Rapid Valley Elementary - 12

I would like to comment on the early dismissal times. It may seem as though students are getting less classroom time, but the total weekly instructional time is the same as for other Rapid City schools. The difference is that Rapid Valley has longer school days on the other four school days, going to school earlier and dismissing later than schools that do not have early release on Wednesdays.

I have to say I am pleased (so far) with my daughters education at Rapid Valley. She is excelling in all her studies. She is in 1st grade. I do think that the early dismissal on Wednesday is a bit ridiculous. I hope that she will continue to excel, but if she doesn't that is when I will take a closer look at the school, because we go above and beyond at home.
--Submitted by a parent

I do have to agree with the other parents. I think that Rapid Valley really needs to take a look at what they are teaching compared to the other schools. Also having school get out early on Wednesday is a really bad thing, our children need to have the same chance as the other schools and without the same schedule that is not happening.
--Submitted by a parent

Having Twins going too this school, I can really tell that some of the teachers are lacking the quility that some of the other kids are getting. It's just the luck of the draw, if you get a good teacher or not... One Twin always gets a good teacher and the other one well, not so much... Last Year I went to the pricipal for help with the one twins needs and she told me if I have a problem with one of her teachers, I can go to the teacher direct, I know I do not want any unsatisfied parents going into the classroom while my child is in class. You will not find teachers at the school after the kids are gone. It seems that they can not wait to rush them out the back doors....
--Submitted by a parent

I think the class size is rediculous in this school. 25 in a Kindergarten class is too many. Only having school until 12:10 on Wednesdays is putting the teachers priorities before the students. If we want these kids to be adequate to the rest of the students in America, they need to have school 8-3 Mon-Fri. I like the teachers I have met in this school. I am just not sure about the scheduling and class size.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 grandchildren in this school. None are getting the education that I believe they should be. One is in grade five and can't read or do math. One is in 3rd grade and is failing. They are both very smart children. Something is wrong! We can't afford a tutor and don't know where else to turn for help. We help with homework every night and they 'get' it at home. Where does the parent's responsibility end and the teacher's begin?? I am bewildered that the quality of education is so poor that at this school there are children being passed from one grade to the next without the knowledge that they need. Investigative math and no phonics - what is that? I am disappointed greatly in Rapid Valley Elementary School!
--Submitted by Clara Peterson, a parent