John A Sippel Elementary School

* Sippel was built for 750 students and they are currently at almost 1000 students. That is why the early lunches. They can't fit all students into the cafeteria at a reasonable lunch time. *7:45am to 2:45pm is the hours of instruction (same as others in the district) *A child that is labeled special ed cannot be suspended (talk to you government if you have issues with this) *Parting at a friends house is not an excuse for being out of school
—Submitted by a parent

We're a military family and have moved around a lot. This is the 5th school my son has been to, and he's 9. This is the worst school he's ever attended! Where do I start? His teacher constantly tells him he's going to fail the 4th grade. He has hours of homework every night, and when I wrote a note to excuse him from it as we'd gone out for ONE day to visit friends and got back late, the teacher gave him a fine. Don't get me started on the fines. They have the most confusing "reward" system ever. They have "money" in a checkbook account and get fines for a hundred different things. Rarely is there the chance to earn money for good behavior. As for the parent teacher communication, it's a joke. They have some "system" where you have to sign in a different part of their folders at different times. I can't keep up with it, so God knows how kids can. They have student led parent/teacher conferences, the teacher just sits there and says nothing while your child attempts to explain what they're doing in school. My son entered the spelling bee, and afterwards tried to show his teacher his certificate. The teacher just told him to sit down and get on with his work!
—Submitted by a parent

If I could do it all again, I would take my son and run far from Sippel. Their lunch times are ridiculous!! My son eats at 10:45am!!! He gets 20 mins of recess a DAY!! They start very early in the morning compared to other schools but then let out at the same time and yet the kids get 20 mins a day?! My son has been bounced around from classroom to classroom. He has a learning disability & the school has taken almost a full calendar year without providing him any assistance. The blame is always placed on my son, never on the staff. Realizing my son isn't an angel, I still believe the adults should take responsibility for their actions, failures, & job duties. My family & I moved from a school less fortunate than Sippel & yet the students loved their teachers. The teachers were full of heart & creativity. Most Sippel staff are not the same unless you get Mrs. Tidwell (absolutely AMAZING!!) My son comes home in tears often and begs me to home-school him!!! Requesting parent-teacher conferences, isn't getting me anywhere. We're moving soon to get away from here for our son's happiness. to somewhere that can embrace his disability. Don't be fooled, if you can, avoid Sippel!!!
—Submitted by a parent

we have a 2nd grader, just moved here. I am not impressed at all. communication between teacher & parent does not exist, unless started by the parent. And "lunch" times are a joke. Our child's is at 10:45am. McDonald's has just stopped breakfast. Makes for distracted afternoon classes. Now for the worst. After school procedures are a joke, but walkers, like our kid, are let go after the busses & cars. Which is about 3pm. They walk down a small street, Noble Way to Crusader Bent. Several cars are waiting for their kids, as I am. At 3ish about 3 doz kids come on scooters, bikes, skateboards, and their feet. they fill the street, not looking, not stopping, pulling out in front of moving cars. I have seen a doz times a car had to slam on their breaks. I called the school and was told their responsibility ended at the fence. They have 2 crossing guards at the point of their responsibility. One could be put at the corner of Noble & Crusade, because a child will be injured. Then we'll see how far their responsibility reaches. If you care about your child, don't let them walk from Sippel.
—Submitted by a parent

I have mixed feelings about this school. My child is doing great in her 2nd year there. My problem is the lack of discipline and follow thru punishment by the Principal and AP. Last year my child was in a very "rough" class. There was a child who was a constant discipline problem and routinely was sent to the office. They would never send him home, only back to class where he would disrupt again. Throwing scissors and shoes at the teacher. It wasn't until another classmate was physically harmed by this said child and had to spend the day in the ER before any disciplinary action was taken. The child was eventually expelled after MANY parents complained about the incident. In my opinion it should NEVER come to that. Time after time misbehaved kids are sent back to class after a trip to the office w/o anything done to stop the childs actions. For me to change my opinion of this school, a change in staff needs to happen. Other parents I talk to think the office staff is a joke. I bought this house b/c I was told this was a 10/10 school, it is not, and many times I find myself second guessing our choice. I'm unhappy with the no-water issue for the 2nd graders in portables. FIX IT!
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that the AIMS program (Special Education) for children with disabilities is HORRIBLE!!!!! My son has autism like symtoms but has not been diagnosed with autism as of yet. The principle and staff insisted he go to a diciplinary school for a few months. I have never heard of a child with autism going to a diciplinary school! After that he went back to Sipple Elementary. Now they are wanting to send him to another school 3 weeks before school is out. Not to mention that the school they want to send him to has very bad reviews from parents and students. Its sad that children with disabilities have to fight to recieve a public education when they already have to fight to function in everyday society. I think the special education staff needs to be trained properly so they can do their jobs instead of passing a child around like hes nothing!
—Submitted by a parent

I guess it's okay. I am a student who attends John A. Sippel. The teachers are nice. My name is Andrew and I'm in 4th grade.

We've been with Sippel for its first two years now. I am exceptionally pleased with them! We have had our ups and downs, but every time, they strive to fix whatever problem we have come across, quickly and more than efficiently. The teachers are wonderful, the rest of the staff are spectacular, and the volunteers are plenty! I want to add in that both teachers we have had have gone above and beyond to help our daughter with her reading problems. As have the reading teachers. Thank you so very much!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of a Kindergartener who attended Sippel during it's first year opening and we totally loved it. My daughter's teacher was wonderful and the school being brand new was clean and the library was filled with brand new books and so bright and airy. They had their own bathroom in their class, at least 3 computers and a large interactive white board connected to a computer. I love the hi-tech stuff! Also they have cameras monitoring everything and a very secure campus safe for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

This shcool is new and thus far, I am very satisfied! Everyone involved with the school is good, teachers, staff, volunteers in the classrooms. They are really doing a good job of keeping the parents informed, having events for the kids, and just creating a positive experience for the kids so they'll ENJOY going to school. They did a holiday program in December and it was awesome. Each grade level performed. Kudos to everyone involved with that event. We are in the process of moving and we could live almost anywhere but we have decided that we want to ensure our kids are able to continue at Sippel. It's a good school, our kids enjoy it and it is a good fit for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

This school just opened this school year. So far I have been very pleased with the Principal, staff, teachers, and volunteers. The school has lots of events for the children and families. The PTC is great as well...they email parents about upcoming events and solicit help and treats for the teachers. Overall it seems to be a great school! Go Stallions!
—Submitted by a parent