Rice Creek Elementary School

My daughter has attended this school for about 4 months now. We are a military family and unfortunately had to relocate in the middle of the school year. The principle, her teachers and the students made her transition so smooth and easy. They were all welcoming from day 1, and made her feel right at home. Coming from Texas, I did notice that the curriculum here is not as challenging but she still learns a lot. My favorite thing about this school is that they still let the kids have fun while learning. They go on a lot of field trips, offer many after school activities and always have something going on for the students, whether it be a book fair or school concert. I also like that they allow parents to come in and eat lunch with their children whenever they want. Only negative is the pick up and drop off procedures. Its a long and somewhat chaotic process.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was going to Rice Creek , in kindergarten and this is the worst experience he ever had. The teacher are just observers and watch if a child does wrong and when they do something wrong all they do is write a note and suspend as if suspension was the only option. There's a total lack of structure, from the class to the drop off line in the morning, it is a total chaos. Administrators are rude and one of them Mrs Benson even pushed my son away at front of my eyes. I'm disgusted by this school, they do not have any clue on how to run a school....my son was traumatised by this experience, he heard several times the administrator and principal say that they do not want him. What a thing to hear from a principal, no profesionalisme.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a very involved parent with several children at rice creek. The only thing my children are learning is how to perform on standardized tests. The politics are taking over the school and the children are suffering. Nobody seems to notice the drop in rating since the new principal came in.Tens of thousands of dollars were spent on a high tech e-fit lab, and yet Spanish class got cut this year, buses are triple routed and I am told that art may be next. Trying to make a positive change is futile. Any suggestion is immediately shot down. There are some exceptional teachers at this school. Unfortunately, even they are getting jaded by the demands placed on them. It seems that they are required to do everything BUT instill a love of
—Submitted by a parent

Well my son just started kindergarten, and so far i love everything about this school, the children seem very excited about learning and my son really likes his teacher
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, faculty and staff are all great at this school. Students come first and politics do not stand in the way of taking care of the academic, mental and physical needs of the students. The school boasts a very caring and nurturing environment and my hat is off to this fabulous group of educators!
—Submitted by Mr. Anthony Kincaid, a parent

this is a great school!! :) my little kid loves it!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great it helps you learn, help you with your goal and help you with your manners. I have to say 'this school is great'
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I am pleased with the school. The homework assignments are appropriate and my child is doing well academically. Her teachers are very involved in the learning process and are never to busy to speak with me or keep me in the loop. I have no complaints whatsoever. I am a happy parent.
—Submitted by a parent

It's all about homework at this school. They certainly know how to pile it on. Discipline is strange and often unwarranted. When a child does not have their agenda book signed or homework (exceeding amounts of it) done, they are forced to sit and watch other children enjoy their recess time. There are several good things about this school including the principal's communication with parents, their lunch program, and variety of opportunities, but their homework policies need to be revised to allow children the time to be children. Also, getting children to and from school on the very late buses or in their pickup/drop-off line is a nightmare. My child has been at Rice Creek for 5 years.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had good experiences at Rice Creek with my son and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, my daughter was placed in Mrs. Anderson's class for kindergarten. Mrs. Anderson has had a very postive influence on Mikayla and has really helped expand her thirst for knowledge. She keeps the lines of communication open between school and parents by sending home newsletters and weekly emails. You would never know she has over 20 years in the field because her enthusiasm level is that of a first year teacher. Every contest the school has sponsored this year, she has made the students part of it and they have won!!! She is definitely showing them how hard work can have pay offs. I wish there could be Mrs. Andersons in the classroom of my children every year. We will be sad when June is here. Kudos RCE!
—Submitted by a parent

My children both attend Rice Creek. The teacher and administration are wonderful. The class sizes are much rather than I would like but the teachers do a good job of keeping the children focused. I love the various programs they have for the kids like music, Spanish, PE, and 'Cultural Connections'. I agree with another parent about the kids being taught about Mt. Vesuvious. My hubby and I were FLOORED when our kindergartener came told us about this at dinner. This is a great school. I am really impressed that the district still offers recess to the kids. This is exceptional. The only changes I would make to the school is to have smaller class sizes and have an awards program either either quarter or at least twice a year, not just at the end of the year.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest son just finished kindergarten at Rice Creek in May, and I cannot say enough about his experience! He began the year knowing 13 sight words and left reading first grade texts. Math and science knowledge increased tremendously as well. My favorite anecdote is about a ride home one afternoon that began...'Mama, on Mt. Vesuvius, in Italy...' Kudos!
—Submitted by a parent

We are a military family,my daughter attended Rice Creek for kindergarten & 1st grade. The school's curriculum is great! My child's 1st grade teacher Mrs.McClinton was awesome. My daughter learned to read very well and her math skills were awesome. The staff's really friendly and take there time with the students. I was always greeted when visiting the school. As far as the previous posts,I think its great they teach the kids to be silent in the halls,it's called showing respect to others still in class.Now with security there is a Sheriff's office at the school (not that they need it) but it makes you & your child more secure. R-Creek ranks #1 compared to the school my child attends now in Hawaii,the staff never speaks,they have only 1 lunch choice,no air conditioners,no security,& this is on an army base. I really miss R-Creek!
—Submitted by Mrs.White, a parent

My child is in kindergarten at Rice Creek. Unfortunately the school is worried more about the children talking in the halls then their safety as well as their education. If a child doesn't learn as fast as being taught they automatically assume the child has a learning disability. They are quick to label the child and suggest special classes. Most of the staff is young and inexperienced and not adepth to handle that all children learn at their own pace and in different ways. I never heard of teaching kindergarteners Spanish and geometry. They need to learn the basics and their social skills. If not everyone will be labeled with a learning disability.
—Submitted by a parent