Sidney Lanier Expressive Arts Vanguard

I agree with the latest review, I don't even know we have a principal, she has no interest in the students. The teachers are amazing but the Leadership of this school has gone down hill and I will never understand why higher adminstration is not able to see this. This is my daughters last year, but I really feel for the kids that will remain there. Our Orchestra had a performance at Sandy Lake all the other schools stayed most of the day, we had to return right after they ate a 20 minute lunch because they kids had to be rushed back to the turtoing they needed to pass the upcoming star tests that they were not able to pass the first time. Maybe she is more worried about her rating of the school than she is anything else.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a severe lack of communication at this school. The principal bullies the teachers and is rude to the parents. She comes in at 10:00 almost everyday. If I ask her about different programs at the school, she can't answer me and has to have another teacher answer for her. She hides in her office and rarely walks around the school. I have even seen her put her hand in a teacher's face, telling her she doesn't want to talk to her. She will yell at her teachers in front of the students/parents. What kind of example is she? What kind of "professional" does that? The teachers are what keeps this school running, because it for sure isn't that rude principal! This school could run itself. They really need to send the district out to observe her and question the teachers about this principal's behavior. And don't trust the PTA!
—Submitted by a parent

The Principal at Sidney Lanier is one of the most remarkable leaders i have ever observed in education in Dallas. In spite of all odds, She has effectively led a team which has established an environment of artistic and intellectual breadth, deeply conducive to learning. An important facet of her courageous and creative leadership is her ability to nourish her staff as a family of professionals adhering to the highest standards of teaching. She should be a leader of potential leaders in the system. I was privileged to be their PFAD, October 9, 2012. It was an astonishing revelation of the real potential of this Dallas ISD system. Lanier shines as an extraordinary model of excellence within the Dallas ISD. Victoria Smith Downing

I am a teacher at Sidney Lanier and love it!!! We are like a family and the students are our children. We take care of them as well as teach them. Fun while learning keeps all of us interested. Great school!
—Submitted by a teacher

This a great school with a hard working staff. A school that focuses on academics and the arts. What more could you ask for!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and most of the staff is great. I think the prinicipal needs to be more involved with the students and not so much time behind a closed door. The opportunities that are provided are unbelieveable.. one of the best schools in DISD.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a teacher at Sidney Lanier and my son attended Kindergarten- Fourth grades at this magnificent school. It is truly a diamond in the rough. The staff is a family of committed educators and some of the best in the business. The staff is accoustomed to working with the varied cultural aspects as well as learning styles that the children bring with them. It was a pleasure to be a staff member and parent at Lanier Elementary Vanguard for the Exploratory heArts!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children, go to Lanier and I absolutley love this school. There is so much parent-teacher involvment you feel like you are at home when you walk in the door. I also went to this school as a child, and often run in to teachers who taught me and still remember me. It is so wonderful to have people surrounding your children that truly care about their education as much as I do. I love Lanier.
—Submitted by a parent

Sidney lanier is oak cliff's hidden treasure! i was told about sidney lanier so we went to the school to talk to the prinicpal and evaluate the school at first, i was skeptical because it is in a very low income area that at a glance would not be ideal. However, was i wrong! never judge a book by its cover! My boys,were one of the very few that receive a hardship transfer to attend. After the first year we seen a big academic difference with my oldest, in 2nd grade. He later was accepted in the vanguard and is now at greiner. My youngest started in kind. And continues to flourish. This is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Lanier is the best! I've been an active parent volunteer at Lanier for 7 years now and I love it. The Principal, teachers, and staff are a 'dream come true' for many parents. Lanier is a great Vanguard for the expressive arts and academic school. From dance, theater, band, orchestra, art, and choir, the children have the potential to become the next super stars! I highly recommend it...
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in kinder, a student in Mrs. Slaughter's class and enjoys the school very much. My husband and I have noticed the difference in his learning compared to when he was at Margaret B. Henderson. The quality of teaching by Mrs. Slaughter is the highest there can be, she not only is a 110% dedicated teacher to the students but is also a friend to them.
—Submitted by a parent