Seattle Hill Elementary School

Is Mrs Sketcher (sp) still there? She was my 2nd grade teacher. To put it simply, she was verbally abusive to me. Even though it has been 20+ years, I still remember her screaming at me, the name calling, etc. I was also pushed from behind and had my front teeth knocked out. The nurse was irritated that I was crying and told me to be quiet. Those three years of school at Seattle Hill damaged me in school for the next 9. It took till college for me to like and do well in school again. Thought you all might want a childs perspective.

Curriculum could be better, parents are a snobby bunch, teachers do the minimum, though that may not be their fault as they can only do so much with a limited budget.
--Submitted by a parent

Class sizes are too large (as with other schools), and there are no teacher aids in the classroom. There is no science to speak of for children in 3rd grade or less (although it is listed, it is NOT taught with any consistency or credibility). This year, parents are receiving paperwork back sooner, so that we have a bit more understanding of what is being taught and how it is being taught. I would like to see less emphasis on fund raising (materials regarding fund raising ALWAYS make it home well in advance and in overwhelming amounts. There is no lack of communication when it comes to asking parents for money.) Also, fundraising should be limited to healthy endeavors such as the walkathons. Stop the mixed messages; sending our children home with materials regarding "teaching our children to eat right" and meanwhile, in the same stack of take home materials, encouraging our kids to buy "hugapops" and other junk; weird and antiquated means of getting funds. On a VERY positive note, one of our children has an excellent new teacher for 3rd grade. He is serious about teaching, doesn't accept rude behavior in his classroom and expects the best from each child.
--Submitted by a parent

This is my child's second year at this school and I am still very unimpressed. While the office staff is very friendly, I find many of the teachers very rude, including my child's teacher. The teacher never smiles, gives very short answers when asked about my child's day, coming across as very rude overall. My other complaint of the teacher is that they have told the classroom that a specific series of book is not allowed to be read in the class even though the series is very popular and geared towards the age and reading level. My child has complained of being bullied, students on the playground consistently using profanity and a very rude bus driver on top of it. The teaching is sub-par with more focus on testing instead of the actual teaching and I understand that the teachers have a busy schedule with the class as a whole, but there does not seem to be any attempt to help a student or two who are struggling a lot with a topic.
--Submitted by a parent

We have 3 kids at SHE and we are very happy there. Like any school, you get out what you put in. Parent involvement is very important and highly encouraged. We just started another year with 3 great teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Average school. Some teachers are outstanding; organized and dedicated to student learning. You can feel enthusiasm when you walk into their classrooms. Some teachers need to be managed; rapport with students and parents is ineffective and teaching skills at minimum. Reading and math rotation have moved into the upper grades with mixed feelings among parents. Lost in transition happens to some kids. Homeroom teacher connection is not as strong. Kids are frequently tested for reading skills and math facts, but parents only receive student progress at conference and report card time, not at the end of reading and math rotations, leaving parents lost in rotation. Strong emphasis is placed on reading skills for struggling students and basic math facts. Would like to see challenge activities for kids who are strong academically. Nice library, great PE program, no music chorus? Sad! Strong parent volunteer group. Lots of new technology for classrooms. Would like to see teacher websites for homework assignments and classroom news and activity. Active principal, good communication to families.
--Submitted by a parent

Wow - I am shocked to read some of these reviews! My family has been involved with Seattle Hill for 10 years, and my kids have had at least 10 teachers, not including specialty. NEVER have we experienced a teacher bullying our children! Our teachers at SHE have consistently shown that they care for the well-bring of our children, their education, and their personal growth. At the head of this amazing staff is our Principal, who has made the school a safe & welcoming environment for both kids and families. We experienced one bullying problem, & once brought to the attention of the Principal, the bully was dealt with immediately, with no further problems. Regarding the May 2 poster - we had ONE teacher leave this year (other than maternity)...I feel that the school is better off without her negative demeanor. I feel that the team-teaching approach has been very successful - my kids enjoy changing rooms, & seeing different teaching styles, which can only benefit them once they get to higher education! Obviously, it works for us, as my son has been a straight A student at SHE, Valley View MS and Glacier Peak High . I would highly recommend Seattle Hill!
--Submitted by a parent

We took our daughter out of Seattle Hill Elementary after 4 years of completely inadequate education, care, and consistent bullying. We had her first grade teacher tell us ' your daughter does the minimum to get by, no more'. Well, now that she has been in a private school for two years, in an environment that is nurturing, caring, and full of dedicated and loving teachers, she has received straight A's two years in a row...going well above and beyond 'just enough'. Switching her out of SHE was the BEST decision we've ever made, and as I read some of the posts on continued poor quality surrounding the school, I feel truly blessed that we can afford a 'real' school for our child.

There have been a few staff members who have left Seattle Hill this year. The sigh of relief that rippled through our building when they left was amazing. No longer does time have to be waisted on side stepping the negative bullies who put their personal agendas before the needs of our students. Our lives are dedicated to meeting the needs of our students. We strive each day to equip our students with the tools needed to face their futures with confidence. Having a principal who understands this and supports changes that will better meet the needs of all students makes coming to work a pleasure. Thank you to all of my coworkers who go above and beyond!
--Submitted by a teacher

I have been involved with Seattle Hill Elementary for many years and have never felt any "toxic" environment there. The whole staff is wonderful and the principal has students, staff, and education as her number one prioity. This is great school with strong leadership and great academic challenges there.