Kerr Elementary School

I now have a Kindergartner and a 3rd grader at this school - the few times we have had concerns regarding our 3rd graders progress, the teachers were very quick to provide assistance and help us enhance her progress. If you read through the reviews - most of the reviews focus on lack of parental involvement. I think it's important to understand the differences in "parental involvement". First and foremost, there are several moms up at the school 20+ hours a week - volunteering in PTA, room mom, etc... I work full time, but do manage to be a room mom and have lunch with my kids at least 2 times a month on stage (cafeteria). Then, there are the moms that feel they are more educated than the teachers and they know best in how to teach children. These are where the negative comments are coming from. Parents need to put their children in a school that will teach their children, then, for any gaps in education, it is the parents responsibility to enhance academic learning at home. In short, the school administration will not let you sit in your child's class and interrupt with your way of teaching. If you are looking for that - this school is not for you.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a retiring school teacher from another district whose daughter teaches at Kerr Elementary. Not all schools are wonderful to their teachers, but Kerr sounds like the kind of school I would love to have taught in myself--supportive parents, supportive administration, kind students, supportive co-workers. To the few bad-apple parents who think the school ought to be focused on you and willing to work with you and willing to help your child and willing to blah blah blah--you are clueless. I know you. I've had your children through the last thirty-two years. They are just like you--spoiled, selfish, lazy, and think that the world revolves around them. Grow up. Thank you, Kerr Elementary, for treating my daughter so well and making me even more proud of education in north Texas, some of the best schools in the nation!

So far this year there have been three BASIC science issues that have come to my attention. No luck discussing it with the teachers because they do not know what they don't know. My children like the teachers because they are "nice". Nice does not equal competence.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two kids attend Kerr elementary school and each one had an extraordinary learning experience. My kids were challenged in their scholastics and well supported by the teachers. This is a very positive and safe learning environment for students.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal actions suggest that she considers parents to be intruders in HER school. There is no attitude of partnership with parents on behalf of the students or administration. If you want to help out at your child's school, if you believe education must be a partnership between you and the teacher, then Kerr is not where you should be.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome. My daughter is a 3rd grader and she has been in this school since Kindergarden. We are very pleased how much she loves this school, her teacher and her friends there.
—Submitted by a parent

Have appreciated the support provided by Abbey Weinstein in working through IEP's. Very supportive and helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Kerr is an amazing school. The Principal is very far and works well with the parents and kids. You have to remember she is there to take care of the children and she does the best job I have ever seen. I am very involved in this wonderful school and I am so happy we are there! If you are looking for a great school with good teacher and a great principal then this is your school!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children went there. They loved it! Most of the teachers are great and the principal is very receptive to suggestions. My son was in a math competition outside of school (AMC8, or American Math Competition for 8th grade and under) because it was not offered at the Kerr (or any of the Allen ISD schools for that matter). I told the principal about it. She immediately looked into this matter with the school district. Going forward, it will be offered at Kerr!
—Submitted by a parent

Kerry and most of the teachers are outstanding.My quibble is that the ISD does not give teachers enough supplies. In the past three years, each of our child's teachers has constantly asked parents to "donate" school supplies. Our taxes are the highest in the region; the ISD should be able to afford supplies for the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

I totally agree with the previous parent.I am not sure how the principal at Kerr still has a job.If you are an involved parent ,Kerr is not the school for you..
—Submitted by a parent

We are so glad this school year is over! The principal of Kerr has made this year very difficult with her hostility towards parents and one teacher has caused one of our children physical problems because of the stress she put on the kids in her class. Our other child had a fabulous year because of his outstanding teachers. Teachers at Kerr range from those with an attitude of entitlement who believe the parents are a hindrance and a nuisance, to those who genuinely believe education should be a partnership between parents and teacher. As someone else wrote here, if you are looking for a partnership with your child's teacher you might want to look at the other elementary schools in Allen.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with several of the recent postings that the administration does a poor job of communicating with parents and does not, by any means, make parents feel welcome. Elementary education is a collaborative effort between parents, teachers and school administrators and the Principal, in particular, does not appear to support this type of collaboration. Unfortunately, we are looking at alternatives at this point including private school or moving districts.
—Submitted by a parent

Communication is very poor at this school. Oftentimes, they will cancel after school activities without notifying the parents, leaving everyone in confusion about transportation home! I calle dthe school this morning to see if they were having Run Club this afternoon (because it's a TAKS test day, I wasn't sure), and was told that it had been canceled. Then hours later, my child called and said they WERE having Run Club! This is only one example of poor communication. There have been many others about other things throughout the school year.
—Submitted by a parent

Communication from teachers and administration is very poor. After several unreturned calls, and several unreturned emails, I thought I could just show up and get the answer to my question. As another parent stated in her review, it was not that easy. Speaking with the principal is like trying to reach the nation's President. The teachers have been adequate up to this school year. It has been a difficult year for us. We are moving to a new school within the district next year. My child really welcomes and is excited about making the change. So are we, at this point.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are not allowed the supplies they need to teach. I have had to send in photocopy paper so that my child's teacher can make copies. Parents are often asked for supplies that should easily be covered by our tax dollars! The administration is rude to parents and the children are afraid of them. Some teachers are good but they will leave. We are choosing to move. Sad situation!
—Submitted by a parent

There are some wonderful teachers at this school but the atmosphere is unwelcoming for the most part. If you want to be involved in your child's education, if you are looking for a warm and caring environment for your child, this is not your school. Communication with parents is horrible.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at the school for many years. There have been many changes, some good, most I'm not thrilled with. I don't like the production needed to get the kids to class in the mornings. I feel the communication of new procedures is lacking. For a parent who is in the school frequently, you see more and hear more of what is really going on, and your control of your children's safety is no longer considered your responsibility. We've even called AISD on some new procedures told to us by teachers via the administration and have come to find out the school district is not as strict or intimidating as Kerr's administration makes them sound to be. Our teachers we've had are great, and are our main reason for continuing on here at Kerr.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school, but are having a good year so far. The only thing that bothers me thus far is that they do not allow parents to walk their children to class and we are not allowed into the classroom without a pre-arranged appointment with the teacher, even if it is before or after school. A couple of weeks ago, I emailed the teacher and did not recieve a response before the time I needed the answer the next morning, so I thought I would walk my child to class that morning and ask...It wasn't that easy. I got an inquisition at the front desk and although I realize it is important to keep the kids safe, I did not feel welcome and felt like asking a simple question was a real hassle. But, like I said, we are having a good year so far.
—Submitted by a parent

In 2003 we relocated to Allen, TX based on the ratings and feedback from local friends and realtors regarding the school district. My children have attended Kerr for the past four years. The hands on daily activity of Staff, PTA, and Volunteer Parents to exceed basic educational requirements is inspirational. Equally impressive is the constant push to move forward towards personal growth of the childrens' minds, bodies, and spirits. The teachers have exceeded my expectations for 3 out of the 4 yrs we have been attending Kerr. There has been constant improvement in staffing and programs. Ardath Streitmatter has taken Kerr far beyond where the last principal left off. Her hands on approach with the children and staff is the foundation of Kerr's success. I am also impressed with her implementing the Love and Logic Program. The committment of staff and parents is enhancing my childrens' futures.
—Submitted by a parent