D.J. Montague Elementary School

I just wanted to leave my input on this school. I had just recently moved to the area over the summer and have been living in York County. While our child is attending a fantastic school in YC, we are looking to buying a home in JCC. We had been looking at homes zoned for this school. When I first looked at all of the comments and getting some input from parents in the area I almost immediately thought, no way on this school. But then I really started to realize I needed to see things for myself and not just go off of others opinions(or what they heard). Well I am so glad I did this. I called Lynn Turner(the principle) and made an appointment to meet her in person and see the school. Well let me tell you that not only was she one of the most warm and engaging people I have ever met, she took an entire hour out of her day to sit down one on one with me and tell me about all of the wonderful things that are happening at DJ. She then took me on a tour and introduce me to numerous staff members, and brought me into classrooms. Not only was everyone very nice but all of the children seemed extremely well behaved. This is proof that seeing things for yourself is important.

Lynn Turner, DJM newly appointed principal, is absolutely fabulous! She is a natural born leader, educator and advocate for our children, their education and success in reaching their full potential in school. The staff, faculty and administration are also a reflection of her leadership and skills. DJM is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

DJ prepares children to be successful in the future. Both my children attended DJ Montague and I thought other parents might want to happen to students after graduation. One graduate college with a BSN and is a registered nurse and my second child is at MIT.
--Submitted by a parent

Great things are happening at DJ Montague since the arrival of the new principal and assistant principal last fall. The new principal, Lynn Turner, is a leader and had changed the culture from the teachers to the bus drivers. Both of our children love DJ. It is well on its way to back to becoming the wonderful neighborhood elementary school that it has historically been.
--Submitted by a parent

My children love DJM and have done very well at this school. My new middle schooler was very well prepared by the tteachers at DJM. She has all A's in MS and is doing advanced work.
--Submitted by a parent

I had to pull my two children out of DJ. When my youngest started K. It was obvious his teacher would be better suited for a teaching position higher than grade K. She nick picked on his behavior and seem to forget that 5 year old children need to have fun with learning. She was very insistent on her side but not at all interested on my side of the issue. The curriculum set by the district is out of date and over all everything is to relaxed. But everyone does their best with what is given. I think more attention should be given to the teacher 's strengths and then place them accordingly.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has spent two wonderful years at DJ. Our child had challenges and received a tremendous amount of support and is now above grade level in some areas. Her first grade teacher was the best teacher I've ever seen and I have worked in the school system for many years. The principal and vice principal (who are being sent to other schools) were kind, welcoming, and responsive. No school is perfect, and there are challenges unique to each population. This school needs support from the WJCC administration and community. I believe many of the problems that occur in most schools stem from poor leadership at the school board level. There will be a lot of changes in this new school year and I hope it will only get better.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has has two physical acts of violence occur in the last year at DJ Montague, and the new principal did nothing! DJ Montague has turned into an inner-city school being run by out of control children and an administration that does not care! I plan on pulling my child out and placing my child in a private school! I would also like to add that if the school does not do well on the Benchmarks this year, it could be the last year that DJ is open!
--Submitted by a parent

All 3 of my children has or is attending D.J. The teachers are excellent. They strive to do whats best for the child. Their communication with me as a parent is amazing. I recommend D.J to every parent that wants the best for their childs growing mind.
--Submitted by a parent

My child just completed Kindergarten at DJ and although my child did well, I am not convinced it was due to the teachers. I believe my child was ahead of the curve because of the great preschool education received. I am not sure if I want to send my child back for first grade. I had the opportunity to volunteer in the school and I was not impressed with the level of education provided in one first grade class. In my opinion DJ has a long way to go. We need more parental involvement for one, and we need teachers that are willing to teach ALL kids, not just smart kids. I think the principal did the best job given the circumstances. Overall, I was underwhelmed.
--Submitted by a parent