Rockford Elementary School

I have nothing but great things to say about this school. Starting with the leadership of the principal, then the teachers, and the after school program as well. Rockford has shined with great promise. Rockford Elementary is a school where children are nurtured, loved and respected. You will see the dedication put in by the principal, teachers and support staff will enhance your child's learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest son just completed his first year of Kindergarten at Rockford. As any new parent, I was very nervous about school, as my husband and I had debated on different schools in the area. I have no doubt that we made the best decision to send our son to Rockford. We always feel very welcomed when we stop by for lunch or for any parent activities. I am saddened to see some negative posts about the staff and principal. I have noticed that the principal says hello directly to students using their name. The teachers always seem to be smiling and happy as well. We love our school and our son has thrived there.
—Submitted by a parent

Each child is an individual learner at Rockford. They are valued and appreciated for their efforts that they put forward with their education. Through the process of ongoing testing and assessment within a classroom my child's needs have been met on his individual learning level. I also value the way the principal and staff are concerned with my child's love of education. Wheither with a pat on the back for encouragement or "words to live by". As a parent, "what goes into a mind...comes out in a life"..and my child is thriving at Rockford Elementary School. Go Tigers!
—Submitted by a parent

Rockford Elementary School is more than just a school... it is a family of learners where everyone works together to help all students experience success and excellence! The principal makes every effort to greet students and parents by name, making everyone feel welcome. The school hosts frequent parent activities both during and after school hours, providing hands-on activities that parents and grandparents can use with their children. Parents and grandparents are kept informed by teachers of their child's progress, and are given strategies at home to help them if they are struggling. As a grandparents caring for my grandchild, I am so thankful to have the care and support provided by the principal, teachers, and support staff of Rockford Elementary School!

I have two children who attend Rockford Elementary. One just finished Kindergarten and my oldest just finished 2nd grade there. Both of my kids have been in this school since they were in pre-k. Rockford is not only concerned with academic success, as evident in their test scores, but also with life skills that provide its students with a lifelong education. I remember walking into Rockford 4 years ago and being welcomed with open arms. Since then, we have been embraced and made feel like family by everyone in the building. I cannot imagine my children attending school anywhere else. As for the review of the principal, I am sorry you had an experience you were not fond of, but this is not the experience of most people that walk through those doors. Rockford is a family and we stick together; students, parents, teachers, staff, and administration. I highly recommend anyone looking for a great school to start at Rockford Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

Rockford Elementary Teachers and Staff have a Vision for RES Students! They believe that ALL Children can Excell and they work hard to make sure each child feels successful!

I am so glad this school year is over. If I had to deal with one more week of this school and its Administration I would literally move. Not schools but states. Fortunately my son will be in a private school so I do not have to deal with the principal and her lack of leadership and communication. Mrs Chastain is far from even mediocre. She has no communication skills and it is evident in how she deals with her students teachers and parents. Its too bad our children's future is in her hands. Very unfortunate and as a parent take my advice. Find another school. The saying "garbage in garbage out" echoes in my mind everytime I think about those poor students and the schools staff. Trust me...just run!
—Submitted by a parent

Some of the teachers are really good and thoughtful. The principal is a little too friendly. Seems a little bit fake. The lady out front can be so rude sometimes. Makes you feel like you have bothered her. The bus driver for my child does not pay attention to what is going on around him on the bus. Children getting in arguments and fighting. He is clueless. My child has learned alot from her teacher this year. She is in First grade and her teacher is wonderful. Very caring and very good with the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Incompetent staff which practices legal talk and avoids rather than answer simple questions involving your child. The Faculty is arrogant and will make inappropriate insinuations towards parents. The Buss driver for our child is argumentative and has been witnessed speeding driving erratic [enough to rip off the muffler to his buss] And from the note we received also illiterate. Avoid any dealing with this school if you can.
—Submitted by a parent

This will be the 3rd school year that we have attended Rockford Ele. School. I have 2 kids that are in 5th and 2nd grade. When we moved from up North to Tn. I was concerned about my kids adjusting to a new environment. I can honestly say how welcommed we felt when we walked into the doors. Everyone has been wonderful and you can tell that the teachers love their job and their kids. I love the fact that it just gets better and better every year. Keep up the wonderful work from the Teachers to the Principal and the rest of the Staff
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter is a student at Rockford in the 5th grade. She started in Kindergarden. I've NEVER had any problems or complaints about this school. From the principal to the teachers to the lunch room ladies EVERYONE is very kind and considerate.

I had a wonderful time at this school 20 years ago and now my son has the same, walking the same halls with some of the same teachers! I love it!
—Submitted by a parent

There is not enough communication to the parents from the teachers. The teacher my child has is very forgetful and I can never count on her for anything. The new principal is okay and the secretary is good but sometimes a little on the rude side.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children go to Rockford in the past several years and I think that the teachers are wonderful. When they were in the lower grades they had great teachers that were kind like Mrs. Holloway and Thacker. They had tremendous Kindergarten teachers. Mrs. Jones in so great. Then they were so excited when Mrs Garland and Mrs. Frye took them to Tremont in the 5th grade! They will never forget that trip or those two teachers who I entrusted to be my babies moms for an entire week..... They were great! Rockford teachers are!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started in Rockford's pre-K special education program this past school year. I am a stay at home mom and had never put my child in daycare so turning over care of my three year old to someone I didn't know was a very scary thing. I have been more than pleased with the attention he gets and the progress that he has made at this school. I am very impressed by the individuals I have dealt with. His teachers are wonderful and caring individuals. They have gone above and beyond what I ever expected, one even volunteering to come in early to meet my son as he gets off the bus. He has developed friendships and their involvement with him shows through to his home life. He's a different child now and I think he's having a wonderful experience with his new 'friends'.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very sorry to read the previous comments criticizing the Rockford principal and Rockford Elementary in general. I have been a parent volunteer at Rockford for the past five years and I now have two children who attend Rockford. While no school or administration is perfect or has the capability to please everyone all the time, I am very pleased with the high level of professionalism that the Principal and staff display. My children receive excellent academic instruction and are able to participate in many fun activities. I have always found Mr. England, the Principal, very approachable and understanding of any comments or concerns that I have. Equally, my daughters' teachers have always displayed genuine interest and concern for them and for any comments/concerns that I have. Please do not judge Rockford by the comments of one disgruntled parent. LWC
—Submitted by a parent

I consider Rockford to be one of the finest elementary schools in the Blount County area. While there is not as much parent involvement as I would like to see, the staff, including support staff, is very caring and nurturing. I have seen many teachers staying past their 'paid' hours, and know personally that many of them buy food, clothes, and necessities for the students out of their own pockets! While it is not a perfect school, I have seen much growth, and a deep desire to better the environment, academically, as well as physically for the school. I am proud to have a school with the quality staff of Rockford Elementary!
—Submitted by a teacher

The current pricipal lacks the professionalism one would expect from a person in his position. After a legitimate complaint was made about a teacher, I have been 'shunned' so to speak. Are parent's expected to be seen but not heard? I feel that the staff has a responsibilty to parents not only because we have entrusted them with our children, but because we are taxpayers that pay their salaries in part. They should welcome parent feedback and expect to be accountable to parents! I guess after being educated by one of the top public school systems, Rockford School has been very disappointing, and I am planning to send my child to another school next year and will start my youngest in an adjoining school district when he begins school.
—Submitted by a parent