Milam Elementary School

This is the best school ever and I am so grateful that my children have the opportunity to attend. My kids have been enrolled at Milam for the last three years and we look forward to another year.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been the worst ever! Most staff is unprofessional and rude! We will be homeschooling our children next year due to this experience at this school. There isn't a classroom that I have seen that doesn't look like an episode off of hoarders. I wouldn't recommend this school to ANYONE!!
—Submitted by a parent

When a person is in a position and make an impact on kids and adults, they should 1. be conscious of that fact, 2. be able to display the role model behavior that reflects accountabbility and professionalism, and last but not least, CARE. While the majority of the staff does care, our military liason person stated to a very nice person on today that she does NOT care. She has been rude to some of the nicest people at this school, and the bad part is if she took the time to look at her behaviors she would see just how mean and rude she is. Maybe she needs a friend, but in the meantime she has a job and she is not living up to it...she seems very bitter and disgruntled. I think when she does leave a dark cloud will move from over the school. She lives up to EPISD's tainted reputation. I guess that means she belongs, but shouldn't we expect more? We belong and we have a right to expect more! She is getting a paycheck for behaving badly! There are many families that have withdrew their children from this school and even more considering it.It is sad because the residents deserve more than the liason they are stuck with. Hopefully she gets it or gets out, soon! Disappointed! Uuugh!
—Submitted by a parent

My sons attended this school for one year last year. (3rd grade and Kinder) I wasn't impressed with this school. Aside from the fact that the staff was expected to do more with less, there were a few faculty members I took particular issue with. It isn't because I don't think they care; in fact, I am certain they do care about the children. But specifically, the Kinder teacher and the pricipal seemed ill-prepared to deal with my "special needs" child. They were inexperienced and unknowledgeable when dealing with my child who was eventually diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. Throughout the year, I did everything I could to help the teacher deal with my "difficult" child. At one point I was confronted by three Kinder teachers who basically placed the blame on me for his issues. I haven't had to deal with a child like him before, I was counting on them to have the experience to help me. By the end of the school year, it seemed like they were just waiting for him to move on. My only complaint about my older son is the librarian refused to let him check out a 6th grade level book because he was in 3rd grade. Don't hold a child back if they can read it!
—Submitted by a parent

I think the principle at this school is outstanding ., she accommodates my son to his needs, she's very attending to the needs of children and parents. She is always greeting children, making them feel welcomed. She has this special persona. I wish all her teachers can be just like her. I also believe this school needs a new playground. The playground they have is very dangers for children ( a lot of nails ) this school needs a a real playground for children, not tires and rope. Tires isn't a playground.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children who attend this school, so far the experience had been a good one. Yes the principal seems a liitle unengaged with the children but I think the teachers and office staff have been amazing. My son has a speech issue and both his teacher and therapist have worked to help him and have put effort to help him succeed. My older son had an issue with bullying I went in to the office to report it, and even though I was told the principal would call me, she never did but two days later when I went back in the military liason lady at the front desk ( can't remember her name at the moment) was super helpful and she made sure this issue was dealt with and the principal did put an end to it. So overall I think it's a wonderful school with some great teachers. Hope this helps :)
—Submitted by a parent

I would have to disagree with the last poster from Sept 21, 2011. I have had children at this school for the last 2 years now and I've had multiple problems with this principal. I've told her my concerns or problems and she blamed the teachers or said I just don't understand how difficult the position is. She condones gossiping of some of her "office" staff to others. She will tell you one thing and do another. She's very revengeful when confronted. I think its time for her, her counselor and her smart-mouth military person finds another job.
—Submitted by a parent

My son's teacher is great...however the Principal is the worst I have ever encountered, my son has been bullied all year, and the principal has DONE nothing to help him...and to make matters worse, she has said all the wrong things to him when he was in her council to make him feel more victimized. I have tried to pull my son out of the school but have nowhere else to put him...He was a straight A student and now we are lucky if he makes a C....Look at all the comments about how awful her leadership has been and yet she still reigns as principal there....I would take out the PAL in her position because she is no PAL to the Children...
—Submitted by a parent

One star seems too much but there was nothing less. When I went to register my 1st grader, I left the demographic blank. The teacher who was enrolling us looked at me with a shrug and said I looked 'white' so filled in the block for my daughter based on her astute assessment. My 1st grader came home in January and told me that the reason MLK was killed was because 'white people hated black people'. I asked her if she knew what a great leader he was and if the teacher talked about how he led peaceful protests. Nope, just that he was shot a long time ago because 'white people hated black people.' Very disingaged faculty and I can't wait to get my daughter to a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very hestitant about my children attending Milam for the 2009-2010 school year. I even considered transferring them to another EPISD school before the school year started. I'm glad I didn't. I was expecting the worst based on the previous parent reviews. I have to say it has been a great school year for my boys. They have thrived at this school. The teachers are awesome! As most schools do...Milam too has their weaknesses. All in all it has been a very good school year!
—Submitted by a parent

I am lucky to have a great teacher for my fourth grader. This school we would be so happy when it is time to go. There is no compassion from the principal, no one cares about parents concerns. This school is very much aware of this, they also understand 90% os students are USASMA kids, therefore they only have us for one school year (9 mths)
—Submitted by a parent

The Pre-K teachers are awesome! I would have volunteered but the principal is quick to send you on your way. She lacks professional skills and seems very unorganized and is quick to go back on her word. At the beginning of the year, I tried to do observation hours required by my Master's program. She had told me yes before school had started but went back on her word after school started and sent me to another principal. Now why would I want to volunteer for someone who doesn't invite observers in the education field...seems like she doesn't want new educators!! I will be glad when we leave and get a better school back east. Lots of upset parents from the SGM Academy!! Yes we gossip because the superintendent needs to clean this school up!
—Submitted by a parent

For the first month, this school seemed very unorganized. My fifth grade daughter didn't know what she was supposed to be doing. During the open house, about 85% of the parents had complaints, and all the teachers did was make bad excuses. The one good thing, is the orchestra program is great!!
—Submitted by a parent

As parents that move around constantly, we need to understand that each state is going to have its required testing. The TAKS test is a minimal standards test. If the students do not pass, then they do not have the minimal standards for that grade level. This is a state policy (NOT a school or district policy) put into place by the government (our boss). The teachers at Milam work very hard and have been very good to my kids. They love it. I volunteer there and what upsets me the most are the parents that stand around and gossip, complain but do NOTHING to help the school out. As representatives of the country it is US that should be ashamed. Teachers do not get paid enough to be treated unfairly. We need to help the situation, offer solutions and volunteer, not get angry and make excuses for our children.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attended Milam for one year and it's been a wonderful year. The teachers are awesome. The staff are very easy to work with. We had some behavioral issues and it completely felt like a team project on trying to fix the issue. The teachers and the staff never made me feel like I had a 'troublemaker' child, but instead were more then willing to help us figure out what the issue was and fix it. I love the teamwork feel that you get from the teachers and staff. They genuinely care about your child.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Milam are wonderful. They do a great job teaching what is mandated by the state. The genuinely care about the children, and are easy to talk to. Every teacher my children have had has been amazing. However, the rating is based on all aspects and I am very dissatisfied with Milam's principal. This is our third year here and I am so frustrated with her ineffective leadership that I am eagerly anticipating our move from this school district. She changes policies frequently. She needs to get organized, and do a better job ensuring safety. Parents don't want to volunteer for someone who can't make good decisions. The kids seem to like her though.
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked to read some of the comments that have been posted. I have to disagree with the parents who made negative comments about Milam. It is a great school located in one of the safest cities. The school is small, kept clean and very inviting. The teacher to student ratio is excellent. I personally got to see what teachers do and they do a great job. I am disappointed at the fact that I can't say the same for the parents. There were very few who volunteered to help monitor or make copies, etc. I was one of the parents who joined PTA so I was able to see how much parents truly involved themselves with their children's education. Not many parents help but are quick to gossip, judge and blame the school. This was the reason I stopped volunteering frequently.
—Submitted by a parent

I am proud to be a teacher at Milam and proud of the work I do. I teach what the state of Texas requires me to teach and yes, part of that is the skills and strategies every child needs to pass the TAKS test, a test mandated by President Bush. The teachers at Milam work very hard and go above and beyond the duties of our 8 hour work day. With parental support we can accomplish so much more. Parents, realize that even though you are in El Paso for a short time, the invaluable volunteer time given to your child's school is a gift we would all appreciate and treasure. After all, the true treasures are your children, and what benefits them, benefits us all.
—Submitted by a teacher

My children have been at Milam for 2 years and we are heading in to our 3rd year there. They started in Kinder , 2nd and 3rd grades. I was pleased with the level of education my children received and loved the cultural knowledge of the area that my children acquired. Each year my children left Milam as well rounded students and I enjoyed all of the special events held at the school. The level of parent involvement needs to be stepped up quite a bit. Only very few of us would show up for events and or meetings. It is a small community and if we all do our part as volunteers we can accomplish so much.
—Submitted by a parent

I have not been impressed with the quality of teachers or Principal in this school. They are more concerned about State testing then preparing the kids to move to other school. Tutoring is only offered for graded doing State testing.
—Submitted by a parent