Jennie Dean Elementary School

I see many caring teachers and staff every time I go into the school. I really like that the students are recognized every nine weeks with awards, including awards for greatest improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, I see hard working dedicated teachers. I am worried about too much $$$ being spent in some areas with no support of test data to see it's worth!
—Submitted by a parent

Someone is impressed because administration is in the building? Another's son has an aid? Is it an aid for the whole class? Questions are answered when asked? Have the standards gone so low that people are impressed by individuals showing up and doing their jobs? Has anyone looked at the test scores? How does the staff at Mayfield feel about the preparedness of the students coming from Jennie Dean? Parents volunteering, having lunch with students and joining the PTA says way more about the parents than it does about staff or administration. By the way, good for you if you got that great teacher, hope your luck continues.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is above and beyond grade level thanks to the dedication and encourage of his teacher. If we have a question, it is answered. If there is a function, we are there. If there is a doubt, it is clarified. I respect the adminstration and will support the school in any I can.
—Submitted by a parent

Jennie Dean is a great school and the principal is present in the building every day that he is not at a meeting. Since we are in School Improvement, he is required to attend meetings more than once a week. The Assistant Principal is always present and they both do a great job of walking through the hallways and being present in the cafeteria on a daily basis. In reference to a comment about translating getting in the way of student's education, that is completely inaccurate. The teachers teach in English and the translator works in the office so there is no way that this could get in the way of instruction. Staff seems to all work together very well and help each other out when necessary. I love Jennie Dean despite the negativity that people may have towards the school. Most of the parents who complain are not the ones who volunteer their time with PTA, offer to help in their child's classroom, or ask what they can to do help... Teachers work very hard to change the future through teaching your children. They do their jobs because they care, we all can look up their salary and we know that there are other jobs they could go to college for 5-6 years and make plenty more money.

We love Jennie Dean teachers and other school employees because they are always there for us. My 2 children enjoy coming there everyday. We participate in PTA meetings, lunches and various activities that the school offers.
—Submitted by a parent

I love JDES my kids have attended Jennie Dean for the past 3 yrs, I love the community feeling there. School employees and teachers know the children and parents by name its a warm enviroment where your child is not jst a number like in some of the bigger county schools. We have had wonderful teachers and Im impressed with the level of communication from the schol and MCPS. In fact, I have put off moving in order for my kids to stay at Jennie Dean. I know many other parents who feel the same way.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school has changed since I attended it myself some time ago. They have a few good teachers that are actually willing to try and teach your child, however, I believe a few of them might have been there just a little too long and their tolerance has gone down. The format for teaching, to me personally has changed pretty much everywhere now that we have to have translators. My child complains of the constant distraction it causes, and I don't feel like he's truly learning to the best of his abilities. I think the Principal at this school is really putting forth effort in making this school better than what it was 2 years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree about time and learning being wasted with constant transitions due to the Parallel Block structure. It will be interesting to compare notes with schools who have also implemented Steps to Literacy but not Par. Block. I think above all else, the literacy program was a worthy investment, however not so much for the whirlwind daily schedule. We are trying our best as teachers to shed light on what it is really like: we never fully finish a lesson the way we want, we have kids in constant motion who can't remember the 12 teachers' names they see each day, and we can't create a sense of calm with all this movement.
—Submitted by a teacher

Too much time wasted in constant movement between classes.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm excited to see what happens at Jennie Dean with a new administration. There's only one way for the school to go---up!! I can't wait to see the SOL scores for this year!
—Submitted by a parent

There are many dedicated and qualified teachers stil at Jennie Dean Elementary. Though some teachers have chosen to leave, others remain. These teachers give their heart and soul to their students every day despite adversity. These teachers value education, learning, and creativity. They continue to come to work everyday with a smile on their face to provide the best environment for their students because they love teaching and more importantly they love the students at Jennie Dean Elementary!!!!!

This used to be a great school with the most dedicated teachers in Manassas. Now most of them have left and the school is a shell. It is truly sad to see what has happened here.
—Submitted by a parent

Jennie Dean has failed its SOLs this year. The Principal is driving away all of the good teachers (most of whom are not leaving town but just going to different schools in the same district). The Superintendent for the school district seems to be oblivious despite numerous complaints from many parents. The Principal needs to go.
—Submitted by a parent

I go to Jennie Dean many times a week. I find it pleseant. Not depressing in anyway. The teachers & children are happy and smiling. I see the Principal greeting the children every morning and saying goodbye to them in the pm. And a 'welcome back' on Mon. mornings. You can't just go in and make an assumption by someone not receiving you properly. Everyone has a rough day and may or may have not noticed you. There are many seasoned teachers still at JD, only a few have left. Mostly for change, moves, etc. Only one has had a beef with the school. Change is good and if the teacher wants to stay in a rut then JD is not the school for them. There is constant aesthetic changes going on as well as changing how we shape our children's minds. Go Dolphins!
—Submitted by a parent

Jennie Dean continues to be a great school despite perceived problems with the Administration. While I have personally been satisfied with my interactions with the Principal and Assistant Principal at the school, my understanding is that many parents and teachers are not. One thing I have noticed is that many good teachers are leaving (usually to teach at other schools in Manassas or in surrounding counties). So far, the new teachers my kids have had, while not as experienced, have been very good. Both of my kids continue to do well on SOLs and Stanford 9s, so I believe they are getting what they need. However, I do believe the teacher flight issue could pose long-term problems if something isn't done about it.
—Submitted by a parent

Experience is great. Credentialed, new and enthusiastic teachers are also important. Teacher-student ratios are important. Test scores are important. Morale is very important. The teachers make the greatest impact on the quality of the school. Parents should be engaged in this issue and have backup plans if this school doesn't measure up.
—Submitted by A Father, a parent

The new administration has high expectations for all students and staff. This means change. Teachers are being asked to update skills and teach more effectively (a good thing). Change is difficult but it was necessary at Dean. I have had 3 students go through Dean. The one who is currently there is significantly more prepared and educated.
—Submitted by a parent

turnover in faculty last year. Few teachers who remain are teaching their accustomed grades and curriculum. This adds up to a tremendous disruption in continuity of education.
—Submitted by a parent

I would encourage any parents moving into the Manassas City Schools district to take the time to visit the school and talk with staff members--to include teachers, administrators, and specialists. As a parent, my first impression of Dean is that it doesn't appear child-centered. As an elementary school teacher myself, I find the teaching staff at Dean to be highly professional and well-intentioned, but they also appear to lack the administrative support to do their jobs even better. I worry that with the loss of seasoned staff members, Dean's children will suffer.
—Submitted by a parent