Rawls Byrd Elementary School

My sons both go to Rawls Byrd. The administrators at this school are amazing. The teachers are INCREDIBLY dedicated to their students and the curriculum goes above and beyond that offered at other area Elementary Schools. I am so happy they are there. We are military and have been in SEVERAL schools in several states and this is by far one of my top two favorites! The only thing really lacking is parent involvement. I was once a teacher (for 5 years) and I understand how hard this staff works, and how wonderfully they advocate for their students. Good schools can be born out of excellent staff alone. Great schools are born only through parent involvement COUPLED with excellent staff. I think many of the parents of these students take the staff for granted.
--Submitted by a parent

I love teaching at Rawls Byrd Elementary! I recently moved here from another state and was thrilled with the high quality of teachers in this school. The principal and assistant principal are very strong leaders who are always accessible to students, parents and teachers. It is fun to teach in an environment filled with inspiring educators and children who are excited to learn!
--Submitted by a teacher

The teachers that work in this school, lack cultural diversity training. This element creates a difficult learning environment for minority students.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from Florida 3 years ago, and it was hard already that my 'baby' of my 8 children was starting first grade. The teachers were warm and welcoming, the quality of learning was fantastic. It was an adjustment, but I was more than happy that Rawls Byrd was a school where my son was learning so much and our family felt so welcome. I've never been left with unanswered questions and teacher/parent communication is the best I've experienced since leaving my home state of MA in the 1980s. Thanks Rawls Byrd teachers & staff. Locke family. Williamsburg (JCC)
--Submitted by a parent

We love Rawls Byrd....Both my children feel positive about themselves and their school and enjoy (!!!) going to school. I could not ask for more. Also, I have no disciplinary issues with my children and therefore no negative interaction with the principal. In fact, both the principal and the vice-principal are very involved and easy to reach. I could not be more pleased.
--Submitted by a parent

The school in a whole is great and the staff were all wonderful. But, the problems existed with the Principal. Since she has been in charge, the school no longer have a morning show that was done for years by a staff. this was a great experience for all students because everyone got to see them on T.V. Discipline problems never get reslove and parents and staff members were frustrated with discission made by the Principal. I have moved to another elementary and my child is very pleased.This school need to be cleaned up starting with the Principal. I pray the staff hold on until something else comes in.
--Submitted by a parent

This used to be a great school that enjoyed an excellent reputation. However, the new administration (took over in '06-'07 I believe) has all but ruined the atmosphere and reputation of the school. Far-reaching decisions are made without parent or teacher input and feedback is ignored and/or ridiculed. This being said, there are a few remaining administrators (who have been around for many years) who are excellent and responsive, and many teachers who are wonderful (albeit frustrated). Our son's first-grade teacher changed our lives in a most positive way. But, par for the course, she is one of the teachers most bullied by the current administration due to her creative, individualized teaching methods. It is sad to see a school take such a slide at such a rapid pace...and sadder still that those in authority are appearing to take no notice.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Rawls Byrd! The school is small, not overcrowded and has a tight-knit community feel. There are special programs such as a chess club, harp program, and even after-school program for students who need a little extra help with schoolwork. Class sizes are small-my first grader only has 16 students in his class. My biggest concern is that since almost all other elementary school in the county are overcrowded, re-districting will change the small school feel.
--Submitted by a parent