J.R. Smith School

This school is amazing. It has been under the direction of Ms. DeAnna Lloyd as principal these last three years. She is a very approachable principal and is willing to listen to new ideas and do what is always best for the kids. She has the help of an incredible school counselor who has made every child understand the importance of being safe, kind and responsible. Kids are encouraged in a positive way on an ongoing basis through different incentive programs. They are encouraged to be kind to classmates and respect the teachers and staff. JR Smith has an incredible staff - from excellent grade level teachers to the aides that help the children become better readers. The PTA is absolutely amazing with the time and hours they put in for the various activities throughout the year.
--Submitted by a parent

JR Smith is a school in transition from being a small farming town school to a school that can meet modern-day children's needs. We have found that a couple of teachers are exceptional, while many others are just putting in their time. There appears to be no accountability on the part of the teachers...they seem to each just do whatever interests them. You must request a teacher here or you risk your child being stuck in a mediocre class all year. Academic programs are 'meets minimum,' along with music and PE (this is mostly dodge-ball, etc.). Art is non-existent, with the exception of Meet the Masters once a month (done by the PTA), and the gifted program is a total joke. A new principal has arrived this year, so hopefully she will be able to turn things around. Safety has also been a concern...no fences around the playground, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

My son briefly attended kindergarden at this school. We found the extremely high student to teacher ratio very disturbing (when our son was there in 2004, the ratio was 32 students to 1 teacher!) It's the epitome of a failed system spiralling out of control. The ratios are horrific, the test results are an embarrasment and the saddest truth is that funding is nowhere on the horizon. We did what all nurturing parents should do.....moved to a state that actually funds schools and pays teachers a professional wage. Good luck and don't fear taxes, fear stagnation because Utah is becoming the next Mississippi when it comes to their 'educational system'.
--Submitted by Jon Coker, a parent

I would like to thank Mr. Horner for his leadership at JR. I have had 2 children go through this school. My last child has had some processing problems. At my request testing was done and he was able to receive the extra help he needed. I have experienced nothing but loving, compassionate teachers and staff. Classrooms have always been open to parents at anytime. After school and summer reading programs FREE to children with the needs. Teaching and learning is a 3 way process. Caring Staff, willing Students and Parents who can make time even when they don't have enough extra time to share. I want to thank JR Smith for the wonderful foundation they have given my two children. Mr. Horner will be missed but Miss Lloyd will continue to keep the standards high and keep JR Smith growing to new levels each year.
--Submitted by a parent

Jr Smith has failed the 'No Child Left Behind' . The principal has no idea how to work with kids of any age. He has no control over the teachers. any smart parent would get there kids out of there and keep them away. This school will never be a quality elementary school.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a student teacher at this school and found it to be one of the most amazing elementary schools I've seen yet. The teachers were exceptional, the principal, Mr. Horner, was absolutely amazing, and the students were well behaved and extremely bright. The school was well kept, organzied, had great school-wide activities, motivating, and had some of the best teachers I've yet to encounter. Mrs. Patterson, a 1st grade teacher, was by and large one of the best teachers I've met. She loved her students, loved teaching, and loved watching her students learn and grow! Everything about the school was amazing! (Even the school lunch was great!!)
--Submitted by a parent