Kohlberg Elementary School

This Principal is so cold and unapproachable. Discipline is non-existent. I;m pulling my kid out of this school. Not worth it. Other parents reading this, please know that the most of the teachers in this school are awesome but cannot do their job because of the principal. She beleives in separate and rule. very manipulative. If your kid willbe in 3rd and gets Kies you are DOOMED!!!! EPISD wants to make it a happy learning environment... but what about the calls of complaints against this principal? all they have to say is "Play nice" really? The PTA at Kohlberg is one of the best. They do a lot. Off late, i have noticed that they are not even happy to do anything and everything is taken over by the school and recenly the Idol was one of those things...
--Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Vargas and Mrs. Gibson are horrible and should not... Continued- Additionally, Ms.Kais tried to impose religion on me at a parent teacher meeting I had to keep asking her for, point being what she did clearly goes against the Texas schools teacher code of conduct. When my child was transfered out, Ms.Kais paraded in celebration in front of the other children, it got back to my daughter and it destroyed her morale. Onto the reason for Mrs.Vargas with-holding my child in the current grade is for absences. They exceeded 15 according to them. I had excused notes from my childs therapist for counseling when my child was only gone for 2 hours in the morning for the counseling sessions. and doctors notes for illness which are inevitable. When it comes to education and discipline, other than 2, maybe 3 of the teachers I've interacted with, Mrs.Melendez, the school councelor, is only the other asset this school has on staff and she is overwhelmed as there are over 800 students enrolled. Kohlberg could certainly benefit from restructuring by hiring a new and worthy Principal and Vice principal before the school is driven to the ground. Mrs.Vargas + Mrs.Gibson = FAIL -One angry parent
--Submitted by a parent

I love how helpful the office staff is - they are friendly, know the names of the children, and help resolve concerns quickly. As well, Mrs. Vargas, the new Principal is making a few changes here and there - but is genuinely interested in making Kohlberg a great school for children and their families. Perhaps the best administrative asset for Kohlberg right now is Mrs. Melendez - the school counselor. She is a great encourager for children and understands how to help our kids - no matter how big or small their issues may be. Ms. Curry, the librarian is perfect for Kohlberg, as well. She has a terrific grasp of the reading needs of our kids and is a strong advocate for good literature at Kohlberg. Love the PTA - the teachers - and the staff. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree completely agree with the parent about Ms. Vergas. She is really someone who should not be a principal. I have seen so many unhappy faces at this school since she took over. When I tried to confront her about a concern she completely dismissed me I have complained to the district and with the amount of taxes we are paying we should be heard. None of the rules that she has made has benefitted anyone, especially the students and the parents. The school is going down hill.
--Submitted by a parent

Ms. Vergas, the new principle is a big disappointment for us. It's obvious she is just sitting there to get paid. Unlike Mr. Escaleno the previous prin., we hardly ever see her trying to communicate with students. She tried to be out there directing the traffice like Mr. Escaleno for the first 3 days and that was it. She is enforcing many strict rules in the school events and certainly students are not enjoying their school anymore. Ms. Vergas, doesn't seem to understand that if she wants support from the students and parents, she needs to communicate more and support her students too.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is crowded. During recess, there are too many children and not enough personel to take care of them, specially for the kinder classes. The special education 'mixed' classes availalbe at this school are not distributed efficiently, and no good experience has been shown with teaching kids with special ed. How can you expect to have mixed special ed classes when you cannot handle the crowds of regular kids you already have? Also, special attention to parents is often given if you have the proper 'connections', otherwise, it is pretty diffcult to address any needs with the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

this school is terriable. i would not recommend it. the teachers don't take they time with the children and also the coach is extremely rude and should not be coaching.
--Submitted by a parent

Kohlberg is a large school - but my kids seem to do well. Terrific, dedicated teachers really make a difference. Parent involvement is lacking, but a SOLID and terrific PTA is the backbone of this school. The leadership of the school at times seems distracted by the largeness of their responsibilities and can appear to be disconnected from the everyday matters. Art and music are not offered widely - other than what teachers do in their individual classrooms and isolated fine arts classes for 5th graders. Kohlberg is a healthy, fun, quality school for my kids.
--Submitted by a parent

I am still getting used to the school and its system... The principal has been good until today.. however, we do feel that new students are not pushed hard enough to 'get in the train' with the other ones, and a bit of personal attention to some issues is still missing. We truly and hopefully believe it'll get better!!
--Submitted by a parent

I like this school bcos, the teacher my child has does a lot of activities and gives individual attention and knows every one of them. The Principal and Vice princy are both very friendly and at the same time, very professional and helpful.
--Submitted by a parent