school is wonderful because it is like a community because everyone knows everyone. It has wonderful teachers that take the time out to make sure that the students know the things they need to know. I know some teachers that have stayed at the school til 11 at night. The principal Mrs. Melissa Woodard is an amazing person. She always comes into the class rooms and wants to know what the kids are doing. The school has an awsome rep with public places. The school is so well diciplined. It is nice to hear that places are happy to have the school visit them. It is a wonderful place. Go Bears!
--Submitted by a parent