Martin Elementary School

Sorry I was reviewing Jim G. Martin in San Antonio, Texas, Northside Independent School District.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm disappointed to read some of these reviews. My child has went to Mary Martin for the past 3.5 years. We have had nothing but good experiences. As a parent who is extremely sceptical of the public school systems in America, I feel this school has eased my fears. The office staff could be a little more cheerful but in reality their attitudes have nothing to do with your childs education. A previous review mentions an angry male teacher who "shall not be named" rest assured, he has retired and the teacher who has replaced him is very competent, sweet and the children really seem to enjoy her. As far as children who struggle falling through the cracks, I've not had that experience. Whenever my child struggled she was sent home with extra work and we helped work through the problems at home until she caught up. Ive always felt that the teachers discipline accordingly, teaching that for every action there is a consequence, such as talking when you're not supposed to (also known as interrupting) will result in a small time of recess being taken away. I feel the teachers are all highly skilled professionals and Mary Martin is a great school, I'm proud to have my child attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been very pleased with Mary Martin! The teachers we have had have been terrific with the exception of fifth grade. The curriculum builds from kinder through 4th then drops off at 5th. The quest program is amazing and provides a wonderful opportunity for students who need to be challenged above and beyond the regular curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Mary Martin Elementary in all outward appearances is great, but when you dig below the surface things are very different. The principal was probably a great teacher, but she lacks many characteristics of what a principal should be. She allows one teacher and I use the word teacher loosely to yell, man handle, and bully the children of this otherwise great school. There is only one rotten apple in this basket! Parent after parent has seen the problems this man causes and we all wonder why he is allowed to remain a teacher. If you are having problems with the principal or with the music teacher ..you are not alone. Don t just think it will get better or someone else will report problems. Be proactive and report problems to the WISD ETHICS HOTLINE 817-598-2809. The line is answered 24/7 and you can report anonymously or leave a message to have someone call you back.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school love my sons teacher mrs. Crow she is one of a kind and works wonders with the kinder class. My son is so happy there and I am glad we chose to send him to this wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers here have good things they teach. I would agree that they teach kids easily. The problem is though the teachers here inforce rules so much they are not teaching kids how to act, instead they take away all the childrens recess! If they talk in line the give them a isolated lunch which unables them to talk on their only possible time to talk. The teachers here flip out over whispering. During lunch if the principal comes into the room and starts blabbing on and on they take up all your childs lunchtime trying to get you to do fundrasiers or watching youtube videos that have nothing to do with anything. If your child does something to stand up for theirselves well this school is a perfect place for them to get in trouble because the principals think that your child is doing something wrong instead of the bully. The playgrounds have trash all in them and barely any playground equipment. The teachers are super strict and the lunch food is disgusting. The lunch ladies sometimes leave hairs in the hamburgers and the meat is pink and raw. If you are looking for a terrible school to make your child misreble... well... this is the place to find a horrible principal!

Would never recommend this school! There isnt a program in place for students who are slow learners. My child fell between the cracks b/c his test score/evaluations weren't low enough to qualify for special ed but yet he struggled with on grade cirriculum. Then they would tell him he didnt 'deserve' recess. Excessive homework everynight except on Wed. & Fri. and usually not graded. If you have a energetic child-beware-they will try to covince you child has ADD. Dr. told me teachers there were really bad about this-want challenging kids drugged so their job is easier.
—Submitted by a parent

If your children are easy to teach and all you care about is the TAKS test this is the place for you. My child has been left behind I will never let my child go to Mary Martin.
—Submitted by a parent

Sorry guys. This school is 'nice' on the outside but I'm afraid they are falling short. Limited to no recess, byzantine security rules, and a demoralized staff that oft quotes 'Texas law' as an excuse for mediocraty. We've heard great things about this school distric from others but have witnessed very little. We moved from an A+ area to what has become the second most disappointing school experience next to Phoenix, AZ and that is speaking volumes for a little town in Texas. It is a shame, really.
—Submitted by a parent

I loved Mary Martin and my kids loved it there to Thanks Mrs. Bailey we miss you shona Pappajohn
—Submitted by a parent

I hold the principal in high regard as a person, but sometimes I feel like she's more of a spin doctor than a disciplinarian. She can make any situation sound good, but in reality some of the kids that are being allowed to continue to disrupt the classrooms are violent, aggressive and dangerous to other students. They are also inhibiting the learning process. I am dissatisfied because my obedient children are not getting the attention from their teachers. You can't blame a teacher in this situation, they have a job to do and children to teach and they can't do it. There are many fine teachers at Martin. They just don't get the backup they need. I also worry that my children are learning to ignore violence because the administration does.
—Submitted by a parent

An absolutely fabulous school with great a great acedemic regimen and teachers that really care abou their students. I am thrilled that my daughter has had a chance to be at this school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. The staff goal is the success of each individual student. Every member of the staff works very hard to meet the needs of the students. The teachers encourage parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent