Sango Elementary School

You can volunteer at the school usually are by joining the PTA and also by the teacher sending out newsletters or emails asking you to volunteer for certain things in the classroom. They just sent out flyers asking people to volunteer to work the book fair. Yes the car circle is very slow but that is my only complaint. The school welcomes parents to come eat lunch with their kids and even have tables set aside for this purpose. My child is thriving in this school and is happy.
—Submitted by a parent

The office staff is very dry and not very welcoming. Instead of a "hi, how can I help you" it is more like "what do you want" attitude. The previous review that mentioned that they go to the school to see their son...well, the school must have changed their policies because I couldn't even get past the front desk without an appointment either with my child's teacher or to even get to the library to assit the librarian...so much for them making it easy to volunteer. The car circle is extremely slow and if you end up at the end of the line, then you can probably expect for your child to wait outside for 20 to 30 minutes before you are up front. Your child either rides the bus or you use the car circle. There are no other ways to pick up your child unless you sign him/her out early. I have def seen more efficient use of a car circle. This review is not acadeic based but policy an service based.
—Submitted by a parent

The only parents that don't have a problem with the demographic break down at Sango are the 84%. I'm disappointed in the lack of diversity among the staff at Sango. I'm grateful that my son will be attending Caramel Elementary in August. There is definitely a lack of consideration of others at this school. The school secretary had the audacity to ask me if my son and I have the same last name? This wouldn't have been a big deal had she asked the white lady who was also signing in to eat lunch with her child the same question. Never assume it only shows your ignorance and lack of professionalism!
—Submitted by a parent

This site reports the child ethnicity ratio as 84% white, and a combined 15% other. I'm curious to know the teacher ethnicity ratio. I've heard horror stories of staff leaders accusing children of color of using profanity simply because the staff member did not understand the dialect of the given child. Also some rules of sending children having difficulty in class to another class with upper-level, older children. I don't see how that is conducive to learning and I don't think it is why my taxes help pay teachers salaries. With such a large mismatch of cultures, I wonder if the teachers receive training in diversity.

Strong leadership. Excellent and caring teachers. An abundance of extracurricular activities that teachers run on their own time.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved across town so that my son could attend Sango, and I could not ask for a better school. The teachers and the staff have been extremely helpful and patient in working with my son and I. They are very quick, responsive and on the ball in responding to requests for LD testing, and in maintaining open lines of communication. Though my son is still struggling due to ADHD and LD, I feel that they went above and beyond the call of duty in the accommodation they provided. Thank you, Sango!
—Submitted by a parent

I scoured this site before our military move. It is true test scores are very good, they spend weeks taking practice tests and putting pressure on students and parents about the results. The culture is extremely protective. They rarely go out for recess it is almost always too hot or too cold (my child had three times as much recess when we lived in Alaska.) Quiet indoor recess is not a substitute for outdoor recess, especially for active, younger children. It is an enormous school. If you have children that are excellent students and hope they will potentially do homework from the moment they get home from school (which is half an hour longer in the spring to make up all the "snow days") until they go to bed, this may be the school for you. If these other things concern you, don't let that 10 charm you like it did me. I know parents who drive their kids across town to Moore Magnet and love it.
—Submitted by a parent

I applaud Ms. Vaughn for using her talents in an effort to get the school faculty on a path that focuses on the children instead of their inbred values. It must be difficult. I've noticed a complete turnover in the diversity of the faculty, and it must be a challenge for minorities in that school. I wonder if those posting five stars are of the 90 plus % majority of the school population. I will watch closely!
—Submitted by a parent

Sango Elementary is the best school in the county! Mrs. Vaughn is an excellent principal with an outstanding faculty and staff striving to meet the needs of all students. My kindergarten student has exceeded my expectations for growth this year. I am so thankful for such a wonderful place for children to achieve academic and social success!
—Submitted by a parent

I am shocked to read the negative comments about Sango. My son has been there for 3 years and he (and we) havebeen so happy with everything at this school. His teachers have been warm, caring and very focused on teaching. The strict atmosphere allows teachers to do their job - teach - rather than focus on discipline all the time. I have never found any of my son's teachers to be demeaning or uncaring. My son is thriving in this environment and enjoys the rewards for good behavior and the recognition for hard work in academics. Do not be deterred by these comments. Every parent I personally know at this school is very pleased!
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! 5 stars for Sango! We wish to thank the faculty and staff for another exceptional school year. Well done, Mrs. Vaughn, as you maintained the highest of standards in your first year as principal of Sango. We appreciated your open door policy, active listening, and sound decision-making. Our daughter (1st) thrived under the direction and caring of Ms. VanSickle. This young teacher set a sterling example through her dedication, competence, organizational skills, and positive attitude. Kudos to you! We look forward to 2nd grade, and for our youngest to begin kindergarten in 10 days! Keep up the great work! From appreciative parents with Sango Panther Pride!
—Submitted by a parent

We were very disappointed with Sango. The emphasis is on "appearances". The children are overlooked and expected to act like adults instead of children. When issues are addressed with administration, she is unwilling to consider any options besides her own. We are thrilled that our children are attending a different school now. The change has been tremendous. Rossview Elementary is high in academics while allowing children to be children.
—Submitted by a parent

Very happy! The academics are great! This past year I had a son in the third grade and a son in K. Both of them enjoy the school greatly. I do have a slight problem with how strict the discipline is. My older son was sent to the Principle's office numerous times this year and was on the verge of being suspended for things I did not perceive as worthy of being sent to the Principle's office for.......disciplined and a note sent home....yes...suspended for...no. Unless the student is flat out threating another child or fighting or causing physical harm to another, (which my son was not) how can a third grader possibly be on the verge of suspension? Despite this slight problem this year, I am very happy with the school and would highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

We just moved here from Indiana and I was a little hesitant about the schools out here. I have absolutely fallen in love with Sango Elementary! The staff is extremely helpful and welcoming. Mrs. Cotter and Mrs. Morris are amazing and my children rave on and on about their teachers. Communication is great! There is Powerschool and the teacher always email back right away. I see why this school is rated 10 out of 10! Keep up the great work Sango!
—Submitted by a parent

As a teacher, I am honored to teach at Sango. It is a remarkable school. As a parent, I am concerned about the PTA this year. We have always been a school known for parent involvement, but this year the PTA has done much less for the teaching staff and has all but stopped communicating with most of the parents. I don't know what has changed this year, but its not a change for the better. We have so many wonderful parents at Sango who would love to support the school if they were only contacted.
—Submitted by a teacher

We moved to this area in large part so our kids could attend Sango. After one rough year there they now attend private school. Weeks of my 1st grader losing recess (as a class) and having to sit boy girl boy in the cafeteria to cut down on chatter was enough for me. My 6 yr old cried most afternoons, she was starved for play, relaxation, warmth and freedom. She was a prisoner in that school. She is also an honor roll student with zero discipline issues, often overlooked when her hand was raised. If students get out of their seat they are told to sit down without ever finding out why they are up. I do not feel my child was treated like a person at this school but an inmate. She is so much happier at CA!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I am very happy with Sango. My only concern is last year my child was in the 4th grade and they had a tremendous amount of homework. Also his backpack was very heavy and he wasn't allowed to use his wheels. I mean if I have problems lifting it, how do you expect a child to?
—Submitted by a parent

I went to sango in fourth and fith grade and there is no better elementary school in the county with better teachers!
—Submitted by a student

Sango follows the curriculum set by the state of Tennessee, but does so in an above and beyond method. The teachers level their curriculum to meet the needs of the students in their classrooms. This is difficult to do, and as a parent of a high performing student, I am extremely pleased. The teachers use a variety of techniques to reach a variety of learning styles. Yes, Sango has high expectations of everyone. But why would anyone want low expectations in a school? This is the best school my children have attended. We are military and I have seen 6 different schools in 4 states. Sango is top-notch!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school and great safe, clean environment, my kids love it! grateful parent, Marie Smith
—Submitted by a parent