Alvis C Story Elementary School

I know that this is only the third day of school, but I must say I can already tell the year is going to be interesting.. On yesterday (the second say of school) I was told by an aide that she would have to sign me in if I wanted to walk my daughter to the cafeteria and that would create a lot of extra work for her.. REALLY?!?!!? I thought that was extremely rude of her to say that to a parent so I decided that I would take this issue up with the principal. Well I have left her 2 voicemails, and I'm still waiting on a call back. We moved to Allen for the great schools... Oh and by the way, she checked me in this morning and it took her all of 20 seconds...
—Submitted by a parent

Communications between staff members and between the school and parents is lackluster at best. Have experienced issues where the staff believes there to be a problem, but are working with information that is several weeks old and no longer valid. Children are sent to the office for displinary action, but parents are not notified of incident. Difficult to get in touch with teachers if you are a working parent and cannot go directly to the school and front office staff are not aware of current issues.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year here in Kindergarten and she loves it! her teachers are attentive, they actually care! They also do tons of stuff with the parents and host cute things such as around Christmas they held a "storytime" event for the kids and they got to come to school in their pj's. It was great!
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school staff themselves rate the school on 'GreatSchools.org'. The school is old and badly maintained. The office staff is rude so are some of the teachers. The kids are not disciplined. Although some teachers are good most of them it seems have a racial issue. My daughter's time at this school was a nightmare. We had to counsel her every night because of the day she had the school. I think it is high time Allen ISD looked into the functioning of this school. Avoid this School if possible.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Allen from Plano where my second grade gifted student hated going to school. We are very happy at this school. She enjoys going to school every day and the staff is much more interested in the students and is much more caring than at our last school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teacher for music and what time she gives for and to these children is outstanding and extra-ordinary. The principle at this school never ever listens to the parent over the teachers and his opinion of them. Unless of course it is only a good opinion. The academics is adequate considering it is an elementary. The accomodations for the special ed classes and their involvement in such is great. The parent involvement is extraordinary.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have gone to Story for several years, and love it. The principal is outstanding, as is the music program. Both of my girls have had special needs and I have been impressed with the school's cooperation in this area. I honestly think this is about as good as we could hope for at a public school. You step into the school and there is a great atmosphere, the staff seems to enjoy working there and that makes all the difference. The principal makes an effort to know and relate to each student while still keeping a school that emphasizes learning and high expectations for their students and faculty.
—Submitted by a parent

Story Elementary has been a wonderful environment for our child to get instruction, encouragement and support. Most of the teachers have taught over 10 years, and there is very little turnover in the staff. Mr. Junco is a hoot doing crossing guard duty each day. He brings energy and enthusiasm to the students. Mrs. Powell takes time to speak to every student by name. She is the heart and soul of the school. The Music, PE and Art teachers are outstanding. I only wish the staff got more publicity, so the whole community would know what a treasure they have in this school. Thank you to all the staff for making our elementary school years a pleasure.
—Submitted by a parent

We have recently moved to Allen from out of state. My fifth grade son attends Story. He loves it! When he is asked about his new school, he responds very positively. Everyone we have encountered has been very nice and supportive.
—Submitted by S.P., a parent

My daughter is part of the Multiage Program at Story Elementary. She is now a fourth grader and has the most wonderful teacher. I can definatly say that Story is a top school, from the teachers to the principal. The principal is by far the best I have ever encountered. He is very involved with the children and my daughter took to him right away (both love sharks). This school is very welcoming and I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

My family LOVES this school! The Principal is involved and very attentive. My son has had excellent teachers in KG, 1st, and 2nd grade. The music and PE teachers are enthusiastic and well-liked. This is a diverse school with high standards.
—Submitted by a parent

The principle at Story is very nice. He knows most of the students by name. The Assistant Principle, however, is a great disappoinment and is quite negative to a majority of the students and needs to learn some tactfulness. The second grade teachers are of average quality, some being great, most being poor. The third grade teacher are very patient with the students and give as much attention to each as is possible. The music teacher at Story is the best in the district and probably the districts around; exemplary The gifted and talented teacher is strict and not pleasant with the students: scares even the parents. The over-all quality of the school is above average. My student is at 98% with the TAKS testing.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, I wish my son was still attending.
—Submitted by a parent

The review from August 2004 can't be about the same school I know. Story's teacher retention rate has steadily climbed higher each year that the principal has been here. This year, I believe there were only two new teachers, and the ones who left moved away because of family reasons. The teachers I know list the principal as their main reason for *staying* at this campus. The teachers here have some of the most creative, dynamic lesson plans I have ever seen. All work is student directed, engaging, TAKS-correlated, and challenging. What more could you ask for?
—Submitted by a teacher

This used to be a loved school. Now it is a place where many students and parents hate. I think mostly because of the principal. He does not make the teachers do what they are paid to do. Most of the teachers just hand out worksheets and do very little actual teaching. They told me that my son was severely behind in reading and he somehow made a 100 on the reading task test. I think the staff is of poor quality and it all starts with the principal. He covers up when his staff makes mistakes. In fact many quality teachers have left Story just because of the Principal. It is sad that what used to be a Great school, is now a frowned upon school. Unless they change the principal, stay away from Story.
—Submitted by a parent