Penn Valley Elementary School

THe reviews I read are from 2008. So many things they discuss are not the fact now. My daughter is in 2nd grade at PV and absolutely loves the school and her teacher. Mrs. Novet, our principal since last year, is awesome. Mrs. Novet along with the hard working PTO have brought so much new technology to the school for the teachers AND the students to use. Penn Valley actually has the most technology in all the area elementary schools. The classes have at least 3 parties a year: Halloween, Winter Holiday, End of school year. Some classes even have 4 parties. There is a Fallfest and this year it is combined with special prizes children can win for all the reading they did over the summer if they handed in their reading logs. This was high on the list for the principal to get the kids really involved in reading. The school has game night, pizza bingo, ice cream socials, Muffins for Moms, Donuts for Dads, and the list goes on. Remember all these activities would not be possible without the PTO and very involved parents and teachers who go beyond just working in the classroom. I find many parents complain about things, but I don't see them stepping up to the plate & getting involved.
--Submitted by a parent

Penn Valley is a caring, student oriented, active and involved Elementary School.
--Submitted by a parent

The reason why students with special needs are mainstreamed in the general education setting is because it is state mandated. It is called inclusion. They have individualized education programs to accommodate their needs. They have a disability, that is why they have difficulty spelling and reading. I take offense to the comment from May 28, 2008. Teachers and principals have no choice when it comes to the states rules and regulations. Inclusion is a wonderful thing. Be thankful that your child does not have the struggles others do.
--Submitted by a parent

This school used to be great! Then a new principle came and it hasn't been so great ever since. There is no more Halloween parade, no more roller skating, haven't been to an ice cream social in a long time, not many activities besides Pizza Bingo. Kind of boring and withdrawn nowadays, which is ashame because it used to be a very happy, comfortable, close knit school environment. Not so much anymore.

It is a nice size school, but there are some downfalls. They are trying to mainstream special ed students with regualr ed student, and it is just a big distraction for some of the reg. ed students. It is not fair to them or the special ed kids. They should be avle to do things and learn things that are more useful towards there disabilities. Who ever made this rule up was, not thinking at the time. It has alot of hanicapped and special ed students. They cant even spell or read, but they seem to pass on to the other grade, with no proble. That tells us alot about these teachers and principal.
--Submitted by a parent

This school only teaches to test. Homework is nothing more than pages from the PSSA. The school is full of bullies and there is little discipline. I would not recommend
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. My child has performed excellent in the standardized tests! The environment is a caring one. The teachers have been great so far. I have 1 in 5th and another in K.
--Submitted by a parent